Korean ginseng - properties, effects and side effects

What is Korean ginseng?

A Korean ginseng (from latin korean panax ginseng), also called red, is a perennial plant reaching about 70 cm in height, which is distinguished by a massive root that can be up to 20 cm long. The natural habitat of the Korean ginseng is mountainous and forest areas of Asia, such as northern China, Manchuria and Korea.

A ginseng is a plant known for centuries. The first mention of the root comes from the first century BC from Chinese books, the authorship of which is attributed to the legendary ruler of China - Shennong. The rhizome came to Europe around 1610 along with Dutch merchants who brought the Korean ginseng from Japan. However, the product gained popularity in Europe almost a hundred years later, when it came to the royal court, where it was used to make tincture for Louis XIV, in order to strengthen his sexual abilities. It is also worth noting that the ginseng is a plant of high rank - in the XIX century its value exceeded 18-times the value of gold.

The perennial belongs to the genus panax, and its name refers to the traditional uses of the plant, which in Greek means "drug for everything". The expression "ginseng" is the Chinese name "man root", which is associated with the appearance of a rhizome, which resembles a human figure. The ginseng is a unique raw material that occurs in many varieties. Each of them is distinguished by slightly different properties, but the common feature of the ginseng perennials is the fact that they contain active substances that do not occur in any other known to mankind, plant.

Korean ginseng - varieties

The Korean ginseng grows very slowly, and depending on the length of its cultivation, three types of the perennials can be distinguished, such as:

a fresh Korean ginseng, which is grown for a maximum of 4 years,
a white Korean ginseng, which grows more than 4 but less than 6 years,
a red Korean ginseng - which is grown for more than 6 years.

In addition, the red Korean ginseng, immediately after collection, is exposed to hot water vapor, and what's more, it is not skinless, which affects its red color. In turn, the white Korean ginseng is a version of a plant without a peel, which is dried in the sun immediately after harvest.

Another way of processing the perennials may slightly affect its chemical composition and properties - the white Korean ginseng has a more delicate and weaker effect than the red form of the plant. Therefore, although the Korean ginseng is often colloquially referred to as red, the nomenclature is not entirely correct, because the red ginseng is actually one of the varieties of the plant species.

Korean ginseng - content of biologically active substances

About 200 different compounds present in the ginseng root have been identified until now. The perennial is a wealth of substances, such as.:

triterpene saponins (ginsenosides),
peptidoglycans,
vitamins, such as B vitamins, vitamin C or E,
minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron,
nitrogen compounds,
volatile aromatic compounds.

The content of panaxosides, or ginsenosides, is about 2-3% of the dry weight of the plant. This is one of the main compounds present in the perennial, to which the Korean ginseng owes the name of adaptogen, a substance that supports the human body in stressful situations.

The Korean ginseng is a root that contains numerous active substances. In the perennial you can find more than 200 different substances, including ginsenosides, which are not found among other plants.

Korean ginseng - properties

Thanks to the wealth of active substances, the Korean ginseng can comprehensively affect the human body, supporting its functioning. Firstly, the plant can affect the vitality, sexual function and immunity of the body.

The ginsenosides present in the plant can improve the efficiency of the body and the work of the circulatory system, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrition of the body and contributing to normal blood circulation. In addition, the Korean ginseng can have a positive effect on blood pressure, contributing slightly to the reduction of both systolic and diastolic pressure. The ginseng root can also benefit cognitive function, memory and learning ability, and moreover, it can reduce stress and mental fatigue, improving well-being and providing the body with more energy.

In addition, the Korean ginseng root can support the work of the immune system, favourably affecting the production of leukocytes. The compound may also have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to inhibiting the progress of inflammation and promoting its resolve. In addition, the active compounds contained in the plant can affect the production of insulin and ensure normal blood glucose levels, as well as have a positive effect on lipid metabolism. Not without significance is also the fact that the perennial root can improve the absorption of nutrients from the daily diet. Interestingly, the Korean ginseng can also be helpful in some dermatological diseases, among others, the treatment of dermatitis.

