What is Ginseng?

Ginseng is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine in East Asian countries for many years. Commonly preferred in the use of herbal products, ginseng has resistance-increasing effects against stress.

What is Ginseng? What are its Benefits?
Ginseng is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine in East Asian countries for many years. Commonly preferred in the use of herbal products, ginseng has resistance-increasing effects against stress. Because it enhances resistance to physical, biological, and chemical stress, it is known as an "adaptogen." Additionally, it has been shown to reduce fatigue, support physical endurance, enhance physical and mental capacity, and have anti-aging effects. These effects are attributed to “ginsenosides,” one of the components of ginseng. Ginsenosides are compounds that can exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. In addition to the well-known Asian/Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), there are different types such as Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). These species have unique properties and effects. Asian ginseng contributes to improving not only immune and psychological functions but also conditions related to diabetes. Ginseng cultivated in Korea, China, and Russia has been used historically to treat weakness, fatigue, and various health problems. One of the most important points to note about ginseng is its potential interactions with medications. Caution is advised when using it alongside warfarin, insulin, caffeine, phenelzine, and oral hypoglycemic agents. Excessive amounts of ginseng can lead to side effects. Complications such as nausea, diarrhea, hypertension, hypotension, euphoria, headaches, insomnia, and vaginal bleeding may occur in high doses. These side effects are generally mild and reversible.

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng is a perennial herb that grows wild and is cultivated in the Far East. It typically grows to a height of 30-50 cm, has an erect stem, and is unbranched. The root parts are thicker and branched. It usually hides in tree roots and grows in areas with dense hardwood. The use of ginseng has increased worldwide and it has become one of the best-selling natural products. Commonly used Asian ginseng is preferred for treating conditions such as fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, and reductions in physical and mental functions.

The ginseng plant contains bioactive compounds in all its parts, including the roots. The roots, stems, and leaves contain amino acids, peptides, vitamins and minerals, phytosterols, and essential oils, along with 36 different ginsenoside compounds. According to a study, 100 g of ginseng root contains approximately 338 kcal of energy, 12.29 g of protein, and 70 g of carbohydrates. Additionally, ginseng roots contain certain amounts of:

• Retinol (Vitamin A)
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
• Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• Calcium, iron, and phosphorus.

The ginsenosides it contains help exhibit anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-amnesic, anti-stress, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects.

What are the Benefits of Ginseng?

Ginseng is a plant that can be used in the treatment of conditions such as hyperglycemia, hepatosteatosis (fatty liver disease), and hyperlipidemia. The known benefits of ginseng, which is an adaptogenic food, are as follows:

• It helps support physical and cognitive activities due to its regulatory effects on the central nervous system.
• It aids in increasing resilience against physical, biological, and chemical stress.
• It helps regulate cardiovascular capacity and functions.
• It contributes to enhancing memory and assists in facilitating the learning process.
• It helps improve and regulate the activities of the nervous and endocrine (hormones and glands) systems.
• It has effects on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
• It contributes to achieving higher levels of antibodies in the body and increasing T cells.
• By strengthening the immune system, it enhances the body's defense and speeds up the healing process.

Ginseng has various effects in increasing the physical and cognitive endurance of the body. It stimulates the release of cortisol and adrenaline hormones during exercise and helps achieve maximum oxygen capacity in stress-inducing exercises. Due to these functions, it is considered an adaptogenic food and is known to have positive effects on those who exercise. Additionally, studies have shown that ginseng may be effective in alleviating or managing states of stress and depression. It has been reported to contribute to increasing erectile function and libido in cases of erectile dysfunction, as well as reducing the risk of cancer development.

How to Use Ginseng?

The ginseng plant is harvested after an average of 3-6 years and is dried or exposed to heat to prevent spoilage. The harvested ginseng is stored in dry air (white ginseng) or cooked in an oven/steamed (red ginseng). The components and effects of white and red ginseng can vary. Today, there are three commercially available types of ginseng: Korean, Chinese, and American. It is commonly used in teas, medicines, and supplements. The buds of Chinese ginseng are used in medicine and contain high levels of saponin molecules. After oral consumption of ginseng products, the peak time in the blood can take approximately 4 hours. However, there may also be longer-lasting ginseng products depending on the ginsenoside content. The ginsenoside content varies based on the harvest season and location, the age and growth of the plant, and the type of ginseng.

The consumed ginseng is metabolized by the intestinal flora. The number and type of intestinal bacteria affect the level of ginseng absorption and availability. The ginseng compounds ingested help maintain body homeostasis, reduce the effects of aging, strengthen the immune system, increase vitality, and enhance physical performance. The compound K it contains has been shown to have beneficial effects in alleviating itching in atopic dermatitis. According to medical applications, the effects of ginseng may decrease or increase when consumed with plants such as Veratrum Nigru L. and radish. Asian ginseng specifically stimulates enzymes that reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants, antihypertensives, statins, and some HIV medications. However, high doses and prolonged use of Asian ginseng should be avoided in cases of hypertension, acute asthma, nosebleeds, acute infections, and excessive menstrual bleeding. The generally recommended dose of dried ginseng root is 0.5-2 g for short-term use and 1 g for long-term use.

What is the Difference Between Red Ginseng and Ginseng?

Ginseng is a plant that has different subspecies. Based on the post-harvest processes and their contents, white and red ginseng have both qualitative and quantitative differences and exhibit different effects. Red ginseng is produced as a result of the long-term storage and preservation of ginseng after harvest. The chemical and biological activities of red and white ginseng differ. These differences are explained by the use of red and white ginseng contents in different signaling pathways within the immune system and their distinct bioactivities.

Chemical reactions develop as a result of processing ginseng and exposing it to heat after harvesting, causing structural changes in ginsenoids. As a result of these changes, white and red ginseng produce different effects. The applied temperature and the duration of the process affect these transformations. Red ginseng, produced by exposure to heat, helps alleviate excessive bleeding during the postpartum period and enhances bodily resistance during aging and post-surgery. White ginseng is relatively milder. It has a specific function in alleviating thirst, one of the primary symptoms of diabetes. Additionally, it has effects in the treatment of lung diseases and in alleviating insomnia.

Red and white ginseng show similar effects in managing conditions such as energy deficiency and fatigue.