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American ginseng

Also listed as: Ginseng - American; Panax quinquefolium


Overview

Both American and Asian ginsengs belong to the species Panax and are similar in their chemical composition. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ), although part of the same plant family called Araliaceae , is an entirely different plant and does not contain ginsenosides, the active ingredients found in both Asian ( Panax ginseng ) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius ).

There are similarities among American, Asian, and Siberian ginsengs. Each of these three herbs is considered an adaptogen, a substance that strengthens the body, helping it return to normal when it has been subjected to prolonged stress. Therefore, they are considered to be valuable supports for those recovering from illness or surgery, especially the elderly.

The root of American ginseng is light tan and gnarled, sometimes resembles the human body. Panax means all illness, and ginseng has been used across the ages in many different cultures as a "cure-all."

Many studies on ginseng have been performed using Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). There have been positive reports of using Asian ginseng to treat cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, fatigue, as well as to boost energy and mental performance and to improve quality of life. However, both American and Asian ginsengs contain ginsenosides, and research does exist on this component. Laboratory studies in animals have reported that American ginseng was effective in boosting the immune system, as an antioxidant, protection against heart attacks and protection against kidney damage caused by methamphetamine use. Research on American ginseng has focused on a number of conditions, some of which are described below.

Attent defecit hyperactivity disorder

An early study suggests that American ginseng, in combination with ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba) , may prove to be of value in helping to treat ADHD. More research in this area is needed.

Alzheimer's disease

Individual reports and animal studies indicate that a component of American ginseng and Asian ginseng, the ginsenosides, may slow the progression of Alzheimer's and improve memory and behavior. Studies of large groups of people are needed to best understand this possible use of American ginseng for slowing Alzheimer's or senility.

Cancer

Studies suggests that regular intake of ginseng may reduce one's chances of getting various types of cancer, especially lung, liver, stomach, pancreatic and ovarian. A laboratory study found that American ginseng may also enhance the effects of medications used to treat breast cancer, potentially allowing the doctor to use less chemotherapy.

Diabetes

While both Asian and American ginsengs appear to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels, American ginseng has been the more studied in scientific trials. Several human studies report a blood sugar lowering effect using American ginseng in patients with type 2 diabetes, both on fasting blood sugar and on postprandial (after eating) glucose levels. One study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took American ginseng before or together with a high sugar load experienced less of an increase in blood glucose levels.

Several studies using laboratory animals report positive effects of using American ginseng and ginsenosides for high blood sugar levels. One recent study using mice found that the American ginseng berry was more effective at lowering blood sugar levels than the root.

More research is needed.

Immune system enhancement

American ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system, which could, in theory, help the body fight off infection and disease. In several clinical studies, American ginseng improved the function of cells playing a role in immunity.


Plant Description

The American ginseng plant has leaves that grow in a circle around a straight stem. Yellowish-green umbrella-shaped flowers grow in the center and produce red berries. Wrinkles around the neck of the root tell how old the plant is. This is important because American ginseng is not ready for use until it has grown for four to six years. American ginseng is very expensive and is now being grown on farms in order to protect the wild American ginseng from over-harvesting.


What's It Made Of?

American ginseng products are made from ginseng root and the long, thin offshoots called root hairs. The main chemical ingredients of American ginseng are ginsenosides and polysaccharide glycans (quinquefolans A, B, and C). American ginseng seems to be more relaxing than Asian ginseng, which may have stimulating effects.


Available Forms

American ginseng (dried) is available in water, water-and-alcohol, or alcohol liquid extracts, and in powders, capsules, and tablets. American ginseng is available with other herbs in several combination formulas.

It is important when buying ginseng to read the label carefully and make sure that you are purchasing the type of ginseng that you want. If you are looking for Asian ginseng, make sure you buy Korean, red, or Panax ginseng . If you are looking for American ginseng, buy a Panax quinquifolium. Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero ( Eleutherococcus senticosus ) and Panax notoginseng may also be found in health food stores or pharmacies.


How to Take It

Pediatric

This herb is not recommended for use in children unless under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.

Adult

  • Fresh root: 1 - 2 g, once daily for up to 3 months
  • Dried root: 1/2 - 2 g, chew and swallow once daily
  • Tincture (1:5): 1 - 2 teaspoonfuls, 1 - 3 times daily
  • Fluid extract (1:1): 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoonfuls, 1 - 3 times daily
  • Standardized extract: 100 - 200 mg, 1 - 3 times daily, standardized to contain 4 - 5% ginsenosides

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Reported side effects of taking ginseng include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Euphoria
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Nosebleed
  • Breast pain
  • Vaginal bleeding

To avoid low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), even in people who do not have diabetes, you should take American ginseng with food.

People with hypertension should not take American ginseng products without specific guidance and instruction from a qualified health care provider. At the same time, people with low blood pressure as well as those with an acute illness or diabetes (because of the risk of a sudden drop in blood sugar), should use caution when taking ginseng.

The safety of taking American ginseng during pregnancy is unknown. Therefore, it is not recommended when pregnant or breastfeeding.

American ginseng should be discontinued at least 7 days prior to surgery. American ginseng can lower blood glucose levels and, therefore, create problems for patients fasting prior to surgery. In addition, American ginseng may act as a blood thinner, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding during or after the procedure.


Possible Interactions

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginseng without first talking to your health care provider:

Anti-Diabetic medications -- American ginseng may lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, this herb may interfere with the effectiveness of blood sugar lowering prescription medications. Talk with your health care provider before using American ginseng if you are taking medicines for diabetes, including insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.

Blood thinning medications -- Some reports have indicated that ginsenosides may possibly decrease the effectiveness of warfarin, a blood-thinning medication. In addition, ginsenosides may inhibit platelet activity and, therefore, should probably not be used with aspirin either.

Psychiatric medications -- American ginseng may exaggerate the effects of medications used in various psychiatric disorders, so they should not be taken together. There have been reports of a possible interaction between Asian ginseng and the antidepressant medication, phenelzine (which belongs to a class known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, resulting in symptoms ranging from manic-like episodes to headache and tremulousness

Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the painkilling effects of morphine.


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  • Review Date: 1/25/2007
  • Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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