Tonya M. Fleetwood

Paper:"Ginseng"
Year in School: College Senior
Class:Nutrition & Health
Date written:March 11, 2004

The most common species of ginseng is scientifically called Panax quinquefolius, commonly known as American ginseng. It is sought after mostly for its root. Other characteristics and shapes of the root make it more valuable. Traditionally, ideal plants are at least six years of age. The Asian ginseng usually undergoes treatment such as drying before it is sold, whereas the American variety undergoes less manipulation and carries less distinction (DreamPharm 2002).

Ginseng is composed primarily of ginsenosides, also known as panaxosides. Approximately 12 major panaxosides have been isolated, but are found in only minute quantities and are difficult to purify on a large scale (Duke 28). Other components of the plant isolated for pharmacologic uses include a volatile oil, beta-elemine, sterols, flavonoids, peptides, vitamins (B1, B2, B12, panthotenic acid, nicotinic acid, and biotin), fats, polyacetylenes, minerals, enzymes, and choline (Duke 34).

The panaxosides, found in the root, are thought to be the pharmacologically active agents. Although similar in structure, these compounds sometimes exert opposing effects. For example, ginsenoside Rb-1 has depressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, stress-ulcer preventing action, and antipsychotic effects. Ginsenoside Rg-1 has stimulating, antifatigue, hypertensive, and stress-ulcer aggravating activities. These opposing features form the basis for the theory that ginseng serves to balance bodily functions (Duke 54). Another example of these opposing actions is the Rg and Rg-1 enhance cardiac performance, whereas Rb depresses cardiac function (Duke 55).

Other ginsenosides have shown antiarrhythmic activity similar to verapamil and amiodarone. Oral ginseng was found to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease platelet adhesiveness, impair coagulation, and increase fibrinolysis in cholesterol-fed rats. Ginsenosides may reduce stress by acting on the adrenal gland (Duke 57).

Ginseng is popularly claimed to minimize or reduce the activity of the thymus gland. Other claims include its use as a sedative, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, sleep aid, and diuretic. Short term use of the herb is thought to improve stamina, concentration, healing, stress-resistance, vigilance, and work efficiency. Long term use is claimed to improve well-being in elderly patients with debilitated or degenerative conditions (Duke 62). While the average dose can vary, usually, 0.5 to 2 g dry ginseng root daily or 200 to 600 mg ginseng extract daily is recommended in one or two equal doses (Duke 71).

Ginseng abuse syndrome (toxicity) occurs when large doses of the herb are taken at the same time as other psychomotor stimulants, such as tea and coffee. Symptoms include diarrhea, hypertension, restlessness, insomnia, skin eruptions, depression, appetite suppression, euphoria, and edema (Duke 83). If a person is insulin dependant, it is recommended to use ginseng with caution due to its hypoglycemic effect. Ginseng should also be used with caution when you use MAO inhibitors such as hypericin, parnate, phenelzine, and selegiline. Side effects could be headaches, tremors, and mania (Duke 87). Ginseng should also be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and those receiving steroid therapy. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should also be mindful of their ginseng intake (Duke 89).

A bottle of sixty 80 mg capsules containing ginseng root extract costs about $9 (Drugstore.com 2004). It is estimated that about six million people in the United States use ginseng regularly. In oriental cultures, it has been used for its medicinal properties for over 2,000 years. Although it was abundant in eastern North America, American ginseng is now considered threatened because of aggressive harvesting of the plant for commercial sales (Duke 95).



Go to Documents index Paper:"Ginseng" Year in School: College Senior Class:Nutrition & Health Date written:March 11, 2004 The most common species of ginseng is scientifically called Panax quinquefolius, commonly known as American ginseng. It is sought after mostly for its root. Other characteristics and shapes of the root make it more valuable. Traditionally, ideal plants are at least six years of age. The Asian ginseng usually undergoes treatment such as drying before it is sold, whereas the American variety undergoes less manipulation and carries less distinction (DreamPharm 2002). Ginseng is composed primarily of ginsenosides, also known as panaxosides. Approximately 12 major panaxosides have been isolated, but are found in only minute quantities and are difficult to purify on a large scale (Duke 28). Other components of the plant isolated for pharmacologic uses include a volatile oil, beta-elemine, sterols, flavonoids, peptides, vitamins (B1, B2, B12, panthotenic acid, nicotinic acid, and biotin), fats, polyacetylenes, minerals, enzymes, and choline (Duke 34). The panaxosides, found in the root, are thought to be the pharmacologically active agents. Although similar in structure, these compounds sometimes exert opposing effects. For example, ginsenoside Rb-1 has depressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, stress-ulcer preventing action, and antipsychotic effects. Ginsenoside Rg-1 has stimulating, antifatigue, hypertensive, and stress-ulcer aggravating activities. These opposing features form the basis for the theory that ginseng serves to balance bodily functions (Duke 54). Another example of these opposing actions is the Rg and Rg-1 enhance cardiac performance, whereas Rb depresses cardiac function (Duke 55). Other ginsenosides have shown antiarrhythmic activity similar to verapamil and amiodarone. Oral ginseng was found to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease platelet adhesiveness, impair coagulation, and increase fibrinolysis in cholesterol-fed rats. Ginsenosides may reduce stress by acting on the adrenal gland (Duke 57). Ginseng is popularly claimed to minimize or reduce the activity of the thymus gland. Other claims include its use as a sedative, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, sleep aid, and diuretic. Short term use of the herb is thought to improve stamina, concentration, healing, stress-resistance, vigilance, and work efficiency. Long term use is claimed to improve well-being in elderly patients with debilitated or degenerative conditions (Duke 62). While the average dose can vary, usually, 0.5 to 2 g dry ginseng root daily or 200 to 600 mg ginseng extract daily is recommended in one or two equal doses (Duke 71). Ginseng abuse syndrome (toxicity) occurs when large doses of the herb are taken at the same time as other psychomotor stimulants, such as tea and coffee. Symptoms include diarrhea, hypertension, restlessness, insomnia, skin eruptions, depression, appetite suppression, euphoria, and edema (Duke 83). If a person is insulin dependant, it is recommended to use ginseng with caution due to its hypoglycemic effect. Ginseng should also be used with caution when you use MAO inhibitors such as hypericin, parnate, phenelzine, and selegiline. Side effects could be headaches, tremors, and mania (Duke 87). Ginseng should also be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and those receiving steroid therapy. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should also be mindful of their ginseng intake (Duke 89). A bottle of sixty 80 mg capsules containing ginseng root extract costs about $9 (Drugstore.com 2004). It is estimated that about six million people in the United States use ginseng regularly. In oriental cultures, it has been used for its medicinal properties for over 2,000 years. Although it was abundant in eastern North America, American ginseng is now considered threatened because of aggressive harvesting of the plant for commercial sales (Duke 95).