| For example, the adaptogenic and antistress activity was found to be comparable to that of ginseng, in mice and rats, and immunomodulatory activity has been confirmed. The extract has sedative activity and is reported to be anxiolytic, and numerous other actions, including antioxidant effects, have been documented. The usual dose of powdered root is 3-6 g daily (see Upton 2000).
Toxicology
Few data are available, apart from a single human study in which daily doses of 500 mg of extract (undefined) produced no adverse effects. The LD5() in rats is >1 g/kg. |
Dianne Onstad
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 In China the ten different angelica species collectively known as dong quai have been used for several thousand years and are considered second only to ginseng in importance. The brown, fleshy root looks much like gentian
Angelica / Nutritional Value Per 100
Edible Portion
Chinese, Dried (Dong Quai)
Chinese, Dried (Dong Quai)
Calories
320
Sodium trace
Protein
130 b
Zinc trace
HHMHI
1.8 g
Manganese
2.600 mg
Fiber
17.2 g
Beta Carotene (A)
2,010 IU
Calcium
282 mg
Thiamine (Bj) trace
Iron
88 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
0.340 mg
Magnesium
265 mg
Niacin (B5)
6. |
Andrew Pengelly
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 Anti-ulcer activity and mode of action of the polysaccharide fraction from the leaves of Panax ginseng", Planta Medica 58: 432-435. t'Hart, L., van der Berg, A., Kuis, L., van Dijk, H. and Labadie, R. 1989,
'An anti-complementary polysaccharide with immunological adjuvant activity from the leaf parenchyma gel of Aloe vera', Planta Medica 55:
509.
Turner, D. 1998, 'The phytochemistry of immunity boosting polysaccharides', British Journal of Phytotherapy 5: 48-56. |
Mark Blumenthal
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 Accordingly, the herb industry has recommended that the common name "Siberian ginseng" be replaced with the more preferred common name "eleuthero" (Foster, 1992; McGuffin, 2001). Federal regulations now require that, "the common or usual name of ingredients of dietary supplements that are botanicals.. .shall be consistent with the names standardized in Herbs of Commerce, 1992 edition" (US FDA, 1999). This nomenclature has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Description
Eleuthero preparations consist of the dried roots and/or rhizomes of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. |
Dianne Onstad
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| Culinary Uses
This bland, extremely fine gteen powdet is used most frequently as a food supplement and often combined with nuttitional yeast, comfrey, ginseng powder, or bee pollen. It can be added (up to 10 percent by volume) to cereals and other food products to boost their nutritional profile without changing the flavor or creating objectionable tastes.
Health Benefits
Micro-alga exists on the edge between the plant and animal kingdoms and offers some unique nuttitional advantages. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 Ginsenoside levels in Panax ginseng are lowest in the leafstalks and stem (0.77%), higher in the main root (1.3%) and lateral roots (3.5%), and highest in the leaves (5.2%) and root hairs (6.1%).78
The fact that saponins are localized in organelles that have a high metabolic turnover rate implies that they are not simply ballast material, but may be physiologically significant constituents that play important regulatory roles in the metabolism and development of the organism. |
| The discovery that Panax ginseng prevents irradiation-induced apoptosis in hair follicles may have important therapeutic implications. Soy, garlic, ginger, green tea, and other herbs suggested by epidemiological research to reduce the incidence of cancer may do so by inducing apoptosis.
Apoptosis is a highly conserved mechanism of self-defense that has also been observed to occur in plants. It is natural to assume that they must contain chemicals that regulate programmed cell death in their own tissues. |
| Saponins from Panax ginseng, Bupleurumfalcatum, licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), and soy (Glycine max) have all demonstrated this property.82
Saponins appear to have a profound yet little understood stimulating effect upon the reticuloendothelial system and the white cell macrophages of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). In biochemical terms, the MPS removes a great deal of waste matter from the blood—in other words, it "cleanses" the blood. This sounds a bit like classic alterative activity! |
Kevin Trudeau
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 Coldwell's stress reducing techniques; natto-kinase; natural Vitamin E; Omega-3s; ginseng; Peruvian maca; horny goat weed; muira puama; tribulus terrestris; ginkgo biloba; Candida cleanse; heavy metal cleanse
Migraine headaches
Dehydration; stress; hormonal imbalances; Candida; food allergies; parasites; heavy metal toxicity, allergies, and TMJ
Do all the cleanses; apple cider vinegar; must eliminate artificial sweeteners; Dr. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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| Hypoglycemic constituents of Panax ginseng. General Pharmacology 1985; 16:549-52.
