Ginseng grows mainly in the mountainous terrains of Eastern Asia. It has been used as a popular ingredient in early folk medicines. Among its potential benefits are the improvement of mental function, the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and the reduction of blood sugar and inflammation.
Today, you can find different varieties of Ginseng, of which the popular ones include the: Panax Ginseng, otherwise called the Asian Ginseng. Panax Quinquefolius, commonly known as the American Ginseng, and Gāolíshēn, popularly known as the Korean Ginseng.
Each variety offers unique benefits. For instance, American ginseng proves to be an excellent relaxing agent, while Asian ginseng produces an invigorating effect. The difference in each variety lies in the difference in concentration of its two active compounds: Ginsenosides and Gintonin.
The Benefits
Here are some of the benefits that ginseng has to offer.
Boosts Energy
People with chronic fatigue may benefit from taking ginseng. One study of 21 men and 69 women found that ginseng appears to help with physical and mental activity by increasing the production of energy and reducing the oxidative damage in cells.
Reduces Inflammation
Ginseng extracts with its active compound ginsenosides help in reducing inflammation by serving as a potent antioxidant. The results of which have been recorded in the “Journal of Translational Medicine”. Further, research reveals that extracts of red ginseng aid in fighting oxidative stress because its antioxidant properties.
Reduces Cancer-Related Fatigue
Several types of research conducted show that the herb helps to prevent the possibility of certain types of cancers by reducing the inflammation of the cells and by increasing the antioxidant effect in the body. The ginsenoside compounds also help the body’s cell cycle to inhibit abnormal growth and production of malignant cells.
Studies reveal that patients undergoing cancer treatment cope with fatigue better and are in an improved state of physical and mental health if they take the herb regularly. However, the results remain inconclusive and no significant change is observed in patients who have already completed their treatment.
Prevents Flu
A recent survey showed that adults who consumed American ginseng regularly had 48 percent lesser chances of falling sick due to viral respiratory illness. It also showed that the herb was found to be effective in reducing recurrent colds, as it helped stimulate the body’s immune system to ward off infections.
There have been several other research carried out in this front. For example, a study on mice injected with Ginseng extracts suggested its capability to avert viral infections such as influenza. For this, the Red Ginseng is the best, as it helps in reviving the infected epithelial cells present in the lungs.
Improves Brain Functioning
Several studies have shown ginseng to improve cognition and mental processing. According to a 2018 study, ginseng components can treat some cognitive deficits in both humans and animals by reducing oxidative stress.
It has also the potential to lower the risk of dementia as well as show some positive signs in treating Alzheimer’s disease. These results came from 14 patients aged 74.93 years and older , three men and 11 women who were taking Korean red ginseng during the 12 week treatment.
Helps To Lower Blood Sugar
Ginseng has the ability to control blood sugar not only in people suffering from diabetes but also in those who do not. Thanks to the active compound ginsenoside, which helps in enhancing the pancreatic function in the body by increasing the production of insulin and enhancing sugar uptake in the tissues.
Studies also prove that the antioxidant effect of the plant helps it to lower the concentration of free radicals present in the cells of diabetic patients. However, this is achievable only with the help of standardized plant roots, intensive research, and deduction of specific herb dosage.
Helps To Treat Erectile Dysfunction
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends Korean red ginseng at 900 mg three times a day for the improvement of erections.
An analysis of seven randomized clinical trials by Jang et al., published in 2008 , confirmed that ginseng products are effective in treating psychogenic ED .The other three cases involved ED of all etiologies, and the fourth was a vasculogenic ED (arising from impaired blood supply to penile cavernous bodies ).
Side Effects
Ginseng derived from natural plant source is considered safe when taken internally. However, there have been instances where people have experienced certain side effects on excessive or abusive usage of the herb. The complete list of side effects of Ginseng is not known but you may experience the following effects:
- Mild to severe headaches that may be persistent
- Problems associated with your sleep patterns
- Problems of the stomach and digestion
- Cases of diarrhea
- Occasional bloating or edema
- Internal bleeding of the blood vessels
- Irritability and mood swings
- Nervousness or feeling jittery
- Blurred vision or impaired visibility
- Cases of dizziness
Other uncommon side effects of the herb include damage to the liver, heart problems, mental disorders, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions.
Medical Interactions
Health professionals advice caution while consuming the herb mainly because of the interactions of its active compounds with other substances.
1. With Caffeine
Caffeine is known to pump energy into the body, thereby accelerating the nervous system. This could increase your heartbeat and make you feel jittery.
Ginseng also produces a similar effect. Thus, consuming both caffeine and the plan could cause both your heart rate and blood pressure to increase abnormally high, which could be fatal. Hence, avoid taking caffeine with Ginseng.
2. With Medications
Studies show that Ginseng has the ability to regulate blood pressure and blood glucose. Hence, doctors do not recommend taking the herb with medications prescribed for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions, as it could lead to internal bleeding and other effects as mentioned above.
For this, Ginseng should not be taken along with calcium channel blockers, namely Amlodipine (Norvasc), Felodipine and others.
3.With Antidepressants
Medical doctors strictly advise patients not to mix any variety of Ginseng with antidepressants, especially MAOIs, medically known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Consuming ginseng and antidepressants could lead to manic episodes and mild to severe tremors.
Although there is no clear evidence pointing towards the plant’s true nature, Ginseng continues to be a natural healer. Despite claims from health professionals who question Ginseng’s medicinal properties, the herb is widely used for its many wonderful health benefits.
Today, Ginseng is readily available as a medicinal supplement and in different product forms that vary in its quality, active compound concentration, and properties. Hence, ensure to check the ingredients before buying ginseng supplements.
While some products contain only traces of Ginseng extracts, others may include unwanted substances that are not needed or might be harmful to the human body.
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