Description

This small shrub grow up to .3 m, with smooth, serrated leaflets in 5`s; flower are yellowish, fruit scarlet. The root is 5 -14 cm long, with a central tap root with many secondary branched brownish-yellow rootlets.

Part used

mostly the root, sometime the leaves.

Constituents

The root contains a group of saponin complexes, these are often split into two groups: 1) Rb1 group (protopanaxadiol: Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd) and 2) Rg1 group (propanaxatriol: Rg1, Re, Rf, and Rg2). It also contained, acetylene panaxynol (C17H26O), a 1,9-cis-hepta-decadiene-4,6-diyn-3-ol, beta-element, beta-sitosterol, 0.05% essential oils, panacene (C15H24), a pyrrolidone, 5-peptides sugars, 3.3% disaccharides (saccharose and maltose). It contains small amounts of pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamins B1,B2,B12, nicotinic acid, choline, citric, fumaric, malic, maleic, panaxic and tartaric acids and traces of Mn, V, Cu, Co, S and As.(1-4)

Mode of Action

Since the various Ginseng have different properties, there is inconsistencies in the interpretation of the various Ginseng studies. A good overview of this is documented by Lewis.(5) We can find even further problems associated with studies not identifying species or type of plant; nomenclature of constituents, extraction technique, purification, dosage, or even the animal species used in studies. The Ginsengs do work different for different animals. Ginseng is considered a panacea due to it broad spectrum use and its long history. There are differences between the Ginsengs, as well as many contraindications. Even though it is a great Qi tonic, it is not considered a perfect herb.

While undoubtedly many of the physiological properties of the Ginsengs have to with other factors, the main components are the saponin groups Rg1 and Rb1. These two factors are diametrically opposed to each other. This means the ratio of these two factors means a lot when it comes to their function. Both ginsengs contain both factors, but the Asian Ginseng contains much higher amounts of Rg1 than the American Ginseng does, while there is more Rb1 in the American Ginseng. This ratio is the significant factor between how the two work.

Rg1 group (highest in Asian Ginseng, water soluble extract) has the following influence: slight central nervous system stimulant (activates brain activity), hypertensive, anti-fatigue, enhances mental acuity and intellectual performance, anabolic (stimulates DNA, protein and lipid synthesis).(6)

Rb1 group (highest in American Ginseng, alcohol soluble extract) has the following properties: central nervous system depressant (anticonvulsant, analgesic, tranquilizing), hypotensive, anti-stress (protecting gastrointestinal tract from ulcers), antipsychotic (inhibition of conditioned avoidance response), weak anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever-reducing), facilitates small intestine motility, increases liver cholesterol synthesis, increases RNA activity in rat`s liver, (Rc has opposite effect).(7)

Asian ginseng has more of a tonic or adaptogenic effect than the American ginseng. It would also appear, since many of these factors are opposite, that the two Ginsengs might cancel each other out. This is not true, these opposing properties tend to balance each other, not combat each other.

Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Most of the study on these Ginsengs has focused on radioprotective, antitumor, antiviral and metabolic effects. We also see lots of studies on antioxidant activity, effects on the nervous system, sexual performance, cholesterol and lipid metabolism and endocrinological activity.

Ginseng has a tonic effect, acting on the pituitary ( stimulating ACTH release) thus activating the adrenals, giving it its adaptogen effect. By hastening the nervous reflexes, this herb increases analytical and overall mental performance, while diminishing fatigue. It is useful for insomnia. An extract, especially an alcohol one, causes the heart to contract more strongly, with a hypertensive action. By being a tonic to the lung it can be used for wheezing, shortness of breath and labored breathing. The saponin hormonal-like structure has a stimulatory action on sexual function in both males and females. By working synergistically with insulin, Ginseng has a blood sugar reducing property. By increasing aldosterone this Ginseng has an antidiuretic action, decreasing urine excretion. Protein synthesis is increased as well as appetite, while lowering cholesterol. Ginseng has been known to decrease the shock of allergies.(8,9)

