Source: University of Mayland Medical Center
Also listed as: American Ginseng; Panax quinquefolium
Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), although part of the same plant family called Araliaceae , is an entirely different plant and does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian ( Panax ginseng ) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ).
There are similarities among American, Asian, and Siberian ginsengs.
Each of these three herbs is considered an adaptogen, a substance that
strengthens the body, helping it return to normal when it has been
subjected to prolonged stress. Therefore, they are considered to be
valuable supports for those recovering from illness or surgery,
especially the elderly.
The root of American ginseng is light tan and gnarled, sometimes
resembles the human body. Panax means all illness, and ginseng has been
used across the ages in many different cultures as a "cure-all."
Many studies on ginseng have been performed using Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). There have been positive reports of using Asian
ginseng to treat cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, fatigue,
as well as to boost energy and mental performance and to improve
quality of life. However, both American and Asian ginsengs contain
ginsenosides, and research does exist on this component. Laboratory
studies in animals have reported that American ginseng was effective in
boosting the immune system, as an antioxidant, protection against heart
attacks and protection against kidney damage caused by methamphetamine
use. Research on American ginseng has focused on a number of
conditions, some of which are described below.
Attent defecit hyperactivity disorder
An early study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba) , may prove to be of value in helping to treat ADHD. More research in this area is needed.
Alzheimer's disease
Individual reports and animal studies indicate that a component of
American ginseng and Asian ginseng, the ginsenosides, may slow the
progression of Alzheimer's and improve memory and behavior. Studies of
large groups of people are needed to best understand this possible use
of American ginseng for slowing Alzheimer's or senility.
Cancer
Studies suggests that regular intake of ginseng may reduce one's
chances of getting various types of cancer, especially lung, liver,
stomach, pancreatic and ovarian. A laboratory study found that American
ginseng may also enhance the effects of medications used to treat
breast cancer, potentially allowing the doctor to use less
chemotherapy.
Diabetes
While both Asian and American ginsengs appear to lower blood sugar
(glucose) levels, American ginseng has been the more studied in
scientific trials. Several human studies report a blood sugar lowering
effect using American ginseng in patients with type 2 diabetes, both on
fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels.
One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took American
ginseng before or together with a high sugar load experienced less of
an increase in blood glucose levels.
Several studies using laboratory animals report positive effects of
using American ginseng and ginsenosides for high blood sugar levels.
One recent study using mice found that the American ginseng berry was
more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root.
More research is needed.
Immune system enhancement
American ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, which
could, in theory, help the body fight off infection and disease. In
several clinical studies, American ginseng improved the function of
cells playing a role in immunity.
The American ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a
straight stem. Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the
center and produce red berries. Wrinkles around the neck of the root
tell how old the plant is. This is important because American ginseng
is not ready for use until it has grown for four to six years. American
ginseng is very expensive and is now being grown on farms in order to
protect the wild American ginseng from over-harvesting.
American ginseng products are made from ginseng root and the long,
thin offshoots called root hairs. The main chemical ingredients of
American ginseng are ginsenosides and polysaccharide glycans
(quinquefolans A, B, and C). American ginseng seems to be more relaxing
than Asian ginseng, which may have stimulating effects.
American ginseng (dried) is available in water, water-and-alcohol,
or alcohol liquid extracts, and in powders, capsules, and tablets.
American ginseng is available with other herbs in several combination
formulas.
It is important when buying ginseng to read the label carefully and
make sure that you are purchasing the type of ginseng that you want. If
you are looking for Asian ginseng, make sure you buy Korean, red, or Panax ginseng . If you are looking for American ginseng, buy a Panax quinquifolium. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ) and Panax notoginseng may also be found in health food stores or pharmacies.
Pediatric
This herb is not recommended for use in children unless under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Adult
- Fresh root: 1 - 2 g, once daily for up to 3 months
- Dried root: 1/2 - 2 g, chew and swallow once daily
- Tincture (1:5): 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 1 - 3 times daily
- Fluid extract (1:1): 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoonfuls, 1 - 3 times daily
- Standardized extract: 100 - 200 mg, 1 - 3 times daily, standardized to contain 4 - 5% ginsenosides
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body
and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can
trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or
medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under
the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of
botanical medicine.
Reported side effects of taking ginseng include:
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Euphoria
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Nosebleed
- Breast pain
- Vaginal bleeding
To avoid low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), even in people who do not have diabetes, you should take American ginseng with food.
People with hypertension should not take American ginseng products
without specific guidance and instruction from a qualified health care
provider. At the same time, people with low blood pressure as well as
those with an acute illness or diabetes (because of the risk of a
sudden drop in blood sugar), should use caution when taking ginseng.
The safety of taking American ginseng during pregnancy is unknown.
Therefore, it is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding.
American ginseng should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to
surgery. American ginseng can lower blood glucose levels and,
therefore, create problems for patients fasting prior to surgery. In
addition, American ginseng may act as a blood thinner, thereby
increasing the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure.
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you
should not use ginseng without first talking to your health care
provider:
Anti-Diabetic medications -- American ginseng may lower blood
sugar levels. Therefore, this herb may interfere with the effectiveness
of blood sugar lowering prescription medications. Talk with your health
care provider before using American ginseng if you are taking medicines
for diabetes, including insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.
Blood thinning medications -- Some reports have indicated that
ginsenosides may possibly decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, a
blood-thinning medication. In addition, ginsenosides may inhibit
platelet activity and, therefore, should probably not be used with
aspirin either.
Psychiatric medications -- American ginseng may exaggerate the
effects of medications used in various psychiatric disorders, so they
should not be taken together. There have been reports of a possible
interaction between Asian ginseng and the antidepressant medication,
phenelzine (which belongs to a class known as monoamine oxidase
inhibitors, resulting in symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to
headache and tremulousness
Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the painkilling effects of morphine.
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- Review Date:
1/25/2007
- Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education
Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing
in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided
by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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