GINSENG LATEST MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

As we have seen, through generations of time, ginseng has been considered a remarkable herb, endowed with magical powers and held as sacred by certain cultures.

Credited mainly with tonic properties of longevity, endurance strength memory improvement and aphrodisiac qualities,

Below are some of the other benefits ascribed to ginseng.

Longevity

Memory improvement

Stress reduction

Normalization of blood pressure.

Immune system enhancement

Normalization of blood sugar.

Libido enhancement.

Lowering of cholesterol

Prevention of blood clots

Energy/stamina ^[15]

Other recognized uses are for gastric disturbances, lack of appetite, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increasing resistance to disease, stimulating and increasing endocrine activity, supporting liver function, shock, chronic illness, nausea and vomiting, impotence and sterility, rheumatism and mental health, diabetes, as well as helping with the effects of alcohol or drugs. Christopher Hobbs notes its promise in helping with those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. “Through a number of psychometric tests designed to evaluate psychological and physical status, it was determined that the patients were improved in many of the areas studied, especially levels of attention and concentration. The change was statistically significant.” ^[16]

He also mentions ginsengs ability to relieve hangover symptoms because of increased alcohol clearance from the body.

Known as a universal remedy Ginseng herb has wide usage, especially in the Orient.

Alternative medicine is widely used by many people looking for an effective and safe way not only to heal from illness, but also to prevent illness. When a plant resembles a part of the human anatomy, it is said to be beneficial for that particular part of the body. As ginseng resembles a man it is believed to be beneficial for the whole system. As man is made up of many elements so ginseng is believed to synergistically restore health and harmony to the body. This harmony is expressed as Yin and Yang in the Chinese culture and is held to be essential to a healthy body and a peaceful spirit.

The philosophies of Yin and Yang, say that Yin, which is feminine, cool, and soothing, and Yang, which is masculine, hot, and aggressive, must be balanced within a healthy human body. The energy flow of Chi is said to balance these two elements. Chinese medicine uses a preventative approach to keep the body balanced and healthy while the Western approach is to control and cure diseases. Asian ginseng is believed to be Yang-rich and is used to replenish Chi in the body. It is taken to prevent conditions such as poor blood circulation, slow metabolism, poor digestion and lack of vitality. American ginseng is considered to have more Yin than Asian ginseng. It is prescribed for quite different conditions such as high blood pressure and the hot feelings associated with menopause. Ginseng is often taken regularly to help the body cope with stress, increase physical stamina, reduce fatigue and improve mental capacity. It is also used for alcohol detoxification, and has been shown to reduce the effects of anemia by stimulating erythropoiesis (the formation or production of red blood cells). Other applications include radio-protection, protection against cancer and boosting the immune system. Taking ginseng is thought to reduce the effects of diabetes and hypertension (arteriosclerosis), protect liver function, enhance sexual function and slow the process of ageing.

Soviet researchers pioneered the study of ginseng, which is considered to be the primary resistogen, and some other plants of the "ginseng group". A sizable volume of literature was published as a result of their studies. Soviet scholars were the first to establish the fact that many araliaceous plants are resistogens (adaptogens).

Lazarev, a Russian pharmacologist, in 1947. defined "adaptogens" as agents which help to counteract adverse effects of a physical, chemical or biological stressor by generating nonspecific resistance.

Vaxa Homeopathic medicinals state, “ Adaptogens are specific plant extracts that control excess Cortisol levels during times of stress. Cortisol in excess amounts is highly toxic, attacks muscle mass and organs, lengthens recovery time, and diminishes strength as well as the immune system. To be considered an adaptogen, plant extracts had to meet three key criteria. First, they had to be totally non-toxic to human cells. Second, they had to support cells at a healthy state. And lastly, they had to help the body adapt to stress. ^[17]

Besides being an adaptogen ginseng is also a cardiotonic, sedative, sialogogue, tonic, stomachic, and panacea.

CANCER STUDY.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass were involved in a study which showed that American ginseng had a synergistic effect on the suppression of cell growth in a cancer study. ^[18]

CANCER CELL PROLIFERATION

At the University of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale, mice are injected subcutaneously (beneath the skin) with human breast cancer cells. When fed American Ginseng extract, they produced smaller tumors which spread more slowly than in the control mice. Dr. Laura Murphy who is working on these tests also found that ginsenoside Rc had a strong anti-proliferation effect on human breast cancer cells growing in petri dishes. Another study by Dr. Murphy showed that prostate cancer in mice is inhibited when they are fed an extract of American ginseng. It appeared that prostate cells were more sensitive to the use of ginseng than breast cancer cells.

STUDIES FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Dr. Lawrence Wang, Ph.D. FRSC Professor & Presidential Advisor, International Affairs, University of Alberta studied ginseng usage for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The success of these studies have led to patented products.

REDUCTION OF BLOOD SUGAR

A study from St. Michael’s hospital and the University of Toronto showed that ginseng reduced blood sugar levels.