Ginseng
Ginseng comes from the Chinese word Ren Shen, which means man root. It is the common name for several plants of the family Araliaceae, valued for their medicinal properties. Although ginseng is nowadays most often associated with the genus Panax, some researchers believe that the original ginseng used in ancient China may have been a different plant. Although ginseng is often seen as an East Asian medicine, American ginseng has been used by Native Americans for centuries.
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The positive medicinal affects of ginseng have been difficult to prove using modern science. Oftentimes, there are contradictory results from different studies. Supporters claim that this is due to the wide variety of ginseng quality used in studies. The quality and neutrality of studies from East Asia have also been questioned. Another issue is that there is no profit to be achieved from researching ginseng, since it cannot be patented; therefore, pharmaceutical companies have no incentive to research ginseng. As a result, quality studies into the affects of ginseng are rare. Ironically, one of the better studies involving ginseng actually uses a proprietary formula of ginseng.[1]
Ginseng is highly prized as an adaptogen (a product that does no harm, but increases the body's resistance to stress). Unfortunately, this property is extremely difficult to prove with science as well.
A comparative, randomized and double-blind government study does indicate it to be a "a promising dietary supplement" when assessed for an increase in quality of life.[1]
Panax ginseng appears to inhibit some characteristics associated with cancer in animal models; however, this affect is unclear in humans.[1]
A double-blind, crossover study of Red ginseng's affects on impotence show a marked positive effect. [1]
A study shows that Red ginseng reduces the relapse of gastric cancer versus control.[1]
A study of ginseng's affects on rats show that while both White ginseng and Red ginseng reduce the incidence of cancer, the affects appear to be greater with Red ginseng. [1]
Modern Science and Ginseng
Common Classification
Panax ginseng
Korean or Chinese ginseng (root)
Panax quinquefolius
American ginseng (root)
Ginseng that is produced in the United States is particularly prized in Chinese societies, and many ginseng packages are prominently colored red, white, and blue.Wild ginseng
Wild ginseng is ginseng that is not cultivated and harvested from nature. Wild ginseng is relatively rare, and in many cases threatened or endangered. Wild ginseng has been shown to contain higher levels of ginsenoside.Red ginseng
Red ginseng is Panax ginseng that has been heated, either through steaming or sun-drying. This version of ginseng is associated with stimulating sexual function and anti-cancer benefits. In this context, regular, non-heated ginseng is referred to as White ginseng.Ginseng alternatives
These plants are sometimes referred to as ginseng, but they are either from a different family or genus.
See also
External links
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