Korean ginseng and sexual prowess

The Korean ginseng is also appreciated for its influence on sexual function, erection and potency. The use of the Korean ginseng root can contribute to increased sexual satisfaction, as well as to an increase in testosterone levels and sperm motility among men struggling with erection problems. The plant can also alleviate sexual dysfunction among women, especially during menopause, and can also have a positive effect on sexual satisfaction and desire among women.

Korean ginseng among physically active people

Scientific research also suggests that the Korean ginseng may contribute to reducing fatigue and improving physical efficiency by affecting muscle oxygenation, which at the same time can contribute to the reduction of lactic acid levels and muscle pain after exercise. However, further analysis and research results are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of the Korean ginseng extract on training efficiency among athletes.

Korean ginseng and weight loss

Analyses carried out on animals so far indicate that the plant may be helpful in reducing excessive body weight and reducing body fat, but also in this case further research is needed, focusing on the human body to confirm the possible beneficial effect of the Korean ginseng on the fight against excessive body weight.

Korean ginseng in cosmetology

Due to the content of biologically active substances in the plant, the perennial is also often used in cosmetics. Compounds present in the Korean ginseng root can oxygenate and regenerate skin cells, as well as exhibit anti-wrinkle and anti-aging properties. In addition, the plant can firm the skin and reduce swelling, as well as protect against discolouration. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it can also eliminate redness.

The Korean ginseng comes in dried, fresh or in the form of dietary supplements. It adds energy, vitality, and also strengthens immunity and sexual functions.

Korean ginseng - how to use and dosage

The Korean ginseng is available in the form of dietary supplements in capsules or tablets, as well as in dried form, as a cut or ground root.

The dried version of the Korean ginseng root can be used to prepare infusions or decoctions, as well as tinctures, while the plant extract contained in the dietary supplement allows for its oral and trouble-free consumption.

How to dose the Korean ginseng? Adequate supply of preparations containing the plant or the perennial extract depends on the manufacturer's guidelines. During the preparation of infusions, a small amount of dried is poured with hot water and consumed 1-2 times a day. In turn, a dietary supplement containing the Korean ginseng is usually used 1-3 times a day, depending on the dose of the active substance used in the preparation.

Korean or Siberian ginseng - which one to choose?

In addition to the Korean ginseng, there are also many other varieties of the plant, including a Siberian ginseng or an American ginseng. Which ginseng is the best? Which choose?

It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally. Each variety of ginseng contains many valuable active substances and is distinguished by slightly different properties, so comparing individual types of plants is not reliable.

It is worth reaching for the Korean ginseng to improve the sexual sphere, as well as increase the body immunity. The red ginseng extract can also be helpful in stressful situations or in the case of loss of concentration, weakness and fatigue. In turn, the Siberian ginseng can have a positive effect on memory, concentration and learning ability, which is why it can be a support among people performing intense mental effort.

Korean ginseng - side effects and contraindications

Since perennial may have anticoagulant effects, caution should be among people suffering from blood clotting disorders. In addition, it is not recommended to use the extract of the plant among people with a tendency to hypoglycemia, as the plant may additionally contribute to lowering blood glucose levels. It is also worth taking care in case of allergy, as well as during the use of medicines, because the Korean ginseng may interact with some of the pharmaceuticals.

The Korean ginseng, used as directed, should not contribute to the occurrence of undesirable side effects. However, overuse of the compound may lead to a phenomenon called ginseng syndrome, which may manifest as diarrhea, rash, and high pressure and a feeling of drowsiness.

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Natalia Goździak

Copywriter - nutritionist. Bachelor's degree in sports dietetics She graduated from the Academy of Physical Education in Poznan, while her master's degree in dietoprophylaxis and dietotherapy - from the University of Physical Education in Poznan. at UP in Poznań. However, she treats the principles of healthy eating primarily as valuable guidelines, rather than strict rules that must be strictly followed. Knowledge in the field of copywriting, on the other hand, she draws from courses and industry literature, but since the best way to learn is to practice. learning is practice, she spends many hours each day playing with words and creating new, unique content. content. Privately, she is passionate about photography and can't imagine life without books.