American ginseng,how to use this magic tonic from the past.

History and Modern Use of American Ginseng.

American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image Many Native American tribes used American ginseng. Medicinal applications ranged from digestive disorders to sexual problems.The Chinese began to use American ginseng after it was imported during the 1700s.The traditional applications of American ginseng in China are significantly different from those for Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng).

Relatively little is known about the use of American ginseng by native groups. Ginseng was one of the five most important medicines among the Seneca Indians, primarily used by the elderly. A Crow legend holds that Gray Bull's wife had revealed to her in a dream that chewing the root would induce childbirth without suffering. An infusion of the boiling leaves was equally effective when drunk by the woman (Goldstein, 1975). The Oklahoma Seminole used the root to cure nosebleed, treat shortness of breath, and as a "woman catcher" (Howard, 1984).

The Penobscots steeped the root in water, drinking the infusion from time to time to increase the fertility of women. The Penobscot referred to the plant as "man root" (Speck, 1915). While not observed to use the root, it was harvested for sale by the Ojibwe, who followed the ethical practice of harvesting the roots only when the red berries were mature, and before they were ready to drop. The whole fruiting tops were planted in the hole from which the roots were dug, thus helping to insure long term sustainable harvest (Smith,1932). The Menominee used the root as a tonic and to strengthen mental powers (Smith, 1923). Further ethnobotanical uses are noted by Vogel (1970) and Moerman (1986).

Early Western medical observations on the use of American ginseng attempted to find active qualities which would justify the high esteem for the plant held by the Chinese. The results were conflicting, setting the stage for an on-going argument on the health value of American ginseng.

Porcher (1849) quoting numerous botanical and medical writers, attempts a balanced assessment. "...it is a restorative after great fatigue, as an antispasmodic in nervous affections, in coma, and as an aphrodisiac ... Dr. Wood, [U.S. Dispensatory, 1847] says, it is very little more than a demulcent (soothing for mucous tissue); but Lindley [A Natural System of Botany, 1836] thinks that there is not reasonable doubt of the ginseng having an invigorating and stimulant power, when fresh."

Primarily consumed by Asians, American ginseng has always been regarded as an export commodity. It never became a major medicinal plant in the American materia medica, of either allopathic or Eclectic medicine. The root was official in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1842 to 1882. It was primarily used as a stimulant and a stomachic (Claus, 1961).

According to Hsu (1979) there are five basic reasons explaining why the Chinese favor American ginseng. First, when American ginseng was initially exported to China in the early eighteenth century, wild Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) had already become extremely scarce. The relative abundance and quality of wild American ginseng, opened the way for development of cultivated American ginseng as an export crop in the early twentieth century. Psychologically, Asians have believed U.S. manufactured or produced products to be of superior quality. The taste of the American ginseng is sweeter than Asian ginseng. Last, American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (P. ginseng) are considered to be distinct medicinal plants. American ginseng is considered more yin in Chinese traditions, and is good to reduce heat of the respiratory or digestive systems. Conversely, P. ginseng is more yang, and is a heat-raising tonic for the blood or circulatory system. Consequently, American ginseng is preferred by consumers in subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, as it is a cold or mild tonic, that will reduce "heat" in the system, while acting as a general tonic.

The large majority of the 2,900 documented citations to ginseng refer to studies on the Asian Panax ginseng. A much smaller number of scientific studies have involved American ginseng. The focus of Oriental researchers is aimed at how ginseng works, since it is culturally accepted that it does work. On the other hand, Western researchers focus efforts on determining if it indeed works at all (Braly, 1987).
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

Modern Use:

Classed as an adaptogen, American ginseng may be taken to increase the body's general resistance to stress. It has been shown in clinical studies to lower blood sugar levels, and it may also be useful in preventing damage from strokes and in relieving symptoms of ADHD. Its hormone-like effects are being studied for possible relief of menopausal symptoms.

Inconsistencies in interpreting results of various ginseng studies are documented by Lewis (1986). Conflicting opinions have often been the result. Further complicating the interpretation of the efficacy or usefulness of ginseng are the variations or differences in plant and animal species studied, plant parts used, differences in extractions and purification methods, and differences in route and dose administered. Furthermore, depending upon concentration of specific chemical components with opposite pharmacological activity, differing results may be obtained (Staba and Chen, 1979).

