Panax Ginseng Extract Information

History

• Panax ginseng has been used for at least 5,000 years. Indian, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese cultures all used the herb because of its ability to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. At times Panax ginseng was more valuable than gold to the Chinese, according to The Herb Research Foundation website.

Benefits

• Panax is an adaptogen, which means it helps the entire body cope with stress. Panax ginseng contains chemical compounds called ginsenosides that improve cell functions, lower the blood sugar, and improve mental and physical performance. Panax ginseng is most frequently used to improve athletic performance and boost the immune system, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Warning

• The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns against using Panax ginseng in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs, a type of antidepressant. Panax ginseng should not be used by women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as excess estrogen because the herb may have estrogenic activity.