Panax ginseng: The very sound of this word brings to mind ancient Chinese monks, young at heart, gently smiling as they brew tea from the medicinal root in a mist-shrouded mountain monastery. Yes, ginseng is something like the mother of all medicinal plants – at least in Asia. Yet its numerous positive health effects have long been recognized in Europe and Western medicine as well.
How it all began
It was not the Chinese who discovered ginseng as a medicinal plant, but the Koreans. However, the Chinese began large-scale cultivation of the small shrub from the Araliaceae family as early as the Middle Ages and, like the Koreans, integrated it into their traditional medicine. This required a great deal of patience, as ginseng grows very slowly – the medically interesting root of Panax ginseng grows only about one centimeter per year.
The rule here is: the older the ginseng root, the more precious and effective it is. For this reason, it is only harvested between the fourth and sixth year after planting. This is followed by crop rotation or a fallow period of up to 15 years. This elaborate cultivation is surely why Panax ginseng was once said to be worth its weight in gold and reserved exclusively for emperors and kings.
Western medicine also relies on ginseng
But the “man-root” – translated literally – does not hold its status as perhaps the best-known Asian medicinal plant solely due to legends about gold or its complex cultivation. No, there is actually a great deal contained in this slow-growing tuber. After gaining more attention in Europe only in the 17th century, Western medicine has long since recognized its potential and conducted numerous studies. Even if many questions remain unanswered, ginseng is one of the best-researched plants in existence.
What is inside?
The most important ingredients in ginseng are called ginsenosides, of which 150 different types have already been discovered. They improve general well-being and activate the body’s own resistance and regenerative powers, including during convalescence. The performance-enhancing effect of ginseng helps both body and mind to cope better with stress. Furthermore, its neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties make Panax ginseng an all-rounder. The concentration of these very ginsenosides is therefore crucial for the quality of the medicinal plant.
Studies on Panax ginseng
Numerous promising studies point to the all-rounder potential of ginseng, as the individual ginsenosides actually have completely different effects in the body. In addition, the concentration and composition of ginsenosides vary greatly depending on the species of ginseng. For example, the most extensively studied Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) shows significant differences in ginsenosides compared to American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus).
Only the root of Panax ginseng is used as a medicinal drug, which must provide a minimum content of ginsenosides. Depending on the production process, a distinction is made between white and red ginseng. If the ginseng is white, it has been sun-dried. Red ginseng is first treated with steam, which accounts for its red color, and then dried.
What are ginsenosides and how do they work?
Ginsenosides belong to the saponins, which are secondary plant compounds that possess many health-promoting properties. It is assumed that ginsenosides are part of ginseng's defense mechanism, as they have antimicrobial effects, among others.
The best data currently exists regarding fatigue and stress. In a study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester involving cancer patients under significant physical and psychological stress, stress tolerance was significantly increased by the active ingredients in ginseng. After eight weeks of taking a high-quality ginseng supplement, the patients simply felt better than the control group that received a placebo.
Panax ginseng and the brain
The brain, in particular, seems to benefit from ginseng. In another series of tests, it was found that certain cognitive functions can be improved by taking ginseng. This is especially true for memory performance, but also for general concentration and the ability to learn. Combining ginseng with ginkgo enhances the effect even further. In short, ginseng can help reduce stress and boost our memory performance. A hopeful prospect that future clinical studies aim to substantiate. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which have many health-promoting effects on well-being, and has a strong antioxidant effect.
The immune booster
Studies show that the polysaccharides it contains stimulate the immune system. Ginseng can be very helpful, especially during the cold months. In a series of tests in the USA, the probability of catching a cold decreased by more than half with regular use of ginseng products. If the test subjects did catch a cold, the symptoms lasted only half as long as usual.
Who should take Panax ginseng?
Since Panax ginseng has numerous positive effects on general well-being, it is suitable for anyone who leads an active lifestyle and wants to live healthily. Those who are physically and mentally challenged in their daily lives and want to increase their stress tolerance are well-advised to take ginseng. But even if you are frequently plagued by colds, ginseng has been proven to be a good way to prevent them.
• Are you interested in products containing ginseng? You can find them here.
