American Ginseng is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of substances thought to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental and emotional stressors. American ginseng also contains chemicals called ginsenosides, which appear to affect insulin levels and lower blood sugar. Several human studies show that American Ginseng lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
The effect was seen both on fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who drank American Ginseng before or together with a high-sugar beverage experienced a smaller increase in blood glucose levels. Other studies suggest that North American ginseng prevents diabetes-related complications, including cardiac and retinal functional changes, by reducing stress. Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (4)., 5,.
Some test-tube studies have shown that ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds can inhibit inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells, which may contribute to the onset of chronic diseases (4, 5,. A study in 12 active men found that short-term supplementation with American Ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared to a placebo (. Some test-tube and animal studies show that components of ginseng, such as ginsenosides and compound K, may protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals (11, 1.Interestingly, a study conducted on 6422 older adults found that regular consumption of ginseng for at least 5 years was associated with improved cognitive function in the future) (1.Another small study showed that taking 200 milligrams (mg) of American Ginseng significantly improved working memory after 3 hours, compared to a placebo (1.Some research suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) (1.According to some previous research, certain compounds found in ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in blood vessels and penile tissues to help restore normal functioning. (1) In addition, studies have shown that ginseng can promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation (6, 1).
In fact, a review of nine studies found that ginseng could improve the self-reported ability to have sex in men (1.However, researchers also observed that ginseng had little or no effect on erectile dysfunction or satisfaction with sexual intercourse compared to a placebo (1). According to one review, ginseng has potent antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties and may improve immune system function (20). Interestingly, an animal study found that red-black ginseng extract increased the number of immune cells and increased antioxidant levels in the liver (2). Similarly, another study in 100 people showed that taking 2 g of Korean red ginseng daily for 8 weeks significantly increased immune cell levels compared to a placebo (2).
Ginseng may be helpful in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer (23, 2). The ginsenosides in this herb have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection (25, 2). The cell cycle is the process by which cells grow normally and divide. Ginsenosides may benefit this cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth (25, 2). A review of several studies concluded that people who take ginseng may have a 16% lower risk of developing cancer (2).
Ginseng may also help improve the health of people receiving chemotherapy and may reduce side effects and increase the effect of some cancer treatments (2). However, while studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive (2). linked some components of ginseng, such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides, to lower oxidative stress and greater energy production in cells, which could help reduce fatigue (28, 2). A review of 10 studies concluded that ginseng could significantly improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome compared to a placebo, even after just 15 days (30).
Another review showed that taking American or Asian ginseng could reduce symptoms of cancer-related fatigue if taken at doses of 2000 mg or 3000 mg per day, respectively (3). In addition, a review of more than 155 studies suggested that ginseng supplements not only help reduce fatigue, but may also improve physical performance (3) Ginseng appears to be beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels in people with and without diabetes (3). American and Asian ginseng have been shown to improve pancreatic cell function and increase insulin production, and improve the absorption of blood sugar into tissues (3). In addition, studies show that ginseng extracts help by providing antioxidant protection that can help reduce free radicals in the cells of people with diabetes (3).
A review of eight studies found that supplementing with ginseng might lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, but it didn't significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels, which are an average of 3-month blood glucose. Another 8-week study showed that taking 3 g a day of American Ginseng significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels (3). The study showed that ginseng improved hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control, compared to a placebo in people with type 2 diabetes, but larger studies with standardized preparations of ginseng are needed to verify these results (3). It seems that fermented red ginseng may be even more effective at controlling blood sugar.
Fermented ginseng is produced with the help of live bacteria that transform ginsenosides into a more potent and easily absorbed form (3). Based on research, ginseng appears to be safe and should not cause any serious adverse effects (39, 40).In addition, ginseng may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs (4). Please note that, due to a lack of safety studies, ginseng is not recommended for children or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding (4). Research shows that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, stopped, and even reversed with the right diet and lifestyle.
Fresh food and nutritional supplements are essential. Ginseng can help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel weak and tired. A study of 21 men and 69 women found that ginseng showed good results in helping people with chronic fatigue. American Ginseng, AG) is an herb characteristic of North American and Asian regions. Because of its beneficial properties, it has been extensively researched for decades.
Nowadays, it is one of the most used medicinal herbs around the world. The active compounds of AG are ginsenosides, saponins from the glucoside group that are abundant in roots, leaves, stems and the fruits of the plant. It is suggested that ginsenosides are primarily responsible for the beneficial health effects of AG. AG acts on the nervous system; it has been observed to improve cognitive function in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease, shows anxiolytic activity and has neuroprotective effects against neuronal damage caused by an ischemic stroke in animals, demonstrates anxiolytic activity and induces neuroprotective effects against neuronal damage in ischemic stroke in animals.
The administration of AG leads to the inhibition of hypertrophy in heart failure by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mice, as well as to the depletion of cardiac contractile function in rats. It also has antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential, since it increases insulin sensitivity and inhibits formation of adipose tissue. AG shows an anticancer effect by inducing cancer cell apoptosis and reducing local inflammation. It exerts antimicrobial effects against several pathogenic strains of bacteria.
Therefore, AG has a high potential to induce beneficial health effects in humans and should be further studied to make accurate nutritional recommendations, as well as to evaluate its value in the prevention and treatment of certain disorders, including cancer. Ginseng can help combat fatigue and improve physical performance by reducing oxidative damage and increasing energy production in cells. Among its 11 species, the three most commonly used are Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng), Panax Notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium (American Ginseng). A patented extract of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) enhances the production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in Con-A-induced murine spleen cells. While ginseng appears to be safe, people taking certain medications should pay attention to potential drug interactions.
The ginseng-induced effects were similar to those caused by WR-1065, a biologically active form of amifostine (WR-272), aminothiol type (WR-272), the standard of reference for chemical radioprotectors. The countries of North Asia, that is, the eastern regions of China, Japan and Korea, are abundant in Asian ginseng. A preliminary study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), may help treat ADHD. Pharmacokinetic and metabolic effects of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in healthy volunteers receiving the HIV protease inhibitor, indinavir.
Research on the effects of ginseng in mice suggests a possible link between ginseng and the treatment and prevention of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).). It is not completely clear whether the protective effect of ginseng against the Aβ1-42 peptide was attributed to its degradation or to the improvement of the effects already induced by the peptide. Therefore, ginseng can be considered not only as a preventive substance in radiation protection, but also as a therapeutic agent in post-radiation disorders.
