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American Ginseng

(Panax quinquefolius L.)  
Family: Araliaceae
Synonyms: Five finger root, sang, ninsin, panax, panang, redberry, (1) tartar root, man's health,(2) root of life, santa root, seed of earth. (1)  The name Panax is derived from the Greek Panakos meaning panacea. ⁽²⁾  The Chinese name means "man-root". (2)

Downloadable PDF of this monograph

• American ginseng may have usefulness as a glucose modulator: it reduced postprandial hyperglycemia in clinical trials.
• Herbalists consider American ginseng an adaptogen; a substance that increases physiological resistance to stress. 
  Scientific validation of the concept is pending.
• Avoid using in breast cancer or pregnancy,
• May cause falsely elevated readings of digoxin levels.
  

Indications supported by clinical trials

Effectiveness for enhancing athletic performance:  uncertain.

To date, studies have mixed results, both for P. Quinquefolius and P. ginseng, though trends are promising.  In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of healthy young volunteers, ventilation during sub-maximal exercise was significantly reduced from baseline in the treatment group. (3)

Effectiveness for enhancing mental task performance: uncertain. 

Only one study assessed mental performance using P.quinquefolius, and though positive, further trials are needed.  Several studies, including double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, of P.ginseng have shown improved mental performance.

Effectiveness for diabetes management: uncertain, but promising.

Recent randomized, placebo-controlled studies P. Quinquefolius suggest that it significantly reduces postprandial glycemia in both healthy volunteers and Type 2 diabetics. (12-14)   Studies were limited by small sample sizes.

Preparation and dosage:

• Tea (decoction/infusion): Simmer 1-2 g of dried powdered root (1/2-1 tsp) in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes or steep in boiling water for 20 minutes and drink TID. 
• Tincture(1:5 in 60% ethanol): 1-2 ml TID
• Standardized extract (5:1): 200-330 mg, 2 capsules in AM and one capsule in PM for athletic performance
• Chai-Na-Ta^¨ 500 mg- two capsules before meals to reduce hyperglycemia

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