Ginseng has long
been known as the "miracle root", capable of curing all sorts of
ailments, from heart conditions, diabetes, fatigue, to even as a complementary
therapy to AIDS patients.
Mothers boil the root and feed the concentrate to their
children studying for exams, and wives and mother-in-laws do the same for their
husbands to boost their strength, or for a pregnant mother-to-be.
Its health benefits have long been touted, but what gives
it its miraculous properties?
The answer to this lies in just one word: Ginsenosides.
Ginsenosides are a unique compound to the Panax species - the genus Ginseng
belongs to.
They are what characterises the ginseng root, and are
believed to be the active compound behind claims to ginseng's efficacy.
Not all ginsenosides have the same health properties
however. The compound is classified into two main groups, the Rb1 group and the
Rg1 group.
The Rb1 group is known to have more sedative effects on
the central nervous system, and are believed to be good for increasing
digestive tract movement, stamina, learning abilities, liver protection and as
an anti-oxidant.
Some studies have shown that Rb1 Ginsenosides to have
anti-fatigue, anti-convulsant, analgesic and ulcer protective properties.
The Rg1 group on the other hand is believed to be more
arousing and stimulating. Hence, Rg1 is excellent for improving learning
ability, boosting immune systems, combating fatigue, and as an anti-stress
compound.
The difference
between American, Chinese and Korean ginseng
The root Panax ginseng is often called Korean ginseng to
differentiate it from similar plants often called by the same name.
The most common examples are Panax quinquefolius L. (also
known as American ginseng) and Panax notoginseng (also known as Chinese
ginseng).
All these are different plants, with different
appearances, active ingredients and uses.
According to the Korean Ginseng Corporation, American
ginseng is known to have higher amounts of Rb1 ginsenosides, which makes it a
more "calming" root which is good for sedative and relaxing purposes.
While American ginseng is good for increasing the
"yin" energy, Korean ginseng, which is higher in Rg1 ginsenosides,
conversely is good for increasing the "yang" energy in the body.
This means Korean ginseng is good for purposes such as
concentrating the mind and improving stamina.
The different types of ginseng mean that they can be used
in a variety of ways to supplement the health.
For example, if your heart beats too fast, you can take
American ginseng to slow down the pace. Or if your heart is not strong enough,
you can take Korean ginseng to strengthen it.
It is also important to note that the different types of
ginseng contain different amounts of ginosenosides. Korean ginseng contains the
highest number of ginsenosides (24 ginsenosides), followed by Chinese ginseng
(15 ginsenosides) and American ginseng (14 ginsenosides).
Non-ginsenoside
components
In addition, ginseng also contains a number of compounds
outside the ginsenoside family, such as polyacetylene and acidic
polysaccharide.
Polyacetylene has been shown to deter the growth of
cancer cells, prevent thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot inside a blood
vessel) and inhibit lipid peroxidation, which results in cell damage.
Acidic polysaccharide similarly has anti-ageing
properties, in addition to reducing the side effects of anti-cancer drugs,
improving the immune system and preventing obesity.
Korean red ginseng has been tested to reveal that it
contains the highest amounts of polyacetylene (0.089 per cent) and acidic
polysaccharide (7.47 per cent).
This is compared to American ginseng (0.064 per cent
polyacetylene, 2.09 per cent acidic polysaccharide) and Chinese ginseng (0.075
per cent polyacetylene, 2.25 per cent acidic polysaccharide).
Warnings
However, while the root is generally good for young and
old, male or female, people with certain conditions might want to avoid taking
it.
High dosages of ginseng can cause overstimulation,
restlessness, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, headache, and insomnia.
Discuss with your doctor before using a ginseng product
if you have a heart condition, are taking blood pressure pills, hormone
medications, anti-depressants, or have a serious health condition.
Kei Yamada
YourHealth, AsiaOne
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