152. Ammon HP, Muller AB. Forskolin: from an ayurvedic remedy to a modern agent. Planta Medica 1985 Dec; (6):473-77.
Suggested Reading
Boik J. Cancer ir Natural Medicine: A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical Research. Princeton, MN: Oregon Medical Press, 1996.
Hardman JG, Limbird LE, eds. Goodman & Gilman's the
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 2001. Mutschler E. Drug Actions: Basic Principles and Therapeutic
Aspects. |
Mark Blumenthal
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| Research also suggests that American ginseng's apparent increase of the male sexual arousal response is the result of relaxing and vasodilating the corpus cavernosum, allowing greater erectile performance, which appears to occur by means of an interaction with nitric oxide synthase (Nocerino etal., 2000).
• Regulated GABAergic neurotransmission (Yuan et ai, 1998a; Yuan etal., 1998b). |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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| Inhibitory effect of tumor metastasis in mice by saponins, ginsenoside-Rb2, 20(R)- and 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg3, of red ginseng. Biological if Pharmaceutical Bulletin 1995 Sept; 18(9)4197-202.
97. Block G, Patterson B, Subar A. Fruit, vegetables and cancer prevention: a review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutrition and Cancer 1992; 18(1)4-29.
98. Wattenberg LW. Inhibition of carcinogenesis by minor dietary constituents. Cancer Research (suppl) 1992; 52:2085-91.
99. Steinmetz KA, Potter JD. Vegetables, fruit and cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1991; 2(6):427—42.
100. Semple, et al. |
Mark Blumenthal
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| In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Immunopharmacol 1997;35(3):229-35.
Speroni E, Crespi-Perellino, Guerra M, Mearelli F, Minghetti A. Skin effects of Echinacea pallida Nutt. root extract [oral presentation abstract]. Fitoterapia 1998;64(Suppl 5):36.
Stimpel M, Proksch A, Wagner H, Lohmann-Matthes M. Macrophage activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpurea. |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Indications
White ginseng (Renshen)
Prostration with impending collapse marked by cold limbs and faint pulse; diminished function of the spleen with loss of appetite; cough and dyspnea due to diminished function of the lung; thirst due to impairment of body fluid; diabetes caused by internal heat; general weakness with irritability and insomnia in chronic diseases; impotence or frigidity; heart failure and cardiogenic shock. |
Christian Ratsch
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 Ritual Use
In ancient China, the root was placed into the same category as ginseng (Panax ginseng) and mandrake (Mandragora officinarum). The root also was used as a substitute for belladonna root (Atropa belladonna) (Emboden 1986, 164*).
T'ao Hung-ching reported that the plant "is used by the Taoists. When it is boiled or brewed and consumed, it is good for lower abdominal parasites and to see spirits" (Li 1979, 22*). Su Sung wrote, "In olden times, it was used a great deal by the magicians [= shamans]" (Li 1979, 22*). |
Jean Carper
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 Academy of Sciences, who performed numerous ginseng studies. An adaptogen is a harmless substance that has a normalizing action, that is, it tends to right whatever is wrong with the body. If your blood pressure is too high, it brings it down; if too low, it brings it up. Thus, adaptogen food compounds could have far-ranging physiological effects, just as antioxidants do. (Ginseng, in fact, contains antioxidants which may help account for its adaptogen capabilities. |
| In traditional Oriental medicine ginseng root became known as a "whole-body tonic," a source of vitality and long life, because it is said to often resemble a whole human form with a head, trunk, and arms and legs. Of all the herbs of China, ginseng root, since antiquity, has been the most highly prized as an "elixir vitae."
Now consider oysters. Actually, it was Dr. Harold Sandstead at the University of Texas who triggered the idea. Oysters have been heralded for centuries as an aphrodisiac—as a key to potency and fertility. How could that possibly be? Why would oysters be a sexual food? Dr. |
Mark Blumenthal
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| American ginseng is harvested usually after a minimum of five years growth, although many roots cultivated in North America are harvested after four years. The highest-quality dried roots break with a somewhat soft and waxy fracture, while immature or undersized roots dry hard and glassy (USDA, 1978). Plant maturity can be determined before harvesting using two methods: counting the number of leaves (a.k.a., prongs) and/or removing soil where the stem joins the root to count the number of bud scale scars on the root. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Other helpful herbs include white willow bark for reducing pain and inflammation, ginseng, cayenne, and peppermint. Small amounts of light proteins, such as non-fatty poultry, fish, or even chicken soup will provide more nourishment. Amino acid powder is also supportive. L-glutamine, an amino acid, has been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol and sugar, and is used in many detox clinics.