Saponins are considered the primary biologically active components of Panax species. The major saponins in Panax are termed ginsenosides. Ginsenosides isolated from American ginseng include Rb 1, Rb2, Rb3 (0.03 %), Rc, Rd, Re, Rg 1 (0. 15 percent), R92 (0.008 percent), Ro, and F2 (Thompson, 1987). Concentrations of total ginsenosides were reported to be higher in wild American ginseng root than cultivated root. The presence and absence of various ginsenosides has been reported (Liu and Staba 1980).

Timing of harvest is one of the variables involved in ginsenoside content. Citing the research of Soldati and Tanaka (1984), Duke (1989) notes that the highest yields of ginsenosides were obtained at the end of the summer of the fifth year. The root also doubles in weight at this time. Growth and ginsenoside increases were less marked after the fifth year.

Review of the pharmacological actions of pure ginseng saponins by S. Shibata et aL (1985) indicates that ginsenoside Rgl has shown weak CNS (central nervous system)stimulant activity, anti-fatigue action, and aggravation of stress ulcer, and a slight increase in motor activity. In behavioral tests it showed an acceleration of discrimination behavior in pole-climbing tests and Y-maze tests, a reversal learning response in the Y-maze test, and one-trial passive avoidance learning using the step down method. Ginsenoside Rbl has CNS-depressant activity, is anticonvulsant, analgesic, antipyretic, antipsychotic, ulcer-protective, inhibits conditioned avoidance response, has weak anti-inflammatory activity, an antihemolytic action, and increases gastrointestinal motility. In addition it accelerates glycolysis, and accelerates serum and liver cholesterol, nuclear RNA, and serum protein synthesis.

Medical Uses: Ginseng has a reputation as a magical cure all that is hard to dispel even with numerous test that demonstrate little medical value. Herbalist recommend it, if taken regularly, to reduce stress, help the body resist infections and as a stimulant. The dried root can be chewed or taken as tea. Any number of extracts of Chinese Ginseng are found on the market.

Over the last century,American ginseng has gained popularity throughout the world for its therapeutic qualities.Ginseng is often prepared as a tea, but is also popular in single-herb and combination-therapy supplements. Modern uses for ginseng include:
Relief for some forms of emotional stress.
Relief of mental and physical fatigue
Increased libido in men and women
Improvement of memory
General health and energy.
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

The root is considered demulcent, mild stimulant, tonic. Research suggests it may increase mental efficiency and physical performance, aid in adapting to high or low temperatures and stress when taken over an extended period. Ginseng's effect is called "adapatogenic", tending to return the body to normal.

Promotes appetite, helps dyspepsia, rheumatism, headache, lumbago, sciatica, debility, colds, coughs, bronchitis, symptoms of menopause, constipation, lung troubles, cystitis.

Native Americans in some areas used a decoction of ginseng root to relieve nausea and vomiting. Several tribes used it as an ingredient in love potions and charms. May inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.

Overview:

American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius L. [Fam. Araliaceae], is closely related to Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, and has many medicinal virtues. The genus name Panax is derived from the Greek words pan (all) and akos (cure) meaning cure-all. Panax quinquefolius contains many of the same active ginsenosides as Panax ginseng. According to Dr. James Duke in the book, The Green Pharmacy, America exports close to $100 million worth of American ginseng annually, mostly to Asians who regard it as an herbal fountain of youth. Controlled studies of Asian ginsengs have repeatedly found improvements in exercise performance (including muscular strength, maximal oxygen uptake, work capacity, serum lactate, heart rate, visual and auditory reaction times, alertness, and psychomotor skills) with a daily dosage greater than 1g of dried root (or equivalent) when taken for at least 8 weeks, particularly with older subjects. Most clinical studies on American ginseng relate to its property of reducing hyperglycemia in normal and hyperglycemic persons. A preliminary short-term clinical study involving 10 normal subjects and 9 blood-sugar control patients randomized to receive 3g ginseng or placebo was conducted to assess whether American ginseng affects after-meal glycemia in humans. The ginseng (or placebo) was given 40 minutes before or together with a 25g oral glucose challenge. In normal subjects, ginseng taken 40 minutes before the glucose challenge significantly reduced after-meal glycemia. In subjects with blood-sugar control problems, the same was true whether capsules were taken before or together with the glucose challenge. The researchers concluded that American ginseng attenuated after-meal glycemia in both study groups. American ginseng also combats stress, boosts the immune system, provides antioxidants to fight chronic disease and aging and prevents endothelial cell damage considered to be the initial step in the genesis of thrombosis and artery damage, the precursors of vascular disease.

