To remember :
- Ginseng is an ancestral plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia.
- Ginseng is an adaptogenic plant because it has the power to resist multiple stress factors.
- Ginseng is a medicinal plant with multiple benefits: toning, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-stress.
- Ginsenosides are the main active compounds in Ginseng which give it its natural medicinal properties.
What is Ginseng?
Definition of Ginseng
Ginseng is a medicinal plant called adaptogen . This means that it has the power to resist multiple stress factors in order to survive in a hostile environment. Thus, this adaptogenic plant would increase the body's resistance capacities against the various attacks to which it is subject.
The origin of Ginseng
Ginseng, from its Latin name Panax ginseng, belongs to the Araliaceae family. The term Panax comes from the Greek “panacos” which means “ remedy that cures all ” and the term ginseng comes from the Mandarin which means “ man root ”, due to the human shape of its root. Discovered several thousand years ago, this adaptogenic plant is native to Northeast Asia and used by traditional Chinese medicine to cure ailments and tone the 5 organs of our body (heart, lung, liver, kidney and spleen). ) and calm the mind. For a decade and alongside the popularization of herbal medicine, it has become known and coveted by the Western world for its miracle virtues.
The composition of Ginseng
Today, Ginseng is one of the most studied medicinal plants throughout the world for its multiple benefits. Researchers then established the mysterious composition of this ancestral medicinal plant, in particular the nutritional components and bioactive substances.
The “golden root” contains many essential micronutrients such as vitamins of groups C, E and B, numerous minerals (manganese, copper, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc and phosphorus) and amino acids. Generally, polysaccharides, sugars, represent 40% of the total weight of the plant.
Around 300 active phytochemical compounds called ginsenosides are concentrated in the root. These main active components give it its natural medicinal properties. These molecules belong to the saponin family, considered anti-oxidant molecules that fight against oxidative stress and cellular aging.
The benefits and virtues of Ginseng
Ginsenosides are active substances recognized for their numerous antioxidant, neuroprotective, toning and stimulating immune defense properties . Studies have also shown Ginseng's ability to treat sexual dysfunction and help control blood sugar levels in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Ginseng and fatigue
The body can sometimes be put under severe strain and suffer from fatigue , a drop in morale and even cause muscle pain. Ginseng, a natural tonic with many virtues, will relieve these symptoms and help restore energy and vitality. This medicinal plant is also highly recommended for athletes looking for better recovery after intense physical effort.
Ginseng and cognitive performance
One of the most remarkable powers of Ginseng is its beneficial effect on cognitive performance. Studies carried out on humans show that ginsenosides, with adaptogenic properties, help to improve memory, learning abilities, alertness and concentration.
Ginseng supports sexual health
Ginseng root is not only a tonic, it is also a powerful natural aphrodisiac. This adaptogenic plant is a valuable ally associated with improvements in sexual performance for both men and women. Ginseng helps fight erectile dysfunction thanks to its vasodilator properties and promotes sperm motility. In women, this adaptogenic plant with multiple benefits improves libido and contributes to the balance of sexual hormone levels.
Ginseng and anxiety
Beyond its benefits for the body, the adaptogenic properties of Ginseng root allow it to help the body regulate the stress response and promote psychological balance, particularly in cases of chronic stress , anxiety or episode of depression . Numerous clinical studies have shown that ginsenosides, the main active substances in Ginseng, have anti-stress activity by reducing the level of cortisol , the stress hormone, while stimulating the release of dopamine called the happiness hormone.
Ginseng and the immune system
Ginseng is considered a true ally of the immune system . Indeed, the ginsenosides it contains have anti-inflammatory properties , notably the ability to stimulate phagocytic activity and the production of T lymphocytes, components of the immune system. These functions allow the body to better defend itself against infections.
Indications and dosage of Ginseng
Taking Ginseng is contraindicated in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women due to lack of studies. In addition, people who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases should seek the advice of a doctor before supplementing with Ginseng. People who suffer from sleep disorders or nervous disorders should use ginseng with caution. Therefore, it is best to take Ginseng in the morning to avoid insomnia.
The World Health Organization recommends a daily dose of 0.5 to 2 g of dried roots. Knowing that herbal products containing Ginseng are usually standardized to contain 7% ginsenosides, it is advisable to limit yourself to a dose of 200 mg, one to three times a day.
Indeed, during excessive consumption, its powerful toning properties can lead to nervousness, insomnia, irritability, palpitations and increased blood pressure.
Bring Ginseng to your body thanks to DIJO
At DIJO, we are committed to supporting you in your well-being care routines. This is why we developed Focus Energy and Immunity , a true ally of the immune system composed of flavonoids with prebiotic effects which contribute to maintaining your defense system and your energy. Prebiotics are the food for good bacteria, called probiotics , naturally present in our body.
In addition, due to its optimal concentration of guarana, ginseng, vitamin C and vitamin D3 from lichen, our Energy and Immunity Focus contributes to the maintenance of good joint, bone and muscle health, the reduction of mental fatigue and strengthening natural defenses. This treatment offers you a natural approach for your overall well-being.
This treatment should be taken as part of a balanced lifestyle in order to obtain deep and lasting effects.
Sources :
[1] Kiefer, D., & Pantuso, T. (2003). Panax ginseng. American family physician , 68 (8), 1539-1542.
[2] Im, D.S. (2020). Pro-resolving effect of ginsenosides as an anti-inflammatory mechanism of Panax ginseng. Biomolecules , 10 (3), 444.
[3] Dang, H., Chen, Y., Liu, X., Wang, Q., Wang, L., Jia, W., & Wang, Y. (2009). Antidepressant effects of ginseng total saponins in the forced swimming test and chronic mild stress models of depression. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry , 33 (8), 1417-1424.
[4] Oh, KJ, Chae, MJ, Lee, HS, Hong, HD, & Park, K. (2010). Effects of Korean red ginseng on sexual arousal in menopausal women: placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover clinical study. The journal of sexual medicine , 7 (4_Part_1), 1469-1477.
[5] Bell L, Whyte A, Duysburgh C, Marzorati M, Van den Abbeele P, Le Cozannet R, Fança-Berthon P, Fromentin E, Williams C. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the acute and chronic benefits of American Ginseng (Cereboost®) on mood and cognition in healthy young adults, including in vitro investigation of gut microbiota changes as a possible mechanism of action. Eur J Nutr. 2022 Feb;61(1):413-428. doi:10.1007/s00394-021-02654-5. Epub 2021 Aug 15. PMID: 34396468; PMCID: PMC8783888.
