Ginseng
(Photo courtesy of NIAMS)
Introduction
This page provides basic
information about the herb.
A plant or part of a
plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic
properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds,
stems, and roots. Asian ginseng--common names, uses,
potential side effects, and resources for more information.
Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in
various systems of medicine for many centuries. Asian ginseng
is one of several types of true ginseng (another is American
ginseng, Panax quinquefolius). An herb called Siberian
ginseng or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is
not a true ginseng.
Common Names--Asian ginseng, ginseng,
Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Asiatic ginseng
Latin Name--Panax
ginseng
What It Is Used For
Treatment claims for Asian
ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support
overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and
modern uses of ginseng include:
- Improving the health of
people recovering from illness
- Increasing a sense of
well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and
physical performance
- Treating erectile
dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to
menopause
- Lowering blood glucose
and controlling blood pressure
How It Is Used
The root of Asian ginseng
contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or
panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb's
medicinal properties. The root is dried and used to make
tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or
other preparations for external use.
What the Science Says
- Some studies have shown
that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies
indicate possible beneficial effects on immune
function.
- To date, research
results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to prove
health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of
large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted.
Most studies have been small or have had flaws in design
and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been
based only on studies conducted in animals.
- NCCAM is supporting
research studies to better understand the use of Asian
ginseng. NCCAM is studying how Asian ginseng interacts with
other herbs and drugs and exploring its potential to treat
chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and
Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects and Cautions
- When taken by mouth,
ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest
that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns
about the development of side effects.
- The most common side
effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal
problems.
- Ginseng can cause
allergic reactions.
- There have been reports
of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high
blood pressure associated with ginseng products, but these
products' components were not analyzed, so effects may have
been due to another herb or drug in the
product.
- Ginseng may lower levels
of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with
diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra
caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using
medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such
as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to
lower blood sugar.
- It is important to
inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary
supplement you are using, including Asian ginseng. This
helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
There's more information on benefits,
dosages, active ingredients and
cautions at
Healthy Living
Store
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