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American
Ginseng
Botanical name: Panax
quinquefolius
Like its more
familiar cousin Asian ginseng (Panax
ginseng), the root of American ginseng is used
medicinally. The plant grows wild in shady forests of
the northern and central United States, as well as in
parts of Canada. It is cultivated in the United States,
China, and France.
American ginseng has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the
individual health concern for complete
information):
Historical
or traditional use
Many
Native American tribes used American ginseng. Medicinal
applications ranged from digestive disorders to sexual
problems. The Chinese began to use American
ginseng after it was imported during the 1700s.
The traditional applications of American ginseng
in China are significantly different from those for
Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng).
Active
constituents
American
ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are thought to
fight fatigue and stress by supporting the adrenal
glands and the use of oxygen by exercising muscles. The
type and ratio of ginsenosides are somewhat different in
American and Asian ginseng. The extent to which this
affects their medicinal properties is unclear. A recent
preliminary trial with healthy volunteers found no
benefit in exercise performance after one week of taking
American ginseng.
In a small
pilot study, 3 grams of American ginseng was found to
lower the rise in blood sugar following the consumption
of a drink high in glucose by people with type 2
diabetes. The study found no difference in blood sugar
lowering effect if the herb was taken either 40 minutes
before the drink or at the same time. A follow-up to
this study found that increasing the amount of American
ginseng to either 6 or 9 grams did not increase the
effect on blood sugar following the high-glucose drink
in people with type 2 diabetes. This study also found
that American ginseng was equally effective in
controlling the rise in blood sugar if it was given up
to two hours before or together with the
drink.
How much is
usually taken?
Standardized
extracts of American ginseng, unlike Asian ginseng, are
not available. However, dried root powder, 1–3 grams per
day in capsule or tablet form, can be used. Some
herbalists also recommend 3–5 ml of tincture three times
per day.
Are there
any side effects or interactions?
Occasional
cases of insomnia or agitation have been reported with
the use of American ginseng. These conditions are more
likely, however, when caffeine-containing foods and
beverages are also being consumed.
Are
there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact
with American ginseng. Refer to drug interactions for a
list of those
medicines.
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