October
2007
Ginseng (Panex Ginseng)
Panex Ginseng was discovered by mankind over 5,000 years ago growing in the Manchurian mountains in China. Originally Ginseng was thought to be used as an edible plant and the tuberous root was probably cut up and added to the stewpot. Eventually Ginseng became known as a medicinal plant and as demand stripped supply the Ginseng plant became too valuable for the stewpot. The consumption of Ginseng in China could be compared to contemporary Americans taking a daily multi-vitamin. Sometime around 300 AD the demand for Ginseng in China expanded to Korea and vigorous trading resulted. It didn’t take North America long to jump into the Ginseng game since a large portion of North America?s environment matched the mountains of Manchuria. Reportedly, around 1716 a Jesuit priest working among the Iroquois found the North American species of Ginseng. One could imagine it wouldn’t be difficult to locate Ginseng when you are working with a tribe of sharp eyed Iroquois. Under the correct environmental conditions Ginseng was located growing wild as far north as Montreal and as far south as Vermont.
China’s insatiable appetite for Ginseng during the 1700’s and 1800’s kept prices high and made many people wealthy trading Ginseng plant roots when most of what the history books were talking lumber and steel. The Ginseng industry, if you want to call it that, did slowly fall prey to over-harvesting and the destruction of Ginsengs natural habitat due to coal mining and the lumber industry. The Korean Ginseng industry was suffering the same woes but their first attempts at commercial farming of Ginseng worked out better than the North American attempts. The Ginseng is very particular about its habitat and somewhat difficult to grow. During the early 1900s, both the Korean and North American industries were well into the beginning of commercial Ginseng production.
Panex Ginseng is the Chinese species while the North American species is referred to as Panex Quinuefolius and both fall into the Araliaceae family of perennials. The Chinese species of Ginseng grows larger than its North American cousin but the basic structure remains the same. The Chinese Ginseng usually produces pink flowers while the North American Ginseng usually produces a flower of yellow hue. Both species of the Ginseng produce a small cluster of red berries. The leaves of the Ginseng are digitate and long slim ovals; it vaguely resembles the human hand thus given the common name of five fingers. The Ginseng root is very slow growing, which is one of the main reasons for the over-harvesting. The Ginseng root or tuber averages 2 to 3 inches long and .5 to 1 inch thick with the Chinese species averaging slightly larger. The majority of the Ginseng root is basically shaped long and narrow, and heavily annulated with ringed growth much like the rings in a carrot. Depending on its immediate growing environment and soil nutrients, the Ginseng root color can range from pale yellow to a washed-out brown. The Ginseng tuber has the consistency of a turnip when cut open which yields a bitter-sweet licorice taste, with minimal scent but a slight aromatic effect. The Ginseng plant?s stem is a single stalk about a foot high producing three leaves per branch.
Contemporary scientific research has labeled the Ginseng plant as an adaptogen which are usually natural or organic substances that assist the body in various ways. Adaptogens like Ginseng when taken in moderation usually work without any harmful or aggravating side effects. Both Eastern and Western medicine recommend Ginseng for mild stomach problems and digestive afflictions that usually arise from mental stress or nervous exhaustion. Though not entirely recognized by Western medicine Ginseng is widely used to lower cholesterol, increase energy, increase endurance, reduce the effects of stress and help prevent infections. Ginseng is also recognized to be an effective anti-aging supplement and is reported to increase mental and physical stimulation. Western medicine is skeptical about some of the claims by the users of Ginseng but more and more research is providing positive answers. Currently the majority of Ginseng is sold in the Eastern countries with North America consuming about 20% of the available crop. Ginseng is available in many non-prescription forms of liquid extract, tablets or capsules, teas, even chewing gum, candy, and cigarettes.
The effects of Ginseng in the human body are a highly debated controversy. While some skeptics compare Ginseng to snake oil it’s becoming more difficult to disprove why mankind has been digesting it for over 5,000 years. Many popular energy drinks list Ginseng in their ingredients and those wishing to avoid caffeine may wish to substitute. Scientifically, we have been studying Ginseng for at least twenty years and as our technology and clinical trials advance so does the acceptance of “the wonder of the world” plant. In early studies Ginseng extract was found to inhibit tumor growth in the lungs of lab mice. Other tests stated a reduction of incidence in various cancers of the skin, stomach, kidneys, ovaries, cervix, and mammary glands. Recent research on humans claimed a whopping 70% reduction in the possibility of cancer when Ginseng is consumed. The same study indicated that with an increase of Ginseng consumed, the possibility of contracting cancer dropped further. That is a pretty bold statement and how exactly Ginseng accomplishes this was not stated. But, if Ginseng helps improve or stimulate the immune system and the white blood cells, or T-cells, increase then perhaps this is what the study used as a baseline. Other studies do indicate a more active immune system with Ginseng consumers and suggest a combination of effects that ease or relax the body while stimulating the immune system. This study suggested that certain immune factors were triggered by Ginseng in the bronchi of the lungs bringing about relief from certain lung ailments. During sickness many parts of the body often become inflamed or stressed, this is where the benefits of Ginseng appear to assist by reacting to the stress and stimulating the immune system.
Ginseng has been shown to normalize glucose levels after eating in diabetics but at this time should not be considered a cure and blood sugar should be monitored closely. The latest study indicated Ginseng could lower blood sugar by nearly 20%. When combined with Gingko Biloba, Ginseng has been used to treat impotence and is claimed to improve memory and brain capacity. Ginseng is also said to be one of the most effective anti- aging supplements available by helping to prevent the degeneration of the circulatory system, and increasing mental and physical stimulation. There is also been shown the possibility of treating hyperactive children and those with possible Attention Deficit Disorders.
Being strong proponents of Ginseng, the Chinese and Koreans have produced the largest number of medical research reports in regards to Ginseng. Though not entirely accepted by the West it is difficult to completely rebuke all the positive findings on Ginseng. A report in 2003 compared Ginseng to a popular stroke medicine named Duxil that has not been approved for stroke treatment in the United States. The clinical trial was done with patients who suffered brain damage from multiple small strokes. The report indicated that the patients who received Ginseng improved in all areas of brain function where those given Duxil showed only limited improvement and only in certain areas. It is believed that the Ginseng stimulates the brain chemical known as acetylcholine that involves memory, and much like the Duxil, Ginseng provided better oxygenation to the brain cells. Western doctors have shown some interest in the results but remain skeptical. This may be caused by the pharmaceutical companies strong hold over Western medicine.
One of the highly debated claims of Ginseng revolve around whether it is a physical performance enhancer, and the effects of daily use. Some claim that tests using Ginseng were designed to restore health and should be used for treatment only. With some data to back up this claim it does show a smaller increase in the various benefits of those who are healthy and take Ginseng daily. The largest, or most noticeable improvements or benefits of Ginseng come from those who are recovering from a certain illness or affliction. However, with prevention being the best medicine, the smaller benefits as an immune booster can certainly add up over the years. With the debate still raging over the performance enhancement benefits, this call may be for the individual to decide for themselves.