What is ginseng?
Ginseng <<<4>>> is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. est une plante utilisée en médecine traditionnelle chinoise depuis des siècles.
This short plant with slow growth and fleshy roots can be classified in three ways according to its cultivation duration: fresh, white, or red.
Fresh ginseng is harvested before 4 years, while white ginseng is harvested between 4 and 6 years and red ginseng is harvested after 6 years or more.
There are many types of this plant, but the most popular are American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ) and Asian ginseng ( Panax ginseng ) which have the mosthealth benefits.
American and Asian ginseng vary in their medicinal properties and their concentration of active compounds and their effects on the body.
In herbal medicine, American ginseng is said to act as a relaxing agent, while the Asian variety has an invigorating effect..
Panax ginseng is synonymous with "ginseng root" or also "red ginseng" is the best form of ginseng to consume but also the most widespread.
This medicinal plant originating from several continents contains two important compounds: ginsenosides and ginseng tonin. These compounds complement each other to offer health benefits.
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Here are 7 benefits of organic ginseng for health backed by evidence.
1. Ginseng is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and fight aging
Le ginseng has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties highly beneficial.
Some test tube studies have shown that ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds could inhibit inflammation and increase the antioxidant capacity of cells.
For example, one test tube study found thatKorean red ginseng extract reducedinflammation and improved the antioxidant activity of skin cells in people with eczema.
Results are also very promising in humans.
One study examined the effects of 18 young male athletes taking 2 grams ofKorean red ginseng extract three times daily for seven days.
The men then had their levels of certain inflammatory markers tested after completing a stress test. These levels were significantly lower than those in the placebo group, lasting up to 72 hours after the test.
However, it should be noted that the placebo group received a different medicinal plant, so these results should be taken with a grain of salt and further studies are needed.
Finally, a larger study followed 71 menopausal women who took 3 grams of Korean red ginseng or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Antioxidant activity and oxidative stress markers were then measured.
Due to its high content of antioxidants, researchers concluded that red ginseng may help reduce oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.
2. Ginseng is beneficial for brain function
Ginseng could help improve brain functions such as memory, behavior and mood.
Some test tube and animal studies show that components of ginseng, such as ginsenosides and compound K, could protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals.
One study followed 30 healthy people who consumed 200 mg of Panax ginseng per day for four weeks. At the end of the study, they showed improvements in mental health, social functioning and mood.
Another study examined how single doses of 200 or 400 mg of Panax ginseng affected mental performance, mental fatigue and blood sugar in 30 healthy adults before and after a 10-minute mental test.
The 200 mg dose, as opposed to the 400 mg dose, was more effective for improving mental performance and fatigue during the test.
It is possible that ginseng helped cells absorb blood glucose, which may have improved performance and reduced mental fatigue. However, it is not clear why the lower dose was more effective than the higher dose.
A third study found that taking 400 mg of Panax ginseng per day for eight days improved calmness and mathematical skills.
Furthermore, other studies have found positive effects on brain function and behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease.
3. Ginseng improves erectile dysfunction
Ginseng is also known as a natural stimulant and aphrodisiac to improve libido.
Research has shown that ginseng can be a useful alternative for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
It appears that its compounds can protect against oxidative stress in blood vessels and penile tissues and help restore normal function.
Moreover, numerous studies have shown that ginseng can promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood flow.
One study found that men treated with red ginseng showed a 60% improvement in erectile dysfunction symptoms, compared to a 30% improvement produced by a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Furthermore, another study showed that 86 men with erectile dysfunction experienced significant improvements in erectile function and overall satisfaction after taking a dosage of 1000 mg oforganic red ginseng extract for 8 weeks.
4. Ginseng boosts the immune system
Ginseng strengthens the immune system.
Some studies exploring its effects on the immune system focused on cancer patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy treatment.
One study followed 39 people recovering from stomach cancer surgery, treating them with 5,400 mg of ginseng per day for two years.
Interestingly, these individuals showed significant improvements in immune function and lower recurrence of symptoms.
Another study examined theeffect of red ginseng extract on immune system markers in people with advanced stomach cancer undergoing post-operative chemotherapy.
After three months, those taking red ginseng extract had better immune system markers than those in the control group or placebo group.
Furthermore, one study suggested that people taking ginseng could have up to 35% greater chances of living disease-free for five years after curative surgery and a survival rate up to 38% higher than those who do not take it.
It appears that ginseng extract increases the body's natural defenses and could also strengthen the effect of vaccinations against diseases such as flu.
Although these studies show improvements in immune system markers in people with cancer, further research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ginseng in strengthening resistance to infections in healthy people.
5. Ginseng has potential benefits against cancer
Ginseng may be useful for reducing the risk of certain cancers.