Traditional Usage: - Adaptogenic (returns the body to normal) - Aging - Antioxidant - Blood Sugar Control - Cellular Regeneration - Cleansing - Demulcent (soothing) - Detoxifying - Exercise Performance - Fatigue - Hyperglycemia - Mental Efficiency - Stress - Temperature Adaptation - Tonic - Vascular Disorders

Ginsengs are marketed in the U.S. to boost energy, relieve stress, improve concentration, and enhance physical or cognitive performance. Most ginsengs are believed to act as general restoratives, tonics, or adaptogens, which have nonspecific strengthening properties to restore the body's balance, enhance stamina, and increase resistance to stress and disease.

Native Americans traditionally employed American ginseng to help with childbirth and fertility and to strengthen mental powers, and for a variety of ailments such as respiratory disorders, headaches, and fevers.

Actions: Chinese Medicine noted Strong action in replenishing Yin and producing fluids. It is weaker than ginseng for tonifing Qi.

Folk Uses: Used in Chinese medicine for low-grade chronic fever due to the Yin wasted by Heat in febrile diseases. It also is used to treat chronic cough, exertional asthma, and heaves (tonify the Lung).

TCM Properties: Traditional Chinese Medicine believe Panax quinquefolius as Yin (shadow, cold, negative, female) energy, which cleans excess Yan and calm the body. This type of root is highly prized in Chinese societies.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Asian and American ginsengs are used to restore vital energy in the body. However, American ginseng is considered to have more cooling or calming qualities, as opposed to Asian ginseng's more heating or stimulating properties. According to TCM theory, American ginseng is used to calm the ailing respiratory or digestive systems and as therapy for diabetes or "thirsty" syndromes, and may be preferred in warmer climates.
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

Adaptogen Normalizing system levels:

American Ginseng is an adaptogen having a sedative effect on the central nervous system. This herb grows in the northeast America. it is found from Michigan and Wisconsin, south to northern Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma. A heavy concentration lies in the Appalachian Mountains, although wild American Ginseng is considered endangered. Ginseng was valued by the native American Indians long before the white men began to popularize it. Wild American Ginseng gained its notoriety in the 1700s, when a French Jesuit priest returned to Paris with a sample he had found in southern Canada. Sensing the potential profits from the plant, Jesuits sent missionaries to Canada to find more of it, and for several years the Jesuits shipped tons of American Ginseng to China. In 1784, George Washington reported using pack horses for carrying Ginseng. Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett are said to have made large sums of money in Ginseng trafficking. American Ginseng became a lucrative crop, and not unlike the gold during the gold rush of California, the wild Ginseng was almost wiped out along the Eastern seaboard due to overharvesting. American Ginseng, compared to panax (Korean ginseng), is one of the most popular forms of ginseng being used today, and the most expensive. Normalizing system levels of the body, American Ginseng has been used to lower cholesterol, increase energy levels, balance the metabolism, and stimulate the immune system.

American ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles.The type and ratio of ginsenosides are somewhat different in American and Asian ginseng. The extent to which this affects their medicinal properties is unclear. A recent preliminary trial with healthy volunteers found no benefit in exercise performance after one week of taking American ginseng.

American ginseng has not been studied as extensively as Panax ginseng; but, in general, ginsengs are considered to be adaptogens, or substances that may help individuals adjust to physical and emotional stress. Frequently, American ginseng is added to sports supplements and beverages that are promoted to increase physical performance. In small studies, however, products containing American ginseng did not show any benefit over placebo (inactive sugar pills) for athletes who took it.

Relieve respiratory problems:

The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties found in American Ginseng may also be used to help reduce fevers and relieve respiratory problems, including dry coughing and wheezing. American Ginseng is considered to have more 'cooling' properties than its Asian counterparts. It is only used after the roots are at least four years old. Despite its being very difficult to cultivate, some farmers have succeeded.
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

Nomalize Glucose and Help Slim and diabetes:

Studies have shown American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) helps increase energy as well as normalize glucose levels after eating.Example formulations such as Slim Metabolic Burner, is in the category of thermogenesis, where metabolism increases and allows you to use the food you eat more effectively. The three main ingredients in this product are: American Ginseng, Adventra-Z, and Forslean. This product is intended for those who already have a slow metabolism due to being overweight.Studies have shown American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) helps increase energy as well as normalize glucose levels after eating. Adventra-Z, an extract of citrus fruit (C. aurantium), increases the metabolic rate without affecting the heart rate or blood pressure like others. ForsLean, an extract of the Coleus forskohlii plant which produces forskolin. Forskolin, in several studies has shown promise to enhance lean body mass as well as improve body composition. These two functions result in fat and or weight loss. The remaining ingredients: Chromium, Pantathonic Acid and Apple Cider Vinegar optimize the first three ingredients to provide an improved performance.Normally this combination formulated similarly as:American Ginseng Ext.250 mgs,Citrus Extract.200 mgs,Forslean 20%,Coleus Forskohlii Extract 200 Mg,Chromium Pilconate 75 Mcg,Pantothenic Acid 50 Mg,Apple Cider Vinegar 150 Mg

In a small pilot study, 3 grams of American ginseng was found to lower the rise in blood sugar following the consumption of a drink high in glucose by people with type 2 diabetes.The study found no difference in blood sugar lowering effect if the herb was taken either 40 minutes before the drink or at the same time. A follow-up to this study found that increasing the amount of American ginseng to either 6 or 9 grams did not increase the effect on blood sugar following the high-glucose drink in people with type 2 diabetes.This study also found that American ginseng was equally effective in controlling the rise in blood sugar if it was given up to two hours before or together with the drink.

Recent work carried out at the University of Toronto has shown that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is able to prevent the spike in blood sugar that follows a meal. A daily dosage of 500 mg (taken with breakfast) should be sufficient

Three new studies, performed jointly by researchers at the University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and the University of Ottawa, show that American ginseng can lower blood-sugar levels in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

In the first study, researchers gave nine subjects with type II diabetes and 10 nondiabetic subjects either 3 g American ginseng or placebo, followed by a 25 g oral glucose solution. Both ginseng groups experienced an 18 percent to 22 percent reduction in postprandial glycemia (blood-sugar levels after carbohydrate consumption) compared with placebo. In the nondiabetic subjects, ginseng lowered postprandial blood sugar only when taken 40 minutes prior to the glucose challenge. In diabetic subjects, ginseng lowered postprandial sugar whether administered 40 minutes prior to, or together with, the glucose challenge.

In the second study, researchers compared different doses of American ginseng~3, 6 and 9 g~in diabetic subjects. They found that ginseng caused the same postprandial blood-sugar lowering results at each dose, and at any time from 0 to 120 minutes before the glucose challenge.

Researchers in the third study aimed to replicate the first two studies' results using a lower ginseng dose in nondiabetic patients. Twelve healthy individuals received 1, 2 or 3 g American ginseng or placebo at 40, 20, or 10 minutes before or along with a glucose challenge. They found no significant differences between the three doses~each lowered postprandial glucose levels an average of 11.4 percent. As in the first study, ginseng was effective only when taken 40 minutes prior to the glucose challenge.

The somewhat disparate results of these three studies can be summarized as follows: In both healthy and diabetic people, doses as small as 1 g American ginseng can lower the glycemic response after carbohydrate consumption. Although administration time does not seem to be an issue for diabetics, ginseng regulates glycemia in healthy people most effectively when taken 40 minutes before carbohydrate consumption.

The results of these studies are important because of mounting evidence that postprandial hyperglycemia poses a significant health risk to both diabetic and nondiabetic people. Poor control of postprandial glucose levels is a diabetic risk factor for developing vascular complications, such as atherosclerosis,6 and researchers have found that nondiabetics with higher postprandial blood-sugar levels were more likely to develop diabetes and to die of cardiovascular disease.

Questions remain as to the mechanisms behind ginseng's hypoglycemic action. The Toronto researchers concluded from animal experiments that ginseng slows digestion, stimulates insulin secretion, and enhances nitric oxide-mediated uptake of glucose into cells.3 Each of these mechanisms offers a plausible explanation for ginseng's ability to lower blood-glucose levels, although the latter two mechanisms may better explain why ginseng works in nondiabetics when taken 40 minutes prior to a glucose challenge.

