|  Latin
Name: Panax ginseng
Common Name:
Korean White Ginseng, Man Root, Oriental
Ginseng (Chinese name: Ren Shen)
Habitat:
Panax Ginseng is native to China
and cultivated extensively in China,
Korea, Japan and Russia. Panax
quinquefolia is native to North America.
Panax ginseng is the most prized quality
in the 50 species of the family.
Part Used:
Root.
It was chosen
as an ingredient of Wonderup because:
It has a high content in isoflavones
(phytoestrogens) and other hormone-like
substances such as estradiol which
have a direct influence in balancing
the female body's hormonal production
and thus contributing to the healthy
and natural development of the breast,
which is the main beneficiary of a good
estrogenic production, not only because
the mammary glands naturally attracts
estrogens, which stimulate its growth,
but also because estrogenic compounds in
plants bind to these receptor cells in
the mammary glands, thus blocking the
absorption of bad estrogens from
chemicals and foods, and therefore protecting
the breast from harm.
Other
characteristics and properties:
 Ginseng
needs no introduction because it is
probably the most known and widely used energy-giving
substance found in nature.
It contains high levels of toning active
components: ginsenoids
(chemically complex compounds), saponins,
all of the group B vitamins (among
which a small percentage of choline, a
substance that is already present in the
organism and that contributes to the
regulation of blood pressure), vitamin
C, vitamins A, E and K, folic acid
(which corresponds to vitamins once named
B1, B2 and M), essential oil, peptides, pollens,
saponosids, all the essential aminoacids,
minerals and trace elements
(sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulphur,
phosphorus, iron, zinc, cobalt, manganese
- a powerful antifatigue -, aluminium,
copper, germanium, silicium, vanadium), enzymes
(amilasi, glicolasi, fenolasi), fat
acids, organic acids; fitosteroles; hormone-like
substances of estrogenic type:
estriol, estrone, beta-estradiol; amid,
tannins, oils and resins.
Recently, and antioxidant
substance called "Maltol" has
been discovered by Korean researchers.
And research are still under way, to
reveal the secrets of a root which seems
to still retain many of its mysteries.
 Although miraculous cures have
been attributed to Ginseng and its
botanical name suggests a panacea-like
ability, its main use is as a tonic.
Ginseng's unique set of constituents
exert a broad spectrum effect on glucose
absorption, brain function, respiration
and the endocrine glands. The root is
used as a tonic for invigoration to
overcome fatigue, reduced work capacity,
concentration, and during convalescence.
Oriental Ginseng is the subject of a
German therapeutic monograph.
Korean White Ginseng is also helpful in returning
the body to normal glandular function
after birth control or hormone therapy.
Modern pharmacology acknowledges
ginseng's tonic and invigorating action,
thus confirming the Eastern ancient
tradition.
* adaptogen - affects immune,
endocrine, and nervous systems due to its
ability to increase the body's
capability to adapt to external and
internal stress by strengthening those
systems. Adaptogens are substances
which increase the capacities of reaction
of the brain and the adrenal glands, thus
improving the resistance of the
organism against several damaging agents
of chemical, physical, mechanical,
pharmacological and biological nature. In
other words, adaptogens help the organism
adapt easily to circumstances influencing
it.
 * tonic
- affects all systems due to its ability
to invigorate and strengthen all
systems and organs. Korean White Ginseng
is especially useful for patients in
recovery from serious accidents, major
surgery, or debilitating age-related
disorders. It is helpful in the support
of long-term illness, respiratory
weakness, systemic weakness, brain
function, sugar absorption, endocrine
glands, and all deficiency diseases.
* stimulant - affects all
systems due to its ability to temporarily
increase function and activity with a
usually quick onset of action
* antihyperglycaemic - affects
endocrine system and hormone function due
to its ability to reduce or control
high blood sugar (which is
predominantly the responsibility of the
pancreas)
* stimulates the adrenal glands
* rebalances and stimulates the
central nervous system
* antifatigue - affects
endocrine system and hormone function as
well as nervous system and nerve function
due to its ability to prevent and/or
relieve fatigue - thanks to the presence
of manganese which is a powerful
antifatigue
* antistress - gives resistance
to cold, heat, chemical intoxications,
fatigue, etc.
Experiments on men and animals confirm
the antistress effect of ginseng. These
studies indicate that ginseng not only
improves and enhances resistance to
stress by "exciting" the
nervous system but also seems to act
on a hormonal level. Its balancing
action depends on the interaction between
its active ingredients and
psychohormones, ie. those hormones that
not only are released by the brain to
transmit orders to the whole organism but
also circulate inside the brain itself.
* aphrodisiac - stimulates sexual
desire and functions.
Associated to its capacity to fight
stress is its capacity to act on the
resolution of several sexual problems,
such as impotence, frigidity, lack of
desire. A high level of stress indeed is
certainly one of the main factors which
negatively influence a happy and healthy
sexual life. This antistress property,
associated with the antidepressive and
tonic and invigorating actions, makes
ginseng a great help in all cases of
"sexual fatigue".
