Single Herb Monographs: Ginseng
GINSENG (ASIAN) (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng, or Ren Shen as it is most commonly known in the Chinese herbal pharmacopeia, is derived from the root of the ginseng plant. Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also includes the closely related American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and less similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero.
Despite an extensive body of research evaluating ginseng for a variety of uses,[1] Panax ginseng has not been shown conclusively to benefit any of the conditions studied. However, scientific studies have shown that ginseng can reduce the risk of some forms of cancer, [2], [3] improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes, [4] help those in poor physical condition to tolerate exercise better, [5] relieve fatigue and possibly stress, [6] and may prove useful for male infertility [7] and erectile dysfunction. [8], [9]
Ginseng’s actions in the body are thought to be due to a complex interplay of constituents including saponins, essential oil, phytosterol, carbohydrates and sugars, organic acids, nitrogenous substances, amino acids and peptides, vitamins and minerals. The primary group is the saponins, called ginsenosides. Thirteen ginsenosides have been identified in Asian ginseng. Two of them, ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1, have been closely studied. [10]
In Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ren Shen is considered a sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly warm herb, which specifically affects the Lung and Spleen meridians. [11] It is a tonic used to increase strength, increase blood volume, promote vitality and appetite, and quiet the spirit. It is used alone or in prescriptions containing numerous other Chinese herbs for general weakness, anemia, lack of appetite, chronic diarrhea, organ prolapse, shortness of breath with spontaneous perspiration, wheezing, nervous agitation, forgetfulness, insomnia, thirst, and impotence.
NCCAM