Description

Benefits

The main active components are Ginsenosides, which are neuroprotective as well as containing antioxidant properties (1). They have also been shown to help support mitochondrial health and improve energy metabolism (2).  Research has shown American Ginseng can help control brain inflammation and could be beneficial for those with Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, or other disorders affecting the central nervous system (3).

American Ginseng can help alleviate many different types of fatigue. A study in those with rheumatoid arthritis associated fatigue showed no improvement after 4 weeks but significant improvement in fatigue levels after 8 weeks of consuming American Ginseng (4). It also has been shown to help with cancer related fatigue (5), as well as contain anticoagulant properties.

In addition to adrenal/energy support American Ginseng may improve cognitive function (6). One study with 52 young adults showed enhanced working memory, calmness, and mood when taking American Ginseng (7). A unique saponin found in American Ginseng could reduce anxiety, depression, and memory deficits when going through drug withdrawal (8). It also showed ability to increase cell survival by extending neurite growth and rescuing neurons from death (8).

When given for 8-16 weeks American Ginseng has been shown to be effective in shortening the duration of colds and acute respiratory infections. Colds were reduced 25% and the duration was shortened by 6.2 days on average (9). It also showed antimicrobial properties include those against bacteria that are commonly associated with halitosis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Clostridium perfringens, and Porphyromonas gingivalis (10).
Ingestion of Panax quinquefolius was shown to lower rental titers of Candida Albicans and significantly lower inflammatory cytokine levels (11).

When given before a glucose tolerance test American Ginseng has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels after eating, for those with Type II diabetes as well as for those without (12, 13).