Ginseng
(Panax Ginseng)

Ginseng is the root of the perennial herbs of Panax quinquefolium and Panax ginseng which contain a series of tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins (ginsenosides) as active ingredients.

Modern therapeutic claims refer to vitality, immune function, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, improvement of cognitive performance, age-related memory loss, physical performance and sexual function.

This herb comes in two forms, white and red. The description is used to distinguish the way they are processed.  White ginseng is harvested after four to six years and then dried in the air. Red ginseng is harvested after six years and steamed. Their colours come from their different processing methods.

It is considered a tonic or adaptogen that enhances physical performance (including sexual), promotes vitality and increases resistance to stress and aging. Ginseng (Panax, American and Siberian) are considered to be an adaptogen, chemical substances that can help the body cope with stress.

Ginseng is believed to reduce the recovery time from surgery and various disease conditions.

The main active components are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.

Some initial studies suggest that the supplement can lower cholesterol and triglycerides in our body but it does not seem to have any direct benefit on cardiovascular health and heart disease. Studies also suggests that the supplement can lower blood sugar levels and promote insulin release. Some experts suggest it would be useful in treating people with non-insulin dependent diabetes (type 2) as it may reduce the need for prescription medications.

One interesting research study showed that the herb has antiviral activity. It seems to block the enzyme in the HIV needed to cover the virus genetic material (RNA) into a format (DNA) that could invade and infect our cells.

Because of its purported effects and apparently low rate of side effects, it remains one of the top selling natural product remedies in the United State.

Orally

Topically (on the skin)

In many research studies, human subjects using this herb reported very few side effects.

The most commonly reported side effect is insomnia. Other less common but possible side effects include high blood pressure, diarrhea, restlessness, mastalgia and one case of vaginal bleeding.

When used as a cream application on the penis, there may be a burning or stinging sensation. It may also desensitize the penis and thus delay ejaculation.

Safe - In appropriate doses, the herb is shown to be safe in many research studies.

Pregnancy and Lactation - There is limited studies. Avoid taking during pregnancy and breastfeeding when possible.

Children - Exercise caution if using in children as it might act as a stimulant.
     

Warfarin / Blood Thinning Medications - caution

Research studies in human does not show this herb to affect blood clotting. However, studies done in laboratory settings shows it to reduce blood clotting.

Let your doctor monitor your PT or INR levels when starting or stopping this supplement. These would include Aspirin (ASA), Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine) and others.

Diabetic Medications / Insulin - caution

This herb may lower blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently when you are starting or stopping the herb. These would include Diabeta (glyburide), Glucophage (metformin), Actos (pioglitazone), Avandia (rosiglitazone), Amaryl (glimepiride), Diamicron (glicazlide), Humulin and Novolin insulins, and others.

Cyclosporine / Immune Suppressing Medications - theoretical

This herb is suspected to stimulate the immune system. Thus, in theory, it might counteract the effects of immune suppressing medications.

These would include Neoral or Sandimmune (cyclosporine), CellCept (mycophenolate), Prograf (tacrolimus), Deltasone (prednisone) and many others.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - caution

This herb has been reported to increase blood pressure at a low dose but can decrease blood pressure at higher doses. Consult a healthcare professional and monitor your blood pressure when starting or stopping this supplement.

Autoimmune Disease - caution

This herb seems to stimulate the immune system. In people with an immune disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis or ezcema (ectopic dermatitis), it may worsen the condition.

Use with caution under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

       

Available as capsules, tablets, fresh root (to make tea), dried root, tincture and extract. When possible, buy standardized extract so you know how much of the active ingredients (ginsenosides) will be contained in the pill.

Typical standardized extract of 200 mg of ginseng contains 4 to 5% ginsenosides.

Dosage of 4.5 grams daily for 12 weeks have been used.

Dosage of 100 mg and upwards taken daily have been used to prevent colds and flu. To get the maximum benefit, start taking the herb 1 week up to a 4 weeks before the beginning of the flu season.

Dosage of 1000 mg (1 gram) taken three times daily have been used.

Dosage of 200 mg once daily have been used to manage Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent). In one study, the researcher concluded that 3 grams was the maximum; any higher dosage would not reduce blood sugar levels further.

Dosage of 3 grams/65 kg of body weight daily seems to reduce blood alcohol levels by 35% to 51%.

Apply 0.20 grams of the SS-cream (which also contains many other herbs including cinnamon bark) to the glans penis 1 hour before sexual intercourse.

Selected References for Ginseng
Revised: December 15, 2009