American ginseng, scientifically known as Panax quinquefolius, is a perennial herb native to North America, particularly the eastern United States and Canada. It has a long history of traditional use as a medicinal plant and is highly valued for its potential health benefits. American ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family and is characterized by its fleshy roots and green, fan-shaped leaves. The plant typically grows in shady, forested areas and is often found in the wild, although it is also cultivated for commercial use. In this article, we will explore the medicinal properties, traditional uses, and potential health benefits of American ginseng.
Medicinal Properties of American Ginseng:
American ginseng contains a variety of bioactive compounds, with the most notable being ginsenosides. These compounds are believed to contribute to the plant’s medicinal properties, including its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The adaptogenic properties of American ginseng are particularly noteworthy, as they are thought to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginsenosides may contribute to the plant’s potential health benefits.
Traditional Uses of American Ginseng:
American ginseng has a rich history of traditional use among Native American tribes and in traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is considered a powerful tonic and is used to promote vitality, longevity, and overall health. It is often used to support the body during times of physical or mental stress and is believed to enhance energy and resilience. Similarly, Native American tribes have historically used American ginseng for its medicinal properties, employing it as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
Potential Health Benefits of American Ginseng:
Research into the potential health benefits of American ginseng has yielded promising results. Some of the key areas where American ginseng may offer benefits include:
Immune Support: American ginseng has been studied for its potential to enhance the immune system. It is believed to support immune function, potentially reducing the risk of infections and promoting overall immune health.
Stress Management: As an adaptogen, American ginseng is thought to help the body cope with stress and combat fatigue. It may promote mental clarity and resilience during times of stress.
Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that American ginseng may have cognitive-enhancing effects, including improvements in memory, focus, and mental performance.
Diabetes Management: Research indicates that American ginseng may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: American ginseng has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may have implications for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Forms of American Ginseng:
American ginseng is available in various forms, including dried roots, powders, capsules, and liquid extracts. The quality and potency of ginseng products can vary, so it is important to purchase from reputable sources and consult with a healthcare professional before using ginseng for medicinal purposes.
Safety and Considerations:
While American ginseng is generally considered safe for most people when used as directed, it may interact with certain medications and have potential side effects, such as insomnia, headaches, and digestive issues. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, should exercise caution and seek guidance from a healthcare provider before using ginseng.
In conclusion, American ginseng is a valuable botanical with a long history of traditional use and potential health benefits. Its adaptogenic, immune-supporting, and cognitive-enhancing properties make it a popular natural remedy. As research into the medicinal properties of American ginseng continues, it is important to approach its use with caution and seek professional advice to ensure safe and effective supplementation.
Precautions
Some groups of people should take special precautions when using American ginseng and may need to avoid it altogether. These include conditions like:
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: American ginseng contains ginsenoside, a chemical linked to birth defects in animals.16 It is unknown if taking American ginseng while nursing is safe.2
Estrogen-sensitive conditions: Conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids may be worsened because ginsenoside has estrogen-like activity.2
Insomnia: High doses of American ginseng may cause difficulty sleeping.2
Schizophrenia: High doses of American ginseng can increase agitation in people with schizophrenia.2
Surgery: American ginseng should be stopped two weeks before surgery due to its impact on blood sugar.2
Dosage: How Much American Ginseng Should I Take?
There is no recommended dosage of American ginseng in any form. Never exceed the recommended dosage on the product label, or ask your healthcare provider for advice.
American ginseng has been studied at the following dosages:
Adults: 200 to 400 mg by mouth twice daily for three to six months2
Children age 3 to 12: 4.5 to 26 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) by mouth daily for three days2
At these doses, American ginseng is unlikely to cause toxicity. At higher doses—typically 15 grams (1,500 mg) or more per day—some people develop "ginseng abuse syndrome" characterized by diarrhea, dizziness, skin rash, heart palpitations, and depression.3
Drug Interactions
American ginseng may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. These include:
Coumadin (warfarin): American ginseng may reduce the blood thinner's effectiveness and increase the risk of blood clotting.2
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining American ginseng with MAOI antidepressants like Zelapar (selegiline) and Parnate (tranylcypromine) can cause anxiety, restlessness, manic episodes, or trouble sleeping.2
Diabetes medications: American ginseng can cause blood sugar to drop excessively when taken with insulin or other diabetes drugs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).2
Progestins: The side effects of the synthetic form of progesterone can be increased if taken with American ginseng.1
Herbal supplements: Some herbal remedies can also lower blood sugar when combined with American ginseng, including aloe, cinnamon, chromium, vitamin D, and magnesium.2
To avoid interactions, tell your healthcare provider if you intend to use any supplement.
How to Choose Supplements
Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States, To ensure quality, choose supplements that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF International.
Certification does mean that the supplement works or is inherently safe. It simply means that no contaminants were found and that the product contains the ingredients listed on the product label in the correct amounts.
Similar Supplements
Some other supplements that may improve cognitive function and decrease stress are:
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
Supplements that have been studied for the treatment or prevention of respiratory viruses like the cold or flu include:
Elderberry
Maoto
Licorice root
Antiwei
Echinacea
Carnosic acid
Pomegranate
Guava tea
Bai Shao
Zinc
Vitamin D
Honey
Nigella
References:
Ríos, J. L., & Waterman, P. G. (2018). A review of the pharmacology and toxicology of ginseng saponins. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 229, 244-258.
Vuksan, V., Sievenpiper, J. L., & Xu, Z. (2000). American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Archives of Internal Medicine, 160(7), 1009-1013.
Kennedy, D. O., & Scholey, A. B. (2003). Ginseng: potential for the enhancement of cognitive performance and mood. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 75(3), 687-700.
Szczuka D, Nowak A, Zakłos-Szyda M, et al. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) as a source of bioactive phytochemicals with pro-health properties. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1041. doi:10.3390/nu11051041
MedlinePlus. American Ginseng.
Mancuso C, Santangelo R. Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology. Food Chem Toxicol. 2017;107(Pt A):362-372. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.07.019
Roe AL, Venkataraman A. The safety and efficacy of botanicals with nootropic effects. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021;19(9):1442-67. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210726150432
Arring NM, Millstine D, Marks LA, Nail LM. Ginseng as a treatment for fatigue: A systematic review. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):624–633. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0361
Post time: May-08-2024
