|
There are actually three different herbs commonly called ginseng: Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and Siberian "ginseng" (Eleutherococcus senticosus). The latter herb is actually not ginseng at all, but the Russian scientists responsible for promoting it believe that it functions identically. We discuss all three herbs in this article.
Asian ginseng is a perennial herb with a taproot resembling the human body. It grows in northern China, Korea, and Russia; its close relative, Panax quinquefolius, is cultivated in the United States. Because ginseng must be grown for 5 years before it is harvested, it commands a high price, with top-quality roots easily selling for more than $10,000. Dried, unprocessed ginseng root is called "white ginseng," and steamed, heat-dried root is "red ginseng." Chinese herbalists believe that each form has its own particular benefits.
Ginseng is widely regarded by the public as a stimulant, but according to everyone who uses it seriously that isn't the right description. In traditional Chinese herbology, Panax ginseng was used to strengthen the digestion and the lungs, calm the spirit, and increase overall energy. When the Russian scientist Israel I. Brekhman became interested in the herb prior to World War II, he came up with a new idea about ginseng: He decided that it was an adaptogen.
The term adaptogen refers to a hypothetical treatment described as follows: An adaptogen should help the body adapt to stresses of various kinds, whether heat, cold, exertion, trauma, sleep deprivation, toxic exposure, radiation, infection, or psychological stress. Furthermore, an adaptogen should cause no side effects, be effective in treating a wide variety of illnesses, and help return an organism toward balance no matter what may have gone wrong.
Perhaps the only indisputable example of an adaptogen is a healthful lifestyle. By eating right, exercising regularly, and generally living a life of balance and moderation, you will increase your physical fitness and ability to resist illnesses of all types. Whether there are any substances that can do as much remains unclear. However, Brekhman felt certain that ginseng produced similarly universal benefits.
Interestingly, traditional Chinese medicine (where ginseng comes from) does not entirely agree. There is no one-size-fits-all in Chinese medical theory. Like any other herb, ginseng is said to be helpful for those people who need its particular effects, and neutral or harmful for others. But in Europe, Brekhman's concept has taken hold, and ginseng is widely believed to be a universal adaptogen.
In the 1940s, Brekhman decided that a much less expensive herb, Eleutherococcus senticosus, is just as good as ginseng. A thorny bush that grows much more rapidly than true ginseng, this later received the misleading name of "Siberian" or "Russian ginseng." Contrary to some reports, its chemical makeup is completely unrelated to that of Panax ginseng.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What Is Ginseng Used for Today? If Brekhman is right, ginseng (whether Eleutherococcus or Panax) should be the right treatment for most of us. Modern life is tremendously stressful, and if an herb could help us withstand it, it would be a terrifically useful herb indeed. Ginseng is widely used for this purpose in Russia and Eastern Europe. However, the scientific basis for this use is largely limited to animal studies. There have been a few studies of ginseng for certain more specific purposes: strengthening immunity against colds and flus and other infections (including herpes), helping to control diabetes, stimulating the mind, increasing a general sense of well-being, and improving physical performance capacity (sports performance), with some positive results. (See What is the Scientific Evidence for Ginseng, below.) Two preliminary studies suggest that Korean red ginseng may have some benefits for impotence (erectile dysfunction).73,77 A poorly designed study using an untreated control group found indications that Panax ginseng might also improve sperm count and motility.65 Highly preliminary evidence suggests that American ginseng might help breast cancer chemotherapy drugs work better.4 Ginseng is also said to help prevent cancer, and fight chemical dependency but the scientific evidence for these uses is minimal at best.2,3 Panax ginseng does not appear to be helpful for menopausal symptoms.