People take American Ginseng for stress, to boost the immune system, for upper respiratory tract infections, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there's no solid scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse American Ginseng with Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) or Eleutherococcus senticosus. Like Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng is a light tan knotty root that often has the appearance of a human body with fibrous buds on the arms and legs. Native Americans used the root as a stimulant and to treat headaches, fever, indigestion and infertility.
Ginseng remains one of the most popular herbs in the United States. American Ginseng is used as an additive in some energy drinks and ginger candies. There are also American Ginseng teas sold in grocery stores, supplement stores, and health food stores. Whole dried root and granulated ginseng root can also be used to prepare teas and tonics.
Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (4, 5,. Some test-tube studies have shown that ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds can inhibit inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells, which may contribute to the onset of chronic diseases (4, 5,. A study in 12 active men found that short-term supplementation with American Ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared to a placebo (. Some test-tube and animal studies show that components of ginseng, such as ginsenosides and compound K, may protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals (11, 1.Interestingly, a study conducted on 6422 older adults found that regular consumption of ginseng for at least 5 years was associated with improved cognitive function in the future) (1.Another small study showed that taking 200 milligrams (mg) of American Ginseng significantly improved working memory after 3 hours, compared to a placebo (1.Some research suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) (1.According to some previous research, certain compounds found in ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in blood vessels and penile tissues to help restore normal functioning.
(1) In addition, studies have shown that ginseng can promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation (6, 1). In fact, a review of nine studies found that ginseng could improve the self-reported ability to have sex in men (1.However, researchers also observed that ginseng had little or no effect on erectile dysfunction or satisfaction with sexual intercourse compared to a placebo (1). According to one review, ginseng has potent antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and may improve immune system function (20).Interestingly, an animal study found that red-black ginseng extract increased the number of immune cells and increased antioxidant levels in the liver (2). Similarly, another study in 100 people showed that taking 2 g of Korean red ginseng daily for 8 weeks significantly increased immune cell levels compared to a placebo (2).
Ginseng may be helpful in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer (23, 2). The ginsenosides in this herb have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection (25, 2). The cell cycle is the process by which cells normally grow and divide. Ginsenosides may benefit this cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth (25, 2).
A review of several studies concluded that people who take ginseng may have a 16% lower risk of developing cancer (2). Ginseng may also help improve the health of people receiving chemotherapy and may reduce side effects and increase the effect of some cancer treatments (2). However, while studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive (2). linked some components of ginseng, such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides, to lower oxidative stress and greater energy production in cells, which could help reduce fatigue (28, 2).
A review of 10 studies concluded that ginseng could significantly improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome compared to a placebo, even after just 15 days (30). Another review showed that taking American or Asian ginseng could reduce symptoms of cancer-related fatigue if taken at doses of 2000 mg or 3000 mg per day, respectively (3). In addition, a review of more than 155 studies suggested that ginseng supplements not only help reduce fatigue, but may also improve physical performance (3) Ginseng appears to be beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels in people with and without diabetes (3). American and Asian ginseng have been shown to improve pancreatic cell function and increase insulin production, and improve the absorption of blood sugar into tissues (3).
In addition, studies show that ginseng extracts help by providing antioxidant protection that can help reduce free radicals in the cells of people with diabetes (3). A review of eight studies found that supplementing with ginseng might lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, but it didn't significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels, which are an average of 3-month blood glucose. Another 8-week study showed that taking 3 g a day of American Ginseng significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels (3). The study showed that ginseng improved hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control, compared to a placebo in people with type 2 diabetes, but larger studies with standardized preparations of ginseng are needed to verify these results (3).
It seems that fermented red ginseng may be even more effective at controlling blood sugar. Fermented ginseng is produced with the help of live bacteria that transform ginsenosides into a more potent and easily absorbed form (3). Based on research, ginseng appears to be safe and should not cause any serious adverse effects (39, 40). In addition, ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs (4). Please note that, due to a lack of safety studies, ginseng is not recommended for children or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding (4).
Research shows that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, stopped, and even reversed with the right diet and lifestyle. Fresh food and nutritional supplements are essential. American Ginseng can lower blood glucose levels and could create problems for patients who fast before surgery. However, most of the use of ginseng in the United States is still through traditional herbal practices. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who drank American Ginseng before or together with a high-sugar beverage experienced a smaller increase in blood glucose levels.
When used as a supplement, there is some evidence that American Ginseng can help lower blood sugar, improve fatigue, and reduce the duration of colds and flu. Because of this, American Ginseng is widely exported to Asia, where it is highly prized for its cooling and sedative effects. At the same time, people with low blood pressure, as well as those who have an acute illness, should be careful when taking American Ginseng. Red ginseng has long been used to treat impotence, but researchers are catching up with traditional medicine and studying this natural treatment.
American Ginseng may increase the effects of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Ginseng may increase the stimulant effect and side effects of some medications taken for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)). American and Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) are considered true ginseng because they contain an organic chemical called ginsenoside. A study conducted on mice found that the American Ginseng berry was more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root.
The history of the use and trade of American ginseng goes back well beyond the Declaration of Independence. American Ginseng is considered an adaptogen that, according to some people, can help the body overcome physical or emotional stress.
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