Ginseng, panax
Panax ginseng, commonly known as Asian, Chinese, or Korean ginseng, is a perennial plant native to Asia and Northern Europe. This plant has a long history of medicinal use, extending over two millennia, and is particularly renowned for its root, which is believed to possess various health benefits. The term "panax" translates to "all-healing," reflecting the extensive range of medicinal claims associated with it. Among the most frequently reported benefits are its energizing effects, potential anti-cancer properties, and ability to alleviate chemotherapy-related side effects. The active compounds in ginseng, known as ginsenosides, vary in concentration based on factors like root age and harvest conditions, influencing its overall efficacy.
Research into Panax ginseng has focused on its adaptogenic properties, which may help the body cope with stress and enhance recovery from illness. While some studies have suggested its potential in inhibiting cancer progression and addressing cancer-related fatigue, solid evidence remains limited. Ginseng is generally regarded as safe, although side effects can occur, particularly at high doses, and its use is not recommended for certain populations, such as women with specific cancers. Overall, Panax ginseng continues to be a subject of scientific exploration, particularly concerning its health benefits and applications in holistic medicine.
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Ginseng, panax
ALSO KNOWN AS: Asian ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng
DEFINITION: Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, commonly known as Panax ginseng, is a perennial plant in Asia and Northern Europe. Other types of ginseng include the related Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng, and Siberian ginseng, with activity that differs from Panax varieties. The root of Panax ginseng is associated with many medicinal claims; “panax” translates as “all-healing.” Panax ginseng’s most widely reported claims encompass energizing effects.
Cancers treated or prevented: Purported general anticarcinogenic and cell-protective agent; potential treatment of chemotherapy-related side effects
Delivery routes: Oral by capsule, tea, or powder
How this substance works: Panax ginseng has a history of more than two thousand years of medicinal use and has been formally studied for health claims since the 1960s. The plant root contains numerous pharmacologically active entities called ginsenosides, also known as saponins. The ginsenoside content of each root, however, varies with root age, harvest season, and preservation method, which contributes to an uneven effect of ginseng whole-root products. Ginsenoside effects vary between species as well.
Ginseng’s pharmacologic claims include altered blood pressure, analgesic effects, increased mental and physical capacities, and anti-inflammatory effects. Among the early claims now supported by studies is a general adaptogenic, or strengthening, effect. This effect helps the body fight disease, reduce stress or fatigue, and enhance recovery from illness, depression, or anxiety. Ginsenosides in the plant root are similar to steroid hormones and are the likely source of many of these medicinal effects.
Possible mechanisms of ginseng’s reported anticarcinogenic effect include direct cytotoxicity, cancer cell growth inhibition, inhibited metastases and cell adhesion, and increased production. Clinical studies for cancer use have been conducted, primarily in Asia; however, ginseng’s use in cancer remains unsupported by solid evidence. Because of its steroidal anti-inflammatory activity and overall strengthening effect, Panax and American ginsengs have been tested for cancer-related fatigue or as a supplemental treatment to improve responses to chemotherapy.
Studies continued on ginseng and cancer into the 2020s, with findings that appeared to support ginseng’s ability to inhibit cancer progression and metastasis. Studies also supported ginseng’s anti-cancer preventive properties, solidifying its place in holistic medical treatments for cancer. Finally, researchers also found confirming evidence of ginseng's ability to fight cancer-related fatigue.
Side effects: Ginseng is generally considered safe; the adverse effects possible with high doses include increased heart rate, nausea, headache, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. Women may experience swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding; the safety of Panax ginseng during pregnancy and lactation is unknown.
Because of its steroid-like effects, ginseng should not be used in women with breast or endometrial cancers. Ginseng may decrease blood sugar and increase blood-clotting times.
Bibliography
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