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(See also: Indian Ginseng)

Korean ginseng is an ancient anti-stress remedy which also increases protein synthesis and improves the perform-ance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

The active ingredients in the plant are called ginsenosides, and these chemicals are responsible for ginseng’s remarkably variety of health benefits.  Ginseng is called an adaptogen because it helps the body adapt to stressful conditions. 

By easing the body into a state of balance, ginseng allows the body to heal itself and achieve optimal performance of all its systems.

 

(See What the University of Maryland Medical Center
Says about Korean Ginseng)

 

 

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“Korean” ginseng, also called “red” ginseng, is Chinese ginseng which has been heated and marinated in other herbs to reinforce ginseng’s beneficial effects on sexual performance and increased energy.  The process strengthens the curative force present in natural Chinese ginseng.

Ginseng has the traditional reputation of being a “cure-all.”  It is the most commonly prescribed remedy in Chinese herbal medicine.  Among ginseng’s numerous health benefits are increased energy, brain function, fertility, and sexual performance; a better immune system; relief from menopausal symptoms; prolonged physical endurance; and decreased stress.  Ginseng also shows promise as part of treatments for serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Ginseng has been proven to boost cognitive ability by improving blood circulation to the brain.  Tests show that subjects taking ginseng regularly receive benefits to memory, concentration, and reflexes.

The steroids in ginseng, including panaxitrol, resemble the natural anabolic steroids found in the bodies.  For this reason ginseng is used by athletes to increase energy and performance in place of anabolic steroid supplements which can cause unwanted hormone interactions.  According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness (see below), ginseng significantly improves muscle recovery after heavy exercise. 

For people with type II diabetes, ginseng has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels.  This makes ginseng a highly desirable treatment for diabetes since it is a natural supplement free of side effects, unlike prescription drugs. 

One study shows that ginseng may reduce the risk of cancer when taken over long periods of time (University of Maryland).  Types of cancer included are lung, liver, stomach, pancreatic, and ovarian.  Although there is no evidence that ginseng reduces the risk of other types of cancer such as colon cancer or breast cancer, some studies do show that ginseng can play a beneficial role in chemotherapy.

 

 

From the University of Maryland Medical Center:

Asian ginseng:
Also listed as: Asian ginseng; Asiatic ginseng; Chinese ginseng; Korean red ginseng; Oriental ginseng; Panax ginseng

Overview:
Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), on the other hand, although part of the same plant family called Araliaceae , is an entirely different plant. Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian ( Panax ginseng ) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ).

Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng is a light tan, gnarled root, sometimes resembling a human body, with stringy shoots that look like arms and legs. Hundreds of years ago, herbalists took this appearance to mean that ginseng could cure all human ills, and it has, in fact, been used as a "cure-all" in many different cultures. The Chinese view ginseng as the king of herbs -- one that brings longevity, strength, and wisdom to its users.

All three ginsengs (Asian, American, and Siberian) are regarded as adaptogens, substances that strengthen and normalize body functions, helping the body deal with various forms of stress. Ginseng may shorten the time that it takes to bounce back from illness or surgery, especially for elderly people. Research on Asian ginseng has included the following:

ALCOHOL INTOXICATION
Asian ginseng could be helpful in treating alcohol intoxication. The herb may accomplish this by speeding up the metabolism (break down) of alcohol, thus, allowing it to clear more quickly from the body (lowering blood alcohol content). Animal research also suggests that Asian ginseng may reduce the absorption of alcohol from the stomach.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Individual reports and animal studies indicate that Asian ginseng may slow the progression of Alzheimer's, decrease senility, and improve memory and behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed.

CANCER
Several clinical studies support the use of Asian ginseng in the treament and possible prevention of cancer. A study comparing groups of people over time suggests that regular intake of Asian ginseng may reduce the chances of getting various types of cancer, especially lung, liver, stomach, pancreatic, and ovarian. In this particular study, this benefit was not observed for breast, cervical, or bladder cancers. Preliminary results of other research suggest that Asian ginseng may improve treatment of colon cancer in animals. More research is needed.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Asian ginseng has been reported to improve the symptoms of heart disease in humans. Asian ginseng may decrease "bad" cholesterol levels and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol.

