Many use it to improve thinking, concentration, memory and physical endurance. This well-known herb is known to boost the immune system, fight infections and help men with erectile dysfunction. Native Americans once used the root as a stimulant and headache remedy, as well as a treatment for infertility, fever and indigestion.

Today, approximately 6 million Americans take advantage of the proven ginseng benefits regularly. Find out why. Ginseng was originally used as an herbal medicine in ancient China. There are even written records about its properties dating back to about A. By the 16th century, it was so popular that control over the ginseng fields became an issue.

There are 11 species of ginseng, all belonging to the genus Panax of the family Araliaceae. The true ginseng plant belongs only to the Panax genus, so other species, such as Siberian ginseng and crown prince ginseng, have distinctively different functions.

Both Asian and American ginseng contain ginsenosides, but they include different types in different amounts. Ginseng contains various pharmacological components, including a series of tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins ginsenosides , polyacetylenes, polyphenolic compounds and acidic polysaccharides.

Due to the presence of these plant compounds, it has the following benefits:. A controlled study done at the Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre in the United Kingdom involved 30 volunteers who were given three rounds of treatments of ginseng and placebo.

The milligram dose improved calmness and mental arithmetic for the duration of the eight-day treatment. Ginseng stimulates brain cells and improves concentration and cognitive activities.

After ginseng treatment, the participants showed improvements, and this upscale trend continued for three months. Although more research on this topic is needed, one preliminary study found that a combination of American ginseng and ginkgo biloba may benefit patients with ADHD.

The study involving children ages 6—12 with ADHD symptoms showed that using a combination of omega-3 supplements and Korean red ginseng improved ADHD symptoms and cognitive function in children, including attention, memory and executive function.

An interesting study done in Korea measured the beneficial effects of Korean red ginseng on children after chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation for advanced cancer. The study included 19 patients who received 60 milligrams of Korean red ginseng daily for one year.

Blood samples were collected every six months, and as a result of the treatment, the cytokines, or small proteins that are responsible for sending signals to the brain and regulating cell growth, decreased rapidly.

It was a significant difference from the control group. This study suggests that Korean red ginseng has a stabilizing effect of the inflammatory cytokines in children with cancer after chemotherapy. A study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine done on rats also measured the impact that Korean red ginseng has on inflammatory cytokines.

After giving rats milligrams of Korean red ginseng extract for seven days, it proved to significantly reduce the extent of inflammation, and it improved the damage that was already done to the brain.

Korean red ginseng was tested for its anti-allergic properties on 40 mice with allergic rhinitis, a common upper airway inflammatory disease typically seen in children and adults.

The most frequent symptoms include congestion, nasal itching and sneezing. Another surprising ginseng benefit is its ability to work as a natural appetite suppressant.

It also boosts your metabolism and helps the body burn fat at a faster rate. A study done at the Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research in Chicago measured the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of Panax ginseng berry in adult mice.

The mice were injected with milligrams of ginseng berry extract per kilogram of body weight for 12 days. By day five, the mice taking the extract had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels.

After day 12, the glucose tolerance in the mice increased, and overall blood glucose levels decreased by 53 percent. The treated mice showed weight loss, too, starting at 51 grams and ending the treatment at 45 grams. A similar study done in found that Panax ginseng plays a vital role in the anti-obesity effect in mice.

This suggests the clinical importance of improving the management of obesity and related metabolic syndromes with this herb. Taking powdered Korean red ginseng seems to improve sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction in men. A systematic review included 28 randomized clinical studies that evaluated the effectiveness of red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction.

The review provided suggestive evidence for the use of the herb, but researchers believe that more rigorous studies are necessary in order to draw definitive conclusions. Ginseng effectively regulates the immune response and the hormonal changes due to stress, thus maintaining homeostasis.

In addition to suppressing the occurrence of psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, ginseng also prevents stress-associated physiological diseases. Recent findings have revealed that ginseng is involved in adjusting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and controlling hormones, thus producing beneficial effects on the heart and brain, and in cases of bone diseases, as well as alleviating erectile dysfunction.

Why You Should Be Careful About Ginseng. Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph. Not a miracle drug. Full of antioxidants.

Who should avoid ginseng? How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

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Korean Red Ginseng for Erectile Dysfunction. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Blood samples were collected every six months, and as a result of the treatment, the cytokines, or small proteins that are responsible for sending signals to the brain and regulating cell growth, decreased rapidly.

