Is ginseng good for females
American and Asian ginseng vary in their concentration of active compounds and effects on the body. In fact, one review of nine studies found that ginseng could improve self-reported ability to have intercourse in males However, researchers also noted that ginseng had little to no effect on ED or satisfaction with intercourse compared to a placebo Ginseng may improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction by decreasing oxidative stress in tissues and enhancing blood flow in penile muscles.
There are many varieties of this herb, but the most popular are American ginseng Panax quinquefolius and Asian ginseng Panax ginseng.
What are the health benefits of ginseng?
According to some older research, it is believed that American ginseng works as a relaxing agent, whereas the Asian variety has an invigorating effect 2. Antioxidant activity and oxidative stress markers were then measured 8. Researchers concluded that red ginseng may help reduce oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities 8. Ginseng contains two significant compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin.
Some test-tube studies have shown that ginseng extracts and ginsenoside compounds could inhibit inflammation and reduce oxidative damage to cells, which can contribute to chronic disease 4 , 5 , 6.
Ginseng: Health benefits, facts, and research
However, more research is needed. Ginseng can boost immune function and may increase levels of immune cells. One study in 12 active males found that short-term supplementation with American ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared to a placebo 7. Ginseng may be helpful in reducing the risk of certain cancers 23 , Ginsenosides in this herb have been shown to help reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection 25 , The cell cycle is the process by which cells normally grow and divide.
Ginsenosides could benefit this cycle by preventing abnormal cell production and growth 25 , Ginseng may also help improve the health of people undergoing chemotherapy and could reduce side effects and enhance the effect of some cancer treatments However, while studies on the role of ginseng in cancer prevention show some benefits, they remain inconclusive Ginsenosides in ginseng seem to regulate inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and maintain the health of cells, which could help decrease the risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Fresh ginseng is harvested before 4 years, while white ginseng is harvested between 4—6 years, and red ginseng is harvested after 6 or more years 1. A larger study in followed 71 postmenopausal females who took 3 grams g of red ginseng or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. These compounds complement one another to provide health benefits 3.
Ginseng is an herb that is rich in antioxidants. Ginseng could help improve brain functions like memory, behavior, and mood 9 , Some test-tube and animal studies show that components in ginseng, like ginsenosides and compound K, could protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals 11 , Interestingly, one study in 6, older adults found that regular consumption of ginseng for at least 5 years was associated with improved cognitive function later in life Another small study showed that taking milligrams mg of American ginseng significantly improved working memory after 3 hours, compared to a placebo According to one review, ginseng could also help ease stress and may offer benefits for depression and anxiety Ginseng has been shown to improve memory and suppress stress.
7 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng
Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 4 , 5 , 6. According to one review, ginseng possesses potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties and may enhance the function of the immune system Interestingly, one animal study found that black red ginseng extract increased the number of immune cells and enhanced antioxidant levels in the liver Similarly, another study in people showed that taking 2 g of Korean red ginseng per day for 8 weeks significantly increased levels of immune cells compared to a placebo However, more studies in humans are needed to understand the potential effects of ginseng on immune function.
Some research suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction ED According to some older research, certain compounds found in ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in the blood vessels and tissues of the penis to help restore normal function Additionally, studies have shown that ginseng may promote the production of nitric oxide , a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation 6 , Still, research on the effects of ginseng on ED has turned up mixed results and more high quality studies are needed.
This slow-growing, short plant with fleshy roots can be classified three ways, depending on how long it is grown: fresh, white, or red. Ginseng has been shown to help reduce inflammatory markers and help protect against oxidative stress. Research suggests that it may offer benefits for brain health, immune function, blood sugar control, and more.