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Last Updated
August 25, 1999

 

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Bernd Wollschlaeger,M.D.   CEO&Medical Director Click here for E-mail

 

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Ginseng: The Fountain of Youth?

Based on German Commission E monograph and American Botanical Council information material and summarized by Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., Diplomate American Board of Family Practice.

The statements presented have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Product:

Ginseng comes from the Chinese "ren shen", which means " essence of the earth in the form of a man". So named because some roots have limb-like branches resembling arms and legs.Because the root has a humanoid shape, it is considered by Orientals to be an overall body tonic substance. The root is harvested until it is two or more years old; the older the root the higher its value. It’s held in highest esteem in China, where it has been applied for thousands of years as a rejuvenating substance.

Properties:

  • Saponins, or ginsenosides or panaxosides (panax=panaceea=cure all), are the chief constituent in Ginseng.
  • Other ingredients are polysaccharides, some vitamin B, and minerals.
  • Used as adaptogen ( substance that enables the body to cope with stress) and balance the body.
  • To types of ginseng available; red and white which reflect different processing of the root. Red ginseng is superior in quality. American ginseng is considered to have more cooling (yin) properties. Reduces the heat of the lungs and respiratory system. Antagonizes the effects of the Chinese ginseng, which has "hot" (yang) properties. Siberian ginseng is different from other ginseng forms and considered stimulating immune system.
  • Many complex components in ginseng have opposing effects.

Experimental data suggest:

  • Analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
  • Anticonvulsive and tranquilizing effects.

Clinical Data suggest indication for:

  • In elderly patients ginseng increased capacity to perform visual and acoustic reaction tests and increased pulmonary functions.
  • Can increase and decrease blood pressure.
  • Can decrease blood sugar levels and stimulate insulin sensitivity.
  • Reported estrogenic activity and used for menopausal side effects.

Contraindication:

  • Hypersensitivity to ginseng preparations.

Side Effects:

  • High dosages can cause headache.
  • Reported cases of vaginal bleeding.
  • Increase in blood pressure.

Precautions:

  • Do not recommend treatment during pregnancy.
  • Estrogen-dependent tumors (i.e., breast cancer, etc.)
  • Ginseng can act either as stimulant or depressant. Avoid in depression and anxiety states.
  • Can increase or decrease platelet adhesiveness and blood coagulation (Bleeding).
  • Can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

Interactions with other medications:

  • Avoid if you are using anticoagulants (Coumadin etc.)
  • Caution in Diabetics.
  • Avoid if you are using antidepressant medications of the MAOIs type.
  • Vitamin C can interfere with the absorption of ginseng.

Daily Dosage and Administration:

  • Standardized extract in a recommended dosage of 400mg three times daily (capsule).
  • Available as tincture and tea.

Duration of Application:

  • Varies according to indication.
  • Do not recommend use without contacting physician experienced in botanical medicine.

Overdose:

  • Do not exceed 5 gram daily.
  • Heavy users of ginseng can experience hypertension, nervousness, and anxiety.
  • Toxic signs include diarrhea, euphoria, and skin eruptions.

Special Warnings:

  • See under precautions, overdose and interactions.

Selected Products:


©1998-1999 Complemed, Inc. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions .