Active compounds in ginseng are being described by research scientists as having great value in supporting health as the risk of age-related problems increases.
Articles published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2006 and 2007 by researchers at medical colleges in China concluded that ginsenosides help regulate brain aging and have a neuro supportive (nerve-supporting) effect on the brain.
Austrian and Spanish researchers also found Panax ginseng’s ginsenosides to exert neuro supportive actions, suggesting they are a “valuable option” to promote neurological health.
A review of ginseng studies by doctors in Egypt was published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. The reviewers confirmed that recent research shows ginseng exerts beneficial effects on aging and nerve-related problems.
Sources: Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2006, 2007 * Acta Neurobioliae Experimenatlis (2005, 2006) * Journal of Pharmacological Sciences (2006)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ginseng’s Active Agents
Ginseng’s effectiveness can not be traced to only one particular active agent or constituent. It is the complex relationship between the many naturally occurring agents that gives ginseng its special properties. The most commonly studied active components of ginseng, however, include a family of saponins called ginsenosides.
Saponins
The word saponins comes from the Latin word (sapo) meaning soap. Indeed the frothiness that occurs when Bing Han Ginseng and water are mixed together and well-shaken is an indication of the presence of saponins. The plant kingdom is rich in saponins, which act as critical defenders for the plants immune system.
Ginsenosides
Ginsenosides are the special type of saponins found in mature Panax ginseng roots. There are more than 20 ginsenosides that have been discovered in ginseng. The highest concentrations of ginsenosides are found in the smaller size roots and root fiber. This is one of the reasons that Bing Han Ginseng powder is always made from the whole dried root including all the delicate little root tendrils. These cell protective substances have been found to have a wide range of health-promoting effects.
Panaxdioles & Panaxtrioles
A bioactive subgroup found within ginsenosides, panaxdioles and panaxtrioles These substances are thought to exert positive, modulating effects on the central nervous system.
Saponins
The word saponins comes from the Latin word (sapo) meaning soap. Indeed the frothiness that occurs when Bing Han Ginseng and water are mixed together and well-shaken is an indication of the presence of saponins. The plant kingdom is rich in saponins, which act as critical defenders for the plants immune system.
Ginsenosides
Ginsenosides are the special type of saponins found in mature Panax ginseng roots. There are more than 20 ginsenosides that have been discovered in ginseng. The highest concentrations of ginsenosides are found in the smaller size roots and root fiber. This is one of the reasons that Bing Han Ginseng powder is always made from the whole dried root including all the delicate little root tendrils. These cell protective substances have been found to have a wide range of health-promoting effects.
Panaxdioles & Panaxtrioles
A bioactive subgroup found within ginsenosides, panaxdioles and panaxtrioles These substances are thought to exert positive, modulating effects on the central nervous system.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The History & Lore of Ginseng
Body . Mind . Spirit .
Royal Root
More precious than gold to ancient Chinese emperors, historical records indicate that Panax ginseng has been in use by royals since long before the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Treasured and revered for its almost mythical power to bring health, virility and long life, its use was forbidden to all but royalty - sometimes by penalty of death.
Traditional Uses
Long before scientists began to study ginseng, the traditional healers and herbalists of China study and recorded the effects of using Panax ginseng. Ancient medical texts describe ginseng in nearly magical terms. These records refer to ginseng in this way: “Ginseng calms the mind, brings harmony to the soul, eliminates fears, and drives away evil spirits. It also makes the eyes shine, opens the heart, and clarifies thinking. If taken long enough, it strengthens the body and extends life.” Panax ginseng’s historical role as an aphrodisiac is still greatly appreciated today.
Most Famous Herb
Looking very much like the form of a human body, it is no wonder that the Chinese name for ginseng is “ren-shen” which roughly translated means "man-root." This remarkably beautiful and unique plant has long been distinguished as China’s most famous herb. With more than 11,000 different herbs recorded for use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, ginseng was and still is considered the “king” of all Chinese herbs.
How Panax Got Its Name
Linnaeus, the father of modern botany, assigned the genus name “Panax” (a Greek word translated as "all-heal") to Chinese ginseng because he was well aware of its vast and varied use in Chinese herbalism.
Nature’s Timeless Tonic
Some traditions are just too perfect to change. Like taking ginseng. For literally thousands of years Panax ginseng use has been a foundation of Chinese health care traditions. In recent years, this prized herb has made its way to the Western world where its role as a timeless tonic continues.
The word tonic originates from a Greek word meaning "stretch." Indeed, a true tonic, such as Panax ginseng stretches, tones, strengthens, and invigorates the body’s natural healing system the way physical exercise tones muscles. It is still revered today, all around the world, for its seemingly endless power to make and keep us well.
Royal Root
More precious than gold to ancient Chinese emperors, historical records indicate that Panax ginseng has been in use by royals since long before the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Treasured and revered for its almost mythical power to bring health, virility and long life, its use was forbidden to all but royalty - sometimes by penalty of death.
Traditional Uses
Long before scientists began to study ginseng, the traditional healers and herbalists of China study and recorded the effects of using Panax ginseng. Ancient medical texts describe ginseng in nearly magical terms. These records refer to ginseng in this way: “Ginseng calms the mind, brings harmony to the soul, eliminates fears, and drives away evil spirits. It also makes the eyes shine, opens the heart, and clarifies thinking. If taken long enough, it strengthens the body and extends life.” Panax ginseng’s historical role as an aphrodisiac is still greatly appreciated today.
Most Famous Herb
Looking very much like the form of a human body, it is no wonder that the Chinese name for ginseng is “ren-shen” which roughly translated means "man-root." This remarkably beautiful and unique plant has long been distinguished as China’s most famous herb. With more than 11,000 different herbs recorded for use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, ginseng was and still is considered the “king” of all Chinese herbs.
How Panax Got Its Name
Linnaeus, the father of modern botany, assigned the genus name “Panax” (a Greek word translated as "all-heal") to Chinese ginseng because he was well aware of its vast and varied use in Chinese herbalism.
Nature’s Timeless Tonic
Some traditions are just too perfect to change. Like taking ginseng. For literally thousands of years Panax ginseng use has been a foundation of Chinese health care traditions. In recent years, this prized herb has made its way to the Western world where its role as a timeless tonic continues.
The word tonic originates from a Greek word meaning "stretch." Indeed, a true tonic, such as Panax ginseng stretches, tones, strengthens, and invigorates the body’s natural healing system the way physical exercise tones muscles. It is still revered today, all around the world, for its seemingly endless power to make and keep us well.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
