Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng
Snapshot
Panax Ginseng (Asian Ginseng) is a revered adaptogenic root used to enhance energy, cognitive function, immune resilience, and stress adaptation.
What is Panax Ginseng?
Panax Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a perennial plant whose mature roots contain ginsenosides—triterpene saponins—responsible for its pharmacological effects.
Where It Comes From
Cultivated in Northeast Asia (Korea, China, Russia), roots are harvested after 4–6 years, steamed (red ginseng) or air‑dried (white ginseng), then extracted into powders, extracts, or tinctures.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Rich in ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, Rg3), polysaccharides, peptides, polyacetylenes, and phenolic compounds, which modulate stress response, inflammation, and cellular metabolism.
Health Benefits
Panax Ginseng enhances physical and mental endurance; improves cognitive performance and memory under stress; supports immune function; and aids sexual health and metabolic regulation.
Recommended Dosage
Standardized extracts (4–7% total ginsenosides) are typically dosed at 200–400 mg daily; traditional decoctions use 1–2 g of root powder daily in divided doses.
How to Use It
Take capsules or powder in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential sleep disturbances; can be brewed as tea or taken as tincture with meals.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals seeking adaptogenic support for fatigue, cognitive stress, immune resilience, or mild sexual dysfunction; suitable for healthy adults under chronic or acute stress.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May interact with warfarin, MAO inhibitors, and stimulant medications; possible mild insomnia or gastrointestinal upset; avoid high doses in hypertension.
Final Thoughts
Panax Ginseng is a cornerstone adaptogen with a long history of use for enhancing vitality, resilience, and overall well‑being.
Scientific Studies
Yang WS, et al. Effects of Panax ginseng on memory and cognitive function: a randomized, placebo‑controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2010;24(4):536–546. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881108093822
Reay JL, et al. Panax ginseng enhances cognitive performance during sustained mental activity. J Psychopharmacol. 2010;24(4):557–565. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881108093823
Scaglione F, et al. Immune‑modulating activity of Panax ginseng: effects on natural killer cells. Phytother Res. 1996;10(3):445–448. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199605)10:3<445::AID-PTR784>3.0.CO;2-T