Primary Uses
For centuries, ginseng has been used to support overall health and vitality. Learn more about ginseng’s health benefits and the latest scientific studies.
Diabetes
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Canadian researchers at the University of Toronto continue to lead the way in seminal work using Ontario Ginseng in diabetes. Early short-term, acute
studies have demonstrated that North American Ginseng significantly reduces after-meal blood sugar levels in persons with Type 2 diabetes. A longer-term study
(eight weeks), also in persons with Type 2 diabetes maintained on existing medications and a meal plan, showed significant reductions in HbA1c, a measure of
average blood glucose over the previous two to three months. When study subjects continued to take North American Ginseng for an additional four months, HbA1c
was further reduced.
Although promising, the researchers state that these studies have limitations and should be interpreted with cautious optimism. Additional, longer-term studies are required to justify the safety and efficacy of North American Ginseng in diabetes.
Cold and Flu
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CV Technologies of Edmonton, Alberta have developed a proprietary extract comprised primarily of a unique combination of polysaccharides isolated from
North American Ginseng, COLD-fX®. The product is used
for the prevention and relief of colds and flu. Extensive pharmacological studies have demonstrated that COLD-fX® works by enhancing aspects of both the innate and acquired immune system, including stimulation of macrophages and Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Seven clinical trials, totaling 641 participants, have shown the product to be safe and effective. One of these studies demonstrated a significant reduction (by 89%) in the risk of colds, flu and respiratory illness in a senior population after eight to twelve weeks of treatment. Another showed that four months of treatment with COLD-fX® prevented recurrent cold and flu infections by 56%, and significantly reduced days of illness and symptom severity.
Memory
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REMEMBER-fX®, also from CV Technologies, is made from another proprietary
ginsenoside-rich
extract of North American Ginseng which affects mainly the central nervous
system. Two clinical studies totaling 101 participants, along with laboratory studies, have shown the product to be safe and effective. One study showed that
REMEMBER-fX® enhanced memory in healthy young and senior adults. A second clinical trial showed that the product enhanced visual working memory and other
neurological measures in 64 patients with schizophrenia.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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A small pilot clinical trial in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suggested that a proprietary combination of unique extracts of North American Ginseng and
Ginkgo biloba may improve symptoms of ADHD.
Future Directions
Scientific research with North American Ginseng is ongoing and includes its use in:
- Inhibiting breast and prostate cancer cell proliferation and slowing tumor growth
- Enhancing the therapeutic effect of standard chemotherapy drugs (doxorubicin)
- Cancer-related fatigue management
- Enhancing male libido and sexual performance
- Antioxidant activity such as anti-aging properties and cardiovascular protection
- Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity
- Anticonvulsant activity
- Lowering blood pressure
- Preventing damage from stroke
- Pain blocking effect
Formulations
North American Ginseng is available in a variety of product forms. It is typically taken as:
- Dried root
- Powdered root (loose or in capsules)
- Powdered extracts (in capsules)
- Tea/infusion
- Tinctures
Dosing
Unbranded products
Dosing recommendations for North American Ginseng often vary. The American Botanical Council Clinical Guide to Herbs (2003) includes the following dosages for
internal crude preparations of North American Ginseng:
- decoction: 2 to 9 g dried root simmered in 720 to 960 mL water for approximately 45 minutes
- infusion: 150 to 240 mL boiling water poured over 1 to 2 g cut, dried root and steeped for 20 minutes
- dry extract: 330 mg 3 times per day for improving physical endurance during work
Branded products
Products used in the cold and flu, memory, and ADHD clinical trials all used proprietary North American Ginseng extracts that provide clear dosing instructions.
Recommended total daily doses can be found at CV Technologies.
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