The ginsenosides contained in this plant have been shown to help reduce inflammation and offer antioxidant protection.
The cell cycle is the process by which cells develop and divide normally. Ginsenosides could benefit this cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth.
A review of multiple studies concluded that people taking ginseng may have a 16% lower risk of developing cancer.
Furthermore, an observational study suggested that people taking ginseng could be less likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the lips, mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, and lungs, than those who do not take it).
Ginseng may also help improve the health of patients undergoing chemotherapy, reduce side effects, and strengthen the effect of certain treatment medications.
6. Ginseng helps fight fatigue and increase energy levels
As a natural stimulant, it has been shown that ginseng helps fight fatigue and promotes energy.
Various animal studies have linked certain ginseng components, such as polysaccharides and oligopeptides, to lower oxidative stress and higher energy production in cells, which helps combat fatigue.
A four-week study explored the effects of administering 1 or 2 grams of Panax ginseng or placebo to 90 people suffering from chronic fatigue.
Those who received Panax ginseng experienced less physical and mental fatigue, as well as reductions in oxidative stress, than those who took placebo.
Another study gave 364 cancer survivors suffering from fatigue 2,000 mg of ginseng or placebo. After eight weeks, people in the ginseng group showed significantly lower fatigue levels than those in the placebo group.
Furthermore, a review of over 155 studies suggested that ginseng supplements can not only help reduce fatigue and increase vitality but also improve physical activity.
7. Ginseng lowers blood sugar
Ginseng is beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
It has been demonstrated that ginseng improves pancreatic cell function, stimulates insulin production, and enhances blood sugar absorption in tissues.
Moreover, studies show that ginseng extracts help by providing antioxidant protection that reduces free radicals in the cells of people with diabetes.
One study evaluated the effects of 6 grams of Korean (red) ginseng, along with standard antidiabetic medication or diet, in 19 people with type 2 diabetes.
Interestingly, they were able to maintain good blood sugar control throughout the 12-week study. They also experienced an 11% decrease in blood sugar levels, a 38% decrease in fasting insulin, and a 33% increase in insulin sensitivity <<<17>>> Another study showed that ginseng helped improve blood sugar levels in 10 healthy individuals after performing a sweet drink test.
Une autre étude a montré que le ginseng aidait à améliorer la glycémie chez 10 personnes en bonne santé après avoir effectué un test de boisson sucrée.
It appears that red ginseng could be even more effective for blood sugar control. Fermented ginseng is produced using live bacteria that transform ginsenosides into a more easily absorbed and more potent form.
In fact, one study demonstrated that daily consumption of 2.7 grams of red ginseng was effective at lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin levels after a test meal, compared to placebo.
8. Ginseng relieves menopause
A few studies have found evidence that different types of ginseng could help improve quality of life during menopause. It has been shown that ginseng improves mood and enhances sleep. However, so far, studies have not shown that American or Korean ginseng relieves the physical symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
What is the difference between ginseng and ginger?
At first glance, it may be difficult to notice the difference between ginger and ginseng. However, these important herbal remedies have significant differences.
To begin with, they are not the same plants and they originate from different regions of the world.
When studied against each other, they have different functions—or mechanisms of action—despite some overlapping benefits.
Ginger has antiviral properties (kills viruses) and antibacterial properties (kills bacteria). It can relieve symptoms of stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, and arthritis. Ginger can be consumed fresh or in the form of pills, oils, and extracts.
As seen above, ginseng is often used to boost immunity, metabolism, in treating colds, diabetes, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and to relieve symptoms of cardiovascular disease, menopause, and erectile dysfunction.
Overall, ginger is well known for improving intestinal health while ginseng excels in boosting energy.
From a nutritional standpoint, ginger is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, and E.
It also contains trace elements including minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, which all contribute to enhancing its effectiveness.
Ginseng also contains important nutrients such as vitamins, particularly in the B vitamin family, and amino acids. However, its remarkable constituents are known as ginsenosides, which we have to thank for ginseng's energizing benefits.
In conclusion
Known as one of the best medicinal plants, ginseng is a powerful natural tonic that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is often praised for boosting energy, for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as active principles. It could also help regulate blood sugar levels, increase vitality, and offer benefits for certain cancers.
Additionally, a ginseng treatment can strengthen the immune system, improve brain function, combat fatigue, and improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
It may also raise or lower blood pressure. It is preferable to avoid ginseng in patients suffering from high blood pressure. Ginseng can be consumed as a supplement, raw, or lightly steamed.
It can be combined with royal jelly ampoules and vitamin C.
Like green tea, it can also be easily added to your diet via its extract as a dietary supplement in capsules or in its powder form to be consumed as an infusion.
Ginseng is generally not recommended for pregnant women.
Whether you wish to improve a certain condition or simply give your health a boost, ginseng is truly worth trying.
