Panax ginseng, commonly known as Korean ginseng or Asian ginseng, is a perennial plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. Native to the mountainous regions of East Asia, including China, Korea, and eastern Siberia, it has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Renowned for its adaptogenic properties, Panax ginseng is believed to support overall vitality, improve energy levels, and enhance cognitive function.
Botanical Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Panax
Species: Panax ginseng
Plant Characteristics:
Panax ginseng is characterized by:
Roots: The most notable feature of the plant is its fleshy, forked root, which is typically harvested after 4 to 6 years of growth. The root is highly valued for its medicinal properties and is often used in various forms such as dried, powdered, or extracted.
Foliage: The plant has compound leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets, which are dark green and have a glossy appearance. The leaflets are ovate to lanceolate in shape.
Flowers and Fruit: Small, greenish-white flowers appear in late summer and are followed by bright red berries. The flowers and fruit are less commonly used but are part of the plant's reproductive cycle.
Growth Habit: A slow-growing perennial that typically reaches heights of 30 to 60 cm. It prefers shaded environments and thrives in rich, well-drained soil.
Chemical Composition and Structure:
The chemical composition of Panax ginseng includes:
Ginsenosides: The primary active compounds in Panax ginseng are saponins known as ginsenosides. Key ginsenosides include Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, and Rg1. These compounds are believed to be responsible for the plant's adaptogenic and therapeutic effects.
Essential Oils: Contains volatile oils that contribute to its distinctive aroma and may have additional therapeutic benefits.
Polysaccharides: Includes various polysaccharides that may support immune function and contribute to the plant's overall health benefits.
Uses and Benefits:
Medicinal: Panax ginseng is widely used in traditional medicine for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress. It is believed to improve cognitive function, enhance physical endurance, support immune health, and combat fatigue. It is also used to support overall vitality and well-being.
Cosmetic: Extracts of Panax ginseng are used in skincare products for their anti-aging and revitalizing properties. They help improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging, and promote a youthful appearance.
Culinary: Ginseng is used in traditional cuisine and beverages, particularly in East Asia. It is often included in soups, teas, and health tonics for its reputed health benefits.
Applications:
Medicinal: Incorporated into dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and traditional medicine formulations aimed at improving energy, cognitive function, and overall health.
Cosmetics: Utilized in skincare products, including creams, serums, and masks, for its anti-aging and revitalizing effects.
Culinary: Used in traditional dishes and beverages, such as ginseng tea and soups, to enhance flavor and provide health benefits.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
Environmental Impact: Panax ginseng is typically cultivated in shaded, forest-like environments which helps maintain ecological balance. However, overharvesting of wild ginseng can impact natural populations.
Safety: Generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, excessive use or high doses may cause side effects such as insomnia, headaches, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with certain health conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Panax ginseng.
"Panax ginseng is commonly used in Chinese medicine and Western herbal preparations. However, it has also been recently noted to be associated with some cardiac pathologies-including cardiogenic shock due to acute anterior myocardial infarction, trans-ischemic attack, and stent thrombosis. This study was aimed to elucidate acute and subacute effects of the low and high doses of standardized Panax ginseng extract (sPGe) on cardiac functions. Rats were randomly assigned to control group, acute low-dose group (ALD), subacute low-dose group (SALD), acute high-dose group (AHD), and subacute high-dose group (SAHD). The cardiac effects of sPGe were evaluated using hemodynamic, biochemical, echocardiographic, genetic, and immunohistopathologic parameters. Mean blood pressures were significantly lower in all sPGe-treated groups compared with the control group. Troponin I and myoglobin levels were increased in the SALD, AHD, and SAHD groups. Mitral E-wave velocity was reduced after sPGe administration in all the groups. Acidophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nucleus in myocardial fibers were observed in AHD and SAHD groups. Cu/Zn-SOD1 gene expressions were significantly higher in the sPGe-treated groups whereas caveolin 1 and VEGF-A gene expressions were not changed. According to our results, sPGe may have a potential effect to cause cardiac damage including diastolic dysfunction, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and reduction of blood pressure depending on the dose and duration of usage. Healthcare professionals must be aware of adverse reactions stemming from the supplementation use, particularly with cardiac symptoms." PARLAKPINAR, Hakan, et al. Acute and subacute effects of low versus high doses of standardized panax ginseng extract on the heart: an experimental study. Cardiovascular toxicology, 2019, 19: 306-320.
INCI:
Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.
Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:
CAS: 84650-12-4 EC number 283-493-7