What Ginseng does
The biochemical mechanisms of ginseng remain unclear, although there is extensive literature that deals with its effects on the brain (memory, learning, and behavior), neuroendocrine function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, immune function, and the cardiovascular system. Reports are often contradictory, perhaps because the ginsenoside content of ginseng root or root extracts can differ, depending on the species, method of extraction, subsequent treatment, or even the season of collection. Ginseng does have the potential to help with blood sugar levels. Click Panax ginseng for more information.

Ginseng Extract Laboratory and Human Studies
Let’s examine some of the studies done with ginseng.
       
Ginseng extract and Cognitive functioning
Various tests of mental performance were carried out in a group of sixteen healthy male volunteers given a standardized preparation of Asian ginseng (100 mg twice a day for twelve weeks of a product called G 115). A similar group was given identical placebo capsules under double-blind conditions. A favorable effect of ginseng was observed in attention, mental arithmetic, logical deduction, and auditory reaction time. Researchers at the Cognitive Drug Research Ltd., Beech Hill, Reading, in the United Kingdom evaluated the effects of a Ginkgo biloba / ginseng combination on cognitive function. The study lasted ninety days and was performed in a double blind, placebo-controlled manner with sixty-four healthy volunteers (aged 40 to 65 years) who had mild fatigue and low mood. The treatment was well tolerated by all volunteers. There were improvements noted in memory and overall cognitive functioning. Ginseng root saponin at a dose of 50 mg three times a day was given for two months to 358 middle and old age individuals. The results showed that the herb improved memory and immunity.

Ginseng, Antioxidants, and Lipids
The administration of several grams of ginseng daily increases the ability of the body to maintain its antioxidant status. Furthermore, lipid levels such as LDL cholesterol are lowered (Kim, 2003).

Ginseng as an Adaptogen?
Adaptogen is a term coined to loosely define certain herbs that help improve energy, vitality, mood, wellbeing, etc. Users of this term imply that these adaptogens are healthy to take and may prolong life, although there usually is little research to back up these claims. I prefer not to use the term adaptogen since it does not have a reliable scientific definition. Most who take ginseng notice an improvement in energy, vitality, sexual enjoyment, and mental clarity.

Availability of Ginseng and Ginseng extract
Countless varieties and dosages of ginseng and ginseng extract are available, including panax ginseng, red korean ginseng, American ginseng, etc. One option is to buy a ginseng product that has a standardized extract of 3 to 7 percent ginsenosides. Use 100 mg of this extract in the morning a few times a week. You may require 500 to 2,000 mg of he dried ginseng root to feel the effects. It’s best to cycle the use of ginseng. For instance, you can take ginseng for two weeks and then take off a few weeks or take it every other day.

Ginseng Side Effects
Insomnia is a common side effect from ginseng overuse, particularly Asian ginseng — especially when it’s combined in high doses with other herbs or nutrients that cause alertness. Althea, a 38 year-old owner of a garden shop in Maui, says, "I took ginseng that was recommended by a Chinese physician for fatigue. I took the ginseng for two weeks. I felt really better emotionally, mellow, and with increased energy. Then I started to have increased sleep problems and insomnia. I went three days being so mentally and physically overstimulated that I hardly got any sleep. I imagine this is what being on "speed" must feel like. I stopped taking the ginseng and within two days I slowly returned to my normal state."
   This story confirms our recommendations that dosages of nutrients and herbs have to be constantly evaluated since they can build up in the system.

Mechanisms of Action of Ginseng
The roots of Chinese and American ginseng contain several saponins named ginsenosides that are believed to contribute to their properties. Saponins are interesting natural compounds found in many plants, herbs, roots, and beans. They are used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve stamina and combat fatigue and stress. Saponins have potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases of the heart and circulatory system. For instance, they inhibit the formation of lipid peroxides (fat oxidation) in cardiac muscle and in the liver. Saponins also influence the function of enzymes; decrease blood coagulation, cholesterol, and sugar levels in the blood; and stimulate the immune system. Some saponins may even have anti-tumor properties. Recent studies in laboratory animals have shown that both the Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to the direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. There is good evidence that ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of penile corpus cavernosa. Moreover, the effects of ginseng on the corpus cavernosa appear to be mediated by the release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and from nerves that surround the vessels. Treatment with American ginseng also affects the central nervous system and has been shown to significantly alter the activity of hypothalamic catecholamines, such as dopamine and norephinephrine, involved in the facilitation of copulatory behavior and hormone secretion. According to recent findings, that ginseng treatment decreases prolactin secretion, which also suggests a direct effect of ginseng at the level of the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin inhibit libido. Studies sometimes have provided contradictory results, perhaps because the ginsenoside content of ginseng root or root extracts can differ depending on the species, method of extraction, subsequent treatment, or even the season of collection.

Ginseng Information Summary
Many people who take ginseng or ginseng extract find this herb to be a good overall energizer and cognitive enhancer. Due to the tremendous variety of ginseng products sold, it is difficult to give definite dosage recommendations. You could certainly try a few ginseng products to see which one(s) give you a positive effect. In practical and simple terms, Asian ginseng raises body temperature and is more stimulating while American ginseng is more calming. The effects of Siberian ginseng fall somewhere between these two.

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Ginseng information questions
Q. Can Asian ginseng be taken the same day as royal jelly.
   A. Ginseng is stimulating in nature, so is royal jelly, therefore less of a dose is needed if both are taken together.

Q. I am on an anticoagulant warfarin and want to take ginseng. Is ginseng okay to take with an anticoagulant?
   A. Doctors place patients on an anticoagulant usually for serious conditions, and most people who are on anticoagulants have atrial fibrillation or potential cardiac problem. Hence, it may not be a good idea to take a stimulating herb such as ginseng with an anticoagulant.

Q. Is ginseng liquid better than ginseng powder in a capsule? I find ginseng in capsule difficult to swallow since I have trouble with pill swallowing.
   A. We don't see a major difference in clinical effects between liquid ginseng and ginseng in capsule form. However, liquid ginseng may be appropriate to those who have trouble swallowing pills.