Ginseng Health Benefits
 Numerous
medical studies recognise the many health benefits of ginsenosides,
the active components of ginseng. These studies show ginseng
acts on many body systems, helping the body resist stress,
disease and the effects of aging.
Ginseng is also used to promote energy, stamina, physical
endurance, improved mental and immune function and enhanced
libido.
The health benefits of ginseng for various body systems
and health conditions are described below.
Adaptogen
Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, a substance
that strengthens and normalizes body functions, increasing
resistance to physical, chemical, psychological and biological
stress. Ginseng has the ability to switch from stimulating
to sedating effects as the different active ingredients
(ginsenosides) come into play depending on the body's need.
Ginseng helps the body adapt to stress and enhances physical
and mental performance, reduces fatigue, improves mood
and promotes energy and vitality. Ginseng is often used
to enhance the overall feeling of well being and for the
prevention of diseases that result from today's busy lifestyles.
Ginseng may also shorten the time that it takes to recover
from illness or surgery, especially for elderly people.
Antioxidant
The antioxidant effects of ginseng are well
documented. Oxidation creates free radicals that damage
body tissues and can lead to cancer. Research has shown
that American ginseng has a higher ability to scavenge
free radicals than Asian ginseng, possibly due to the higher
levels of some forms of ginsenosides in American ginseng.
Ginseng reduces the side effects of chemotherapy, which
causes nausea and vomiting due to oxidant gut injury. Ginseng
is also known to chelate metal ions.
Atherosclerosis
American ginseng helps prevent hardening
of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and can reduce the damage
caused by heart attacks. The antioxidant properties of
ginseng help prevent oxidation of low density lipoproteins,
which is believed to be involved in atherosclerosis. Ginseng
also helps protect heart muscle from damage caused by
lack of oxygen, which occurs during heart attacks. The
blood clotting abilities of ginseng may help treat atherosclerosis.
Cancer
Clinical research has shown that ginseng may help
in preventing and managing certain types of cancer. The
role of American ginseng in helping to prevent cancer is
due in part to its antioxidant abilities and partly to
its properties as an adaptogen. Ginseng itself does not
cure cancer, but can enhance well being and aid in the recovery
of cancer sufferers.
A Korean (1995) study found an association between ginseng
intake and a decreased incidence and growth of some cancers
(lip, oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, colon/rectum,
liver, pancreas, larynx, lung and ovary). No association
was found with cancers of the breast, cervix, bladder and
thyroid gland.
Breast cancer
Numerous studies have examined the effect of American ginseng
on preventing, and managing breast cancer. In vitro studies
at Harvard Medical School found that a standardized extract
of North American ginseng reduced cell proliferation
in a dose-dependent manner. When the extract was combined
with breast cancer drugs such as tamoxifen and taxol,
the extract worked synergistically with the drugs, reducing
cell growth more than either agent (drug and extract)
alone.
In a 2001 review of Alternative and Complementary therapies,
authors Abascal and Yarnell state that women with breast
cancer, or women with a high risk of developing breast
cancer, may benefit from using ginseng as part of their
treatment.
Colon cancer
Animal studies showed American ginseng powder decreased
the amount of pre-cancerous lesions in the large intestine,
suggesting a protective effect against intestine or colon
cancers.
Brain tumours
Korean research suggests that a particular compound found
in ginseng (compound K) may have therapeutic potential
for inhibiting the growth and invasiveness of brain tumours.
Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism
There is evidence suggesting
American ginseng may be beneficial in helping to prevent
and treat diabetes. Several short term studies showed that
American ginseng significantly reduces after-meal blood
sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Participants
experienced a 20% reduction in blood sugar levels compared
with those who took a placebo. Control of after-meal blood
sugar is an important part of diabetes management and may
also help prevent the onset of the disease.
American ginseng has also been shown to help normalize
blood glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic
people. It does this by modifying the transport of glucose
across cell membranes.
Chinese researchers found that American ginseng saponins
inhibited the activity of pancreatic lipase by 90%. These
results indicate the potential use of these saponins to
treat obesity.
Immune System
American ginseng stimulates the immune system
and helps protect the body from infectious disease. It
boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies.
Recent research has shown that ginseng can reduce the
incidence of colds and flu and may also decrease the length
of colds and the severity of symptoms.
