There are many different components that make up Korean Red Ginseng and those components provide the immune boosting properties that are sought after by those who are health conscious. The active ingredients that are present within the Korean Red Ginseng include: ginsenosides, saponins, carbohydrates, phytosterols, polyacetylenes, polyphenolic compounds, organic acids, amino acids and many other substances.

These active ingredients protect the patient from acquiring many different diseases or illnesses based on a sluggish immune system Iqbal, H.

Studies have shown that treatment with Korean Red Ginseng and saponin was effective in treating the symptoms of Influenza. Korean Red Ginseng was shown to increase levels of IgA and other cytokines.

These cytokine produced stimulates the reactivity of the immune system. Also, elevated levels of CD69 were shown on white blood cells, this indicates that Korean Red Ginseng not only boosts the immune system, but provides protective immunity.

In patients who used Korean Red Ginseng as a treatment modality for lung infections, it was found that there were lower levels of viral particles within the lung. Lower viral titers within the lung means that the immune system is working to fight the infection. In this study it was also found that those who consumed Korean Red Ginseng were found to have proinflammatory cytokine production and improved cellular survival Iqbal, H.

Another compound that is in Korean Red Ginseng is Galacturonic Acid. This compound also stimulates the immune system to fight against these foreign pathogens. Galacturonic Acid offers many benefits and it is located within the Korean Red Ginseng root Thurman, The best Korean Red Ginseng brand is CheongKwanJang by Korea Ginseng Corp KGC.

KGC uses only 6 year old ginseng roots to maximize its potency and quality for all of their supplemental products. This product has provided many with the opportunity to boost their immune system for centuries.

Studies have shown that Korean Red Ginseng stimulates the production of immune cells within the adaptive arm of the immune system.

These activation of T lymphocytes and macrophages stimulate the eradication of viruses and other pathogens from the lungs. This stimulation allows for the human body to fight off those viral infections including the common cold and flu viruses. As you can see, Korean Red Ginseng has been providing individuals with the benefits of immune health for many centuries.

Korean Red Ginseng allows one to take control of their health and promote their own immunity. Popular Searches: Ginseng Extract Everytime Sticks. Tap Here for Current Promos. Facebook Instagram Linkedin YouTube TikTok.

ginseng extract, G, in capsule form mg twice daily and participants in the control group received placebo for 4 weeks.

ginseng G is manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices by Ginsana SA, Switzerland. The lactose-based placebo was also manufactured by Ginsana SA and matched in appearance, taste and odour.

In the full-scale trial medications would be dispensed for 24 weeks. ginseng , G, is the highest quality standardised extract and has been evaluated in more than 46 clinical studies over 35 years [ 12 ]. The dosage in this study was determined by referencing the clinical trial literature and recommendations from the manufacturer [ 13 ].

Throughout the study, participants were given the short-acting β2-agonist Ventolin salbutamol to relieve symptoms as needed.

Other respiratory drugs, such as short-acting anticholinergics, short-acting β2-agonists other than salbutamol, theophylline, corticosteroids as monotherapy, antibiotics, mucolytics and antitussives were not allowed during the study.

The following medications for other conditions were also not allowed during the study: immunotherapy, monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, anticoagulants, antihyperglycaemics, and other Chinese herbal medicines. Specifically, exacerbations involving two or more symptoms, such as worsening dyspnoea and an increase in sputum purulence or volume or both, or any single major symptom and more than one minor symptom such as upper airway infection, unexpected fever or increased wheezing that lasted two or more days [ 14 ].

Investigators who are qualified respiratory research assistants phoned the participants at the end of every week and reviewed their participant diary at each visit to determine if a participant had experienced an exacerbation.

Investigators prescribed medications to treat exacerbations if needed. Exacerbation severity was categorised as mild easily tolerated by participant, causing minimal discomfort , moderate discomfort significant enough to interfere with daily activities or severe incapacitating, unable to work or perform daily activities.

Exacerbations were not considered adverse events unless they were serious e. Secondary outcomes were health status measured with the St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire SGRQ , COPD Assessment Test CAT , the Short-form Health survey SF and exercise tolerance using the 6-minute walking test 6MWT.

Other outcomes included change in postbronchodilator FEV1 and FVC, use of relief medication, and COPD-specific medical resource use, including emergency department presentations and medical practitioner visits.

All outcome measures were collected by the same investigator for continuity and to aid in maintaining a standard procedure. Outcome measures were selected based on the anticipated full-scale trial. For a full-scale trial the sample size and adequate statistical power would be based on a study evaluating carbocisteine for acute exacerbations of COPD [ 15 ].