Further research is needed to determine ginseng's optimal dose and whether other species, such as P. ginseng or P. notoginseng, are equally effective in modulating blood-glucose levels. Until then, it is safe for those concerned about glycemic control to take 1 to 3g American ginseng, in capsules or as a tea, at least 40 minutes prior to a meal with carbohydrates. It will probably become evident with further research that specific timing of ginseng intake is not necessary and that regular use between meals (e.g., 1 g, three times/day) is sufficient to provide ongoing blood-sugar control.
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

Anti-Fatigue and Oxygen Booster:

American Ginseng may also be used to alleviate fatigue, relieve nervousness and reduce stress, especially after acute illnesses. American Ginseng increases oxygenation to the cells and tissues, stimulating the regeneration of damaged cells. For this reason, American Ginseng is commonly used to enhance the feeling of overall well being, stimulating the nervous system, brain and heart.

American ginseng may have several other significant effects in the body. For example, in small studies of humans, taking American ginseng has appeared to lower blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Non-diabetic study participants also experienced reductions in blood sugar levels, although their reductions were smaller than those seen in individuals with diabetes. Results from one small study in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed that American ginseng combined with ginkgo biloba may help to control disruptive behavior associated with ADHD.

American ginseng has also been found in animal and laboratory studies to protect nerve cells from damage caused by a lack of oxygen. In humans, this effect could help prevent or limit impairment from strokes and nerve-damaging conditions such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease. None of these potential effects have been studied well enough to recommend the use of American ginseng to treat any of these conditions, however.

Estrogen Effects:

American ginseng is thought to have estrogen-like components that ordinarily may worsen hormone-dependent conditions such as some types of breast cancer. Laboratory studies, though, have shown that it may have a cancer-fighting effect for certain breast cancer cells. Both the methods used to process American ginseng and possible fungal contamination may contribute to its potential estrogenic effects. Further studies of American ginseng possible use as add-on therapy for breast cancer and investigations of its potential to relieve symptoms of menopause are underway.

Herbs That May Help Manage Stress:

Of the five botanical extracts included in Anti-Stress Formula, Siberian and American ginsengs deserve special attention.Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract,Gotu Kola extract,Wild Yam and Norwegian Kelp,complex Vitamins,minerals such as Calcium,Phosphorus,Magnesium,Zinc,Selenium,Copper,Manganese used also.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was widely used by many Native American tribes to support health of a wide range of systems, particularly digestive and sexual function. American ginseng contains ginsenosides, which stimulate the immune system and fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) has been used by the people of the Siberian taiga region for millennia, to increase physical vitality and quality of life in a physically stressful environment. The constituents in eleuthero that have received the most attention have been named eleutherosides. Seven primary eleutherosides have been identified, with most of the research attention focusing on eleutherosides B and E. Eleuthero also contains complex polysaccharides which play a critical role in eleuthero ability to support immune function.

Reducing postprandial glycemia:

A random-crossover design study of 12 healthy individuals in 2001 demonstrated the effect of panax quinquefolius in reducing postprandial glycemia. The effect was time dependent, and not dose dependent, and only seen when the ginseng was administered 40 minutes prior to a glucose challenge.The authors indicate that while this study was done on healthy subjects, the therapeutic implications for ginseng as monotherapy or part of multiple therapy for persons with type 2 diabetes is compelling.
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

Increasing energy, strength, and immune function:

A dietary supplement is provided that comprises creatine combined with ginseng and astragalus and, optionally, glutamine. The dietary supplement enhances the general energy boost and muscular strength increase achieved from the consumption of creatine alone, while also increasing immune function.

Uses and Commercial Importance:

The genus Panax contains 11 species according to recent study and is considered to be a source of some of the worlds premier PAT (panacea-adaptogen-tonic) plants. A panacea, briefly defined, is a cure-all; an adaptogen enhances adaptation to stress; and a tonic improves strength and well-being. Members of the genus have earned these reputations as a consequence of a long history of cultural use in eastern Asia and the Pacific Rim. The two most widely used species, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), are native to eastern Asia and eastern North America respectively. Both are considered to be the most valuable members of the genus, from a therapeutic standpoint, and thus form the basis of the international ginseng trade.

The health-promoting properties associated with consumption of American ginseng as a food, beverage, or supplement continues to receive an increasing amount of scientific interest and scrutiny worldwide. Such studies have generally yielded favorable results, with many traditional claims corroborated by modern research. These positive findings, in turn, continue to drive demand, even in countries where ginseng does not have a history of cultural use. The whole root has the greatest commercial demand and, therefore, is the item most sought after by collectors. This is true even though all parts-leaves, fruit, and root-have been shown to contain various ginsenosides (the chemical constituents that are believed to be most responsible for the beneficial properties of ginseng). Trade in wild ginseng has remained important throughout the past century despite the fact that the species was introduced into horticulture in the late-nineteenth century and has since been cultivated intensively in artificial-shade gardens and plantations. These "gardens" can cover many acres, and their benefit to growers is that plants can be rapidly grown (in 3-5 years) at high densities by optimizing cultural conditions.