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What Is the Scientific Evidence for Ginseng? Adaptogenic Effects Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of oral ginseng on animals under conditions of extreme stress. The results suggest that ginseng increases physical endurance and causes physiological changes that may help the body adapt to adverse conditions.612 In addition, studies in mice found that consuming ginseng before exposure to a virus significantly increased the survival rate and the number of antibodies produced.13,14 Evidence from human trials are discussed under the separate headings below. Immune Stimulation A double-blind placebo-controlled study suggests that Panax ginseng can improve immunity.15 This trial enrolled 227 participants at three medical offices in Milan, Italy. Half were given ginseng at a dosage of 100 mg daily, the other half placebo. Four weeks into the study, all participants received influenza vaccine. The results showed a significant decline in the frequency of colds and flus in the treated group compared to the placebo group (15 versus 42 cases). Also, antibody measurements in response to the vaccination rose higher in the treated group than in the placebo group. Two other studies found evidence that ginseng increases the number of immune cells in the blood,16,17 although a third did not.18 A nonblinded pilot study provides weak evidence that that Panax ginseng might be helpful in chronic bronchitis.66 In two double-blind placebo-controlled studies enrolling a total of over 200 individuals, an herbal combination treatment containing both Eleutherococcus and andrographis was found to significantly reduce cold symptoms.19 Diabetes A double-blind study evaluated the effects of Panax ginseng (at dosages of 100 mg or 200 mg daily) on 36 people with adult-onset diabetes.20 The results showed improvements in blood sugar control. The authors attributed this benefit to a spontaneously increased level of physical activity in the ginseng group. Improved blood sugar control was also seen in two small double-blind placebo-controlled trials using American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).21,22 One study suggests that ginseng with low ginsenoside content is not effective.23 Mental Function Several studies have found indications that ginseng might enhance mental function. However, the specific benefits seen have varied considerably from trial to trial, tending to make the actual cognitive effects of ginseng (if there are any) difficult to discern. A double-blind placebo-controlled study found that Panax ginseng can improve some aspects of mental function.24 Over a period of 2 months, 112 healthy, middle-aged adults were given either ginseng or placebo. The results showed that ginseng improved abstract thinking ability. However, there was no significant change in reaction time, memory, concentration, or overall subjective experience between the two groups. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 men found that 8-week treatment with a ginseng extract improved ability in completion of a detail-oriented editing task.25 Also a double-blind trial of 16 healthy males found favorable changes in ability to perform mental arithmetic in those given ginseng for 12 weeks.26 A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 60 elderly individuals found that 50 or 100 days of treatment with Panax ginseng produced improvements in numerous measures of mental function, including memory, attention, concentration, and ability to cope.27 Benefits were still evident at the 50-day follow-up. However, virtually no improvement was seen in the placebo group, a result that is highly unusual and raises doubts about the accuracy of the study. In addition, three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluated combined treatment with ginseng and ginkgo and found some evidence of improved mental function.28,78,79 Herpes Infection A 6-month, double-blind trial of 93 men and women with recurrent herpes infections found that treatment with Eleutherococcus (2 g daily) reduced the frequency of infections by almost 50%.29 Sports Performance The evidence for Panax ginseng as a sports supplement is mixed. An 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of Panax ginseng with and without exercise in 41 individuals.30 The participants were given either ginseng or placebo, and then underwent exercise training or remained untrained throughout the study. The results showed that ginseng improved aerobic capacity in individuals who did not exercise, but offered no benefit in those who did exercise. In a 9-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 30 highly trained athletes, treatment with Panax ginseng or Panax ginseng plus vitamin E produced significant improvements in aerobic capacity.31 Another double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 37 individuals also found some benefit.32 A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 120 individuals found that ginseng gradually improved reaction time and lung function over a 12-week treatment period among those 40 to 60 years old.33 No benefits were seen in younger individuals. However, numerous studies have failed to find Panax ginseng effective. For example, an 8-week double-blind trial that followed 31 healthy men in their 20s found no evidence of ergogenic benefit.34 Many other small trials of Panax ginseng also failed to find evidence of benefit.3540,72,74 A double-blind study of 20 endurance athletes over an 8-week period failed to find a standard eleutherococcus formulation helpful for improving physical performance.41 Another small double-blind crossover trial also failed