Asian ginseng may help improve blood pressure, although it is generally considered that you should avoid this substance if you have hypertension because it can raise blood pressure. In some studies of red Korean (Asian) ginseng, however, high doses of this herb actually lowered blood pressure. Some believe that the usual doses of ginseng may increase blood pressure while high doses may have the opposite effect of decreasing blood pressure. Much more information is needed in this area before a conclusion can be drawn. And, if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, it is not safe to try Asian ginseng on your own, without specific instructions from a knowledgeable clinician.

TYPE 2 DIABETES
Although American ginseng has been better researched for this purpose, both types of Panax ginsengs may lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

FERTILITY / SEXUAL PERFORMANCE
Asian ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sexual performance. However, studies in people to investigate this are limited. In animal studies, Asian ginseng has increased sperm production, sexual activity, and sexual performance. A study of 46 men has also shown an increase in sperm count as well as motility. Another study in 60 men found that Asian ginseng increased libido (sexual desire) and decreased erection problems.

IMMUNE SYSTEM ENHANCEMENT
Asian ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, which could, in theory, help the body fight off infection and disease. Several clinical studies report that Asian ginseng can improve immune function.

MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS
Two well-designed studies evaluating red Korean (Asian) ginseng suggest that this herb may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause, improving mood (particularly feelings of depression) and sense of well-being. The ginseng product was used in combination with a vitamin and mineral supplement..

MENTAL PERFORMANCE AND MOOD ENHANCEMENT
Individuals who use ginseng often report that they feel more alert. Several studies report that Asian ginseng can modestly improve thinking or learning. Early research shows that Asian ginseng may improve performance on such things as mental arithmetic, con-centration, memory, and other measures. More research in this area, although not easy to do, would be helpful. Effects have also been reported for the combination use of Asian ginseng with Ginkgo biloba .

On the other hand, scientific studies thus far do not support the theory that this herb changes your mood if you are otherwise healthy.

Mental performance has been assessed using standardized measurements of reaction time, concentration, learning, math, and logic. Benefits have been seen both in healthy young people and in older ill patients. However, some negative results have also been reported. Therefore, although the sum total of available scientific evidence does suggest some effectiveness of short-term use of Asian ginseng in this area, better research is necessary before a strong recommendation can be made.

PHYSICAL ENDURANCE
There have been quite a few studies using Asian ginseng for athletic performance in humans and laboratory animals. Results have not been consistent, with some studies showing increased strength and endurance, others showing improved agility or reaction time, and still others showing no effect at all. Nevertheless, athletes often take Asian ginseng to increase both endurance and strength. Asian ginseng was also found to decrease fatigue in a study of 332 patients.

RESPIRATORY DISEASE
In patients with severe chronic respiratory disease (such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis), daily treatment with Asian ginseng improved respiratory function, as evidenced by increased endurance in walking.

STRESS AND WELL-BEING
Asian ginseng has long been valued for its ability to help the body deal with stress. A study of 501 men and women living in Mexico City found significant improvements in quality of life measures (energy, sleep, sex life, personal satisfaction, well-being) in those taking Asian ginseng. Several human studies support the use of Asian ginseng to enhance well-being and increase the overall quality of life.

Plant Description
The ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a straight stem. Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the center and produce red berries. Wrinkles around the neck of the root tell how old the plant is. This is important because ginseng is not ready for use until it has grown for 4 - 6 years.

What's It Made Of?
Asian ginseng supplements are made from the ginseng root, and the long, thin offshoots, called root hairs. Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, saponins that are ginseng's active ingredients. In addition to ginsenosides, Asian ginseng also contains glycans (panaxans), polysaccharide fraction DPG-3-2, peptides, maltol, B vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.

Precautions
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Asian ginseng may cause nervousness or sleeplessness, particularly if taken at high doses. Other reported side effects include high blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, euphoria, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, nosebleed, breast pain, and vaginal bleeding.

To avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even in people without diabetes, Asian ginseng should be taken with food.

People with hypertension (high blood pressure) should not take Asian ginseng products without specific guidance and instruction from a qualified practitioner. At the same time, people with low blood pressure, as well as those with an acute illness, should use caution when taking Asian ginseng.

Safety of taking Asian ginseng during pregnancy is unknown. Therefore, it is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding. Asian ginseng may cause vaginal bleeding.