We find that Asian Ginseng has a very good protective quality associated with radiation. If not contra-indicated for other reasons, Ginseng can be used to protect a patient from x-rays, or radiation therapy for cancer.
It should be noted the wild mountain roots (Ye Shan Shen) are considered the best, but are very expensive. Most Ginseng is cultivated. Cured in rock candy, the ``white roots`` (Bai Shen) is used for Deficient Qi and Yin patterns. Small rootlets are usually used to make a beverage called ``Root whiskey`` (Shen Xu). Cultivated roots not cured are (Sheng Shai Shen) or ``Dried Roots`` and are used to nourish yin similar to American Ginseng. Steamed roots turn red and become warmer in nature, called ``Red Roots`` (Hong Shen) and are used for deficient Qi and yang patterns.(10)

An excellent review of material available on ginseng can be found in Stephen Fulder`s book The Tao of Medicine and Medicinal values of Ginseng.(11,12)

Therapeutic Action

adaptogen, nervine, tonic, aphrodisiac.

Energetics

Traditional Chinese

Chinese ginseng is sweet, slightly bitter and warm property; entering the Lung and Spleen meridians. A powerful tonic of original Qi, expels ``evil`` Qi, supplements lung yin (vital essence), while it benefits yin and generates fluid.(13,14)

Other

Tierra lists Chinese ginseng as sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm; entering the Spleen, Lung, and Heart.

Traditional caution and contraindications:

Chinese ginseng should be avoided in the following conditions: deficient yin patterns with Heat signs, Damp Heat or Excess Heat patterns, ascending Liver Yang patient with high blood pressure (systolic over 180 mmHg).(15)

Folklore

Ginseng has an extensive written and traditional history, primarily because of its fame in the Orient for extending lifespan.

Dosage

2 - 8 Grams

Toxicity and Contraindications

This herb has a very low toxicity with an LD50 of 1167mg/Kg. When 100ml of 3% tincture is ingested by humans a mild degree of unrest is seen; 200 ml causes symptoms of systemic rash, pruritus, vertigo, headaches, fever, and in severe cases, hemorrhage. One case of consumption of 500ml was fatal.(16)

Official Regulations and Medical References

British Pharmaceutical Code 1934
U.S.P.
Martindale
UK - General Sales List, Schedule 2, Table A
France - Accepted for specific indications No. 90/22
German - Comiison E ;1984, p. 138
PDR for Herbal Medicine, p. 1009

References

1. Duke, J.A., CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985, p. 340-341.
2. Mowrey DB; Guaranteed Potency Herbs; Next Generation Herbal Medicine; Keats Pub; New Canaan Con;p 87-107. 1990.
3. Bensky D., Gamble A.; Chinese Herbal Medicine:Materia Medica; Eastland Press Seattle; 1986. p. 450-54.
4. Hsu Hong-yen, Chen Yuh-Pan, et al; Oriental Materia Medica: a concise guide; Oriental Healing Arts Institute; Long Beach CA.; 1986. p. 528-30.
5. Lewis, WH; Ed. Etkin NL; Ginseng: A Medical Enigma; in Plants in Indigenous Medicine % Diet: Biobehavioral Approaches; Bedford Hills; Redgrave Publ Co; 1986; p. 290-305
6. Mowrey, D.B., Ibid.
7. Mowrey, Ibid.
8. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Ibid.
9. Hsu, H.Y., Chen, Y.P., et al., Ibid.
10. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Ibid.
11. Fulder, S., The Tao of Medicine, Destiny Books, New York, 1982.
12. Li, TSC, Harries D; Medicinal Values of Ginseng. The Herb, Spice and Medinal Plant Digest; Vol 17(3); 1996; p. 1-5
13. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Seattle, WA, 1986, p. 450-454.
14. Hsu, H.Y., Chen, Y.P., et al., Oriental Materia Medica: a concise guide, Oriental Healing Arts Institute, Long Beach, CA, 1986, p. 528-530.
15. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Seattle, WA, 1986, p. 452.
16. Bensky, D. and Gamble, A., Ibid.