Outcome measures were analysed by t test at the end of each time point. SPSS, Windows Version Last Observation Carried Forward LOCF was used to evaluate data with an intention-to-treat analysis. Data were presented as mean and standard deviation. The aim of this pilot trial was to test the practicality of trial design, it would be inappropriate to make any inferences or state findings of any efficacy.

Data were only analysed to make the investigators aware of any issues that needed to be overcome in the planned larger-scale trial. We recruited 14 participants from a community health program at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine in May and June of After the 2-week run in period, 10 of these participants were eligible for the study and were randomly assigned to P.

The four excluded participants did not meet the inclusion criteria due to their lung function and an exacerbation of COPD symptoms during the run-in period and abnormal liver function and a history of liver disease. Nine participants were male and one was female. One participant in the P. ginseng group dropped out at week three because of work commitments.

Nine participants were classified as having severe COPD, one was classified as having moderate COPD and none were classified as having very severe COPD.

Seven participants were considered to have lung and kidney qi deficiency , and three participants were considered to have lung , spleen and kidney qi deficiency. At the start of the study, two participants were taking antibiotics, eight were taking long-acting β-agonists, and nine were taking inhaled corticosteroids.

Because of the small sample size, several baseline factors, including smoking status and coughing severity, were imbalanced Table 1. None of the participants experienced an exacerbation during the short study duration 10 weeks.

Health status questionnaires SGRQ, SF, and CAT were unchanged in both groups see Table 2. All participants, except the one who dropped out, completed the questionnaires and the result was evaluated by LOCF. The baseline questionnaire scores, except those for the SF questions 2 and 3b, 3c, and 3e, were balanced between groups.

There was no significant difference in responses to the questionnaires between groups at the end of treatment see Table 2. The distance walked in six minutes at the end of treatment was not clinically important and the absolute distance walked did not change.

In the P. ginseng group the mean distance walked at baseline was In the placebo group, the mean distance walked at baseline and at the end of treatment did not change, meters.

ginseng or placebo groups Figure 3. All participants used relief medication salbutamol at some stage throughout the study. On average, participants in the P. ginseng group used 4.

None of the participants needed to use any other COPD-related medical resources. Error bars were standard deviations. There was no significant difference between groups at any time point. There were no adverse events recorded from the study medication. This was not considered an exacerbation or related to the treatment.

For the nine participants, blood haematology and biochemistry were unchanged after the treatment phase. The other participant showed a slight increase in white blood cell count and neutrophils. The result was not considered to be clinically important.

Potential participants were relatively easy to identify. The participants could not tell the difference between the P. ginseng treatment and placebo. Those given P. ginseng tolerated it well. Participants did not report any issues in taking the dose twice a day for both groups and did not report that the capsules tasted badly or were hard to swallow.

Despite multiple outcome measures, each visit at the hospital by the participants lasted for no more than 1. This report presented a study protocol and the results of a pilot trial comparing P.

The pilot trial was run without major issue according to the study protocol in a hospital environment in China. The randomization process was successful and the use of opaque envelopes to conceal allocation was effective. The study procedures, including lung function, questionnaires, walking distance and blood tests were completed at all of the time points.

Response rates for data collection were high; the only missing response was that of the participant who dropped out. No participants were excluded on a Chinese medicine diagnosis in the inclusion criteria. Because of the small sample size and short study duration it was not surprising to observe no difference in outcomes.

A larger trial with proper treatment duration according to the treatment principle would reveal the actual effect of P. ginseng in treating COPD. The planned full-scale trial protocol will be conducted over one year 6 months treatment and 6 months follow-up , similar to a current Australian trial evaluating P.

ginseng for moderate COPD [ 10 ]. A key consideration for any full-scale trials is recruitment. Recruitment for a full-scale trial would succeed at a large hospital or multiple sites.

One participant withdrew from this study. The outcome assessment in the pilot trial by only one investigator performing all tests, including spirometry using one device at the same time of day 8 a.

might be logistically unrealistic in the full-scale trial. Therefore, standard operating procedures for all outcomes would be necessary. The definition of exacerbation severity should also be improved in a full-scale trial.

Based on the success of this pilot trial a full-scale trial has been implemented at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. The full-scale trial has received ethical approval and has been registered with the ANZCTR ACTRN: The sample size for that full-scale trial was calculated according to the effect size on rate of exacerbation in COPD patients using a mucolytic agent carbocisteine in a randomized controlled trial in China [ 15 ].

It is estimated that a sample size of participants per group would be adequate. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD — The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease GOLD org ,.

World Health Organization. Barnes PJ: New anti-inflammatory targets for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov.

Article PubMed Google Scholar. An X, Zhang AL, Yang AW, Lin L, Wu D, Guo X, Shergis JL, Thien FCK, Worsnop CJ, Xue CC: Oral ginseng formulae for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review.