It was a significant difference from the control group. This study suggests that Korean red ginseng has a stabilizing effect of the inflammatory cytokines in children with cancer after chemotherapy.

A study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine done on rats also measured the impact that Korean red ginseng has on inflammatory cytokines.

After giving rats milligrams of Korean red ginseng extract for seven days, it proved to significantly reduce the extent of inflammation, and it improved the damage that was already done to the brain.

Korean red ginseng was tested for its anti-allergic properties on 40 mice with allergic rhinitis, a common upper airway inflammatory disease typically seen in children and adults. The most frequent symptoms include congestion, nasal itching and sneezing.

Another surprising ginseng benefit is its ability to work as a natural appetite suppressant. It also boosts your metabolism and helps the body burn fat at a faster rate. A study done at the Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research in Chicago measured the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of Panax ginseng berry in adult mice.

The mice were injected with milligrams of ginseng berry extract per kilogram of body weight for 12 days. By day five, the mice taking the extract had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels.

After day 12, the glucose tolerance in the mice increased, and overall blood glucose levels decreased by 53 percent. The treated mice showed weight loss, too, starting at 51 grams and ending the treatment at 45 grams.

A similar study done in found that Panax ginseng plays a vital role in the anti-obesity effect in mice. This suggests the clinical importance of improving the management of obesity and related metabolic syndromes with this herb.

Taking powdered Korean red ginseng seems to improve sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction in men. A systematic review included 28 randomized clinical studies that evaluated the effectiveness of red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction.

The review provided suggestive evidence for the use of the herb, but researchers believe that more rigorous studies are necessary in order to draw definitive conclusions. Of the 28 reviewed studies, six reported an improvement of erectile function when using red ginseng compared with placebo control.

Four studies tested the effects of red ginseng for sexual function using questionnaires compared with placebo, and all trials reported positive effects. Ginseng treatment has significantly decreased lung bacteria, and studies involving rats have shown that it can stop the growth of cystic fibrosis, a common lung infection.

In one study, rats were given ginseng injections, and after two weeks, the treated group showed a significantly improved bacterial clearance from the lungs.

Research also shows another ginseng benefit is its ability to treat a lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , which is characterized as chronically poor airflow that typically worsens over time. According to the research, taking Panax by mouth seems to improve lung function and some symptoms of COPD.

Several studies show that American ginseng lowers blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, working to improve diabetes symptoms. One study done at the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit in the United Kingdom found that Panax causes a reduction in blood glucose levels one hour after the consumption of glucose, confirming that ginseng possesses glucoregulatory properties.

One of the primary difficulties with type 2 diabetes is that the body is not responsive enough to insulin. Research has shown that ginseng possesses powerful anticancer properties because of its ability to inhibit tumor growth. Although more research is needed on this subject, reports conclude that the improvements in cell immunity involving T cells and NK cells natural killer cells — along with other mechanisms such as oxidative stress, apoptosis and angiogenesis — give this herb its anticancer properties.

Scientific reviews state that ginseng mitigates cancer through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and apoptotic mechanisms to influence gene expression and stop tumor growth. This shows this herb may work as a natural cancer preventer. will get colorectal cancer during his or her lifetime.

Researchers treated human colorectal cancer cells with steamed ginseng berry extract and found the anti-proliferation effects were 98 percent for HCT and 99 percent for SW cells.

When researchers tested steamed American ginseng root, they found results comparable to that of the steamed berry extract. Another well-researched ginseng benefit is its ability to boost the immune system — helping the body fight off infection and disease. The roots, stems and leaves have been used for maintaining immune homeostasis and enhancing resistance to illness or infection.

Several clinical studies have shown that American ginseng improves the performance of cells that play a role in immunity. It regulates each type of immune cell, including macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T cells and B cells.

Ginseng extracts produce antimicrobial compounds that work as a defense mechanism against bacterial and viral infections. A larger study in followed 71 postmenopausal females who took 3 grams g of red ginseng or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.

Antioxidant activity and oxidative stress markers were then measured 8. Researchers concluded that red ginseng may help reduce oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities 8.

