Asian ginseng is a herbal adaptogen used throughout the world for its many health benefits.
Asian ginseng has many different names, including Panax ginseng, Korean Ginseng, Red Ginseng, as well as Chinese Ginseng.
All of these names refer to the same herb.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of Asian ginseng, its safety, and its history.
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Health Benefits of Asian Ginseng:
Asian ginseng is one of the most studied herbs in the world. This large body of research, conducted on both animals and humans, shows the many benefits of Asian ginseng.
Some of this research confirms the traditional Chinese medical uses for this plant, and other studies suggest new applications for it.
Below are the top researched-backed Asian ginseng benefits for health.
1. Antioxidant Properties
Research shows that one of the primary benefits of Asian ginseng is its strong antioxidant properties.
Asian ginseng has strong antioxidant activity that has been shown to reduce inflammation within the body.
Various in vitro (i.e. test tube) studies have shown that red ginseng works at a cellular level to inhibit inflammation.
In particular, it appears that Asian ginseng is helpful for reducing inflammation in skin cells, which could be helpful for people struggling with eczema.
While the above-mentioned test-tube studies show the antioxidant benefits of red ginseng, there have been many positive human studies that have been conducted.
One study showed the effects of taking 2 grams of Korean red ginseng extract three times a day (6 grams total) for a week. The study participants were young college-age males.
After a week of taking the ginseng extract, the researchers noted that various post-workout inflammatory markers were lower in the placebo group.
This study is promising in that it shows the potential effects of red ginseng on reducing inflammation.
Another study consisting of 82 postmenopausal women showed that 3 grams daily of red ginseng extract helped to reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant activity.
As far as the mechanism of action, extensive studies show that ginsenosides (ginseng saponins) are the chief active constituents of ginseng with anti-inflammatory effects.
All of these studies show the promise of red Asian ginseng for helping to balance inflammation within the body.
Summary:
Many studies show that Asian ginseng demonstrates powerful antioxidant properties through its anti-inflammatory abilities.
2. May Support The Immune System
Another benefit of Asian ginseng is its ability to support the immune system.
Ginseng has been extensively reported to maintain homeostasis of the immune system and enhance resistance to illness or microbial attacks through regulation of the immune system.
In a clinical trial with 20 healthy adults, Panax ginseng extract was shown to improve phagocytic activity, a key marker for immune system health.
Another study showed that children with compromised immune systems had decreased inflammatory cytokine markers after taking 60mg daily of Korean red ginseng extract over the course of one year.
Summary:
Asian ginseng demonstrates the ability to improve immune system health and decrease inflammatory cytokine markers.
3. May Improve Blood Pressure
Research shows that Asian ginseng benefits heart health by helping to normalize blood pressure levels.
Certain constituents in red ginseng, primarily ginsenoside Rg3, have been shown in test tube studies to normalize blood pressure.
It’s thought to work through a process known as vasorelaxation. This involves the relaxation of the tension in blood vessel walls, which works to balance blood pressure.
While cellular studies have been promising, there have also been positive human studies as well.
A study involving 26 individuals with hypertension showed that 4.5 grams daily of red ginseng worked to significantly reduce systolic blood pressure (Han et al, 1998).
Not all studies show conclusive positive results.
A study involving 80 individuals with hypertension showed that consuming an extract of 3 grams daily of Korean red ginseng did not have a significant impact of reducing arterial stiffness.
A recent analysis paper noted that the dosing and form of Asian ginseng are important for having positive health outcomes, especially when it comes to hypotensive individuals.
Summary:
Research indicates that Asian ginseng can reduce blood pressure, thought to work through the process of vasorelaxation.
4. May Support Heart Health
In line with its blood pressure-supporting properties, Panax ginseng also has been looked into for its ability to improve cardiac function.
Animal and test-tube studies show that Asian ginseng may work to inhibit cardiac hypertrophy.
It also appears to help reduce lack of blood flow.
Compounds within red ginseng have also been shown to increase cardiac protection through nitric oxide production.
Summary:
Asian ginseng has been found to support cardiac function by improving blood flow and reducing cardiac hypertrophy.
5. Antimicrobial Properties
Asian ginseng has strong antibacterial activity.
It’s been shown to be active against H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, P. gingivalis, L. monocytogenes, B. cereus, and S. pneumoniae.
Ginseng has been shown to have bactericidal activity, inhibits of DNA mutagenesis, has anti-quorum sensing and anti-adhesive activity, and demonstrates a protective role against pathogen-induced inflammation.
Summary:
Asian ginseng shows evidence of having several properties necessary for fighting pathogens and bacteria in the body.