Other studies found that American ginseng stimulates the
production of lymphocytes, cells that play a central role
in the immune response, and interleukins, which play a
role in the communication between immune system cells.
Nervous System
American ginseng has an anti-aging effect
on the brain. It improves the way neural messages are transmitted
throughout the nervous system, resulting in improved mental
processes such as memory, concentration and learning.
Alzheimer's Disease
Individual reports and animal studies indicate that ginsenosides
found in American ginseng may slow the progression of Alzheimer's
disease and improve memory. Alzheimer's Disease is associated
with the build up of plaques in the brain formed by protein
fragments called β-amyloid peptides. These peptides block
the release of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter in
memory processing. In tests performed on the brain tissue
of rats, the ginsenoside Rb1, extracted from North American
ginseng, counteracted the effect of the peptides, allowing
greater release of the acetylcholine from the brain cells.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A short study of 36 children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) suggested that a combination of American
ginseng and ginkgo biloba may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Memory
A study of the effects of a product containing a ginsenoside-rich
extract of American ginseng showed that the product enhanced
memory in healthy young and senior adults. A second clinical
trial showed that the product enhanced visual working
memory and other neurological measures in 64 patients
with schizophrenia.
Motor Neurone Disease
Another study using mice suggests that American ginseng
may delay the onset of symptoms of motor neurone disease
by reducing neuronal death during cerebral ischaemia
(deficiency in blood flow to the brain).
Parkinson's Disease
Several studies using mice have shown that pre-treatment
with a form of ginsenoside (Rg1) prevented them from
developing a syndrome similar to Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the loss of dopaminergic
neurons in the substantia nigra, probably due to ongoing
oxidative stress. The Rg1 ginsenoside reduced the loss
of dopaminergic neurons and apoptosis (genetically programmed
cell death), possible due to its antioxidant property.
Strokes
The antioxidant properties of American ginseng are thought
to help protect the nervous system from the damage caused
by oxygen starvation and overproduction of free radicals
during strokes.
Sexual Function and Reproduction
Male Sexual Function
Ginseng has been traditionally used to treat sexual impotency
increase virility. In China, American ginseng is considered
a panacea for impotency. The Chinese and Native Americans
used it as an aphrodisiac. As well as acting on the hormonal
system, constituents of American ginseng have also been
shown to directly induce vasodilation in penile erectile
tissue. An American study of 46 men using American ginseng
found an increase in sperm count as well as motility.
Female Reproductive System
Native Americans used ginseng to increase fertility and
treat menstrual problems. The Cherokees referred to ginseng
as "The Plant of Life" and used it to help
relieve female problems such as menstrual cramps and
excessive bleeding. American ginseng has gentle estrogenic
properties that may be useful in treating menopause symptoms,
but without the potential side effects of estrogenic
drugs (such as cancer, stroke, and thromboembolism).
One study involving 384 postmenopausal women compared
the use of ginseng to a placebo for relief of menopause
related symptoms. Benefit was seen for depression and
general well-being and health. However no advantage was
seen for hot flashes and physical changes that occur
to the vagina and surrounding area. Another study supported
improvement in vaginal lubrication in menopausal women.
Stamina
and Endurance
Results of animal and human studies suggest
that ginseng can improve physical endurance during prolonged
exercise by exerting an effect on the respiratory system
and also on energy metabolism. Studies on rats suggest
that the mechanism of increased endurance may be that of
enhancing the use of fat relative to that of sugar for
the energy needs of muscles.
Stress
As an adaptogen, ginseng helps the body cope with
the stresses of daily living. It negates the effects of
the overproduction of stress hormones, and helps prevent
stress-associated disease. It also works directly on
the central nervous system to help the mind remain calm
and work effectively. American ginseng is known by the
Chinese as the "cooling" ginseng,
because it stimulates the Yin. It is believed to be more
effective in combating the effects of stress than Korean
ginseng, which is considered warming and stimulates the
Yang.
Ginseng has been used to treat many symptoms of stress,
including insomnia, stomach cramps and nervous dyspepsia.
A study of 501 men and women in Mexico City found significant
improvements in quality of life measures (energy, sleep,
sex life, personal satisfaction, well-being) in those taking
American ginseng.
Ginsenosides found in American ginseng act on the adrenal
glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess
corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical
or biological stress.
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