American ginseng – a natural remedy for immunity

American ginseng is a powerful herb with many proven health benefits. Used in traditional North American medicine, it was valued for its antioxidant properties and visible anti-diabetic effects. What exactly is American ginseng, why is it called that, and what characteristics of the plant contribute to its growing popularity?

American ginseng – what kind of plant is it?

American ginseng is a perennial herb native to central and eastern North America. Thanks to its unique location, the plant found its use in the folk medicine of Native Americans, who obtained it with the help of legendary gatherers called ‘song hunters’. It was also thanks to their knowledge of the plant's properties that it was brought to Europe and then to China in the 18th century, where it is still cultivated today.

American ginseng (L. Panax quinquefolius) belongs to the Araliaceae family, and its scientific name derives directly from the genus Panax. The green leaves of the plant are characterised by their unique, rounded appearance. The roots of ginseng are forked and light brown in colour, and their shape resembles the human silhouette. This is a typical appearance for all species of ginseng found around the world, referred to by traditional Chinese medicine as ‘food for the body and soul’.

American ginseng – what are its properties?

The medicinal properties of American ginseng are largely due to the presence of organic compounds called ginsenosides, which are unique to the Panax genus. Ginsenosides have anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain the effectiveness of ginseng in treating persistent fever and chronic headaches. Ginseng roots contain the following active substances, which are responsible for its health properties:

• Vitamins B and C
• Amino acids and trace elements – aluminium, magnesium, selenium, iron, manganese, zinc
• Essential oils
• Triterpene saponins – 30 different ginsenosides, grouped into two large groups, Rb and Rg.

The properties of ginseng roots are closely related to its use in natural medicine. The consumption of American ginseng was recommended in the following cases:

• Mood disorders and fatigue
• Cognitive disorders
• Regulation of blood sugar levels
• Relief of nervousness and stress-related disorders
• Support for a healthy immune system

American ginseng – how does it work?

The ginsenosides contained in Panax quinquefolius are responsible for affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems by regulating various types of ion channels. First and foremost, they affect gated ion channels found in neuronal cells and cells undergoing heterologous expression. For this reason, American ginseng's effect on many proteins involved in the cell cycle, associated with apoptosis, growth factors and protein kinase, translates into its extremely versatile profile of action.

American ginseng can help, among other things, in:

• Preventing diabetes – insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion translate into a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Both American and Korean ginseng root reduce diabetic effects in mice. In healthy people, it also reduces damage to cardiac nerves and those associated with sugar metabolism.
• Improved brain function – ginsenosides improve cognitive performance and mood. Regular use of Panax quinquefolius root can prolong neurite growth and protect neurons susceptible to intense oxidative stress. Ginseng and the ginsenosides it contains also have a positive effect on the health of people struggling with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
• Antioxidant effect – the active substances in ginseng have antioxidant effects, manifested by a reduction in oxidative stress. This protects against the negative effects of red blood cell membrane oxidation, effectively regulating energy metabolism and protecting cell mitochondria.
• Supporting heart function – American ginseng is a popular herbal supplement in the United States for people suffering from heart disease. It can prevent heart attacks and high blood pressure.

American ginseng for immunity – why is it so effective?

American ginseng is often considered an adaptogenic plant, i.e. one that increases the human body's resistance to stress and diseases closely related to its action. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of adaptogens is limited. However, some clinical studies do confirm that the health-promoting effects of ginseng roots can stimulate the immune system and support adrenal function. This translates into help in reducing emotional and physical stress, which significantly correlates with a decline in the body's immune functions.

Furthermore, according to some studies conducted between 2010 and 2020, American ginseng, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, provides protection against viral respiratory infections, including flu, runny nose and colds.

American ginseng – appropriate dosage

Panax quinquefolius is available in various forms that can be taken orally, including powdered root extracts, capsules and tablets, as well as a variety of teas.

Currently, due to the lack of research on the long-term effects of ginseng root, it should not be used for more than three months. According to medical classifications, the following doses of American ginseng are considered safe for health:

• General improvement in health – 100 to 3000 mg, three times a day
• Lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes – doses of 100 to 200 mg per day, taken up to three times a day within 2 hours after a meal
• Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections – 200 mg twice daily

American or Korean ginseng? – differences and similarities

Is American ginseng the same as its Korean counterpart? Both types of ginseng have relatively similar properties. Namely, they help support the body's metabolism, counteract physical and intellectual fatigue, and boost energy. The similar functions of both varieties are related to the rich presence of natural ginsenosides.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Korean ginseng is considered a more ‘hot’ food. This means that it nourishes the internal ‘Yang’ energy, while American ginseng is “cooler”, providing more ‘Yin’ energy. Indeed, American ginseng has a more calming effect than its Korean counterpart.

Bibliography

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