What is a Ginseng?
Ginseng is a dried root of one of several species of
the Araliaceae family of herbs. The Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the most
commonly used type which is often sold as Panax, Chinese or Korean ginseng.
 |
| Photo: Ginseng Root | InStyleHealth |
Another type of ginseng which is closely related to the
Asian ginseng is the Panax quinquefolius L. or better known as the American
ginseng. The American ginseng is sometimes the preferred choice due to its
milder effects.
A ginseng called eleuthero a Siberian ginseng
(Eleutherococcus Senticosus Rupr ex Maxim), although isn’t as closely related
to the other types of ginseng and this type contains a series of unrelated compounds.
The Eleuthero is also considered weaker in action and
is a less expensive ingredient according to experts.
Foods containing ginseng and dietary supplements are
typically made from a powder or extract of the ginseng root.
Health Benefits and Uses of Ginseng
Ginseng has been widely known and used in the United
States to improve the overall vitality and energy of a person during times of
fatigue or stress.
Although there is not much clinical research to
support the energy boosting effect of ginseng, but there are studies showing
its efficacy in normalizing levels of glucose after meals in diabetics,
stimulation of the immunity function, treating male erectile dysfunction, and
improving memory and symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) in children.
Ginsenosides are the plant chemicals in ginseng are
believed to play a vital role in ginseng’s activity. These plant chemicals are
considered “marker” compounds for ginseng that its presence and chemical
profile can determine the type and quality of ginseng in a product.