Asian ginseng: this herbal king of traditional Chinese medicine may help perk up male sexual vitality

AKA: Panax ginseng, Asiatic ginseng, Korean ginseng, Korean red ginseng, Chinese ginseng

USED: Root

WHAT IT DOES BEST: Asian ginseng is used for a wide variety of conditions. However, the most scientifically supported uses are for male infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED).

THE BACKGROUND: The Chinese have used Asian ginseng for over 2,000 years as a tonic to improve mental acuity and vitality, enhance physical performance and memory, reduce fatigue and strengthen the immune system.

WHAT'S THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT?

The primary active ingredients are known collectively as ginsenosides. Other actives include panaxans, which may help stabilize blood sugar.

RECENT FINDINGS: According to a report in the November 2002 issue of Urology, Asian ginseng was found to be effective for ED in a double-blind human study. In a related commentary in the January 2003 issue of The Journal of Family Practice, doctors from the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville noted that Asian ginseng is a safe, suitable alternative to sildenafil (Viagra).

In addition to increasing sex drive, ginseng may help improve male fertility. In a preliminary human study published in the December 1996 issue of Panminerva Medica, 66 men who took Asian ginseng experienced increased sperm count, sperm motility and testosterone levels.

Besides the above, animal studies suggest Asian ginseng may help reduce the effects of stress and fatigue and enhance immune function. Recently, a mice study published in the March 2005 issue of Archives of Pharmacal Research found that ginsenosides derived from Asian ginseng could enhance memory and reduce amnesia.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS: When taken in the recommended dosages, Asian ginseng is considered safe; however, in rare cases it may cause insomnia and headaches and enhance the effects of caffeine. Allergic reactions are possible. Long-term use may contribute to menstrual irregularities and breast pain in some women.

People scheduled for surgery, on blood-thinning medications or with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take Asian ginseng without first consulting a physician.

Ginseng may affect blood glucose levels; therefore people with diabetes should consult a health care practitioner before use.

IS IT SAFE TO TAKE WHILE PREGNANT OR NURSING?

Asian ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

ARE THERE ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS?

People taking warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood-thinning medications should consult with a physician before taking Asian ginseng.

WHICH TYPE AND HOW MUCH?

The root is dried, powdered and made into capsules, liquid alcohol (tinctures) and dried extracts. Asian ginseng root extract standardized to approximately 4-7 percent ginsenosides is the most researched form.

* For whole powdered root, studies have used 0.5-2g daily.

* For tinctures, 2-3ml three times daily is usually recommended.

NATURAL FACTORS C.A MEYER PANAX GINSENG EXTRACT has 100mg of powdered extract an 7mg of ginsenosides per serving.

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HERB FARM CHINESE GINSENG extract can easily be added to tea or water.

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PRINCE OF PEACE RED PANAX GINSENG EXTRACTUM comes with handy drinking straws for an on-the-go tincture.

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GURU ENERGY enhances your energy with Panax ginseng, ginko biloba, guarana and echinacea.

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