Ginseng

Ginseng is a food supplement that provides 250mg of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey per tablet, titrated at 15% ginsenoids (37.5mg per tablet). Its action has a direct effect on the nervous system to reduce fatigue: it is considered an energising and adaptogenic active ingredient, ideal for relieving situations of physical and mental stress.

Known in Western countries as Ginseng, Panax ginseng (also known as Korean Ginseng) is a herbaceous plant of Asian origin. Its name is derived from the Chinese Jen-chen meaning 'man-like' or 'little man', to refer to the anthropomorphic shape of the root. Ginseng's action is multifaceted, but it can be defined as adaptogenic, i.e. capable of exerting a non-specific action on the body's physiological processes to raise physical resistance against environmental stresses and external or internal factors. Ginseng is used for this reason as a supportive tonic to alleviate situations of physical and mental fatigue: it is suitable for those who experience periods of overwork, for those who engage in power physical activity and also for those who are going through a particularly stressful time.

Various beneficial properties are attributed to this root, both as a health support and as an aid to sports performance. Ginseng has proven its usefulness in the following cases:

• As a tonic-adaptogen, able to improve resistance to psychophysical stresses (such as those induced by sports performance);
• As an energizer, because it combats fatigue and stimulates concentration, focus and memory;
• Thanks to the presence of ginsenoids, it has a hypoglycaemic and cholesterol-lowering action;
• It is able to support the activity of the immune and endocrine systems;
• As an antioxidant, because it counteracts the formation of free radicals, molecules that are harmful to the body.

It is in any case a root with stimulant power, so its use is recommended in the first half of the day or away from rest.

Depending on individual response, if one is particularly sensitive to stimulants and exceeds the recommended dosages, and although it is generally well tolerated, Ginseng may lead to insomnia, nervousness, headaches and diarrhoea.

Scientific references *Kiefer D, Pantuso T. Panax ginseng. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Oct 15;68(8):1539-42. PMID: 14596440.

Jin Y, Cui R, Zhao L, Fan J, Li B. Mechanisms of Panax ginseng action as an antidepressant. Cell Prolif. 2019 Nov;52(6):e12696. doi: 10.1111/cpr.12696. Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31599060; PMCID: PMC6869450..

Shergis JL, Zhang AL, Zhou W, Xue CC. Panax ginseng in randomised controlled trials: a systematic review. Phytother Res. 2013 Jul;27(7):949-65. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4832. Epub 2012 Sep 12. PMID: 22969004.

Kim KH, Lee D, Lee HL, Kim CE, Jung K, Kang KS. Beneficial effects of Panax ginseng for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: past findings and future directions. J Ginseng Res. 2018 Jul;42(3):239-247. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.03.011. Epub 2017 Apr 15. PMID: 29989012; PMCID: PMC6035378..

Qi HY, Li L, Ma H. Cellular stress response mechanisms as therapeutic targets of ginsenosides. Med Res Rev. 2018 Mar;38(2):625-654. doi: 10.1002/med.21450. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28586505.

Liou CJ, Huang WC, Tseng J. Long-term oral administration of ginseng extract modulates humoral immune response and spleen cell functions. Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(4):651-61. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X05003247. PMID: 16173538.

Kim JH. Pharmacological and medical applications of Panax ginseng and ginsenosides: a review for use in cardiovascular diseases. J Ginseng Res. 2018 Jul;42(3):264-269. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.10.004. Epub 2017 Oct 21. PMID: 29983607; PMCID: PMC6026386..

Lee CH, Kim JH. A review on the medicinal potentials of ginseng and ginsenosides on cardiovascular diseases. J Ginseng Res. 2014 Jul;38(3):161-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2014.03.001. Epub 2014 Apr 3. PMID: 25378989; PMCID: PMC4213864..