to find eleutherococcus effective.42 Furthermore, in a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of endurance athletes, use of eleutherococcus actually increased physiological signs of stress during intensive training.74 General Well-Being A double-blind study compared the effects of a nutritional supplement with and without ginseng extract on the feeling of well-being in 625 people, whose average age was just under 40 years old.43 Quality of life was measured by a set of 11 questions. People taking the ginseng-containing supplement reported significant improvement compared to those taking the nonginseng supplement (the control group). Similar findings were reported in a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 36 people newly diagnosed with diabetes.44 After 8 weeks, participants who had been taking 200 mg of ginseng daily reported improvements in mood, well-being, vigor, and psychophysical performance that were significant compared to the reports of control participants. A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 individuals found improvement in general well-being among women aged 30 to 60 years and men aged 40 to 60 years, but not among men aged 30 to 39 years.45 However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 30 young individuals found marginal benefits at 4 weeks, and no significant benefits at 8 weeks.75 Similarly, a 60-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 83 adults in their mid-20s found no effect on mood or psychological well-being.46 Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction) Two double-blind placebo controlled trials, involving a total of about 135 individuals, have found evidence that Korean Red Ginseng may improve erectile function.13,80 In the better of the two trials, 45 participants received either placebo, or Korean red ginseng at a dose of 900 mg 3 times daily for 8 weeks.80 The results indicate that while using Korean red ginseng men experienced significantly better sexual function than while they were taking placebo. Preventing Cancer An observational study on ginseng and cancer prevention has been widely publicized, but a close look at the data arouses serious suspicions. This study was performed in South Korea and followed a total of 4,587 men and women aged 39 years and older from 1987 to 1991.47 People who regularly consumed Panax ginseng were compared with otherwise similar individuals (matched in sex, age, alcohol use, smoking, and education and economic status) who did not. The reported results were impressive. Those who used ginseng showed a 60% decrease in risk of death from cancer. Lung cancer and gastric cancer were particularly reduced. The more ginseng consumed, the greater the effect. However, there is something a bit fishy about this study. Use of ginseng less than three times per year caused a 54% reduction in risk. It seems difficult to believe that so occasional a use of ginseng could reduce cancer mortality by more than half! Menopause A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 384 postmenopausal women found no significant benefit and no evidence of hormonal effects.48 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dosage The typical recommended daily dosage of Panax ginseng is 1 to 2 g of raw herb, or 200 mg daily of an extract standardized to contain 4 to 7% ginsenosides. In one study of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) for diabetes, the dose used was 3 g.49Eleutherococcus is taken at a dosage of 2 to 3 g whole herb or 300 to 400 mg of extract daily. Ordinarily, a 2- to 3-week period of using ginseng is recommended, followed by a 1- to 2-week "rest" period. Russian tradition suggests that ginseng should not be used by those under 40. Finally, because Panax ginseng is so expensive, some products actually contain very little of it. Adulteration of ginseng supplements with other herbs and even caffeine is not unusual.50,51 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Safety Issues The various forms of ginseng appear to be nontoxic, both in the short and long term, according to the results of studies in mice, rats, chickens, and dwarf pigs.5255 Ginseng also does not seem to be carcinogenic. Reported side effects with ginseng are rare. There are a few case reports of breast tenderness, post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, and menstrual abnormalities associated with ginseng use.67-71 Such side effects suggest that ginseng can act like estrogen. However, a large double-blind of ginseng trial found no estrogen-like effects.56 Another double-blind trial found no effects on estrogen or testosterone.57Therefore, it is possible that these apparent side-effects were coincidental, or due to contaminants in the ginseng product used. Interestingly, in a test-tube study, Panax ginseng was again found to be non-estrogenic, and yet it nonetheless stimulated the growth of breast cancer cells.76 Although the mechanism of this effect is not known, the results suggest that women who have had breast cancer should avoid using