Ginseng has been shown to help reduce inflammatory markers and help protect against oxidative stress. Ginseng could help improve brain functions like memory, behavior, and mood 9 , Some test-tube and animal studies show that components in ginseng, like ginsenosides and compound K, could protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals 11 , Interestingly, one study in 6, older adults found that regular consumption of ginseng for at least 5 years was associated with improved cognitive function later in life Another small study showed that taking milligrams mg of American ginseng significantly improved working memory after 3 hours, compared to a placebo According to one review, ginseng could also help ease stress and may offer benefits for depression and anxiety Ginseng has been shown to improve memory and suppress stress.

Some research suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction ED According to some older research, certain compounds found in ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in the blood vessels and tissues of the penis to help restore normal function Additionally, studies have shown that ginseng may promote the production of nitric oxide , a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation 6 , Still, research on the effects of ginseng on ED has turned up mixed results and more high quality studies are needed.

In fact, one review of nine studies found that ginseng could improve self-reported ability to have intercourse in males However, researchers also noted that ginseng had little to no effect on ED or satisfaction with intercourse compared to a placebo Ginseng may improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction by decreasing oxidative stress in tissues and enhancing blood flow in penile muscles.

However, more research is needed. According to one review, ginseng possesses potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties and may enhance the function of the immune system Interestingly, one animal study found that black red ginseng extract increased the number of immune cells and enhanced antioxidant levels in the liver Similarly, another study in people showed that taking 2 g of Korean red ginseng per day for 8 weeks significantly increased levels of immune cells compared to a placebo However, more studies in humans are needed to understand the potential effects of ginseng on immune function.

Ginseng can boost immune function and may increase levels of immune cells. Ginseng may be helpful in reducing the risk of certain cancers 23 , Ginsenosides in this herb have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection 25 , The cell cycle is the process by which cells normally grow and divide.

Ginsenosides could benefit this cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth 25 , Ginseng may also help improve the health of people undergoing chemotherapy and could reduce side effects and enhance the effect of some cancer treatments However, while studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive Ginsenosides in ginseng seem to regulate inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and maintain the health of cells, which could help decrease the risk of certain kinds of cancer.

Nevertheless, more research is needed. Ginseng has been shown to help ease fatigue and increase energy levels. Various animal studies have linked some components in ginseng, like polysaccharides and oligopeptides, with lower oxidative stress and higher energy production in cells, which could help decrease fatigue 28 , One review of 10 studies concluded that ginseng could significantly improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome compared to a placebo, even after just 15 days Another review showed that taking American or Asian ginseng could decrease symptoms of cancer-related fatigue when taken in doses of 2, mg or 3, mg per day, respectively Furthermore, a review of over studies suggested that ginseng supplements may not only help reduce fatigue but could also enhance physical performance Ginseng may help fight fatigue and enhance physical performance by lowering oxidative damage and increasing energy production in cells.

Ginseng seems to be beneficial in the control of blood sugar levels 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 tissues Moreover, studies show that ginseng extracts help by providing antioxidant protection that can help reduce free radicals in the cells of those with diabetes One review of eight studies found that ginseng supplementation could decrease fasting blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, but it did not significantly reduce hemoglobin A1C levels, which are an average of blood glucose over 3 months.

Another 8-week study showed that taking 3 g per day of American ginseng significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels The study showed ginseng improved hemoglobin A1c , a marker of long-term blood sugar control, compared to a placebo in people with type 2 diabetes but larger studies using standardized preparations of ginseng are needed to verify these results Ginsenosides may affect insulin production in the pancreas and improve insulin resistance using other mechanisms.

Another study showed similar benefits of ginseng on lowering blood sugar. Some participants took 2. Researchers found that ginseng was effective in lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin levels after a meal compared to the placebo. More clinical studies and standardization of ginseng root are needed to determine whether ginseng is a possible complementary therapy for diabetes.

Researchers also need to investigate what specific doses might be effective. Although ginseng is generally safe to consume, people have reported the following side effects:.

Women may also experience swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding. People may experience a moderate interaction when using ginseng with a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. Ginseng can alter the effects of blood pressure, diabetes, and heart medications, including calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine.

Never take ginseng and heart medications at the same time without first consulting a doctor. The herb can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin.

While researchers have not confirmed the various potential health benefits of ginseng supplements, it is usually safe for a person to take the herb in small doses.

Ginseng supplements are available to purchase online. A person should compare brands and individual products to ensure the supplement they are purchasing is suitable and safe for them. Always speak to a doctor before taking a new supplement. Ginger may relieve nausea and gastrointestinal irritation and reduce pain and inflammation.

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