Ginseng

Ginseng, who hasn't heard of this plant with its powerful root? The "root of life from Asia" or the "power of the earth" are its nicknames. They already hint at the history of ginseng.

History of ginseng

Ginseng was already being used as a remedy in traditional Chinese medicine 2000 years ago. In Asia, ginseng root was regarded as a symbol of health and long life and was therefore only allowed to be used by kings. This made the root more valuable than gold. In Chinese, ginseng root is called "Jen Shen" and means "the power of the earth in the form of a human being". In Korea, it is also called the "root of life". Ginseng is still held in high esteem. Ginseng root became popular in Europe in the 17th century. Arab sailors brought the plant to Moorish Spain early on, but it was forgotten again. It was not until the 17th century that it was rediscovered, mainly by Dutch sailors. It was not until the 20th century that ginseng was recognized as a medicinal plant due to its proven effects. The ginseng plant belongs to the Araliaceae family. This perennial plant, which can grow up to 50 cm tall, has a cylindrical to spindle-shaped main root about 15 cm long and about 2 cm thick, which is often divided and has numerous secondary roots, the root neck of which is clearly separated. The simple stem is covered with long-stemmed, finger-shaped, pinnate leaves. They are arranged in a whorled pattern. The leaflets are stalked, oblong-ovate and have a double serrated edge. The leaflets become smaller towards the outside. The flowers are numerous in an umbel that stands on a long stalk in the leaf angle. The flower has a fringed calyx, five yellowish-white petals, five stamens and a two- to three-lobed ovary with two or three pistils. The plant has male and hermaphrodite flowers and develops a berry-like fruit.

Active ingredients

The active ingredients mainly found in ginseng roots are the ginsenosides. These belong to the saponin group of substances. Up to 30 ginsenosides are now known. These ginsenosides are divided into different groups. The best-studied ginsenosides are the ginsenosides Rg1 and Rg2. These have very different effects, which also explains the interplay of the various effects. Ginsenoside Rg1 has a stimulating effect and increases blood pressure. Whereas the ginsenoside Rg2 has a calming and blood pressure-lowering effect. In addition to the ginsenosides, ginseng root also contains vitamins and minerals. Germanium is particularly worth mentioning. Germanium is said to have an antibacterial effect and is also effective against infectious viruses and fungi.

Potential health benefits of ginseng

Ginseng is a potent antioxidant that could reduce inflammation Ginseng has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (1). Some test tube studies have shown that ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds may inhibit inflammation and increase antioxidant capacity in cells (2, 3). One of these studies, for example, found that an extract of Korean red ginseng reduced inflammation and improved antioxidant activity in skin cells of people with eczema (4). The results of human studies are also promising. One study examined the effects of taking 2 grams of Korean red ginseng extract three times a day for 7 days in 18 young male athletes. The levels of certain inflammatory markers were examined in these men after a training test. These levels were significantly lower than in the placebo group and this reduction persisted for up to 72 hours after the test (5). However, it should be noted that the placebo group was taking a different medicinal herb, so these results should be taken with a grain of salt and further studies are needed.

A larger study looked at 71 postmenopausal women who took 3 grams of red ginseng or a placebo for a period of 12 weeks. Antioxidant activity and stress markers were measured. The scientists concluded that red ginseng could help reduce oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (6).

Ginseng could have a positive effect on brain function

Ginseng may help improve brain functions such as memory, concentration, behavior and mood (7, 8).

Some studies conducted in test tubes and with animals show that components contained in ginseng such as ginsenosides and Compund K could protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals (9, 10, 11). In one study, 30 healthy volunteers consumed 200 mg of Panax ginseng per day over a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the study, these subjects showed improvements in mental health, social functioning and mood. However, these benefits were no longer significant after 8 weeks of continuous use of ginseng, suggesting that the effects of ginseng may diminish with prolonged use (12). Another study examined the effects of a single dose of either 200 or 400 mg of ginseng on mental performance, mental fatigue and blood glucose levels before and after a ten-minute mental test in 30 healthy adults. The 200 mg dose was more effective than the 400 mg dose in increasing mental performance and reducing fatigue during the test (13). It is possible that ginseng aided the uptake of blood glucose into cells, which may have increased performance and reduced fatigue. However, it is still unclear why the lower dose was more effective than the higher dose. A third study found that taking 400 mg of Panax ginseng per day over an 8-day period improved rest and math skills (14). In addition, other studies have observed positive effects on brain function and behavior in Alzheimer's patients (15, 16, 17).

Ginseng could alleviate erectile dysfunction

Scientific research has shown that ginseng could be a useful alternative in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men (18, 19). Compounds contained in ginseng appear to protect against oxidative stress in the blood vessels and tissues of the penis and help restore normal function (20, 21).

