Florian Diana Teodora, Anul II, Gr.

Ginseng
Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius

INTRODUCTION
Ginseng, called the king of all herbs, has been used as a traditional medicine for the
treatment of diseases for thousands of years in East Asian countries. In the last three decades, it
has become one of the most popular herbs worldwide [1]. It is used in agricultural products,
dietary and health supplements, and medicines in different countries. The signature bioactive
ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides, which are triterpene saponins. However, the therapeutic
effects of ginseng are not solely dependent on ginsenosides.

MAIN EFFECTS
Anti-stress, antiviral, adaptogen, aphrodisiac, vasodilator, hypoglycaemic, tonic, adrenal
hormone stimulant, anti-toxic activity in chemotherapy. Beneficial for boosting the body’s
natural defence system, to resist viruses, free-radical toxins and even radiation. Increases immune
resistance.

GINSENG IN DIABETES
Ginseng seems to be beneficial in the control of blood glucose in people both with and
without diabetes. American and Asian ginseng have been shown to improve pancreatic cell
function, boost insulin production and enhance the uptake of blood sugar in.
Moreover, studies show that ginseng extracts help by providing antioxidant protection
that reduce free radicals in the cells of those with diabetes.
One study assessed the effects of 6 grams of Korean red ginseng, along with the usual
anti-diabetic 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 had an 11% decrease in blood sugar levels, a 38% decrease in fasting
insulin and a 33% increase in insulin sensitivity

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Florian Diana Teodora, Anul II, Gr.3

CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS
P. ginseng also produces many effects on the cardiovascular system. There have been
studies suggesting the efficacy of P. ginseng on hypertension. It is known that P. ginseng
regulates blood pressure to normal and thereby helps to elevate low blood pressure and to lower
high blood pressure. It was reported that the effect of regulating high blood pressure is mediated
by promoting vascular endothelial cell-derived nitric oxide secretion

ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

There have been reports on pain-relieving effects of P. ginseng. Ginsenosides could
regulate the pain-related behavior of mice with capsaicin-induced pain in a dose-dependent
manner. It was demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the fraction of P.
ginseng in inflammatory pain mice models. Glycoproteins extracted from P. ginseng exhibited a
dose-dependent analgesic effect in mice by conducting acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-
plate. Recently, a study also showed analgesic effect of P. ginseng in neuropathic pain animal
models

SIDE EFFECTS
Although ginseng is generally safe to consume, people have reported the following side
effects:
 headaches
 sleep problems
 digestive problems
 changes to blood pressure and blood sugar
 diarrhea
 rapid heartbeat
 severe skin reaction