Facts Behind the Efficacy of Ginseng

n traditional medicine, ginseng is a famous herbal plant. This plant is believed to have many benefits and has been used to overcome many diseases. Ginseng is found in North America and East Asia such as Korea. There are two types of ginseng that are commonly used, namely American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Korean or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Although various types of ginseng have different properties, but in general ginseng has an active compound that is thought to play an important role in the efficacy of this plant. The active compound is ginsenosides.

Facts about American ginseng

American ginseng is often used to boost the immune system, overcome colds and flu, and relieve stress. There are also those who use ginseng to increase appetite and improve the digestive system. Not only that, American ginseng is also claimed to be good for treating various diseases, such as diabetes, anemia, insomnia, fever, erectile dysfunction, cancer, joint pain, dizziness, memory loss, and HIV / AIDS. But based on research, so far there are only two conditions that show a positive response to ginseng, namely respiratory infections (such as colds or flu) and diabetes.

• Respiratory tract infections

Consuming American ginseng extract at a dose of 200-400 mg for 3-6 months, is believed to prevent colds and colds in adults aged 18 to 65 years. For the elderly over 65 years, it is recommended to also get a flu vaccine shot to reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu. If you have already caught a cold or a cold, according to research, taking ginseng will make your symptoms feel lighter and heal faster.

• Diabetes

Consuming 3 grams of American ginseng at least two hours before meals is thought to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels after eating in people with type 2 diabetes. The results also show that American ginseng is beneficial in reducing fasting blood sugar levels. The researchers suspect this is due to the active substance ginsenosides contained in ginseng. Research also shows that the efficacy of American ginseng can prevent diabetes complications such as eye and heart damage.

For those of you who are interested in trying American ginseng, may try it while still following the rules of use. Safe doses range from 100 - 3000 milligrams with a maximum duration of use of 12 weeks. However, this supplement may still be used safely for up to 6 months. Children are not advised to consume ginseng, except under the supervision of a doctor. Although natural, American ginseng can also cause certain side effects, such as itching, insomnia, diarrhea, headaches, vaginal bleeding, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, increased or decreased blood pressure, breast pain, severe rashes called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, liver damage, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock). It's best to avoid or be careful about consuming ginseng if:

• You are pregnant and nursing

According to research, American ginseng can affect the womb and cause birth defects at birth. So far unknown side effects in nursing mothers. But just in case, it's better to avoid consuming them while breastfeeding.

• Having a condition that is sensitive to hormones

American ginseng is known to have an active compound called ginsenosides. This compound can act like the hormone estrogen. If you have a condition that is sensitive to hormones, especially estrogen, it's better to avoid using it. Examples of conditions that are sensitive to hormones are uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, and breast cancer.

• People with insomnia

Taking high doses of American ginseng is associated with insomnia. If you have insomnia, you should avoid consuming it

• Diabetes

One of the possible benefits of American ginseng is that it can help reduce sugar levels in diabetics. However, your blood sugar levels might drop dramatically until hypoglycemia occurs if you take blood sugar-lowering drugs together with American ginseng. You should be careful and always check your blood sugar levels if you consume this herb.

• Will undergo surgery

Stop consuming American ginseng at least 7 days before surgery, because American ginseng might be able to affect blood sugar levels. It can interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Ginseng can also increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

Facts about Korean ginseng

Unlike American ginseng, Korean ginseng has more benefits. Even so, it is not comparable with claims that have been circulating in the community such as overcoming anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, boost the immune system, asthma, anemia, and various types of cancer. Further research is needed to find out the benefits of Korean ginseng in dealing with these conditions. Here are some conditions that may be overcome by Korean ginseng.

• Erectile dysfunction

For men who experience this problem, Korean Ginseng can be consumed as a strong medicine. You can try taking 900 mg or 1,400-2,700 mg of Korean ginseng three times a day for 12 weeks.

• Premature ejaculation

A study said that the administration of Korean ginseng extract tablets at a dose of 350 mg for 8 weeks can improve male sexual function. The efficacy of Korean ginseng is believed to be good for improving male sexual health.

• Menopause

Korean ginseng can improve the health condition and sexual satisfaction of women entering menopause. Research shows that postmenopausal women who consume Korean ginseng extract show better sexual satisfaction and complain less about depression or mood disorders. Korean ginseng can also increase antioxidant levels in menopausal women.

• Mental function

For those of you who have entered middle age, you can try consuming 200-400 mg of Korean ginseng a day, for 12 weeks. Based on research, ginseng can improve mental functions, such as increasing thinking power and abstract thinking abilities. Ginseng is also believed to improve memory in people aged 38 to 66 years, if combined with ginkgo biloba leaf extract.

• Alzheimer's disease

Consuming 4.5-9 grams of Korean ginseng extract every day for three months might improve mental performance in sufferers of Alzheimer's disease.

• Lung disease

For those of you who have lung problems, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you can try consuming 100 mg to 6 grams of Korean ginseng three times a day, for 3 months. Research shows that active ingredients in Korean ginseng can increase the antioxidant effect on the lungs which can improve COPD symptoms.

• Flu

Consuming Korean ginseng plus a flu shot can reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu.

• Multiple Sclerosis

Consuming ginseng extract can inhibit the course of the disease and reduce the symptoms felt by people with multiple sclerosis.

Even though it's natural, consuming herbal plants like Korean ginseng should still be careful. You should avoid using it if you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Korean ginseng should not be given to children. It's best to avoid taking ginseng if you have diabetes, bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases, hormone-sensitive conditions, insomnia, schizophrenia, or have had organ transplants. If you look at the efficacy of ginseng from a medical perspective, the effectiveness of ginseng as a treatment for certain diseases still needs to be further investigated. For those of you who want to try treatment with ginseng, follow the instructions for use to avoid the things that are not desirable. Buy products that have been registered with BPOM RI, and you should consult with your doctor before consuming ginseng.