In addition to this, studies have shown that ginseng may stimulate the production of nitric oxide - a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood flow (22, 23).

One study found that men who were treated with Korean red ginseng showed a 60% improvement in their symptoms of erectile dysfunction, while the rate of improvement in subjects who used a medication to treat their erectile dysfunction was only 30% (24).

In addition, another study of 86 subjects with erectile dysfunction who took 1,000 mg of an aged ginseng extract over an 8-week period observed significant improvements in erectile dysfunction and an increase in overall satisfaction (25).

However, further studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction (26).

Ginseng could improve the function of the immune system

Ginseng may strengthen the immune system. Some studies that have investigated the effects of ginseng on the immune system have focused on cancer patients who had undergone surgery or chemotherapy treatment. One study followed 39 patients recovering from stomach cancer surgery who took 5,400 mg of ginseng per day over a two-year period. Interestingly, significant improvements in immune function and less recurrence of symptoms were observed in these patients (27). Another study investigated the effects of red ginseng extract on immune system markers in people with advanced gastric cancer who underwent chemotherapy after surgery. After three months, better immune system marker levels were observed in the patients who had taken ginseng than in subjects in the control group (28). In addition, one study suggests that people who take ginseng are up to 35% more likely to live disease-free after cancer surgery and have a 38% higher survival rate compared to people who do not use ginseng (29).

Furthermore, ginseng extract appears to enhance the effects of vaccinations against diseases such as influenza (30).

However, although these studies show improvements in immune system markers in people with cancer, further research is needed to show the effectiveness of ginseng in increasing resistance to infection in healthy people (31).

Ginseng may have potential anti-cancer effects

Ginseng may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer (32). Ginsenosides contained in ginseng have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection (33, 34). The cell life cycle is the process by which cells grow and divide. Ginsenosides may have a positive effect on this process by preventing abnormal production and growth of cells (33, 34). A review of several studies concluded that people who take ginseng have a 16% lower risk of developing cancer (34). In addition, an observational study suggests that people who take ginseng may have a lower risk of developing certain cancers such as lip cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer and lung cancer compared to people who do not take ginseng (35). Ginseng may also help improve the health of people undergoing chemotherapy, as well as reduce the side effects of the drugs used and enhance their effects (34).

However, although studies have shown some benefits of ginseng in preventing cancer, the evidence remains inconclusive (36).

Ginseng could combat fatigue and boost energy levels

Ginseng has been shown to help combat fatigue and increase energy levels. Various animal studies have linked some compounds found in ginseng, such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides, to lower oxidative stress and higher energy production in cells, which could help combat fatigue (37, 38, 39).

A four-week study examined the effects of 1 or 2 grams of Panax ginseng or a placebo in 90 subjects with chronic fatigue. The subjects who received Panax ginseng experienced less physical and mental fatigue, as well as greater reductions in oxidative stress, than subjects who received only a placebo (40). In one study, 364 cancer treatment survivors suffering from fatigue were given 2,000 mg of American ginseng or a placebo. After eight weeks, the subjects in the ginseng group had significantly lower fatigue levels than the subjects in the placebo group (41).

In addition, a study review that looked at over 155 studies suggests that ginseng supplements may not only help reduce fatigue, but may also increase physical activity (42).

Ginseng could lower blood sugar levels

Ginseng appears to help control blood sugar levels in both diabetics and healthy individuals (43, 44). American and Asian ginseng have been shown to improve the function of pancreatic cells, increase insulin production and increase the uptake of blood glucose into body tissues (43). In addition, studies have shown that ginseng extracts may help by providing antioxidant protection that can reduce free radicals in the cells of diabetics (43). One study determined the effects of 6 grams of Korean ginseng in combination with typical anti-diabetic medication or diet in 19 patients with type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, the subjects were able to maintain good blood glucose control throughout the 12-week study period. An 11% reduction in blood glucose levels, a 38% reduction in fasting insulin levels and a 33% increase in insulin sensitivity were also observed (45). Another study showed that American ginseng helped improve blood glucose levels in 10 subjects after a sugar drink test (46). It appears that fermented ginseng may be even more effective when it comes to controlling blood sugar levels. Fermented ginseng is produced with the help of live bacteria, which convert the ginsenosides it contains into a more easily absorbed and effective form (47).

One study showed that taking 2.7 grams of fermented red ginseng per day after a meal lowered blood sugar levels and increased insulin levels compared to a placebo (48).

Ginseng could increase resistance to stress

Treatment with ginseng may enhance physical performance and increase resistance to stress by stimulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to increase corticotropin and corticosteroid blood levels. This has been observed in cellular and animal studies (49).

