Chinese Ginseng Extract

Species Name: Panax ginseng

Also Known As: Asiatic ginseng, Korean red ginseng, and Oriental ginseng.

The Asian or Chinese ginseng plant has leaves that circle a straight stem. It has yellow-green flowers in the center with red berries.

The taproot is gnarled, and said to resemble the human body with root extension mirroring “legs and arms.” The light tan root is what is used medicinally once the plant is about six years old.

Asian, Korean, and Chinese ginseng are the same species, just grown in different areas. A relative of the same species, American ginseng, is native to North America.

What is Chinese Ginseng Extract? All Chinese ginseng extract supplements come from the ginseng root and root hairs, which are long thin offshoots from the root base.

The active ingredients of this extract are ginsenosides, saponins, glycans (panaxans), polysaccharide fraction DPG-3-2, peptides, maltol, B vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oil.

Home Remedies Using Chinese Ginseng Extract:

Benefits and Uses of Chinese Ginseng Extract:

Chinese Ginseng extract is used to help fight off infection and disease. It is believed to support and enhance the body’s immune system function, and to help individuals deal with physical and mental stress.

Believed to have antioxidant effects, this supplement may help the body rid itself of free radicals. This action leads to increased cardiovascular health. Chinese Ginseng may raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol levels.

Chinese ginseng is also believed to have a positive effect on mental clarity, with those taking the supplement feeling more alert and experiencing increased concentration and memory.

This extract is also used to boost strength and endurance for athletes and to fight fatigue. It has been used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, boosting libido, and may increase sperm count. It is also used to alleviate mood and other symptoms of menopause.

Chinese ginseng is also believed to slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease and to improve memory and behavior while decreasing senility. This supplement may also reduce the risk of getting some varieties of cancer.

Ginsing extract is available in water, water-and-alcohol, or in alcohol liquid extract. It is also available in powder form or in capsules.

It is important to verify by reading the label of any product that you are purchasing Chinese, Asian, Korean, red, or Panax ginseng. American or quinquefolius, is also acceptable.

Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) can be found online and in health food stores or pharmacies. This product does not have the same active ingredients as Chinese or American ginseng.

Clinical studies have shown how Chinese ginseng can improve immune function. They have proven that ginseng seems to amplify the amount of immune cells in the blood.

One study showed how this extract improves the body’s response to a flu vaccine. This study showed that 227 participants received either ginseng or placebo for 12 weeks, with a flu shot administered after 4 weeks.

A report by the University of Maryland Medical Center stated that the number of colds and flu were two-thirds lower in the group that took ginseng.

Side Effects of Chinese Ginseng Extract:

Chinese ginseng extract may cause sleeplessness or nervousness, especially if taken in high doses or with caffeine. If you have hypoglycemia, heart disease, or high blood pressure it is recommended that you not take Ginseng.

Other side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, nosebleed and vaginal bleeding. Because Ginseng extract may cause vaginal bleeding it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Chinese ginseng may act as a blood thinner and should not be taken if you are taking any other blood thinners (like aspirin or Warfarin). Chinese Ginseng should not be taken for seven days prior to any surgery or dental procedure.