Respir Med. An X, Zhang AL, May BH, Lin L, Xu Y, Xue CC: Oral chinese herbal medicine for improvement of quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.

J Altern Complem Med. Article Google Scholar. Gross D, Krieger D, Efrat R: Ginseng extract G® for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.

Scweiz Z Ganzheits Med. Google Scholar. Scaglione F, Weiser K, Alessandria M: Effects of the standardised ginseng extract G® in patients with chronic bronchitis: A nonblinded, randomised, comparative pilot study.

Clin Drug Investig. Article CAS Google Scholar. Scaglione F, Cogo R, Cocuzza C, Arcidiacono M, Beretta A: Immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng C. Meyer G on alveolar macrophages from patients suffering with chronic bronchitis. Int J Immunother. Coon JT, Ernst E: Panax ginseng: a systematic review of adverse effects and drug interactions.

Drug Saf. Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Xue CC, Shergis JL, Zhang AL, Worsnop C, Fong H, Story D, Da Costa C, Thien FCK: Panax ginseng C. A Meyer root extract for moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD : study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Article PubMed Central PubMed Google Scholar.

Shergis JL, Parker S, Coyle ME, Zhang AL, Xue CC: Key considerations for conducting Chinese medicine clinical trials in hospitals. Chin Med. Scaglione F, Pannacci M, Petrini O: The standardised G® Panax ginseng C.

Meyer extract: a review of its properties and usage. Evid Based Integ Med. Shergis JL, Zhang AL, Zhou W, Xue CC: Panax ginseng in randomised controlled trials: a systematic review.

Phytother Res. Anthonisen NR, Manfreda J, Warren CPW: Antiobiotic therapy in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ann Intern Med.

Zheng JP, Kang J, Huang SG, Chen P, Yao WZ, Yang L, Bai CX, Wang CZ, Wang C, Chen BY, Shi Y, Liu CT, Chen P, Li Q, Wang ZS, Huang YJ, Luo ZY, Chen FP, Yuan JZ, Yuan BT, Qian HP, Zhi RC, Zhong NS: Effect of carbocisteine on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease PEACE Study : a randomised placebo-controlled study.

Decramer M, Celli B, Tashkin DP, Pauwels RA, Burkhart D, Cassino C, Kesten S: Clinical trial design considerations in assessing long-term functional impacts of tiotropium in COPD: the UPLIFT trial. Download references.

This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council NHMRC Project Grant Number: ; an International Research Grant from the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China and a grant from the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province Project grant number: B Trial medication and placebo were supplied free of charge by Ginsana SA, Switzerland.

We thank Professor Xu Yinji and respiratory physicians at the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine for their help with recruiting participants. We also thank Drs Li Xiaoyan, Liu Shaonan and Cai Jianxiong who helped to implement the trial.

Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, , China.

This includes the ability to learn, think, reason, and remember. A study reported that healthy adults who received a single mg dose of an American ginseng extract called Cereboost had increased working memory , peaking within three hours of the dose.

The findings were limited by the small size of the study 52 adults and the lack of a control group meaning a group given a sham placebo. A study involving 61 adults showed longer-lasting improvements in working memory after taking mg of Cereboost daily for two weeks. For this study, a control group was included, but the findings were limited by the fact that the research was funded by the manufacturer, Naturex SA.

An unrelated study published in reported that an American ginseng extract taken twice daily for four weeks improved the working memory of 32 people with schizophrenia compared to a matched set of adults given a placebo. A review of 16 ginseng trials concluded that the fasting blood sugar was modestly lowered by taking ginseng.

Three of the 16 studies looked at American ginseng specifically. A study involving 24 adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes showed that a 3, mg dose of American ginseng taken daily helped control blood sugar.

At the end of the eight-week study, the people given American ginseng had lower hemoglobin A1C levels, fasting blood sugar, and systolic blood pressure than those given a placebo. The findings were limited by the fact that the participants' blood sugar was already controlled by medications.

At present, there is no evidence that ginseng is able to manage diabetes on its own. According to a review of studies in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine , American ginseng may offer protection against common viral respiratory infections like colds and flu.

This supported earlier research in which American ginseng appeared to reduce the risk and duration of colds and flu in older adults with weakened immune systems.

A analysis published in Complementary Therapy and Medicine suggested that American ginseng may help prevent or treat seasonal respiratory infections in some people, but that the evidence wasn't strong enough to offer a clear conclusion.

Preliminary studies have investigated American ginseng for the following conditions:. The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA has not approved American ginseng for use in treating or preventing any medical condition. Ginseng should not be used in place of medications prescribed for you by your healthcare provider.

American ginseng is generally regarded as safe. In clinical trials, doses of 2, mg daily were well-tolerated and had the same rate of side effects as a placebo.

