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Root.
Native Americans have traditionally used American ginseng as a general tonic to help restore the health of the weak and wounded, as well as to help the mind. Today, along with the other forms of ginseng, American ginseng has become very popular as a natural preventative and restorative remedy. Scientists refer to American ginseng as an adaptogen, meaning it has the ability to boost nonspecific resistance of the body to a wide range of chemical, physical, psychological, and biological stressors. What’s more, adaptogens such as American ginseng have the unique ability to switch from stimulating to sedating effects based on the body’s needs.
There are several types of ginsengs, with the two most commonly used being Asian or Panax ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquifolius). Another adaptogenic plant, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), is also usually grouped with these two plants, but it is not botanically related.
Interactions
Dosage Range
200mg (standardized), 1-3 times a day.
Most Common Dosage
200mg (standardized), 2 times a day.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 5% ginsenosides (mainly Rb1) per dose.
Scientists call the main active chemical components in American ginseng ginsenosides. However, the kind of ginsenosides present in American ginseng are slightly different than those found in Asian gensing. Because of this subtle chemical difference, Asian ginseng can have different effects than its American counterpart. American ginseng, for instance, is reported to have the ability to improve stamina and learning capacity. It may also function as sedative and may have the ability to lower blood pressure. Meanwhile, Asian ginseng may raise blood pressure levels while functioning as a mild stimulant.
The calming properties of American ginseng may be more suitable for people who are coffee drinkers, overweight, or who suffer from insomnia. (1) Alternatively, Asian ginseng may be better suited for those who do not suffer from high blood pressure, or for those who are athletes, fatigued, or with high stress jobs. Simply put, American Ginseng is more sedative and relaxing, and increases "yin" energy, in contrast to Asian Ginseng, which is more stimulating and increases "yang" energy.
Researchers have also studied American ginseng for its potential in enhancing overall health and in the treatment of specific conditions. Some of these include:
Ginseng is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms due to a suspected hormonal-like activity in the body. A study involving 384 postmenopausal women compared the use of ginseng to placebo for relief of related symptoms. Benefit was seen for depression and general well-being and health. However, no advantage was seen for hot flashes and physical changes that occur to the vagina and surrounding area. This study seems to indicate that the beneficial effects seen may not be related to hormonal-like effects anticipated. (12) Another study has supported improvement of vaginal lubrication in menopausal women. (13)
Protection against the development of breast cancer was once considered a benefit of American ginseng, (14) , (15) though recent studies have provided some conflicting results. (16) , (17) These studies have evaluated not only the estrogen-like activity but also the potential of ginseng to stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells. Though no activity on estrogen receptors was noted in a laboratory study, ginseng stimulated cell growth of a specific type of breast cancer. (18) A second laboratory study evaluating the same type of breast cancer cells had opposite results. Compared to estradiol, American ginseng did not increase cell growth. In fact, when tested with certain drugs designed to fight breast cancer, cell growth was actually decreased. (19) American ginseng should be avoided in women with estrogen fed cancers until further information is gathered regarding its estrogenic activity.
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. (20)
Side Effects
Side effects are possible with any dietary supplement. The ginsengs may cause breast tenderness or menopausal bleeding in some women. (21) , (22) Tell your doctor if these side effects become severe or do not go away.
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant. (23)
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
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