 |
|
© Steven Foster
|
Botanical name: Panax quinquefolius
Parts used and where grown
Like its more familiar cousin Asian
ginseng (Panax ginseng), the root of American ginseng is used medicinally.
The plant grows wild in shady forests of the northern and central United States, as well as in
parts of Canada. It is cultivated in the United States, China, and France.
American ginseng has been
used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the
individual health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Many Native American tribes used American ginseng. Medicinal applications ranged from
digestive disorders to sexual problems.1 The Chinese began to use American ginseng
after it was imported during the 1700s.2 The traditional applications of American
ginseng in China are significantly different from those for Panax ginseng (Asian
ginseng).3
Active constituents
American ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are thought to fight fatigue and stress by
supporting the adrenal glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles.4 The
type and ratio of ginsenosides are somewhat different in American and Asian ginseng. The
extent to which this affects their medicinal properties is unclear. A recent preliminary trial
with healthy volunteers found no benefit in exercise performance after one week of taking
American ginseng.5
In a small pilot study, 3 grams of American ginseng was found to lower the rise in blood
sugar following the consumption of a drink high in glucose by people with type 2 diabetes.6 The study found no difference in blood
sugar lowering effect if the herb was taken either 40 minutes before the drink or at the same
time. A follow-up to this study found that increasing the amount of American ginseng to either
6 or 9 grams did not increase the effect on blood sugar following the high-glucose drink in
people with type 2 diabetes.7 This study also found that American ginseng was
equally effective in controlling the rise in blood sugar if it was given up to two hours
before or together with the drink.
How much is usually taken?
Standardized extracts of American ginseng, unlike Asian ginseng, are not available.
However, dried root powder, 1–3 grams per day in capsule or tablet form, can be
used.8 Some herbalists also recommend 3–5 ml of tincture three times per
day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Occasional cases of insomnia or agitation have been
reported with the use of American ginseng. These conditions are more likely, however, when caffeine-containing foods and beverages are also being
consumed.9
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with American ginseng.
References
1. Duke J. Ginseng: A Concise Handbook. Algonac, MI: Reference
Publications, 1989, 36.
2. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia
Medica. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 358–9.
3. Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia
Medica. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 358–9.
4. Shibata S, Tanaka O, Shoji J, Saito H. Chemistry and pharmacology of
Panax. Econ Med Plant Res 1:218–84.
5. Morris AC, Jacobs I, McLellan TM, et al. No ergogenic effect on
ginseng ingestion. Int J Sport Nutr 1996;6:263–71.
6. Vuksan V, Sivenpiper JL, Koo VYY, et al. American ginseng (Panax
quinquefolius L.) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1009–13.
7. Vuksan V, Sivenpiper JL, Koo VYY, et al. American ginseng (Panax
quinquefolius L.) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with
type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1009–13.
8. Foster S. Herbs for Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press,
1996, 48–9.
9. Yun TK, Choi Y. Preventive effect of ginseng intake against various
human cancers: A case-control study on 1987 pairs. Cancer Epidem Biomarkers Prev
1995;4:401–8.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
| 
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
