American Ginseng

Scientific Facts About American Ginseng

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a popular herbal supplement with beneficial medicinal properties widely grown in some regions of the USA and Canada. It is a perennial herb. As a nootropic, both Asian ginseng (panax ginseng) and American ginseng have the active ingredient ginsenosides and are effective for improving cognition, but American ginseng is different from Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and the differences may be in the chemical composition and in the concentration of active ingredients across the two species. However, the Panax Ginseng species is said to be more stimulating than the American Ginseng plant. Studies found that American ginseng enhances cognitive performance and increases calmness in healthy young adults.[1][2] Actually, the word panax means “all heal” in Greek. So, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has great healing properties including boosting the immune system and improving digestion and it is also used for the management of hyperglycemia. American ginseng has also been investigated for its ability to improve exercise performance.[3]

American Ginseng Health Benefits

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a medicinal herb, whereas its roots are used for many therapeutic benefits. Actually, ginseng has been used for centuries for relieving an array of ailments, and the researchers have found that ginseng can be beneficial to the body in various ways. And American ginseng root can provide you with an anti-inflammatory effect, help regulate blood glucose, fight cancer cells and support the immune system. It can support you in increasing energy, fertility, and digestion.
Besides being a nootropic supplement, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) works as an adaptogen and can enable the body to adapt to and limit damage from changes or stressors in the environment. The common health benefits of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) include –

Enhances cognitive function [4]
Boosts immune system [5]
Improves digestion [6]
Regulates blood glucose helps with diabetes [7]
Helps people fight cancer [8]
Helps with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [9]
Helps with inflammatory diseases [10]
Supports normal brain function [11]
Improves memory [12]
Relieves stress and fatigue [13]
Improves athletic performance [14]
Helps people who have Alzheimer’s disease [15]
May help with colds and flu [16]
Has antioxidant properties [20]

American ginseng can also be used for various symptoms including low iron in the blood (anemia), diabetes, insulin resistance related to HIV treatments, cancer-related fatigue, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping (insomnia), nerve pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), fever, hangover symptoms, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), blood and bleeding disorders, breast cancer, dizziness, headaches, convulsions, fibromyalgia, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), memory loss, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, improving athletic performance, improving mental performance, as an anti-aging aid, menopausal symptoms, complications during pregnancy or childbirth, and for nervous exhaustion (neurasthenia).

How American Ginseng works?

American ginseng herb contains compounds known as ginsenosides. There are certain ginsenosides that have been shown to have antidiabetic, cardiovascular, and immune-enhancing effects. American ginseng has a higher content of ginsenosides than other ginseng species such as Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Ginseng appears to be the most studied herb for human aerobic physical performance. Although the mechanism underlying the alleged ergogenicity of ginseng on physical performance has not been defined, theories include stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis and increased resistance to the stress of exercise, enhanced myocardial metabolism, increased hemoglobin levels, vasodilatation, increased oxygen extraction by muscles, and improved mito-chondrial metabolism in the muscle, all of which theoretically could enhance aerobic exercise performance.[18] COLD-fX, a supplement in which American Ginseng is the main ingredient, designed to protect against cold symptoms has gained much popularity during recent years in Canada. Studies show that people taking COLD-FX report fewer colds than those given a placebo for a 4 month period. Moreover, those that catch colds report that their symptoms are less severe and do not last as long as those given the placebo.

Consideration and Recommendation

American ginseng is usually safe and side effects are rare when taken moderate. But excess dosages may come with some adverse effects including diarrhea, vomiting, headache, high blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, irritability, nosebleed, breast sensitivity and vaginal spotting. Sometimes taking American Ginseng may result in hypoglycemia or low blood sugar that can cause dizziness, fainting, lack of motor control and other health problems. Do not take American ginseng if you are pregnant. Even if you have a history of low blood glucose levels, or other cases, consult your physician to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.

The appropriate dosage for American ginseng supplement varies from different symptoms. According to some scientific research, for reducing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, take 3 grams up to 2 hours before a meal. American ginseng should be taken within 2 hours of a meal. If it is taken too long before eating, the blood sugar might become too low.100-200 mg of American ginseng can be taken daily for up to 8 weeks.

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