* stimulates the synthesis of
proteins, the building processes of
the organism and of muscular growth
* accelerates metabolism
* antihyperlipemic - affects liver
and detoxification systems due to
its ability to reduce or controls higher
than normal concentrations of lipids
(fats) in the blood
* protects the liver
* stimulates the immune system
thus helping the body build its own
defenses against illnesses
* potentiates nerve growth factor
* improves reflexes
* acts on the cardiovascular system by
regulating blood pressure - thanks
to the presence of choline, a substance
which is already present in the organism
and wich contributes to the control of
blood pressure, lowering and balancing it
* antioxidant - ginsenoids are
powerful scavengers of free radicals.
Ginseng also protects from the harmful
effects of radiation (ie. those of mobile
phones).
* antidepressive and tonic
for the cerebral function - Panax
Ginseng has been proven to improve
mood, memory and concentration.
According to Ayurvedic Medicine,
it is one of the most tonic and
rejuvenating plants, it revitalizes body
and mind. It is particulary indicated for
elderly people.
It is totally safe from the
toxicologic point of view, since it has
no side effects.
Inevitably the question of safety comes
up resulting from the 1979 JAMA paper by
R.K. Siegel, attributing Ginseng abuse
syndrome, characterized by nervousness,
sleeplessness, etc. The study is
discredited, since 14 of 133 persons
surveyed -- the 14 who exhibited the
so-called ginseng abuse syndrome -- were
all using caffeinated beverages as well.
What's more, the Ginseng included in the
study included teas, capsules, extracts,
tablets, roots, chewing gum, cigarettes,
and candies, and as much as 15 grams per
day! The study has been totally
discredited, yet continues to be widely
cited.
Usage
Warnings
Not recommended during pregnancy or
lactation.Should not be used with large
amounts of caffeine.Not intended for use
by children or in cases of
hyperactivity.Do not exceed recommended
dose. Do not take if experiencing a high
fever.
 History and
curiosities: Ginseng is one of
the world's most well-known Oriental
medicinal herbs. The traditional Chinese
philosophy of the man-shaped root
improving and prolonging life (in its
native countries it is known as the "potion
of longevity") has found
confirmation in laboratory studies
(Schopper), and most researchers agree
that Korean White Ginseng exhibits
excellent adaptogenic properties
that help tone and balance the body's
metabolic and recovery functions.
Applications in traditional Chinese
medicine include general weakness,
chronic fatigue, lack of appetite,
anemia, nervousness, forgetfulness,
thirst, and impotence.
 Ginseng
has an ancient history and as such has
accumulated much folklore about its
actions and uses. The genus name Panax
derives from the latin panacea meaning 'cure
all'. Many of the claims that
surround it are, unfortunately,
exaggerated but it is clear that this is
an important remedy.
Recent scientific
research is investigating the anti-cancer
properties of Ginseng, thought to be
particularly useful for women in preventing
breast cancer, due to its high
contents if isoflavones.
Soy Products,
Ginseng May Lower Breast-Cancer
Risk
[Medical Tribune: Family
Physician Edition 38(20): 1997.
© 1997 Jobson Healthcare Group] SAN
ANTONIO--Tofu and other soy-based
foods--and possibly even the herb
ginseng--may help women stave
off breast cancer, according
to preliminary research presented
here last month at the annual
meeting of the American
Osteopathic Association.
In a laboratory study of human
breast-cancer cells, high amounts
of isoflavones--dietary
components found in soy-based
products--stunted the growth of
cancerous cells by as much as
30%, reported Donna Dixon
Shanies, Ph.D., an assistant
professor of biochemistry and
genetics at the New York College
of Osteopathic Medicine in Old
Westbury, N.Y.
In a second laboratory study, Dr.
Shanies found that traditional
Chinese herbal remedies
including ginseng and
vitex berry extract also
inhibited the growth of human
breast-cancer cells.
Because they are loaded with phytoestrogens,
isoflavones may help prevent
breast cancer by reducing levels
of natural estrogen in the body,
she explained. Or isoflavones may
have antioxidant properties that
inhibit tumor development.
"Phytoestrogens may in the
future prove to be promising
agents used to reduce the risk of
breast cancer and other
hormone-dependent cancers, such
as prostate cancer," Dr.
Shanies said.
Although there are no
recommendations concerning how
much soy individuals should
include in their diets, she said,
"it would be prudent for
women to try to eat more soy
products."
Dr. Shanies and colleagues tested
the effects of three major
isoflavones--biochanin A, daidzein
and genistein--on human
breast-cancer cells. They also
measured the effects of ginseng,
black cohosh root, dang gui root,
hops
flower, vitex berry and shiu chu
ginseng root on breast-cancer
cell lines.
Calling the new research "a
promising first step,"
Richard J. Cenedella, Ph.D.,
chairman of the department of
biochemistry at the Kirksville
College of Osteopathic Medicine
in Kirksville, Mo., said the
findings add a new dimension to
what is understood about the link
between diet and breast cancer.
"We have always known that
there are beneficial effects of a
low-fat diet [on breast-cancer
risk], and concentrations of
trace plant hormones found in
certain foods may play a role in
the reduced risk," Dr.
Cenedella said. --D.M.
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