Ginseng : BOTANICAL NAME: Panax ginseng PARTS USED AND HABITAT: Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also includes the closely related American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and less similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also known as eleuthero. Asian ginseng commonly grows on mountain slopes and is usually harvested in the fall. Panax ginseng is indigenous to China. It is cultivated in China, Korea, Japan and Russia. The root is used, preferably from plants older than six years of age. INDICATION AND USAGE: (1) Primary uses: Diabetes; Immune function; Lack of stamina(2) Secondary uses: Athletic performance; Infertility (male)(3) Other uses: Aerobic capacity; Alzheimer?s disease; Chronic fatigue syndrome; Common cold/sore throat; Fibromyalgia; HIV support; Erectile dysfunction; Infection; Influenza; Stres HISTORICAL OR TRADITIONAL USE: (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): Asian ginseng has been a part of Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The first reference to the health-enhancing use of Asian ginseng dates to the first century A.D., in which the writer mentions ginseng?s use as follows: ?It is used for repairing the five viscera, quieting the spirit, curbing the emotion, stopping agitation, removing noxious influence, brightening the eyes, enlightening the mind and increasing wisdom. Continuous use leads one to longevity with light weight.? Ginseng was commonly used by elderly persons in the Orient to improve mental and physical vitality. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: Ginseng?s actions in the body are due to a complex interplay of constituents. The primary group are the ginsenosides, which are believed to increase energy, counter the effects of stress, and enhance intellectual and physical performance. Thirteen ginsenosides have been identified in Asian ginseng; ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 have received the most attention. Other constituents include the panaxans, which help lower blood sugar, and the polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules), which support immune function. Long-term intake may be linked to a reduced risk of cancer A double-blind study has confirmed Asian ginseng?s blood sugar?lowering effects in patients with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes. Human studies have mostly failed to confirm the purported benefit of Asian ginseng for the enhancement of athletic performance. Some studies suggest it may help those in poor physical condition tolerate exercise better. In combination with a some vitamins and minerals, 80 mg of ginseng per day was found to effectively reduce fatigue in a double-blind study. Another double-blind study also found it helpful for relief of fatigue and, possibly, stress. Although there are no human clinical trials, adaptogenic herbs such as Asian ginseng may be useful for chronic fatigue syndrome patients, since the herbs have an immuno-modulating effect and also help support the normal function of the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis, the hormonal stress system of the body. Asian ginseng may also prove useful for male infertility. A study with 66 men found that 4 grams of Asian ginseng per day for three months led to an improvement in sperm count and sperm motility. DOSAGE: The best researched form of ginseng is standardized herbal extracts that supply approximately 5?7% ginsenosides; more concentrated extracts may be less effective due to reduction of panaxan levels. Ginseng can be taken in the amount of 100?200 mg per day.