ginseng
What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng is a plant. Different varieties of ginseng root have been used as treatments in Asia and North America for centuries. Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world.
Ginseng is an herb rich in antioxidants. It may offer benefits for brain health, immune function, blood sugar management, and more. However, more research is necessary.
Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. It’s a slow-growing short plant with fleshy roots that, depending on how long it’s grown, can be classified as fresh, white, or red.
There are many varieties of this herb, including American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).
American and Asian ginseng vary in their concentration of active compounds and effects on the body.
Ginseng contains two significant compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds complement one another to provide possible health benefits.
Read on to learn about the possible benefits of ginseng.
Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2022 studyTrusted Source in 12 physically active males found that short-term supplementation with American ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared with a placebo.
Another 2022 studyTrusted Source in mice also suggests that ginseng root extract could help reduce inflammation, though more research is necessary.
Learn about over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Ginseng could helpTrusted Source improve brain functions like memory, behavior, and mood.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source of 6,422 older adults found that regular consumption of ginseng for at least 5 years was associated with improved cognitive function later in life.
According to a 2017 reviewTrusted Source, ginseng could also help ease stress and may offer benefits for depression and anxiety.
A small Trusted Source2015 studyTrusted Source showed that taking 200 milligrams (mg) of American ginseng significantly improved working memory after 3 hours compared with a placebo.
A 2018 reviewTrusted Source explains that ginseng can have a positive effect on brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.





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