Ginseng—Panax ginseng

Illustrated depiction of Panax ginseng, showcasing its distinctive root structure and vibrant red berries, commonly used in traditional herbal medicine.

Panax ginseng is an herb that is native to East Asia. Panax is oftentimes used for medicinal purposes within traditional Chinese medicine because Panax is considered an adaptogen.

Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are the main active chemical compounds found within this herb. There are up to 40 different types of ginsenosides, and each type is unique to the type of ginseng, and more types can appear or become more prominent as the herb ages.

The plant includes a large fleshy root, green leaves, stems, and red berries. However, the root is the most commonly used part for medicinal purposes. The leaves and stem are rarely used, though they do contain some bioactive compounds.

Traditionally and in modern applications, Panax ginseng is used for a wide range of health purposes, including

• Boosting energy and reducing fatigue

• Enhancing cognitive function and memory

• Supporting immune system health

• Managing stress and improving mood

• Supporting blood sugar regulation

Recent studies have looked into ginseng’s effects on immune modulation, antioxidant properties, and possible benefits for diabetes and cognitive function. While promising, more research is needed to fully confirm these effects.

Fun Fact: The thin parts branching off the main part of the ginseng root contain more ginsenosides than the main root!