Widespread collection of American ginseng root from Pennsylvania forestlands was noted as early as 1783 and has undoubtedly contributed much to the economic prosperity of the Commonwealth over the years. During the 15-year period from 1989 to 2004, for example, over 38,000 pounds of harvested and dried root were reported from Pennsylvania (Table 1). Using an average (and often conservative) price of $300/lb paid to collectors for dried root, the contribution of the ginseng trade to Pennsylvania's economy can be estimated at more than $11 million dollars during this era, and this figure does not include the income received from downstream and value-added processing. From such estimates, American ginseng is clearly one of the Commonwealth's premier, yet little-acknowledged, natural resources.
American Ginseng Extract INCI Name Panax quinquefolius extract CAS 090045-38-8 Panax quinquefolium extract Ginsenosides photo picture image

Clinical Trials:

There are few controlled clinical trials using American ginseng products. In one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of eight athletic volunteers, a noncommercial American ginseng extract in a daily dose of 8 - 16 mg/kg for 7 days failed to enhance physical performance as measured by a cycle ergometer. There were no significant differences compared to placebo in any of the outcome measures, which included oxygen uptake, heart rate, time to exhaustion, lactate and glucose concentrations, and rating of perceived exertion.

In a series of randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled stud-ies by the same investigators, a single dose of American ginseng was found to reduce post-prandial glycemia by about 10-20%. Effects were not found to be dose dependent. In healthy subjects, 1-3 g doses reduced glycemia when given at least 40 minutes before a glucose load. In type-II diabetics, 3-9 g doses were tested and found to reduce glycemia when given with, or up to 2 hours prior to, a glucose load.

Pharmacokinetics:

When taken orally, ppd-type ginsenosides are mostly metabolized by intestinal bacteria (anaerobes) to ppd monoglucoside, 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (M1).In humans, M1 is detected in plasma from 7 hours after the intake of ppd-type ginsenosides and in urine from 12 hours after the intake. These findings indicate that M1 is the final metabolite of ppd-type ginsenosides.
M1 is referred to in some articles as IH-901 , and in others as compound-K.

Pharmacological and clinical studies conducted over the past 40 years, primarily with Panax ginseng, have focused on radio protective, antitumor, antiviral, and metabolic effects; antioxidant activities; nervous system and reproductive performance; effects on cholesterol and lipid metabolism, and endocrinological activity (Ng and Yeung, 1986; S. Shibata et aL, 1985). Additional studies and important review articles on the pharmacology and clinical applications of ginseng species are found in the American Botanical Council's Botanical Series monograph #303 (Asian ginseng).

Staba and Chen (1979) reviewed major pharmacological activity associated with ginseng (species not specified). Small doses of the ginsenoside Rg I tend toward a CNS stimulating effect. Large doses of the same compound depress the CNS. Adaptogenic and performance enhancing effects reported have included adaptation to dark, high and low temperatures, and work efficiency. Anti-fatigue activity has been demonstrated by swimming capacity of mice. Peripheral and neurogenic stimulation of the adrenal cortex by ginseng is suggested as a possible mechanism for coping with stress. Used externally, skin regeneration and anti-wrinkling effects have been reported. Ginseng has been shown to counteract the toxic effects of chloroform, amphetamines, and other toxins. Studies suggest it prolongs the life span of mice exposed to X-rays. Ginseng has been reported to increase the weight of seminal vesicles and prostate glands, and increase sperm counts and pregnancies. Various studies have shown that ginseng may both increase and decrease body temperature. Small doses have exhibited a tendency to increase body weight, large doses have a tendency to decrease body weight. In rat experiments, stimulation of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis has been reported. See Staba and Chen (1979) for additional details.

Reference:

1.American ginseng,how to use this magic tonic from the past.

last edit date:8th,Mar.2010.

Available Product

Name:American Ginseng Extract
Serie No:P005.
Specifications:5:1 TLC
INCI Name:PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUS EXTRACT
EINECS/ELINCS No.:N/A
CAS:090045-38-8
Chem/IUPAC Name:Panax quinquefolius extract is an extract of the roots of the american ginseng,Panax quinquefolius,Araliaceae.

Supplying Conditions