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Ginseng

Our Overview

Ginseng is a herb that is used to increase energy and promote health and longevity. Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American Ginseng are two of the many varieties (Panax quinquefolius). There is also a herb marketed as “Siberian Ginseng,” but it is not ginseng; rather, it is from the Eleutherococcus senticosus plant, which belongs to a different plant family.

Ginseng is thought to increase blood flow to the heart muscle, lower resting blood sugar levels, and stimulate the adrenal glands. As a result, it is used as a complementary therapy for heart and circulation problems, diabetes, hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), and as a memory, energy, and alertness enhancer. It has also been used to treat respiratory issues, a weakened immune system, obesity (high triglyceride levels in the blood), cancer, and reproductive issues.

Limited studies in animals have been performed, but there is anecdotal evidence that ginseng works to improve general physical performance, immune function, cognitive function, blood sugar levels, and liver function.

Background

Ginseng is a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Confusion has existed regarding what constitutes “ginseng” because of the different species of plants that are called ginseng. Panax ginseng is the genus and species of plant that is currently used synonymously with ginseng (the pharmacopoeial name is Radix ginseng). This plant is also known as ginseng, Korean ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Asian ginseng, and Oriental ginseng. Panax quinquefolius is the scientific name for American ginseng (also known as wild American ginseng). Siberian ginseng is a different plant that is currently known as eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). White ginseng (Ren shen) is the dried peeled root, whereas red ginseng (Hong shen, which is considered warmer and more Yang than white ginseng) is the steamed root before drying.

Ginseng’s active ingredients are steroid saponins known as ginsenosides. To date, more than 30 ginsenosides have been identified, accounting for approximately 3% of the herb.

Ginseng is unique among herbs in that it is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are nonspecific and nontoxic substances that normalise homeostasis and assist patients in adapting to various stressors. Ginseng has numerous actions, including immunomodulation, antineoplastic properties, neuroendocrine effects, and benefits to cognitive, athletic, and sexual performance. Ginseng can be used to help almost any patient adapt to any type of stress or illness.

Ginseng boosts cell-mediated immunity (one of the immune system’s main branches), particularly natural killer (NK) cell activity. This makes ginseng useful whenever increased immune activity is required (e.g., infections, neoplasia, etc.). Ginseng may improve the efficacy of some vaccines, possibly through increased antigen presenting cell (APC) activity, though the clinical significance has yet to be determined. Ginseng may also help cancer patients by inducing cellular differentiation and acting as an antimutagenic. Furthermore, ginseng is beneficial in reducing toxicity from both chemotherapy and radiation therapy (possibly by protecting against leukopenia, reducing actual chemical toxicity, and improving stress resistance).

Consumers should be aware that the quality and composition of commercial products claiming to contain ginseng can vary greatly. Adulteration with contaminating species (such as Periploca sepium, a cardiotoxic herb) has been detected, particularly in Chinese-imported supplements.

Side Effects

Ginseng is considered among the safest herbs used in natural medicine. Toxicity is thought to be minimal and the herbs are free of adverse effects at the recommended doses.

Interactions

Ginseng appears to have a modulating effect on P-glycoprotein, a transporter protein involved in phase III drug metabolism, according to experimental evidence. The mechanisms of drug resistance modulation or pump-mediated interactions between ginseng and conventional medications remain unknown. Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity may be reduced when combined with ginseng, and intestinal bacteria may hydrolyze ginseng into novel antineoplastic metabolites. Amoxicillin and related beta-lactam antibiotics have a synergistic effect when combined with ginseng, resulting in an increased antibacterial effect.

Ginseng may act as a chemosensitizer as well as a drug toxifier when combined with chemotherapy agents (particularly antitumor antibiotics and platinum medications). The proposed mechanisms of action include multidrug resistance suppression, cytotoxic activity potentiation, protection of healthy cells, and immune system enhancement during myelosuppression (suppression of bone marrow). Ginseng may inhibit the uptake of the neurotransmitters glutamate, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and -aminobutyric acid (GABA) in a dose-dependent manner and may interfere with the analgesic effects of morphine and related medications. When combining monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors with ginseng, use caution.

Indications

  • Helps animals adapt to stress/illness
  • Serves as an adjunct to radiation/chemotherapy
  • Acts as an immunoprotective agent/immunomodulator

Dose Recommendations

A recommended dose is 250–500 mg per kg. Clinical experience suggests an alternative dose is one 100 mg capsule per 11.4 kg dog per 8–12 hr period.

Contraindications

None reported.

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Further Reading

  1. Stargrove M, Treasure J, McKee D. Herb, nutrient, and drug interactions: clinical implications and therapeutic strategies. St. Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2008:80–7.
  2. Wynn SG, Fougère B. Veterinary herbal medicine. St. Louis (MO): Mosby Elsevier; 2007:303, 332–3, 351–3.
  3. Mills S, Bone K. Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine. St. Louis (MO): Churchill Livingstone; 2000:418–30, 538.
  4. Pizzorno J, Murray M. Textbook of natural medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis (MO):
    Churchill Livingstone; 2005:707, 923.

Important Notice

The indications provided on this page are suggested uses for each supplement based upon published clinical experience and/or scientific studies. They do not represent as cures or medical treatments and should be treated as advice only. The recommended doses may be provided in human form where dosing for animals has not been established. It is imperative that you understand that this information is provided as guidelines only. You should consult with a registered veterinarian before administering any nutraceutical. Where using a marketed product you should follow the manufacturers instructions.