By Alissa B Daschbach MA BS BA MH

In this article you will discover the many attributes of the ancient herbal remedy, Panax ginseng; including the ability to boost mental energy and function, improve mood and well-being, and protect neurons from damage.  The makers of Vitality understand the importance of this ingredient in maintaining body balance and energy and have included Panax ginseng in their formulation.

Panax ginseng has been used for thousands of years to improve both physical and psychological health while treating several conditions and disorders. Currently, the extract is taken to improve psychological and brain executive functioning, immune health, and metabolic conditions (such as diabetes).  Panax ginseng has been used for both its nootropic and adaptogenic properties. Note: A nootropic plant is known for its ability to enhance brain health and cognitive functions, including decision-making, concentration, mental clarity, and memory. An adaptogenic natural substance helps the body adapt to varying levels and types of stress - including infection, trauma, sleep deprivation, emotional and physical stressors.

Panax Ginseng: Background and Benefits

Panax ginseng (also known by the names Red, Chinese, Asian, and Korean ginseng) is another highly significant herbal plant used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The root of Panax ginseng is the most commonly used part of the plant used medicinally and it is commonly known as ginseng. Current uses of Panax ginseng include:

• Help increase energy levels
• Fight fatigue and tiredness
• Boost immune function
• Improve physical and mental performance
• Improve libido
• Help with anxiety disorders and depression
• Treat respiratory and cardiovascular conditions

In Chinese traditional medicine, ginseng is significantly valued as a treatment for several illnesses and conditions, including heart palpitations, impotence, insomnia, and diabetes. Modern medical and scientific research has centered around the multiple actions that constituents in Panax ginseng has shown within body processes. These experiments have shown that ginseng possesses a number of compounds that act to protect the central nervous system and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant properties. Furthermore, Panax ginseng extracts have been shown to have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease, helping to protect against the degenerative effects of toxins and age on the heart and vascular system.

Ginsenosides and Brain Health

Ginseng contains several active compounds that have been the subject of intensive research. One particular plant compound, ginsenoside, has been shown to have a variety of activities within the human body, including as a stimulant on the central nervous system. Research about Panax ginseng extracts has hypothesized that the supplement affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system. The studies have shown that Panax ginseng stimulates the production of natural killer immune cells known as phagocytes, thus improving the body’s ability to fight off infection. Research has also shown that the extract improves mental and physical performance in rats, causes vasodilation (restriction of blood vessels), and  the lowering of blood sugar levels in test subjects.

Panax ginseng has an incredible ability to maintain homeostasis or balance throughout the body, enhancing physical and mental performance while resisting stress and the deleterious effects of aging. The roots of Panax ginseng have been used to increase the mental and physical strength of the body and revitalize the body and mind. The active compounds in ginseng known as ginsenosides have been shown in research to be neuroprotective, thus protecting the possible deleterious effects of aging diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Lastly, being a powerful adaptogen, Panax ginseng root extract helps to bring balance to the body’s central nervous system and build resistance against the negative effects that stress has on the body.

Cautions and Contraindications

As with any supplement, consult with your physician before use to make sure it is safe for you and does not interfere with any medications you are currently taking.

Panax ginseng is considered a safe supplement that can be taken for up to six months. The supplement may have unwanted hormonal effects if taken for longer than 6 months. A common side effect of taking Panax ginseng is trouble sleeping. Less common side effects include:

• Liver problems
• Rash
• Allergic reaction

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take panax ginseng. People who have auto-immune diseases (for example, multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis) also should not take this supplement because it may stimulate the immune system. Other conditions that may be aggravated by Panax ginseng include:

• Bleeding conditions (may interfere with blood clotting)
• Heart conditions (may affect heart rhythm and blood pressure)
• Hormone-related conditions (i.e., breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis)
• Schizophrenia

There are several medications that interact with Panax ginseng. Be sure to talk with your physician before you take this supplement to make sure you are safe. Some medications and chemicals that interact with Panax ginseng include caffeine, furosemide (Lasix), insulin, depression medications, diabetes medications, and medications changed by the liver (for example, cytochrome P450 2D6 substrates).

References

Cho I. H.(2012). Effects of Panax ginseng in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Journal of  Ginseng Research, 36(4), 342-353.Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23717136/

Kiefer, D., &, Pantuso. T. (2003). Panax ginseng. American Family Physician, 68(8), 1539-1542. Retrieved from AAFP: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/1015/p1539.html?crsi=6624969229&cicada_org_src=healthwebmagazine.com&cicada_org_mdm=direct

Reay, L. J., Scholey, A., & Kennedy, O. D. (2007). Effects of 8 weeks administration of Korean Panax ginseng extract on the mood and cognitive performance of healthy individuals. Journal of Ginseng Research, 31(1), 34-43. Retrieved from KoreaScience: http://koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO200718317170332.page

Todorova V., et., al. (2021). Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients, 13(8), 2861.Retrieved from PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34445021/