Possible side effects include:. The long-term side effects of ginseng use aren't known. Some groups of people should take special precautions when using American ginseng and may need to avoid it altogether. These include conditions like:. There is no recommended dosage of American ginseng in any form.

Never exceed the recommended dosage on the product label, or ask your healthcare provider for advice. American ginseng has been studied at the following dosages:. At these doses, American ginseng is unlikely to cause toxicity.

At higher doses—typically 15 grams 1, mg or more per day—some people develop "ginseng abuse syndrome" characterized by diarrhea, dizziness, skin rash, heart palpitations, and depression.

American ginseng may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. These include:. To avoid interactions, tell your healthcare provider if you intend to use any supplement.

American ginseng is an ingredient found in many commercial food products in the United States. It can also be purchased online or in stores in supplement form. American ginseng is used as an additive in some energy drinks and ginger candies. There are also American ginseng teas sold in grocery stores, supplements stores, and health food shops.

Whole dried root and granulated ginseng root can also be used to make teas and tonics. As a supplement, American ginseng is available as a tablet, capsule, powder, extract, or tincture. Tablets and capsules may be better options than whole root ginseng as you can control the dose.

Store ginseng tea, supplements, and dried root in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Keep away from children and pets. Discard after one year or by the expiration date on the product label. Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States, To ensure quality, choose supplements that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like U.

Pharmacopeia USP , ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Certification does mean that the supplement works or is inherently safe. It simply means that no contaminants were found and that the product contains the ingredients listed on the product label in the correct amounts.

Some other supplements that may improve cognitive function and decrease stress are:. Supplements that have been studied for the treatment or prevention of respiratory viruses like the cold or flu include:. Limited evidence suggests that American ginseng may help improve fatigue, mental function, diabetes, and respiratory infections like the cold and flu.

Side effects and drug interactions are possible, and American ginseng can be dangerous if taken during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in people with schizophrenia or certain cancers. In some cases, integrative medicine shouldn't be a substitute for standard medical care.

Use first-line treatments, and discuss with your healthcare provider about adding alternatives like American ginseng and other herbal remedies. Thirteen Panax species have been identified, the most common being Panax ginseng Korean ginseng and Panax quinquefolius American ginseng.

Lim, D. Anti-septicaemic effect of polysaccharide from Panax ginseng by macrophage activation. Ahn, J. The immunomodulator ginsan induces resistance to experimental sepsis by inhibiting Toll-like receptor-mediated inflammatory signals. Sung, W. The combination effect of Korean red ginseng saponins with kanamycin and cefotaxime against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Xue, P. Improved antimicrobial effect of ginseng extract by heat transformation. Pectin-like acidic polysaccharide from Panax ginseng with selective antiadhesive activity against pathogenic bacteria. Choi, Y. Antibacterial and antioxidative activity of roasted coffee and red ginseng mixture extracts.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection HAI CDC. Available online: accessed on 29 January Kim, Y. Protective roles of ginseng against bacterial infection. Cell , 5, — Effects of ginseng treatment on neutrophil chemiluminescence and immunoglobulin G subclasses in a rat model of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia.

Alipour, M. Ginseng aqueous extract attenuates the production of virulence factors, stimulates twitching and adhesion, and eradicates biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Lu, C. Potential therapeutic agents against COVID What we know so far. Yoo, D. Protective effect of korean red ginseng extract on the infections by H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses in mice. Food , 15, — Horsley, A. Breathe , 12, 91— Ramsey, D.

Understanding the control of Pseudomonas aeruginosa alginate synthesis and the prospects for management of chronic infections in cystic fibrosis.

Ahmed, A. Microbial toxinology for safer drug industry. Care Health Syst. Nguyen, C. Panax ginseng aqueous extract prevents pneumococcal sepsis in vivo by potentiating cell survival and diminishing inflammation.

Phytomedicine , 22, — Wang, M. Immunomodulating activity of CVT-E, a proprietary extract from North American ginseng Panax quinquefolium. McElhaney, J. Efficacy and Safety of CVT-E, a Proprietary Extract of Panax quinquefolius in the Prevention of Respiratory Infections in Influenza-Vaccinated Community-Dwelling Adults: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Influenza Res. Predy, G. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: A randomized controlled trial. CMAJ , , — Ernst, E. Panax ginseng: An Overview of the Clinical Evidence.

Panax ginseng has anti-infective activity against opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa by inhibiting quorum sensing, a bacterial communication process critical for establishing infection.

Phytomedicine , 17, — Xue, C. Panax ginseng C. A Meyer root extract for moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD : Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials , 12, 1—6. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Upload a video for this entry.

