North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a perennial plant in the ivy family that is native to eastern North America and has a long history of use by the Native North Americans. Because of its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS), endocrine, and energy-boosting effects, it began to be cultivated in China.
Because of this, it has been incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine as well. The active constituents in Panax quinquefolius are ginsenosides, similar to other genuine ginsengs of the Panax family.
Top Health Benefits of North American Ginseng
North American ginseng has been widely studied and has been shown to have several beneficial effects. It has been shown to promote the regulation of blood sugar levels in diabetics and is successful in preventing influenza infection in the elderly. It has also been studied for its ability to enhance libido and sexual performance, although the exact mechanism of action is not yet understood. Interestingly, in males, ginsenosides have been shown to directly facilitate penile erection. Recently, the University of Hong Kong identified North American ginseng as having anti-inflammatory effects as well. Interestingly some ginsenosides can act as weak phytoestrogens, a term used to describe plant compounds that can mimic the female hormone estrogen in the body.
Key Medicinal Properties of North American Ginseng
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), American ginseng promotes yin energy, cleans excess yang and calms the body. This means that it is a more nourishing and cooling herb that can be used more in the summertime or by those with "hot" conditions such as acne, red rashes, mouth ulcers and anxiety.
Shopping For Quality Ginseng Supplements
North American ginseng is often found as powdered dried root or as a concentrated extract. Raw herbs, teas, single-serving liquid vials, tinctures, encapsulated herbs or capsules are all widely available. It comes as a single herb or in combination formulas for the treatment of a variety of conditions. Dosing recommendations are 600-3000mg of raw herb three times a day, or a cup of tea made using 3g of raw herb taken three times a day. Concentrated extract can be taken as 100-300 mg extract (standardized to 7% ginsenosides) three times daily for 3-4 weeks. North American ginseng can also be found in energy drinks and other commercial products, although this is often the tea form and is too dilute to have physical effects.
Important Information, Potential Side Effects & Considerations
North American ginseng, like other ginsengs, contains components that have blood thinning, blood pressure altering and blood sugar-altering properties.
Ginseng supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high or low blood pressure, diabetes and hypoglycemia. For the same reason, ginseng supplements should be discontinued before surgery or dental work.
Ginseng can alter the effects of caffeine, stimulants, decongestants, blood thinners (including aspirin), anti-hypertensives, sedatives, insulin, and oral hypoglycemics. Ginseng may also lead to the induction of mania in depressed patients who mix it with antidepressants.
Estrogenic symptoms have been reported in pre and post-menopausal women, and this may be due to weak phytoestrogenic activity of some ginsenosides. It would be prudent to avoid the use of North American ginseng during pregnancy, lactation, and in cases of estrogen-sensitive conditions, including estrogen-sensitive cancers.
