GINSENG - KOREAN (Panax ginseng)
COMMON NAME :
Ginseng, Asian ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginger, Chinese ginseng
LATIN NAME : Panax
ginseng
HISTORICAL USES :
• Adaptogen, general tonic
• Anti-stress
• Anti-fatigue, restore vigor
• Restorative
• Increase resistance to infections
• Slight CNS stimulant
• Increase mental and physical work capacity
• Increase concentration and mental activity
• Enhance mental acuity and intellectual performance
• Improve physical performance
• Immunoregulator, mainly immunostimulant
• Promote appetite
• Anti-oxidant
• Increase reaction times
• Lower blood cholesterol
• Radioprotective
• Regulates adrenal glands, helps prevent exhaustion
DESCRIPTION : Panax
ginseng is a deciduous perennial shrub whose fleshy root requires 4-6
years of cultivation to reach maturity. Traditionally the wild root was
consumed to vitalize, strengthen, and rejuvenate the entire body. Widely
cultivated, ginseng is now used as a natural preventive, restorative
remedy and valued for its adaptogenic properties. Korean ginseng is more
stimulating and increases the "yang" energy while American
ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) increases the "yin" energy. Korean
ginseng is most suitable for males and older people.
PHYSIOLOGY : The main
active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 20 saponin triterpenoid
glycosides called ginsenosides whose names relate to their chromatographic
position (Ra, Rb, etc.). Rb1 group of ginsenosides have more sedative and
metabolic effects on the central nervous system, while the Rg1 group of
ginsenosides are more arousing and stimulating at low doses. Rb1
Ginsenosides have CNS-depressing activity, have weak anti-inflammatory
action, and increase digestive tract peristalsis. Other studies have shown
that Rb1 ginsenosides also are anti-convulsant, antipyretic,
anti-psychotic, analgesic, and ulcer protective. These activities contrast
with those of Rg1 ginsenosides which have weak CNS-stimulating activity,
protect against fatigue, and cause an increase in motor activity. Panax
ginseng (Korean) contains higher amounts of the more stimulating Rg1
ginsenosides compared to American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) which has
a higher amount of the more sedative Rb1 ginsenosides. Both Rg1 and Rb1
ginsenosides act on the adrenal and pituitary glands and help them respond
to stress more rapidly.
ACTIVE PROPERTIES :
Korean Ginseng is used for conditions of tiredness, weakness, debility,
convalescence, low resistance, aging, stress, poor metabolism, and lack of
concentration. Ginseng extracts have been shown to have antioxidant
activity and to protect against radiation damage. European clinical trials
have found an increase in reaction times, alertness, concentration, and
visual and motor coordination.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE :
500-600 mg./day of extract; 1-2 gm./day dried root
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRA-INDICATIONS
: No reported adverse effects. May cause a slight insomnia if taken at
bedtime. A report by Siegal, entitled The Ginseng Abuse Syndrome, has been
shown to have no merit.

