Ginseng Botanical name and Health benefits: Ginseng has been used for thousands of years & appears in the first known Chinese Materia Medica. According to Chinese beliefs Ginseng is the representation of the essence of Earth that dwells in a root. It’s a “tonic” herb, an herb that is used for nutritive, restorative, long-term purposes. This herb has been used to support normal immune function, to revitalize energy levels.
Ashwagandha is commonly known as “Indian Ginseng”, it’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help body manage stress.
Ginseng Botanical name and Health benefits
Botanical name:- Panex ginseng
Family– Araliaceae
Common Names:-
- The botanical genus name Panax meaning “All healing” in Greek.
- American ginseng, man root (because the root of the plant is shaped like a person)
Chemical Constituents:-
Ginsenosides known as ginseng saponins, are the major components of ginseng and are classified in two major groups by the type of their Aglycones –Protopanaxadiol [PPD] and Protopanaxatriol [PPT].
Ginseng benefits and uses:-
Ginseng as an potent antioxidant:-
Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, some studies have shown that regular intake of ginseng had reduced inflammatory markers and helps protect against oxidative stress.
Ginseng in cancer:-
One study revealed that ginseng showed good results in helping cancer patients with fatigue. It may help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel weak and tired.
Ginsenosides prevent the abnormal cell production and growth. Ginseng improve the health of patients undergoing chemotherapy, reduce side effects and enhance the effect of some treatment drugs.
Read Also: Immunity Booster Diet and Yoga
Ginseng in diabetes:-
Some studies have shown that ginseng improves the pancreatic cell function, boosts insulin production and enhance the uptake of blood sugar in tissues.
Effects in nervous system:-
It improves brain functions like memory, behavior and mood. Some studies have shown that it protects the brain against damage caused by free radicals.
Boosting Immune System:-
Ginseng helps to boost immunity. According to a study, a trial on 96 people with lung cancer, ginseng carbohydrates enhanced the immune function by increasing Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-2) while reducing Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5).
