What Is Panax Quinquefolium?

Panax quinquefolium is the Latin name for American ginseng. This is a very popular herbal supplement that is grown from Maine to Georgia and Oklahoma to Minnesota. Ginseng grown in Wisconsin is especially high quality. The root is used for herbal preparations and is a good alternative to Chinese ginseng for those with high blood pressure. There are several conditions where American ginseng can be of benefit.

Traditional Native American Use

• This herb is popular among Native American remedies. There are no scientific reports confirming these benefits, but its long history of use for certain conditions can indicate possible effectiveness. In tea form, it treats nausea and vomiting. American ginseng was a standard treatment for infertility. While there have not been any studies to confirm this, American ginseng shares certain substances with Chinese ginseng that are known to stimulate the growth of the uterine lining.

Blood Pressure

• A Chinese study published in the October 1994 issue of the Journal of Chinese Medicine found that American ginseng contains a compound called saponin which is able to regulate heartbeat strength and blood pressure. If the body is lacking sufficient potassium, these compounds slow the rate of heart muscle fiber contraction. If there is too much of this mineral, they increase the strength at which the fibers contract. This will also naturally keep blood pressure in check. It also lowers blood pressure by causing the amino acid arginine to convert to nitric oxide, which makes the walls of blood vessels relax.

Stress

• American ginseng has traditionally been used to restore health and alleviate stress. A study published in a 1991 issue of Pharmacology confirmed its benefits as an adaptogen, which is a substance that helps the body adapt to different temperatures, conditions and stressors. It is able to regulate stress hormones produced by the body, so that when you encounter stressful situations, you experience less of the typical stress response. Although the researchers observed this benefit, they were not able to say exactly why this happens. The scientists believe that the compound protects the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is vulnerable to stress hormones. By protecting the hippocampus it can also combat memory loss and forgetfulness.

Diminished Sex Drive in Men

• American ginseng, like Chinese ginseng, has been traditionally used to restore the sex drive in males. Experiments with laboratory animals show that it increases sexual desire by altering dopamine. However, it does not increase testosterone.

Cancer Fatigue

• The Mayo Clinic conducted a study in 2007 and found that American ginseng might combat cancer-related fatigue. The study observed 282 patients over eight weeks who were given either a placebo or 750, 1,000 or 2,000 mg of the herb daily. Those who took the ginseng reported more energy as well as physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. Those on the placebo reported little to no improvement. The Mayo Clinic said the results are encouraging and promising but need to plan a larger study to confirm the benefits.

Considerations for Use

• It is most commonly used as a tincture but can also be used as a tea or in capsules. People with digestive issues should avoid this herb entirely. Since it is believed to stimulate fertility, women who do not want to become pregnant should not use it, nor should women who are taking medicines where pregnancy is contraindicated, like Accutane. People may experience insomnia if they take American ginseng late in the day or if they have also consumed foods and beverages containing caffeine. American ginseng can safely be consumed in the amount of 1 to 2 grams daily in pill form and 3 to 5 ml of tincture form up to three times a day.