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Shadma Wahab. update references and layout. Meta information modification. format correct. Withaferin A WA , a withanolide purified from Withania somnifera. WA inhibits H. pylori -induced IL-8 production in gastric epithelial cells.

WA does not influence H. pylori -induced ROS production or any associated signaling. Withania somnifera Indian ginseng , Both aqueous as well as alcoholic extracts of the plant root as well as leaves.

Inhibitory activity against a spectrum of bacteria. Increased survival rate as well as decreased bacterial load. Withania somnifera Indian ginseng extracts. Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli.

Methanol and hexane extracts of both leaves and roots were found to have potent antibacterial activity. A synergistic increase in the antibacterial effect of Tibrim was noticed when MIC of Tibrim was supplemented with these extracts. Extracts of Withania somnifera Indian ginseng.

Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Polar solvents had higher antibacterial property in comparison with the nonpolar solvents; higher MIC values were obtained for both gram-positive bacteria S. aureus , B.

subtilis and gram-negative bacteria, E. coli and P. aeruginosa , with polar extract. Antimicrobial activity of crude extract of W. somnifera was shown to validate the use of traditional medicinal herbal medicine and results of this study tend to give credence to the common use of W.

somnifera plant. ginseng polysaccharides. hemagglutination and enzyme-linked glycosorbent assays. Acidic carbohydrates may play an important role in the inhibitory activity on H.

pylori adhesion to host cells. Bacterial binding was inhibited more effectively by P. Formation of clear zones, measurement of urease activity and cell adhesion activity in vitro.

Anti- H. pylori activity, including anti-bacterial, anti-adhesion, and urease inhibition effects. Fermented ginseng extract containing L. plantarum MG could prove to be useful as a functional diet for the protection of the gastric environment against H.

Analysis of cell viability trypan blue dye exclusion assay, DNA fragmentation assay comet assay Measurement of cytokine level, cell signaling in vitro. RGE decreased H. pylori-stimulated IL-8 gene expression, which resulted from the transcriptional regression of NF-κB. RGE showed significant gastroprotective effects against H.

pylori -associated gastric mucosal cell damage, suggesting that red ginseng could be used as a medicinal phytonutrient against H. pylori infection. The zone of inhibition due to WGE increased significantly with increasing dosage.

WGE exhibited an inhibitory effect on cell growth at 2. The potential of WGE to be used as a health-promoting substance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa. aeruginosa biofilms were further investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Oral administration of ginseng extracts in mice promoted phagocytosis of P. Immunomodulatory Activity of Red Ginseng against Influenza A Virus Infection. Nutrients , ; 6 2 : DOI: Cite This Page : MLA APA Chicago Georgia State University.

ScienceDaily, 21 April Georgia State University. Ginseng can treat, prevent influenza, RSV, researcher finds. Retrieved February 14, from www. htm accessed February 14, Explore More. How the Flu Virus Hacks Our Cells. May 31, — Influenza epidemics, caused by influenza A or B viruses, result in acute respiratory infection.

They kill half a million people worldwide every year. These viruses can also wreak havoc on animals, as How Lung Cells Protect Themselves Against RNA Viral Infection.

New Study Confirms Bioengineered RSV Protein Vaccine Evokes Protective Immune Response. Large, Delayed Outbreaks of Endemic Diseases Possible Following COVID Controls. Print Email Share. Trending Topics. Immune System. Breast Cancer. Child Development.

To isolate PBMCs, heparinized peripheral blood was mixed with PBS and loaded onto Ficoll-Paque GE healthcare lifesciences, Uppsala, Sweden. After centrifuging at g for 20 min, buffy coat was harvested and washed with PBS. Followed by red blood cell RBC lysis, mononuclear cells were washed and counted.

The purity of NK cells was checked by flow cytometry analysis, after staining with PE-conjugated anti-CD56 antibody San Diego, CA, USA. Mice spleens were homogenized by passing through 70 μm mesh and centrifuged at g for 10 min at 4°C.

After cell counting, splenocytes were stained with fluorescence-conjugated antibodies for flow cytometry analysis. After red ginseng and vitamin C treatment, PBMCs or NK cells were stained with PE-conjugated anti-human CD25, PE-conjugated anti-human CD69 or FITC-conjugated anti-human CD3 antibodies BD Pharmingen, San Diego, CA, USA.

Mouse splenocytes were stained with PE-conjugated anti-mouse NKp46, APC-conjugated anti-mouse NK1. After washing with PBS containing 0. BCBL-1 was treated with vitamin C and red ginseng for 24 h and stimulated with TPA for further 6 h. Then, total RNA was extracted using Trizol Invitrogen life technologies, Carlsbad, CA, USA , according to the manufacturers' instruction, and quantified with NanoDrop Thermo scientific, Wilmington, DE, USA.

