Uses and benefits of korean ginseng

A brief article about korean ginseng, its uses and benefits in treating ailments as well as overall health benefits. A non-biased assessment of its potential. Includes discussion about treating cancer, diabetes, stress plus many more. Points out how more researchis needed into korean ginseng's potential uses.

Korean Ginseng
Scientific Name: Panax Ginseng Other Names: Asian Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Ginseng, Guigai, Japanese Ginseng, Ninjin, Oriental Ginseng, Panax schinseng, Red Ginseng, Seng

Uses and Benefits
NOTE: Panax ginseng is different from American ginseng and Eleuthero (formerly Siberian ginseng). They are not interchangeable.

Panax ginseng is related to, but not identical with American ginseng. Panax ginseng is native to Asia, while American ginseng originated on the North American continent. The two plants have somewhat different chemical compositions, the most notable differences are that Panax ginseng has higher levels of a ginsenoside known as Rg1 and lower levels of ginsenoside Rb1.

Panax ginseng is best known as an “adaptogen” -- a substance that may help individuals cope with physical and emotional stress. As a part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, Panax ginseng has been used to treat almost every ailment from anxiety to cancer. Currently, it is used extensively in Oriental countries to treat several illnesses, including heart conditions, and for an overall health enhancer.

In western herbal medicine, Panax ginseng’s regulating effects on the immune system have been studied for potential effectiveness in preventing colds, flu, and some forms of cancer. In clinical studies, Panax ginseng has been shown to lower blood levels of both sugar and cholesterol, therefore it may help treat type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Its other potential uses are not as well defined, however. In separate studies of laboratory animals and humans, Panax ginseng had a relaxing effect on muscles in the lungs. The resulting airway expansion may help relieve asthma symptoms and other lung conditions that result from constricted airways. In other studies, a combination of Panax ginseng and gingko is believed to boost memory and thinking processes. Early results from laboratory study may show that chemicals in Panax ginseng promote the growth of blood vessels, which could be valuable in treating extensive injuries. All of these possible effects are under more extensive study.

Panax ginseng may be taken by mouth or applied topically, directly to the penis to treat erectile dysfunction in men. One large study revealed that taking Panax ginseng orally improved male fertility by increasing sperm count, quality, and movement. Although the exact reasons that Panax ginseng may enhance male fertility are not completely known, it is believed that chemicals in Panax ginseng may activate the body system that increases production of certain hormones. Whether Panax ginseng increases testosterone levels in the blood is uncertain, however. Nevertheless, due to proposed hormonal activation, Panax ginseng is frequently added to sports drinks or supplements as a way to enhance athletic performance, even though no evidence supports this use.

Through the same activation of hormone production, chemicals in Panax ginseng are thought to exert an effect similar to the female hormone, estrogen. In some laboratory studies, Panax ginseng accelerated the growth of breast cancer cells, perhaps by activating estrogen receptors. Other laboratory and animal studies suggest that Panax ginseng may increase blood levels of substances that the body converts into estrogen. Results of a recent chemical analysis show that some of Panax ginseng’s possible estrogenic effects may be due to a fungus that frequently contaminates Panax ginseng roots. Much more research is needed to understand more clearly Panax ginseng’s possible hormonal effects.