Ginseng could have a positive effect on heart health

In a study of 50 heart attack patients, 3 grams of red ginseng per day after heart surgery increased the activity of circulating angiogenesis cells (cells that form new blood vessels) and reduced inflammation levels, suggesting improved blood flow (50). In a study of 17 healthy volunteers, 3 grams of Korean red ginseng improved arterial stiffness without altering blood pressure (51). Supplementation with 3 grams of red ginseng per day reduced total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as arterial thickness, in a study of 72 subjects (52). However, in another study of 80 subjects, 3 grams of Korean ginseng per day did not reduce arterial stiffness (53). Similarly, in another study of 48 subjects, 4.5 grams of Korean red ginseng per day had no effect on blood pressure, blood lipid levels, oxidized LDL cholesterol, arterial stiffness or blood glucose levels (54). Since previous evidence of heart health benefits is limited to a few small clinical trials with mixed results, larger and more robust clinical trials are needed to determine what effects ginseng may have on heart health.

Ginseng could support weight loss

Ginseng therapy was associated with improved mood, reduced body weight and lower fasting blood glucose levels in a study of 36 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes (55). However, in another study, both the ginseng-treated group and the placebo-only group lost weight (55). In older, obese mice, fermented red ginseng improved insulin sensitivity relative to reduced body weight (56). Obese mice fed Chinese ginseng showed reduced production of fat cells and reduced gains in body fat, as well as improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity (57).

However, further research is needed to say with certainty whether ginseng could support weight loss.

Ginseng could improve blood circulation

Furthermore, people with the effects of circulatory disorders, such as tinnitus, cold hands and dizziness, may benefit from taking ginseng.

Ginseng and liver

Prolonged use of ginseng has been shown to strengthen the liver's detoxification function and to speed up regeneration.

Ginseng as a potential anti-ageing agent

One of the most common theories of ageing processes is based on the increasingly damaging effect of free radicals with age. In animal models, it has been shown that ageing processes lead to the inhibition of the antioxidant system and the accumulation of lipid metabolites - substances contained in ginseng root weaken these processes and protect against oxidative damage. One of the essential foundations for anti-ageing measures is the improvement of the antioxidant defense system in order to limit damage caused by free radicals and prevent ageing processes. Scientists at the Institute of Natural Medicine at Toyama University in Japan used an animal model (rapidly ageing mice) to investigate the relationship between ageing and the antioxidant defense system and the effect of ginseng saponins (ginsenoside-Rd) on this system. Numerous parameters of the antioxidant defense system were measured: Glutathione/glutathione disulfide redox status, antioxidant enzyme activity and the degree of lipid peroxidation. In the 11-month-old animals, the redox status was significantly reduced compared to five-week-old animals. After 30 days of feeding with 1 or 5 mg (per kilogram body weight) of ginsenoside-Rd, the redox status of 10-month-old animals improved significantly. Ginsenoside-Rd also significantly increased the activity levels of glutathione enzymes (reductase, peroxidase) in old animals. In addition, enzyme activities (SOD, catalase) were measured, indicating that the antioxidant defense system is blocked with increasing age. Such blockade effects were not observed in animals that had received ginsenoside-Rd. Indicators of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) in the blood serum and liver increased with age. Ginsenoside-Rd, on the other hand, inhibited fatty acid peroxidation, which is particularly important for vascular ageing processes.ginsenoside-Rd evidently intervenes in a key mechanism for improving the immune system by changing the redox status, prevents the increasing blockade of the antioxidant defense and the accumulation of fatty acid peroxidation products and protects against oxidative damage.

Needs in sport

Ginseng supplements can increase physical and mental performance. Ginseng has been shown to increase performance in athletes in particular. The regenerative and anti-stress properties of ginseng are of particular importance for athletes. Apparently, the administration of ginseng leads to increased storage of glycogen in the liver and improved utilization of the muscles' glycogen reserves.

As a result, lactate is formed more slowly and also broken down to a greater extent. It is also worth taking ginseng in situations of high stress, for example during high-performance training, in the competition phase and for better regeneration after strenuous training sessions. Another conceivable use would be to support liver function when taking oral anabolic steroids. My recommendation is a daily dose of 1-2g per day. There are also no known side effects.