Asian ginseng should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery. Asian ginseng may act as a blood thinner, therefore increasing the risk of bleeding during or after a procedure.

Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use Asian ginseng without first talking to your health care provider:

Heart medications -- Asian ginseng may alter the effects of certain blood pressure medications, including calcium channel blockers.

Blood thinning medications -- Asian ginseng may decrease the effectiveness of the blood-thinning medication warfarin. In addition, ginseng may inhibit platelet activity. For this reason, it should probably not be used with aspirin.

Caffeine -- While taking Asian ginseng, it is wise to avoid caffeine or other substances that stimulate the central nervous system because the ginseng may increase their effects, possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular heartbeat.

Psychiatric medications -- Asian ginseng may exaggerate the effects of this anti-psychotic medication, so these should not be taken together. There have been reports of a possible interaction between Asian ginseng and the antidepressant medication, phenelzine (which belongs to a class known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors), resulting in symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to headache and tremulousness.

Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the pain killing effects of morphine.

Supporting Research
Adams LL, Gatchel RJ. Complementary and alternative medicine: applications and implications for cognitive functioning in elderly populations. Alt Ther. 2000;7(2):52-61.

Allen JD, McLung J, Nelson AG, et al. Ginseng supplementation does not enhance healthy young adults' peak aerobic exercise performance. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17(5):462-466.

Anderson GD, Rosito G, Mohustsy MA, et al. Drug interaction potential of soy extract and Panax ginseng. J Clin Pharmacol. 2003;43(6):643-648.

Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan C-S. Herbal medicines and perioperative care. JAMA . 2001;286(2):208-216.

Attele AS, Wu JA, Yuan CS. Ginseng pharmacology: multiple constituents and multiple actions. Biochem Pharmacol. 1999;58(11):1685-1693.

Awang DV. Maternal use of ginseng and neonatal androgenization. JAMA . 1991;266(3):363.

Bahrke M, Morgan P. Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng. Sports Medicine . 1994;18:229–248.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs . Newton, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:170-177.

Briggs CJ, Briggs GL. Herbal products in depression therapy. CPJ/RPC. November 1998;40-44.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions . 2nd ed. Sandy, Ore: Eclectic Medical; 1998:77.

Bucci LR. Selected herbals and human exercise performance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72(2 Suppl):624S-636S.

Carai MAM, Agabio R, Bombardelli E, et al. Potential use of medicinal plants in the treatment of alcoholism. Fitoterapia. 2000;71:S38-S42.

Cardinal BJ, Engels HJ. Ginseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:655-660.

Caso Marasco A, Vargas Ruiz R, Salas Villagomez A, et al. Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res . 1996;22(6):323-329.

Coleman CI, Hebert JH, Reddy P. The effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003;28(1):5-15.

Duda RB, Zhong Y, Navas V, et al. American ginseng and breast cancer therapeutic agents synergistically inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. J Surg Oncol. 1999;72(4):230-239.

Ernst E. The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: ginkgo, St. John's wort, ginseng, echinacea, saw palmetto, and kava. Ann Intern Med. 2002;136(1):42-53.

Ernst E, Cassileth BR. How useful are unconventional cancer treatments? Eur J Cancer . 1999;35(11):1608-1613.

Foster S. Asian Ginseng . Austin, Tex: The American Botanical Council; 1996.

Fugh-Berman A. Herb-drug interactions. Lancet . 2000;355:134-138.

Gyllenhaal C, Merritt SL, Peterson SD, et al. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Med Rev . 2000;4(2):229-251.

Han KH, Choe SC, Kim HS, et al. Effect of red ginseng on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension. Am J Chin Med . 1998;26(2):199-209.

Harkey MR, Henderson GL, Gershwin ME, et al. Variability in commercial ginseng products: an analysis of 25 preparations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;73:1101-1106.

Hartley DE, Elsabagh S, File SE. Gincosan (a combination of Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng): the effects on mood and cognition of 6 and 12 weeks' treatment in post-menopausal women. Nutr Neurosci . 2004;7(5-6):325-333.

Hartz AJ, Bentler S, Noyes R, et al. Randomized controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue. Psychol Med . 2004;34(1):51-61.

Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm . 2000;57(13):1221-1227.

Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, et al. A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report. J Urol. 2002;168(5):2070-2073.

Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: a systematic review. Drugs. 2001;61(15):2163-2175.

Jiang X, Williams KM, Liauw WS, et al. Effect of St John's wort and ginseng on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2004;57(5):592-599.

Kabalak AA, Soyal OB, Urfalioglu A, et al. Menometrorrhagia and tachyarrhythmia after using oral and topical ginseng. J Womens Health . (Larchmt ) 2004;13(7):830-833

Kelly GS. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. Alt Med Rev. 1999;4(4):249-265.

Lieberman HR. The effects of ginseng, ephedrine, and caffeine on cognitive performance, mood and energy. Nutr Rev. 2001;59(4):91-102.

Liu J, Burdette JE, Xu H, et al. Evaluation of estrogenic activity of plant extracts for the potential treatment of menopausal symptoms. J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(5):2472-2479.

Mantle D, Lennard TWJ, Pickering AT. Therapeutic applications of medicinal plants in the treatment of breast cancer: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev . 2000;19(3):2223-240.

Mantle D, Pickering AT, Perry AK. Medicinal plant extracts for the treatment of dementia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy, and tolerability. CNS Drugs . 2000;13:201-213.

Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med . 1998;158(20):2200–2211.

O'Hara M, Kiefer D, Farrell K, et al. A review of 12 commonly used medicinal herbs. Arch Fam Med . 1998;7(6):523-536.

Ohya T, Usui Y, Okamoto K, et al. Management for fistula-in-ano with Ginseng and Tang-kuei Ten Combination. Pediatr Int . 2004;46(1):72-76.

Ott BR, Owens NJ. Complementary and alternative medicines for Alzheimer's disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol . 1998;2:163-173.

Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, et al. Efficacy and safety of the standardized ginseng extract G 115 for potentiating vaccination against common cold and/or influenza syndrome. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1996;22(20:65-72.

Sinclaire S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations. Alt Med Rev. 2000;5(1):28-38.

Sun XB, Matsumoto T, Yamada H. Purification of immune complexes clearance enhancing polysaccharide from the leaves of Panax ginseng , and its biological activities. Phytomedicine . 1994;1:225-231.

Sung J, Han K-H, Zo J-H, et al. Effects of red ginseng upon vascular endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension. American Journal of Chinese Medicine . 2000;28(2):205-216.

Takahashi M, Tokuyama S. Pharmacological and physiological effects of ginseng on actions induced by opioids and psychostimulants. Meth Find Exp Clin Pharmacol . 1998;20(1):77-84.

Tode T, Kikuchi Y, Hirata J, et. al. Effect of Korean red ginseng on psychological functions in patients with severe climacteric syndromes. Int J Gynaecol Obstet . 1999;67:169-174.

Vaes LP, Chyka PA. Interactions of warfarin with garlic, ginger, ginkgo, or ginseng: nature of the evidence. Ann Pharmacother. 2000;34(12):1478-1482.

Vogler BK, Pittler MH, Ernst E. The efficacy of ginseng. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Eur J Clin Pharmacol . 1999;55:567-575.

Wargovich MJ. Colon cancer chemoprevention with ginseng and other botanicals. J Korean Med Sci. 2001;16 Suppl:S81-S86.

Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, et al. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pharm Res . 1999;19(3):89-99.

Yun TK, Choi SY. Preventive effect of ginseng intake against various human cancers: A case-control study on 1987 pairs. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1995;4:401-408.

Ziemba AW, Chmura J, Kaciuba-Uscilko H, et al. Ginseng treatment improves psychomotor performance at rest and during graded exercise in young athletes. Int J Sports Nutr. 1999;9(4):371-377.