I have seen intravenous supplements work quite well during withdrawal. |
Nicola Reavley
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 These include tonics such as ginseng (Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus), which can improve vitality and resistance to disease; ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), which can improve mental function; damiana (Turnera diffusa), which can boost libido; ginger (Zingiber officinale), which can improve circulation; and hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), which is a heart tonic. Herbs which may be useful during menopause include chaste tree ( Vitex agnus castus), St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). |
Dianne Onstad
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| All three varieties of ginseng are used interchangeably, and as its high reputation in Asia ensures constant demand, world trade consists almost exclusively of cultivated plants. Esteemed by the Chinese above all other botanicals as a cure-all, it has been primarily their centuries-old demand that provoked incredible market fluctuations, astronomical prices, overharvesting, and a lingering curiosity. This curious root, with its distinctive trunk and extremities, which approximate human arms and legs, remains as important in Chinese folk medicine as ever. |
Walter Last
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 Of special benefit for those lacking energy are ginseng, coenzyme Q10, royal jelly, and freeze-dried liver. Bee pollen and spirulina or chlorella are my favorites.
As mentioned earlier, digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid supplements can help those with weak digestion. For those in conditions of debility, amino acid and nucleic acid supplements can help, the most helpful amino acids being lysine, tyrosine, methionine, and glutamine. |
Nicola Reavley
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| Astragalus membranaceus), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), ginseng (Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus), garlic (Allium sativum) and cat's claw (PaudArco). Mushrooms such as shiitake, reishi and maitake also help to enhance immune system function. See page 384 for more information on these herbs and the precautions that may be necessary.
Poor digestion plays a role in many common diseases, either by directly contributing to symptoms or by exacerbating those due to other causes. |
Walter Last
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| Before breakfast have strong coffee and tyrosine; with breakfast have bee pollen, spirulina or chlorella, ground linseed, sprouted broad beans, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and other stimulating measures; reintroduce levodopa drugs as late as possible in the day. If levodopa has become ineffective, have a "drug holiday"—stop using it for one or more weeks. Try breathing additional oxygen during this time (e.g., from an oxygen concentrator); however, additional oxygen is harmful while you're on levodopa. See the Love Cure (step 61) and learn to meditate and energize the brain. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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| Adaptogen
Eleutherococcus senticosus, Lentinus edodes,
Panax ginseng, P. quinquefolius,
Shisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera
Antidepressant
Artemisia vulgaris, Avena sativa, Hypericum perforatum,
Lavandula spp., Turnera diffusa
Analgesic
Dioscorea villosa, Eschscholzia californica,
Gelsemium sempervirens, Piscidia erythrina,
Stachys betonica, Valeriana officinalis
Table 16.2. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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| Ginseng leaf and other herbal cigarettes have been available. Smoking mugwort or catnip may help in relaxation; damiana is thought to have aphrodisiac properties; peppermint added to other blends gives a cool, menthol taste and licorice adds a sweet flavor. Chewing licorice sticks replaces the oral habit and settles the system. Chewing calamus root is a nicotine version of Antabuse. Garlic (taken orally, not smoked) is also helpful during the tobacco detox period. |
Dianne Onstad
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| In one legend ginseng began as a divine gift to a deserving but miserable young wife who, after several years of marriage, had no children and was frantic with disappointment. Custom made her situation particularly bitter, because after three childless years her husband would be permitted to take a concubine. One night she dreamed about an old man in the mountains who could assist her; searching him out, she took the herbal remedy he offered and soon bore a child. |
Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis
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 Unfortunately, many ginseng users never benefit from it. This is because they are rarely informed that high doses of vitamin C—and foods rich in vitamin C—can inhibit its effectiveness. Taking ginseng three hours before or after a vitamin C supplement, or C-rich foods, should correct this. (Also, taking a time-release vitamin C supplement makes counteractions less likely. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
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| For this use, ginseng is probably best taken as a liquid extract.
One of the Ayurvedic herbs of choice in India for lowering blood sugar, now available in the United States, is called gymnema sylvestre. There is also some evidence that gymnema sylvestre actually reverses damage to certain cells in the pancreas that can be destroyed by diabetes. You can find it at your health food store. Be sure to tell your health care provider that you are taking this herb because if you are taking diabetes drugs, they may need to be adjusted. |
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