Total RNA 1 μg was transcribed to cDNA by avian myeloblastosis virus AMV reverse transcriptase Promega, Madison, WI, USA. cDNAs were amplified with ORF45, K8, RTA and β-actin primers. PCR products were separated on 1.

Paraffin-embedded lung tissues were sectioned with 5 μm thickness. After de-paraffinization and hydration, epitope was retrieved by heating with 0.

Followed by blocking endogenous peroxidase with H 2 O 2 and inhibiting nonspecific signals with goat serum, sections were incubated with antibodies against TNF-α Cell signaling, Danvers, MA, USA and IFN-γ eBioscience , at 4°C overnight.

Then, sections were incubated with biotinylated anti-rabbit antibody Vector laboratories, Burlingame, CA, USA for 1 h. ABC solution was loaded on sections for 30 min, and DAB kit was used for chromogenic detection. After conterstaining with haematoxylin, sections were dehydrated, cleared, mounted and observed with light microscope Olympus, Center Valley, PA, USA.

Virus titres in lung homogenates were determined on Madin—Darby canine kidney MDCK cells. Monolayers of MDCK were infected with 0. Data were analysed by t -test or one-way analysis of variance ANOVA followed by Newman—Keuls multiple comparison test, and expressed as mean ± SEM of each group in independent experiments.

Statistical tests were carried out using GraphPad InStat GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA. First, the ginsenoside composition and contents in red ginseng were determined using UPLC system Figure 1. The major ginsenosides present in red ginseng extract were as follows: Rg1, 0.

Composition of red ginseng extract. The constituents of Korean red ginseng extract were determined by UPLC as described in Sec 6. To examine the effect of red ginseng and vitamin C on human PBMCs, PBMCs were treated with red ginseng and vitamin C for 48 h.

Red ginseng or vitamin C treatment did not affect the cell viability and number of PBMCs Figure 2a and b. Treatment with red ginseng or vitamin C alone did not alter the expression of CD25 and CD Therefore, it seems that red ginseng and vitamin C activate human T cells more.

Increased activation of human T cells by red ginseng and vitamin C treatment. Then, a cell viability and b cell number were determined by trypan blue exclusion assay. Also, treated cells were stained with FITC-conjugated anti-CD3 Ab and PE-conjugated anti-CD69 or CD25 Abs.

After T-cell population was gated based on the FSC and SSC parameters and surface expression of CD3, the expression of c CD25 and d CD69 on the T cells was analysed by flow cytometry. In addition to the T cells, the effect of red ginseng and vitamin C on NK cells was verified. After NK cells were isolated from PBMCs, they were also treated with red ginseng and vitamin C for 6 and 12 h.

Treatment with vitamin C and red ginseng did not show any considerable changes in the cell viability Figure 3a and b and cell number Figure 3c and d. Additionally, the expression of CD69 and CD25 on NK cells was examined by treating human NK cells with vitamin C and red ginseng for 48 h.

Based on the flow cytometry analysis, vitamin C or red ginseng increased the surface expression of CD69 and CD25, and they synergistically enhanced even more the NK activity Figure 3e and f.

These results indicate that vitamin C and red ginseng enhance the activation of human NK cells. Increased activation of human NK cells by red ginseng and vitamin C treatment. Then, a and b cell viability and c and d cell number were determined by trypan blue exclusion assay.

Also, NK cells were treated with red ginseng μg and vitamin C 50, μ m for 48 h, and then stained with PE-conjugated anti-CD69 or CD25 Abs. The expression of e CD25 and f CD69 on the surface of NK cells was analysed by flow cytometry. Next, it was determined whether red ginseng and vitamin C have a role in the regulation of the viral life cycle.

BCBL-1 is known to be infected with KSHV. After BCBL-1 cells were treated with red ginseng and vitamin C for 24 h, cell viability and cell number were examined. The cell viability and cell number was significantly decreased by the co-treatment of vitamin C μ m and red ginseng rather than by treatment with vitamin C and red ginseng alone Figure 4a and b.

Latent KSHV in BCBL-1 is reported to go into the lytic cycle by TPA treatment. Following the red ginseng and vitamin C treatment for 24 h, BCBL-1 cells were stimulated with TPA for 6 h.

Then, the changes in the expression of lytic cycle-related genes such as replication transcription activator RTA , K8 and open reading frame 45 ORF45 were assessed by RT-PCR.

Consequently, RTA and K8 transcripts were decreased by vitamin C and red ginseng treatment Figure 4c—e. The expression of ORF45 was reduced by co-treatment with a high dose of vitamin C and red ginseng Figure 4c and f.

