Can ginseng work miracles

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Perhaps the ascription of beneficial properties to the plant - up to the victory over cancer - has a basis.

Scientists are still skeptical about the legendary root. For a simple reason: there is no conclusive evidence of Asian Ginseng that consuming ginseng is actually beneficial to health.

However, evidence-based medicine is a flexible science. It may well be that new data will soon appear that will convince the scientific world that the "root of life" (this is how the word "ginseng" is translated from Chinese) is really capable of health miracles.

In addition, there are relevant studies, albeit scattered, but still very promising. This is what, according to them, ginseng does - even in the form of an extract, even in the form of tea or just a root rubbed into a salad - with the human body.

Why is ginseng good for you?

For the sake of accuracy, add the word "possibly" to each of the items below.

1. Fights inflammation

Ginseng root has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginsenosides are responsible for this. Potentiation of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cultured wild ginseng root extract through probiotic fermentation. and glycosides Yin and Yang of ginseng pharmacology: ginsenosides vs gintonin. - the main active compounds of the plant.

One in vitro study Effects of Panax ginseng on tumor necrosis factor-α-mediated inflammation: a mini-review. showed that ginseng extract can significantly slow down, if not completely stop inflammatory processes.

There are also some practical confirmations of this. So, in the experience of Effects of Panax ginseng supplementation on muscle damage and inflammation after uphill treadmill running in humans. conducted with the participation of 18 young athletes, volunteers were given 20 g of ginseng extract every day for a week. Along the way, they took their blood for analysis to find out the content of certain inflammatory markers. At the end of the experiment, it turned out that their number was significantly reduced compared to the control group, which was given a placebo. This effect continued for another 72 hours after the end of the ginseng intake.

Chronic inflammation is considered a major trigger for cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and even various types of cancer.

So ginseng may turn out to be one of the "magic pills" that can save humanity from deadly diseases.

2. It helps to prolong youth

Ginseng seems to fight free radicals as effectively as it does inflammation. According to some studies, the use of the "root of life" enhances Red ginseng abrogates oxidative stress via mitochondria protection mediated by the LKB1 ‑ AMPK pathway. antioxidant activity of cells - that is, their ability to withstand the destructive effects of the environment and internal processes.

And the more protected cells are the skin, which retains its density and elasticity longer. Or joints that wear less. In general, prolonged youth.

3. And youthfulness of the brain including

Antioxidant activity also affects brain cells. According to some reports, Neuroprotective effects of ginsenosides., components of ginseng protect this organ from neuronal death. This means that the root helps to resist various neurodegenerative conditions - the same dementia, which includes Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

4. Stimulates mental performance

A curious little study Single doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity. with the participation of 30 volunteers who were asked to solve difficult math problems. Those who took ginseng extract during the experiment completed tasks faster and fatigued less than their counterparts on the placebo.

At the same time, those who consumed ginseng experienced decreased blood sugar levels. Scientists have suggested that the plant improves the absorption of glucose by brain cells, and this is what explains the improvement in mental performance.

5. Ginseng fights fatigue and energizes

This is confirmed, in particular, in animal studies Anti-Fatigue Effects of Small Molecule Oligopeptides Isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer in Mice. … Mice fed ginseng supplements swam longer and farther than their counterparts on regular food. And fewer chemicals accumulated in the muscles and blood - indicators of physical fatigue.

Small experiments involving humans have also been conducted. For example, Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 90 patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The volunteers were divided into two groups: the first received a supplement with ginseng, the second a placebo.

Four weeks later, the participants were questioned in detail about their well-being. Those volunteers who were in the first group said that their condition had improved - their physical and mental strength had clearly increased. The rest did not change.

In another experiment, Wisconsin Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) to improve cancer-related fatigue: a randomized, double-blind trial, N07C2. ginseng has been offered to 364 people with cancer-related weakness. They were also divided into two groups: the first took up to 2 g of ginseng root daily, and the second a placebo. After 8 weeks, the scientists compared the participants' condition. Patients from the first group complained of weakness and fatigue less often than their colleagues from the second.

6. Reduces the risk of certain types of cancer

Here the same active compounds Red ginseng and cancer treatment play the main role., thanks to which ginseng resists inflammation and cell mutations.

Meta-overview Ginseng consumption and risk of cancer: A meta-analysis. Several studies show that people who consume ginseng in one form or another, the risk of developing cancer of any type is reduced by an average of 16%.

7. It helps treat erectile dysfunction

According to some reports, ginseng may be even more effective than conventional medicines. For example, in one Korean study, Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. it is stated that in patients who took the "root of life", an improvement in erection occurred in 60% of cases. And among those who took the popular drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction - only 30%.

A meta-review of Red ginseng for treating erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of dozens of other studies also paints an encouraging picture: in most cases, eating ginseng really has a great effect on erections. But the authors still believe that more research is needed.

When and to whom ginseng can be harmful

In general, "root of life" is considered safe to consume. However, doctors make a remark: the side effects of the plant are still not well understood.

But, for example, it is already known that the use of ginseng, which is not coordinated with the therapist, in some cases can lead to what are the health benefits of ginseng? to the following states:

• headache or dizziness;
• sleep problems;
• digestive problems - flatulence, constipation, diarrhea;
• a decrease in blood sugar levels (this can potentially lead to hypoglycemia);
• decrease in heart rate;
• irritability, nervousness;
• dry mouth;
• swelling of the mammary glands and vaginal bleeding (in women).

Taking ginseng without first consulting your doctor is prohibited if:

• You are taking antidepressants. In particular, we are talking about monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Sharing can lead to manic episodes and tremors (tremors of the hands and other parts of the body).
• You have diabetes, blood pressure problems, or cardiovascular disease.
• You are taking blood thinners. It may even be a banal aspirin. If you add ginseng to it, the risk of bleeding increases.

Also, keep in mind that the plant enhances the effects of stimulants like caffeine. Snacking on the root of a cup of coffee, strong tea, or an energy drink can trigger heart palpitations, sweating, and insomnia. Also, the plant neutralizes the analgesic effect of drugs based on morphine.

How much and how to take ginseng correctly

We remind you: in order to get the maximum benefit and minimum harm from ginseng, be sure to consult with a physician before taking it. If the doctor gives the go-ahead, he will also indicate the dose.

The most commonly reported 7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng are 1–2 grams of raw ginseng root or 200–400 mg of extract per day.

The plant can be taken in different ways: steamed, added to salad, soup or meat, brewed as tea. Or buy ready-made extracts, tinctures, capsules and use them in the same way as other dietary supplements: in accordance with the instructions.

An obligatory moment is to track your well-being. If something goes wrong, stop taking it immediately and talk to your therapist about it.