Safety and side effects

Panax Ginseng is potentially safe and harmless for most adults when taken orally for less than 3 months. Panax ginseng may not be safe for long-term use. Scientists believe that Panax ginseng may have some hormone-like effects that could be harmful with long-term use. The most common side effect is sleep problems. Less common side effects include menstrual problems, breast pain, increased heart rate, high or low blood pressure, headaches, loss of appetite, diarrhea, itching, skin rashes, dizziness, mood changes, vaginal bleeding and other side effects. Unusual side effects that have been reported include a severe skin rash called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, liver damage and severe allergic reactions. A cream for men who orgasm too soon that contains Panax ginseng and other ingredients appears to be safe and harmless when applied to the penis and removed after an hour. This cream may cause mild pain and irritation or a burning sensation. It is not known if this cream is safe for repeated long-term use.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant women should not use Panax Ginseng. Panax Ginseng may not be safe to use during pregnancy. One of the chemicals in Panax ginseng may cause birth defects in animals.

Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of Panax ginseng during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid Panax ginseng to be on the safe side. Infants and children: Panax ginseng is probably not safe for infants and children. Panax ginseng ingestion by young children has been associated with poisoning, which can be fatal. Not enough is known about safety and safety in older children. Until more is known, Panax ginseng should not be used by children. "Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or others: Panax ginseng could cause the immune system to become more active and this could exacerbate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. For this reason, it is best to avoid Panax ginseng if you suffer from any of these conditions.

Blood clotting disorders: Ginseng appears to interfere with blood clotting. You should not use Panax ginseng if you suffer from blood clotting disorders.
Heart disease: Panax ginseng may slightly affect heart rhythm and blood pressure on the first day of use. However, there are usually no changes with continued use. Panax Ginseng has not been studied in people with cardiovascular disease. Panax ginseng should be used with caution if you suffer from heart disease.
Diabetes: Panax ginseng may lower blood sugar levels and taking Panax ginseng in conjunction with diabetes medications may lower blood sugar levels too much, so diabetics should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when using Panax ginseng. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted. Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and endometriosis: Panax ginseng contains chemicals known as ginsenosides, which can act like estrogen. If you suffer from a condition that could be aggravated by estrogen, you should not use Panax ginseng.
Sleep problems: High Panax ginseng dosages have been linked to insomnia. If you suffer from sleep problems, you should use Panax ginseng with caution. Schizophrenia: High doses of Panax ginseng have been associated with insomnia and agitation in people suffering from schizophrenia. If you suffer from schizophrenia, you should be cautious when using Panax ginseng.
Organ transplants: Panax ginseng might increase the activity of the immune system. This could affect the effectiveness of drugs administered after organ transplants to reduce the risk of rejection of the donor organ. If you have received a donor organ, you should not use Panax ginseng.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining Panax ginseng with the following medications:

Alcohol

The body breaks down alcohol in order to be able to excrete it. Panax Ginseng may increase the rate at which the body breaks down alcohol.

Caffeine

Caffeine can speed up the functioning of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, caffeine can increase the heart rate and cause a feeling of inner restlessness. Taking Panax ginseng in combination with caffeine could cause serious side effects including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, a combination of caffeine with Panax ginseng should be avoided.

Furosemide

Some scientists believe that Panax ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of furosemide. However, there is not enough information to say whether this could be a major cause for concern.

Drugs that are broken down by the liver (cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Some drugs are broken down by the liver. Panax ginseng may reduce the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. Taking Panax ginseng in conjunction with drugs that are broken down by the liver may increase the effects and side effects of some drugs. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking Panax ginseng if you are taking medication that is broken down by the liver.

Medication for depression (MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors))

Panax ginseng could stimulate the body. Some medications for depression can also stimulate the body. Taking Panax ginseng in combination with these medications for depression could cause excessive stimulation. This can cause side effects such as anxiety, headaches, restlessness and insomnia.

Diabetes medication

Panax ginseng could lower blood sugar. Diabetes medication is also used to lower blood sugar levels. Taking Panax ginseng in combination with diabetes medication could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Drugs that reduce the function of the immune system

Panax ginseng improves the function of the immune system. By improving the function of the immune system, Panax ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of drugs that reduce the function of the immune system.

Drugs that slow down blood clotting

Panax ginseng may slow down blood clotting. Taking Panax ginseng in conjunction with medications that also slow blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Stimulants

Stimulants accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can speed up the heart rate and cause a feeling of inner restlessness. Taking Panax ginseng in combination with stimulants could cause serious side effects including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, a combination of Panax ginseng with stimulants should be avoided.

Some stimulants include epinephrine, phentermine, pseudoephedrine and many others.

References

Further sources

Arndt K. (HG.) (2001) Handbuch Nahrungsergänzungen-Bedeutung und Anwendung leistungssteigernder Substanzen für Bodybuilding und Kraftsport. Pages: 185-189
Bahrke MS, Morgan WP (1994) Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng. Sports Med 18: 229-48
Fulder S (1998) Ginseng: Magical Herb Of The East. Thorsons Pub.Wellingborough