Citations:

“The immunomodulator ginsan induces resistance to experimental sepsis by inhibiting Toll-like receptor-mediated inflammatory signals.”
Ahn,-J-Y; Choi,-I-S; Shim,-J-Y; Yun,-E-K; Yun,-Y-S; Jeong,-G; Song,-J-Y Citation: Eur-J-Immunol. 2006 Jan; 36(1): 37-45
Ginsan, a polysaccharide extracted from Panax ginseng, has multiple immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we show that pretreatment of ginsan (25 mug/kg) protected mice from lethality induced by Staphylococcus aureus challenge. This survival benefit was associated with enhanced bacterial clearance from circulation, spleen and kidney. The phagocytic activity of macrophages treated with ginsan was significantly enhanced against S. aureus. However, the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IFN-gamma, IL-12, and IL-18, was markedly down-regulated in ginsan-treated mice compared with those of control-infected mice. The expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and the adaptor molecule MyD88, which was greatly increased in septic macrophages, was significantly reduced by ginsan treatment in vitro. Similarly, the expression of phospho-JNK1/2, phospho-p38 MAPK, and NF-kappaB was decreased in the same culture system. These results illustrate that the antiseptic activity of ginsan can be attributed to enhanced bacterial clearance, and reduced proinflammatory cytokines via the TLR signaling pathway.

“Increase of insulin secretion by ginsenoside Rh2 to lower plasma glucose in Wistar rats.”
Lee,-W-K; Kao,-S-T; Liu,-I-M; Cheng,-J-T Citation: Clin-Exp-Pharmacol-Physiol. 2006 Jan-Feb; 33(1-2): 27-32
1. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of ginsenoside Rh2 as the active compound in Panax ginseng root for lowering plasma glucose in animals. 2. Plasma glucose was assessed using the glucose oxidase method. Changes in the levels of insulin and C-peptide in plasma were measured by ELISA using commercially available kits. 3. After intravenous injection into fasting Wistar rats for 60 min, ginsenoside Rh2 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) decreased plasma glucose in a dose-dependent manner. In parallel with the decrease in plasma glucose, increases in plasma insulin levels, as well as plasma C-peptide, were observed in rats receiving the same treatment. These effects of Rh2 were reversed by atropine (0.1-1.0 mg/kg), but not affected by the ganglionic nicotinic antagonists pentolinium or hexamethonium (both at 7.5 mg/kg). 4. Disruption of synaptically available acetylcholine (ACh) using an inhibitor of choline uptake (hemicholinium-3; 1-10 microg/kg) or an inhibitor of vesicular ACh transport (vesamicol; 1.5-3.5 mg/kg) abolished the actions of Rh2. In addition, physostigmine (0.1-0.5 mg/kg), at a concentration sufficient to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, enhanced the actions of the ginsenoside Rh2. Thus, mediation of the effects of Rh2 to enhance insulin secretion by ACh released from nerve terminals can be considered. 5. Blockade of the increase in plasma insulin and the plasma glucose-lowering action of Rh2 by 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperdine methiodide (4-DAMP; 5-10 microg/kg) indicates the participation of muscarinic M(3) receptors. Increases in plasma C-peptide level induced by Rh2 were also sensitive to 4-DAMP. 6. The results of the present study suggest that ginsenoside Rh2 has the ability to increase insulin secretion as a result of the release of ACh from nerve terminals that then stimulates muscarinic M(3) receptors in pancreatic cells. This finding shows the mechanism for the plasma glucose-lowering action of ginsenoside Rh2, that is one of the major principles contained in P. ginseng root. Thus, ginsenoside Rh2 may be applied as an adjuvant for the management of diabetes.

“Protection of Staphylococcus aureus-infected septic mice by suppression of early acute inflammation and enhanced antimicrobial activity by ginsan.”
Ahn,-J-Y; Song,-J-Y; Yun,-Y-S; Jeong,-G; Choi,-I-S Citation: FEMS-Immunol-Med-Microbiol. 2006 Mar; 46(2): 187-97
Ginsan, an acidic polysaccharide prepared from Panax ginseng, demonstrated multiple immunomodulatory effects in previous studies. This study was conducted to elucidate the antiseptic mechanism induced by ginsan in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus. When mice were treated with ginsan before the bacterial challenge with S. aureus, they were highly protected from sepsis-induced death. The numbers of S. aureus recovered from ginsan-treated mice were considerably lower than those recovered from nontreated mice. The in vivo depletion of monocytes/macrophages caused more S. aureus to be recovered from the bacteria-infected mice. Nevertheless, mice treated with both etoposide and ginsan were able to maintain an antibacterial activity. In addition, the phagocytic activity of ginsan-treated macrophage against S. aureus was considerably enhanced. The synthesis of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-18 and interferon gamma, was significantly downregulated at the early phase of sepsis in mice that were treated with ginsan before the bacterial challenge. Expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), including TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9, as well as the adaptor molecule MyD88, was considerably reduced in peritoneal macrophages that were treated with ginsan before a subsequent contact with S. aureus. These data indicated that ginsan protected mice from S. aureus-induced sepsis through the suppression of acute inflammatory responses at an early phase and the enhancement of antimicrobial activities at subsequent phases of infection.

