Benefits of Panax Ginseng

Korean or panax ginseng grows on the moist, shaded mountainsides in China, Korea and Russia. It is a perennial herb that reaches heights of two feet or more, and is distinguished by its dark green leaves and red clusters of berries.

Ginseng is believed to possess outstanding health properties, promote wisdom and longevity and support neurological functions. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which helps the body maintain proper balance, slow the effects of aging and fight fatigue. It has been used to maintain good cardiovascular health. By acting as an adaptogen, it aids the body in directly dealing with the effects of mental and physical stress. Ginseng is used to enhance physical (including sexual) and mental performance. It is used to increase energy and promote resistance to the harmful effects of stress and aging. Health-related use of ginseng can be traced back nearly 2,000 years. In traditional Chinese healthcare, ginseng was used to promote strength, promote normal blood volume, promote life and appetite, promote wisdom and quiet the spirit. Ginseng was used for supporting memory, cognition and gastrointestinal health. Ginseng promotes yang energy, normal circulation, enhances the immune system, helps maintain a healthy blood supply,and promotes overall health and well-being. Ginseng may also assist in helping to maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Panax ginseng has been shown to promote an increase in sexual desire and support the ability to attain erections. It works to promote the normal production of nitric oxide, thereby supporting healthy blood vessel dilation. It also helps to promote normal sperm count and testosterone levels.

A study by the Department of Urology at the University of Ulsan College of Medicine (published in 2002) investigated the effectiveness of Korean Red Ginseng for treating men with erectile dysfunction.

REFERENCES:

Choi H. Effect of Korean ginseng on the rabbit corpus cavernosal smooth muscle. International Journal of Impotence Research 10: 37, 1998. Choi H., et al. In vitro and in vivo experimental effect of Korean read ginseng on erection. Journal of Urology 162: 1508-11, 1999. Choi H., et al. Clinical efficacy of Korean red ginseng for erectile dysfunction. International Journal of Impotence Research 7:181-186, 1995.

Friedl R., et al. Stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis by the aqueous extract of Panax ginseng root in RAW 264.7 cells. British Journal of Pharmacology 134, 8:1663-70, 2001.

Gillis C. Panax ginseng pharmacology: a nitric oxide link? Biochemical Pharmacology 1997 July 1; 54(1): 1-8. Review. Gruenwald, Joerg, Thomas Brendler, and Christof Jaenicke, Eds. PDR® for Herbal Medicines. 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson, 2000. 669-670.

Hong B., et al. A double-blind crossover study evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng in patients with erectile dysfunction: a preliminary report. Journal of Urology 168: 2070-3, 2002.

Murphy L. and Lee T. Ginseng, sex behavior and nitric oxide. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 962: 372-7, 2002. Review.