Thus, red ginseng and vitamin C are effective in repressing viral reactivation to the lytic cycle. Suppression of lytic genes by red ginseng and vitamin C treatment. c The expression of lytic cycle-related genes such as d RTA, e K8 and f ORF45 was examined by RT-PCR, and its relative ratio to β-actin was represented after densitometry analysis.

TPA-treated group. There were no changes in the expression of CD25 and CD60 on T cells and in the population of T, NK, NKT cells and natural killer dendritic cells data not shown. However, the expression of NKp46, a natural cytotoxic receptor, on NK cells increased by co-treatment with vitamin C and red ginseng Figure 5a.

In the results, the production of IFN-γ was significantly increased by a high dose of vitamin C and red ginseng Figure 5c , although there was no difference in the level of TNF-α among the groups Figure 5b.

Therefore, red ginseng and vitamin C increased the NKp46 expression and anti-viral IFN-γ production. Increased activation of mouse NK cells and production of IFN-γ by red ginseng and vitamin C treatment. a After splenocyte isolation and staining with PE-conjugated anti-NKp46 Ab, the expression of NKp46 was examined by flow cytometry.

Also, the blood was collected from intra-orbital plexus, and the plasma concentration of b TNF-α and c IFN-γ was measured by ELISA. Body weight was decreased by H1N1 infection up to the day 8 of infection, and it was gradually recovered Figure 6b.

In the recovery period, the KO mice showed a low increase in body weight. At the end of the experiment, the viral PFUs in the lung homogenates were examined by the plaque forming assay Figure 6c. In particular, infiltrated cells producing TNF-α and IFN-γ were remarkably increased in the lungs of the KO mice, and they were reduced by red ginseng administration Figure 7a and b.

Taken all together, vitamin C deficiency increased the susceptibility of viral infection and administration of red ginseng decreased the risk of viral infection and inflammation.

Increased survival and decreased viral replication and inflammation by red ginseng and vitamin C administration. Scale bar, μm. Decreased production of TNF- and IFN in the virus-infected lung after red ginseng and vitamin C administration.

Two weeks later, infected lung was fixed, embed in paraffin and sectioned with 5 μm thickness. Then, sections were stained with a anti-TNF-α Ab or b anti-IFN-γ Ab, and the nuclei were counter-stained with haematoxylin.

This study demonstrates that red ginseng and vitamin C enhance the activation of T and NK cells in normal human PBMCs and repress the lytic entrance of virus in BCBL-1 cells.

Ginsenoside compounds in Korean red ginseng extract used in this study were revealed as Rb1, Rg3, Rc, Rb2, Rg2, Rh, Rf, Rd, Re and Rg1 in order of abundancy Figure 1.

After comparing the various types of ginsenosides, Rg1, Re, Rg2, Rg3 and Rb1 were active in promotion of the immune response. Many experiments have revealed the beneficial effects of ginseng as an immunomodulatory medicine. It maintains the homoeostasis of the immune system [ 4 ] and increases the host immune responses by stimulating NK cells, T cells, B cells and dendritic cells.

Long-term oral administration of red ginseng extract showed multiple immunomodulatory functions such as stimulating antiviral cytokine IFN-γ production and inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the bronchial lumens in H1N1-infected mice.

Moreover, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and oedema in the virus-infected lung was significantly reduced by administration of vitamin C and red ginseng Figure 6d. In particular, red ginseng showed a remarkable suppression of viral replication after virus infection Figure 6c.

After viral infection, the viral genome is translocated to nucleus, and the virus enters a latent cycle. Upon a specific stimulation inducing a transition from the latent to lytic cycle, the virus replicates and then bursts out of the host cell killing it.

The expression of lytic genes is tightly regulated and induced in a regular sequence. In the case of KSHV, RTA is necessary for lytic reactivations through direct binding to the KSHV promoter. Canonical type I IFN signalling activates the Janus kinase JAK -signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT pathway, leading to transcription of IFN-stimulated genes.

The expression of ORF45 was also down-regulated by a high concentration of red ginseng and vitamin C Figure 4c and f. It means that red ginseng and vitamin C suppress the viral lytic cycle-related gene expressions after herpes simplex virus infection. NK cells play an essential role in the defence against influenza virus, apparently without the need for previous antigen stimulation.

The coordinated localization of the viral hemagglutinin and neuraminidase proteins to the lipid raft domain is the final and critical step in the assembly and budding of viral progeny. This result indicates the possibility of red ginseng and vitamin C enhancing the NKpmediated defence of NK cells against infectious virus like influenza.

Oxidative stress has been associated with susceptibility to infectious diseases as a result of an impaired immune response. Influenza infection can change the redox status resulting in a decreased total concentration of antioxidants, especially in the early stage of the infection.

Vitamin E supplementation was effective in lowering the virus titre and preventing weight loss due to a reduction in pulmonary IL-6 and TNF-α levels. As a result, the viral titre was significantly low in all red ginseng-treated mice, and viral infection-induced inflammation was considerably reduced by the administration of red ginseng and vitamin C Figure 6c and d.

Although red ginseng and vitamin C showed anti-viral effects, the mechanism related with decreasing oxidative stress as antioxidants should be further investigated.

Taken all together, red ginseng and vitamin C synergistically show anti-viral effects by enhancing the activation of immune cells such as T cells and NK cells, and repressing the expression of viral lytic cycle-related genes. This work is supported by the grant from Korean Ginseng Corporation KGC, Daejeon, Korea to Jae Seung Kang Soema PC et al.

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J Ginseng Res ; 37 : Kim H et al. Pharmacopeia USP , ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Certification does mean that the supplement works or is inherently safe. It simply means that no contaminants were found and that the product contains the ingredients listed on the product label in the correct amounts.

Some other supplements that may improve cognitive function and decrease stress are:. Supplements that have been studied for the treatment or prevention of respiratory viruses like the cold or flu include:. Limited evidence suggests that American ginseng may help improve fatigue, mental function, diabetes, and respiratory infections like the cold and flu.

Side effects and drug interactions are possible, and American ginseng can be dangerous if taken during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in people with schizophrenia or certain cancers. In some cases, integrative medicine shouldn't be a substitute for standard medical care.

Use first-line treatments, and discuss with your healthcare provider about adding alternatives like American ginseng and other herbal remedies. Thirteen Panax species have been identified, the most common being Panax ginseng Korean ginseng and Panax quinquefolius American ginseng.

Some sources suggest taking American ginseng in the summer because it's thought to cool the body. However, little scientific evidence supports this. During active treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy CBT , a form of talk therapy and hypnosis may be helpful. After treatment, some options that may reduce fatigue include acupressure , mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and qigong.

Szczuka D, Nowak A, Zakłos-Szyda M, et al. American Ginseng Panax quinquefolium L. as a source of bioactive phytochemicals with pro-health properties. American Ginseng. Mancuso C, Santangelo R. Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology.

Food Chem Toxicol. Roe AL, Venkataraman A. The safety and efficacy of botanicals with nootropic effects. Curr Neuropharmacol.

Arring NM, Millstine D, Marks LA, Nail LM. Ginseng as a treatment for fatigue: A systematic review. J Altern Complement Med. Arring NM, Barton DL, Brooks T, Zick SM. Integrative therapies for cancer-related fatigue.

Cancer J. Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Savage K, et al. Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng Panax quinquefolius L. to healthy middle-age adults. Hum Psychopharmacol.

Bell L, Whyte A, Duysburgh C, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the acute and chronic benefits of American ginseng Cereboost® on mood and cognition in healthy young adults, including in vitro investigation of gut microbiota changes as a possible mechanism of action.

Eur J Nutr. Chen EY, Hui CL. HT, a proprietary North American ginseng extract, improves working memory in schizophrenia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Phytother Res. Shishtar E, Sievenpiper JL, Djedovic V, et al. The effect of ginseng the genus panax on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. PLoS One. Published Sep Vuksan V, Xu ZZ, Jovanovski E, et al.

Efficacy and safety of American ginseng Panax quinquefolius L. extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial. Mousa HA. Prevention and treatment of influenza, influenza-like illness, and common cold by herbal, complementary, and natural therapies.

J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. McElhaney JE, Goel V, Toane B, Hooten J, Shan JJ. Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial.

Antonelli M, Donelli D, Firenzuoli F. Ginseng integrative supplementation for seasonal acute upper respiratory infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med.

Lewicka A, Szymański Ł, Rusiecka K, et al. Supplementation of plants with immunomodulatory properties during pregnancy and lactation-maternal and offspring health effects.

By Megan Nunn, PharmD Megan Nunn, PharmD, is a community pharmacist in Tennessee with over twelve years of experience in medication counseling and immunization. Use limited data to select advertising.

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Table of Contents. Side Effects. Drug Interactions. Similar Supplements. Supplement Facts Active ingredient s : Ginsenosides, polysaccharides, terpenes, phenolic compounds, amino acids, flavonoids , volatile oils, vitamins, and minerals Alternate name s : Baie Rouge, Canadian ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, red berry Legal status : Sold over the counter OTC in the United States Suggested dose : to milligrams twice a day for up to six months Safety considerations : Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for people with hormone-sensitive cancers; may affect blood sugar, cause insomnia.

Effects of Ginseng on Blood Sugar. How to Choose Supplements Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated in the United States, To ensure quality, choose supplements that have been voluntarily submitted for testing by an independent certifying body like U.

Frequently Asked Questions Are there other types of ginseng? When is the best time of year to take American ginseng?