GINSENG SCIENTIFIC NAME Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius L 2
SPRING 2022 Lexi Nash; Student Pharmacist
COMMON NAMES American ginseng, Asian ginseng, Canadian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Oriental ginseng, Radix ginseng2 COMMON USES Ginseng root has been used in the treatment of asthenia (abnormal physical weakness or lack of energy), atherosclerosis (thickening/hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup), blood and bleeding disorders, erectile dysfunction, hypertension (high blood pressure), liver dysfunction, and colitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the colon). The root can also be used to relieve the effects of aging, cancer, postmenopausal disorder, and senility. 2 Ginseng root also has a strengthening effect that can be used to raise mental and physical capacity. 2
Figure 1: Ginseng Root 1
The root also has protectant effects against stress, diabetes, neurosis, radiation sickness, and some cancers. 2 DOSAGE FORMS Ginseng root can be chewed, taken as a capsule, powder, liquid extract, decoction/tea, or infusion. 2,4 DOSE Dried root powder: take 500 milligrams to 2 grams daily up to 3 months Solid extract: take 200-600 milligrams daily Tea: drink one cup 1 to 3 times daily for 3 to 4 weeks 4 PHARMACOLOGY Ginseng root contains triterpene saponins, polyacetylenes, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, nitrogen-containing compounds, fatty acidic, carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds. The triterpene saponins have a stress-protective effect and are the most active compounds in the root. The saponins are metabolized by the gut microflora and its metabolite products are pharmacologically active. However, differences in a person’s gut flora may lead to differing pharmacological responses to the ginseng root. 2 BACKGROUND/HISTORY Ginseng has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. It is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine and the herbal health care market. There are three classifications of ginseng: fresh, white (dried after peeling), and red (steamed and dried). Ginseng root has a man-shaped figure, which made ancient European herbalists believe it had the properties to heal or strengthen any part of the body. Additionally, the word Panax found in its scientific name is derived from the Greek word “all-healing”. 2
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