“The glycaemic effects of single doses of Panax ginseng in young healthy volunteers.”
Reay,-J-L; Kennedy,-D-O; Scholey,-A-B Citation: Br-J-Nutr. 2006 Oct; 96(4): 639-42
The results of two acute placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over studies assessing the effect of Panax ginseng (G115) on blood glucose levels are reported. In study 1, thirty participants received three treatments: placebo; 200 mg G115; 400 mg G115. In study 2, twenty-seven participants received four treatments: placebo (0 mg ginseng and 30 mg saccharin); ginseng (200 mg ginseng and 30 mg saccharin); placebo-glucose (0 mg ginseng and 25 g oral glucose); ginseng-glucose (200 mg ginseng and 25 g oral glucose). Blood glucose levels were measured at baseline (at 09.00 hours after an overnight fast) and then 60, 90 (study 1 only) and 120 min post-dose. Both studies demonstrated that G115 alone significantly lowers fasting blood glucose levels. Conversely, in study 2 there was a significant drink x ginseng interaction suggesting opposing glycaemic effects of ginseng under fasting and raised blood glucose conditions. These data have implications for the use of ginseng in individuals with poor gluco-regulation.

“Short-term oral administration of ginseng extract induces type-1 cytokine production.”
Liou,-C-J; Huang,-W-C; Tseng,-J Citation: Immunopharmacol-Immunotoxicol. 2006; 28(2): 227-40
Ginseng radix (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a popular herbal medicine used as a major ingredient in tonic recipes in eastern Asian countries. In our study, male BALB/c mice were treated orally with various doses of ginseng root extract for 5 consecutive days. The extract reduced the serum level of IgG but elevated the level of IgA. Under in vitro condition, the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated spleen cells from the ginseng-treated mice also showed a significant decrease in IgG production but an increase in IgA production. The serum level and production of IgM was unaffected. The interleukin-2, interferon-gamma (Th1-type cytokines), and interleukin-10 (Tr1-type cytokine) production by Con A-stimulated spleen cells from the ginseng-treated mice showed an upregulation relative to the control group. However, the production of interleukin-4 (Th2-type cytokine) showed no significant change. The activity of natural killer cells was increased in the ginseng group, but the percentages of T-lymphocytes (CD3(+)) and CD4(+)8(-), CD4(-)8(+) subset were reduced. Thus, short-term oral administration of ginseng extract appears to enhance Th1-type cytokine production.

“Effects of Panax ginseng extract on exercise-induced oxidative stress.”
Kim,-S-H; Park,-K-S; Chang,-M-J; Sung,-J-H Citation: J-Sports-Med-Phys-Fitness. 2005 Jun; 45(2): 178-82
AIM: This study was designed to study the effects of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) on lipid peroxidation and scavenger enzymes induced by an acute exhaustive exercise in sedentary humans. METHODS: Seven healthy male subjects performed 2 exhaustive incremental exercises on the treadmill before and after 8 weeks' PGE ingestion (2 g each time, 3 times a day) as the control and PGE exercise, respectively. VO2, HR, and exercise duration during exercise were measured. Blood samples were collected at rest, and immediately, 10 and 30 min after each test and used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). RESULTS: PGE administration significantly increased exercise duration until exhaustion by 1.5 min (p<0.05). MDA was significantly elevated following both trials (p<0.01), however, it was attenuated after PGE administration (p<0.01). CAT and SOD activities following exercise were significantly elevated, but the activities following control exercise were much lower than those following PGE exercise. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the elevation in CAT and SOD activities as scavenger enzymes after PGE administration result in decrease of MDA level as one of PGE action mechanisms and consequently, prolong exercise duration until exhaustion. These findings support scientific claims that ginseng has ergogenic properties in facilitating recovery from exhaustive exercise.

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korean ginseng available from Good Health Group of America