ginseng. Unconfirmed reports suggest that highly excessive doses of ginseng can cause insomnia, raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, and possibly cause other significant effects. Whether some of these cases were actually caused by caffeine mixed in with ginseng remains unclear. Ginseng allergy can also occur, as can allergy to any other substance. In 1979, an article was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association claiming that people can become addicted to ginseng and develop blood pressure elevation, nervousness, sleeplessness, diarrhea, and hypersexuality.58 This report has since been thoroughly discredited and should no longer be taken seriously.59,60 However, there is some evidence that ginseng can interfere with drug metabolism, specifically drugs processed by an enzyme called "CYP 3A4."61 Ask your physician or pharmacist whether you are taking any medications of this type. There have also been specific reports of Panax ginseng interacting with MAO inhibitor drugs62 and of Eleutherococcus altering the results of a test for digitalis,63 although again it is not clear whether it was the ginseng or a contaminant that caused the problem. There has also been one report of ginseng reducing the anticoagulant effects of Coumadin (warfarin).64 Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Interestingly, Chinese tradition suggests that ginseng should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interactions You Should Know About If you are taking Drugs processed by an enzyme called "CYP 3A4": Ginseng might interfere. Ask your physician or pharmacist whether you are taking any medications of this type. MAO inhibitor drugsor digitalis: It is possible that ginseng might cause problems. Insulin or oral hypoglycemics: Ginseng may reduce your dosage need. Coumadin ( warfarin): Ginseng might decrease its effect. Influenza vaccine: Ginseng might help it work better. References 1. Yoshimura H, Kimura N, Sugiura K. Preventive effects of various ginseng saponins on the development of copulatory disorder induced by prolonged individual housing in male mice. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1998;20:5964. 2. Yun TK, Choi SY. Non-organ specific cancer prevention of ginseng: a prospective study in Korea. Int J Epidemiol. 1998;27:359364. 3. Takahashi M, Tokuyama S. Pharmacological and physiological effects of ginseng on actions induced by opioids and psychostimulants. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 1998;20:7784. 4. Duda RB, Zhong Y, Navas V, et al. American ginseng and breast cancer therapeutic agents synergistically inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. J Surg Oncol. 1999;72:230239. 5. Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, et al. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19:8999. 6. Bittles AH, Fulder SJ, Grant EC, et al. The effect of ginseng on the lifespan and stress responses in mice. Gerontology. 1979;25:125131. 7. Brekhman II, Dardymov IV. Pharmacological investigation of glycosides from Ginseng and Eleutherococcus.Lloydia. 1969;32:4651. 8. Dua PR, Shanker G, Srimal RC, et al. Adaptogenic activity of Indian Panax pseudoginseng. Indian J Exp Biol. 1989;27:631634. 9. Grandhi A, Mujumdar AM, Patwardhan B. A comparative pharmacological investigation of Ashwagandha and Ginseng. J Ethnopharmacol. 1994;44:131135. 10. Hiai S, Yokoyaa H, Oura H. Features of ginseng saponin induced corticosterone secretion. Endocrinol Jpn. 1979;26:737740. 11. Ramachandran U, Divekar HM, Grover SK, et al. New experimental model for the evaluation of adaptogenic products. J Ethnopharmacol. 1990;29:275281. 12. Oura HS, Hiai S, Nabetani S, et al. Effect of ginseng extract on endoplasmic reticulum and ribosome. Planta Med. 1975;28:7688. 13. Singh VK, Agarwal SS, Gupta BM. Immunomodulatory activity of Panax ginseng extract. Planta Med. 1984;50:462465. 14. Singh VK, George CX, Singh N. Combined treatment of mice with Panax ginseng extract and interferon inducer. Amplification of host resistance to Semliki forest virus. Planta Med. 1983;47:234236. 15. Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, et al. Efficacy and safety of the standardised ginseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1996;22:6572. 16. Scaglione F, Ferrara F, Dugnani S, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of two extracts of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1990;16:537542. 17. Scaglione F, Cogo R, Cocuzza C, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (G115) on alveolar macrophages from patients suffering with chronic bronchitis. Int J Immunother. 1994;10:2124. 18. Srisurapanon S, Rungroeng K, Apibal S, et al. The effect of standardized ginseng extract on peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocyte subsets: a preliminary study in young healthy adults. J Med Assoc Thai. 1997;80 (suppl 1):S81S85. 19. Melchior J, Spasov AA, Ostrovskij OV, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot and phase III study of activity of standardized Andrographis paniculata Herba Nees extract fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2000;7:341350. 20. Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio A. Ginseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 1995;18:13731375. 21. Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VYY, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:10091013. 22. Vuksan V, Xu Z, Jenkins AL, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) improves long term glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Presented at: 60th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association; June 913, 2000; San Antonio, Tex. 23. Sievenpiper JL, Stavro MP, Leiter LA, et al. Variable effects of ginseng: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) with a low ginsenoside content does not affect postprandial glycemia in normal subjects [abstract]. Diabetes. 2001;50(suppl 2):Abst #1771-PO. 24. Sorensen H, Sonne J. A double-masked study of the effects of ginseng on cognitive functions. Curr Ther Res. 1996;57:959968. 25. Sandberg F, Dencker L. Experimental and clinical tests on ginseng. Z Phytother. 1994;15:3842. 26. D'Angelo L, Grimaldi R, Caravaggi M, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on the effect of a standardized ginseng extract on psychomotor performance in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;16:1522. 27. Siegl C, Siegl HJ. The possible revision of impaired mental abilities in old age: a double-blind study with Panax ginseng [translated from German]. Therapiewoche. 1979;29:4206, 42094216. 28. Wesnes KA, Faleni RA, Hefting NR, et al. The cognitive, subjective, and physical effects of a ginkgo biloba/panax ginseng combination in healthy volunteers with neurasthenic complaints. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1997;33:677683. 29. Williams M. Immuno-protection against herpes simplex type II infection by eleutherococcus root extract. Int J Alt Complement Med. 1995;13:912. 30. Cherdrungsi P, Rungroeng K. Effects of standardized ginseng extract and exercise training on aerobic and anaerobic capacities in humans. Korean J Ginseng Sci. 1995;19:93100. 31. Forgo I. Effect of drugs on physical exertion and the hormonal system of athlete [translated from German]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr. 1983;125:822824. 32. McNaughton LG, Egan G, Caelli G. A comparison of Chinese and Russian ginseng as ergogenic aids to improve various facets of physical fitness. Int J Clin Nutr Rev. 1989;9:3235. 33. Forgo I, Kayasseh L, Staub JJ. Effect of a standardized ginseng extract on general well-being, reaction time, lung function and gonadal hormones [translated from German]. Med Welt. 1981;32:751756. 34. Engles HJ, Wirth JC. No ergogenic effects of ginseng (Panax ginseng, C.A. Meyer) during graded maximal aerobic exercise. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97:11101115. 35. Engels HJ, Said JM, Wirth JC, et al. Failure of chronic ginseng supplementation to affect work performance and energy metabolism in healthy adult females. Nutr Res. 1996;16:12951305. 36. Morris AC, Jacobs I, McLellan TM, et al. No ergogenic effect of ginseng ingestion. Int J Sport Nutr. 1996;6:263271. 37. Teves MA, Wright JE, Welch MJ, et al. Effects of ginseng on repeated bouts of exhaustive exercise [abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1983;15:162. 38. Allen JD, McLung J, Nelson AG, et al. Ginseng supplementation does not enhance healthy young adults' peak aerobic exercise performance. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17:462466. 39. Lifton B, Otto RM, Wygand J. The effect of ginseng on acute maximal aerobic exercise [abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1997;29(5 suppl):S249. 40. Kolokouri I, Englels H-J, Cieslak T, et al. Effect of chronic ginseng supplementation on short duration, supramaximal exercise test performance [abstract]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31(5 suppl):S117. 41. Dowling EA, Redondo DR, Branch JD, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus on submaximal and maximal exercise performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1996;28:482489. 42. Eschbach LF, Webster MJ, Boyd JC, et al. The Effect of Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticosus) on Substrate Utilization and Performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2000;10:444451. 43. Caso Marasco A, Vargas Ruiz R, Salas Villagomez A, et al. Double-blind study of a multivitamin complex supplemented with ginseng extract. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1996;22:323329. 44. Sotaniemi EA, Haapakoski E, Rautio A. Ginseng therapy in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 1995;18:13731375. 45. Forgo I, Kayasseh L, Staub JJ. Effect of a standardized ginseng extract on general well-being, reaction time, lung function and gonadal hormones [translated from German]. Med Welt. 1981;32:751756. 46. Cardinal BJ, Engels HJ. Ginseng does not enhance psychological well-being in healthy, young adults: results of a double-blind placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:655660. 