Ginseng Panax

Ginseng Panax

(Panax ginseng)

Is used as an adrenal tonic; for the enhancement of physical and mental performance; as well as energy level enhancement; for adaptation to stress; immune function support and adjunct support for chemotherapy and radiation.

Adrenal tonic: Hiai, 1979

Enhancement of physical and mental performance: Chong, 1988, Kim, 1990

Standardized: 10% standardized extract containing Ginsenosides 8mg
1-2 capsules with food daily

Whole Herb: (Root powder) 475mg
1 capsule with food 3 x daily

Summary:

Panax ginseng has been used primarily for its reported ability to help people during fatigue or stress (adaptogenic properties). Promoted to enhance wellness by increasing the ability to cope with physiologic, emotional, and environmental stressors, thereby reducing susceptibility to illness, it may also assist in physiologic adaptation to the stress of illness, including chemotherapeutic regimens or radiation therapy. Use in a cyclic manner (2 weeks on and 2 weeks off).

Pharmacology:

The primary active constituents of Ginseng are believed to be the ginsenosides, including over 20 saponin triterpenes similar in structure to steroid hormones. These are believed to act via hormone receptors in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and other tissues. Ginsenosides stimulate secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), leading to production of increased release of adrenal hormones, including cortisol. Ginsenosides reportedly stimulate RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and hepatic cholesterol production. In addition, they may stimulate synthesis of adrenal hormone precursors. Evidence suggests that Panax ginseng lowers cortisol levels in individuals with diabetes, while increasing cortisol levels in nondiabetic individuals. Specific triterpenoid saponins (diols) are claimed to be mediate improvements in endurance and learning. These compounds are also believed to contribute to sedative and antihypertensive properties. A second group (triols) reportedly increase blood pressure and function as central nervous system stimulants. Ginsenosides and have carbohydrate-sparing and increase muscle stamina. The effects of Panax ginseng have been reported to be dose-dependent. Low doses increase blood pressure, while high doses exhibit a hypotensive effect. Additionally, Panax ginseng is reported to have immunostimulating effects on the reticuloendothelial system. Panax ginseng has been thought to decrease weight loss and stabilize white blood cell counts during chemotherapy, and may also accelerate postsurgical recovery.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Use of Panax ginseng is contraindicated in renal failure, and acute infection. Avoid in pregnancy and lactation. Use with caution in individuals receiving MAO inhibitors. Use caution with stimulant medications, including decongestants, caffeine, and caffeine-containing beverages. May be associated with a syndrome of diarrhea, hypertension, nervousness, dermatologic eruptions, and insomnia after prolonged use or high dosages. May also cause mastalgia in prolonged, high-dose use. May cause vaginal breakthrough bleeding. May interfere with hormonal therapy. May cause palpitations and tachycardia in sensitive individuals or in high doses. Based on pharmacological activity, use with caution in individuals with hypertension or in those receiving antihypertensives. Also use caution in individuals at risk of hypotension (including those taking antihypertensive medication or agents that predispose to orthostasis), elderly individuals, or those who would not tolerate transient hyper- or hypotensive episodes (i.e., cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease). Based on pharmacological activity and case reports, may alter hemostasis. Contraindicated in individuals with active bleeding (e.g., peptic ulcer, intracranial bleeding). Use with caution in individuals with a history of bleeding, hemostatic disorders, or drug-related hemostatic problems. Use with caution in individuals taking anticoagulant medications, including warfarin, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs, or antiplatelet agents (e.g., ticlopidine, clopidogrel, dipyridamole). Use should be discontinued for at least 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.

Theoretical Interactions:

Antihypertensives, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, MAO inhibitors (phenelzine), central nervous stimulants (caffeine), Influenza vaccine, sympathomimetics, and hormonal therapies. May increase effects of blood thinning drugs or herbs.

References:

Chong SK and Oberholzer VG, "Ginseng - Is There a Use in Clinical Medicine?" Postgrad Med J, 1988, 64(757): 841-6.

Hiai S, et al, "Stimulation of Pituitary-Adrenocortical System by Ginseng Saponin," J Endocrinol Jpn, 1979, 26(6): 661-5

Kim JY, Germolec DR, and Luster MI, "Panax ginseng As a potential Immunomodulator: Studies in Mice," Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol, 1990, 12(2): 257-76.

World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Vol 1. Geneva: The Organization; 1999.

Ernst, E. "Harmless Herbs? A Review of the Recent Literature" American Journal of Medicine, vol. 104, 1998, pp.170-8.

Klepser, T.B. and Klepser, M.E. "Unsafe and Potentially Safe Herbal Therapies." American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, vol. 56, 1999, pp.125-38.

Miller, L.G. "Herbal Medicinals: Selected Clinical Considerations Focusing on Known or Poetential Drug-Herb Interactions." Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 158, 1998, pp. 2200-11.

Zink, T. and Chaffin, J. "Healthy 'Health' Products: What Family Physicians Need To Know." American Family Physician, vol 58, 1998, pp. 1133-1140.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Ginseng Panax Standardized Herbal Supplement 14.99

Ginseng Panax Herbal Supplement 475 mg 12.99

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