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Discover the amazing properties of Siberian ginseng – energy and health at your fingertips.

Siberian ginseng is an extremely valuable medicinal plant with adaptogenic and stimulating properties. Its health benefits support our immune system, promoting good health. Siberian ginseng has been used in natural medicine for centuries and is now becoming one of the most interesting natural supplements on the market. What should you know about Siberian ginseng, and does it effectively support the human body?

Siberian ginseng – medicinal properties

Siberian ginseng has been used in what is now northern China and Russia for over 2,000 years as a folk remedy for bronchitis, heart disease and rheumatism. In addition, the root of the plant was believed to restore youthful vigour, memory and stamina. Today, we know that the medicinal properties of Siberian ginseng are due to active substances unique to this species, found nowhere else in the natural world.

The plant contains a number of ingredients that support the body's functioning. These include:

  • Eleutherosides
  • Coumarins
  • Phytosterols
  • Triterpene saponins
  • Phenylpropanoids

In addition, the plant contains relatively large amounts of caffeic acid and coniferyl aldehyde, glucose, sucrose and non-carbohydrate components. The above substances contribute to the tonic effect resulting from the direct consumption of ginseng. They stimulate the body without causing the excessive stimulating effect typical of caffeine, and also improve physical and intellectual performance.

Siberian ginseng – what does it help with?

The active substances in Siberian ginseng are mainly found in the root of the plant. For this reason, it is mainly used in traditional medicine and in the form of many dietary supplements. Ginseng root can be eaten dried or sliced. When consumed in this way, it has proven health benefits for:

  • Stimulation and regulation of the immune system – many studies have shown the beneficial effects of eleutherosides on human immunity. It improves the body's natural defences and the immune system's response to contact with viruses, bacteria and fungi.
  • Toning the body and reducing fatigue – for centuries, ginseng has been considered an essential tonic, recommended for combating physical and mental fatigue. These effects are due in particular to eleutheroside E, which improves the body's performance during periods of intense physical exertion, mental overwork, and temporary or chronic fatigue.
  • Improves cognitive function – the root has a beneficial effect on cognitive function, particularly concentration and short-term memory. Siberian ginseng is a so-called nootropic plant, improving brain function. This effect is due to the presence of provitamin A and iron, substances necessary for the proper functioning of neurons.
  • Regulates blood sugar levels – Siberian ginseng is able to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Indeed, the plant contains syringin, an active substance with hypoglycaemic properties that improves glycogen synthesis in the body's cells. Eleutheroside E, in turn, affects insulin response while promoting glucose uptake and lowering blood sugar levels.

Siberian ginseng – how does it work?

The results of studies conducted over the last 40 years indicate that the effect of Siberian ginseng on the body is mainly based on the accelerated metabolism of glucose, which does not accumulate in the human body. This effect influences the antioxidant properties of the root, which regulates changes in the central nervous system. These changes are often related to the body's hormonal regulation.

What is more, Siberian ginseng delays the depletion of two particularly important substances in the human body, corticosteroids and adrenaline, which prepare the body for the so-called ‘fight or flight’ response. When the levels of both hormones drop, the body enters a phase of exhaustion. Ginseng root slows down this process, allowing for a more economical and efficient release of these hormones. As a result, the entire body benefits from the plant's properties, reducing oxidative stress in the body, detoxifying it, and improving the body's immune response to environmental and internal stressors.

Siberian ginseng – does it increase libido?

Nowadays, we often hear about the extraordinary aphrodisiac properties of Siberian ginseng. Is this true? As a number of scientific studies show, it is indeed believed that the root can be very beneficial for both men and women who want to increase their sexual satisfaction.

By improving blood circulation in the intimate areas and stimulating the nervous system, ginseng increases dopamine production. This means that the plant significantly increases pleasure and libido, improving sexual performance in both sexes.

Siberian ginseng for potency – is it effective?

As mentioned earlier, Siberian ginseng contributes to the proper regulation of blood flow and increases energy. This condition is closely related to the functioning of the reproductive system, which benefits from the properties of ginseng, which affect the production of hormones essential for proper sexual performance.

Recent studies conducted on a control group of several dozen men have shown that regular (i.e. 2 to 4 weeks) supplementation with Siberian ginseng root significantly increases the level of free testosterone in the blood. As a result, sperm production and motility are significantly increased. In turn, improved blood flow translates into better and longer erections.

Siberian ginseng – proper dosage

To achieve visible results from the plant, it should be taken regularly for at least two weeks. However, supplementation lasting longer than 3 months is not recommended. When deciding to use Siberian ginseng, it is also worth bearing in mind that the active substances in the plant stimulate the body. For this reason, the preferred times of day for taking ginseng-based dietary supplements are early morning or midday.

The recommended, clinically tested and safe upper limit is between 0.5 and 4 g per day. So what is the appropriate dosage?

  • Siberian ginseng tablets – 0.5 to 4 g per day, divided into 1 or 3 doses
  • Siberian ginseng powder – 1 g serving, two to three times a day
  • Ginseng infusion – 2 cups per day

Siberian ginseng – contraindications and side effects

There are certain contraindications to consuming Siberian ginseng. For whom is root supplementation not recommended?

  • Young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • People suffering from hypertension and heart problems
  • People taking hypoglycaemic, anticoagulant, hypotensive or antihypertensive drugs

Excessive consumption of Siberian ginseng may also lead to the following side effects:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations and tachycardia
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhoea
  • Irritability, hyperactivity and nervousness
Bibliography

‘Panax notoginseng Saponins Protect Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion-Induced Barrier Dysfunction via Activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Antioxidant Signalling Pathway’ – S. Hu, Y. Wu, B. Zhao, H. Hu, B. Zhu, Z. Sun, P. Li, S. Du, scientific journal Molecules, MDPI, 2018.

‘Effect of eleutherococcus on short-term memory and visual perception in healthy humans’ – E. B. Arushanian, O. A. Baida, S. S. Mastiagin, A. P. Popova, I. B. Shikina, scientific journal Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia, Izd-vo Meditsina, 2003.

‘Randomised controlled trial of Siberian ginseng for chronic fatigue’ – A. J. Hartz et al., scientific journal Psychological Medicine, Cambridge University Press, 2004.

‘Immunopharmacological in vitro effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts’ – G. G. Steinmann, A. Esperester, P. Joller, scientific journal Arzneimittel-Forschung, Verlag, 2001.

‘The influence of Eleuterococcus senticosus on cellular and humoral immunological response of mice’ – E. Rogala, E. Skopińska-Różewska, T. Sawicka, E. Sommer, J. Prosińska, J. Drozd, scientific journal Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, HARD, 2003.

‘Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice’ – Y. Kimura, M. Sumiyoshi, scientific journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Elsevier, 2004.

‘EFFECTS OF SIBERIAN GINSENG (ELEUTHEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS MAXIM.) ON ELDERLY QUALITY OF LIFE: A RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL’ – A. F. G. Cicero et al., scientific journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Elsevier, 2004.

“2-12-24 Russian root (Siberian ginseng) improves cognitive functions in middle-aged people, whereas Ginkgo biloba seems effective only in the elderly” – K. Winther, C. Ranløv, E. Rein, J. Mehlsen, scientific journal Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Elsevier, 1997.

‘Siberian Ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) Effects on CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 Activity in Normal Volunteers’ – J. L. Donovan, scientific journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2003.

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