47. Yun TK, Choi SY. Non-organ specific cancer prevention of ginseng: a prospective study in Korea. Int J Epidemiol. 1998;27:359364. 48. Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, et al. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19:8999. 49. Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VYY, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:10091013. 50. Baldwin CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. What pharmacists should know about ginseng. Pharm J. 1986;237:583586. 51. Cui J, Garle M, Eneroth P, et al. What do commercial ginseng preparations contain? [letter]. Lancet. 1994;344:134. 52. Baldwin CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. What pharmacists should know about ginseng. Pharm J. 1986;237:583586. 53. Hess FG, Parent RA, Cox GE, et al. Reproduction study in rats on ginseng extract G115. Food Chem Toxicol. 1982;20:189192. 54. Newall C, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London, England: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:143, 148. 55. Sonnenborn U, Proppert Y. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). Br J Phytother. 1991;2:314. 56. Wiklund IK, Mattsson LA, Lindgren R, et al. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19:8999. 57. Forgo I, Kayasseh L, Staub JJ. Effect of a standardized ginseng extract on general well-being, reaction time, lung function and gonadal hormones [translated from German]. Med Welt. 1981;32:751756. 58. Siegel RK. Ginseng abuse syndrome. Problems with the panacea. JAMA. 1979;241:16141615. 59. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press; 1994. 60. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physicians' Guide to Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. Berlin, Germany: Springer-Verlag; 1998. 61. Kroll D, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy. Unpublished communication, 1998. 62. Jones BD, Runikis AM. Interaction of ginseng with phenelzine. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1987;7:201202. 63. McRae S. Elevated serum digoxin levels in a patient taking digoxin and Siberian ginseng. Can MedAssocJ. 1996;155:293295. 64. Janetzky K, Morreale AP. Probable interaction between warfarin and ginseng. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 1997;54:692693. 65. Salvati G, Genovesi G, Marcellini L, et al. Effects of Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer saponins on male fertility. Panminerva Med. 1996;38:249254. 66. Scaglione F, Weiser K, Allessandria M. Effects of the standardised ginseng extract G115 in patients with chronic bronchitis. Clin Drug Invest. 2001;21:4145. 67. Fugh-Berman A. Herb-drug interactions. Lancet 2000;355:134-138. 68. Greenspan EM Ginseng and vaginal bleeding [letter]. JAMA 1983;249:2018. 69. Hammond TG, and Whitworth JA Adverse reactions to ginseng [letter]. Med J Aust 1981;1:492. 70. Palmer BV, et al. Gin Seng and mastalgia [letter]. Br Med J 1978;1:1284. 71. Punnonen R, and Lukola A Oestrogen-like effect of ginseng. Br Med J 1980;281:1110. 72. Engels H-J, et al. Effects of ginseng supplementation on supramaximal exercise performance and short-term recovery. J Strength Conditioning Res. 2001;15:290-295. 73. Choi HK, et al. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. Int. J Impotence Res. 1995;7:181-186. 74. Gaffney BT, Hugel HM, Rich PA. The effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng on steroidal hormone indices of stress and lymphocyte subset numbers in endurance athletes. Life Sci. 2001;70:431442. 75. Ellis JM, Reddy P. Effects of Panax ginseng on quality of life. Ann Pharmacother. 2002;36:375-379. 76. Amato P, Christophe S, Mellon P. Estrogenic activity of herbs commonly used as remedies for menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2002;9:145-150. 77. Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, et al. A Double-Blind Crossover Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Preliminary Report. J Urol. 2002;168:2070-2073. 78. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to heathy young adults. Physiol Behav. 2002;75:739-751. 79. Wesnes KA, Ward T, McGinty A, et al. The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers. Psychopharmacology(Berl). 2000 Nov;152(4):353-361. 80. Hong B, Ji YH, Hong JH, et al. A Double-Blind Crossover Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: A Preliminary Report. J Urol. 2002;168:2070-2073. |
|
Sharp Labs Incorporated is your #1 Source for all the latest and highly advanced formulations for
herbal nutrition, sports and peformance nutrition, health nutrition, sexual enhancement, male enlargement
medicine, toxin cleansing agents, breast enhancement alternatives, growth stimulation for those
who need to grow taller and grow faster, fitness nutrition, and so much more! Enjoy your stay!!
Health And Sports Nutriton Guide Brought To You By Sharp Labs Inc. Site Created 1994-Copyright© Sharp Labs Inc.,U.S.A.- UPDATED WEEKLY - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |
