What is the difference between panax ginseng and siberian ginseng

Visit our American ginseng page for more about this prized species. American ginseng Panax quinquefoliu s grows primarily in parts of southeastern Canada and eastern North American regions, especially Ontario, the state of Wisconsin and Appalachian Mountain region. Referred to as xi yang shen in Chinese-English, American ginseng root is very similar looking to Panax ginseng with a shape resembling a small parsnip that continues to branch-off as it develops.

When fresh Asian ginseng is harvested it is usually prepared by either steaming the root before drying, which is called red ginseng. Or, likewise, it can be directly peeled and sun-dried which is known as white ginseng.

Korean red ginseng gets its red color from a special preservation method that involves steaming with the peel intact and before the drying process is infused with other herbs, often ancient secret recipes. The main difference between Asian Panax ginseng and American ginseng varieties is that Panax is a more warming Yang stimulant, whereas American is a more Yin, cooling and calming tonic. Both are energizing but in different ways.

These qualities are largely a result of the temperature in which it grows. Colder environments produce Yang characteristics and temperate climates produce more Yin essence.

These factors also create a different ratio of ginsenosides, the main active compounds found in the roots. Asian ginseng consists of ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1, while American ginseng has very little Rg1.

Ginsenoside Rg1 is regarded a natural energy stimulant which helps to increase cognitive performance. The Rb1 constituents in Am. Asian ginseng is thus more drying to the body, while American helps to generate fluids. Korean ginseng is known to be the "hottest" of the Asian types. This becomes significantly important when choosing the most suitable option for one's particular body type.

It is significantly essential to select the appropriate ginseng for your unique body type or constitution. This is especially the case when using ginseng alone as a dietary supplement. Asian ginsengs, especially Korean ginsengs, are not recommended for Type A constitutions who get hot easily, sunburn or are quick to anger. Panax ginseng is best for those with a neutral or cool constitution. Korean ginseng is particularly appropriate for those who have a pale complexion, are timid and extremely weak.

American ginseng is very good for Type A personalities and those with excess heat. This form of ginseng is recommended for those with a "false fire" or chronic inflammation issues.

In addition, recommendations may vary depending on the particular season or weather conditions. In hot dry climates, American ginseng might be more fitting and in cold moist conditions, Asian versions may be the preferred choice.

Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus senticosus , although a powerful adaptogenic tonic herb, is actually not a true ginseng and comes from a totally different plant genus. Siberian ginseng contains eleutherosides as opposed to ginsenosides and is more of a fibrous woody root than the fleshy soft root of the Panax species. Eleuthero root, as it is sometimes called, is very common in formulas using Panax ginseng, which may also include other Ayurvedic herbs and tonics, like rhodiola , gynostemma , goji berries, reishi and fo-ti.

Both Asian and American ginsengs are well-known in the scientific community for their profound effects on regulating the immune system. Ginseng extracts and teas accomplish this by stimulating adaptive immune responses that can directly influence different types of immune cells such as macrophages, natural killer cells, B cells and T cells. A number of compounds are shown to be responsible for these various effects.

Top on the list are the triterpenoid saponins unique to ginseng roots referred to as the "ginsenosides. Each type of ginseng is made up of diverse combinations of these constituents depending on the age of the root, the climate in which it is grown and also the methods used to prepare it. The ginsenoside Rg3, a glucoside precursor of protopanaxadiol, is believed to offer chemoprotective support and, in a study published in the journal "Oncology Reports", the "protopanaxadiol group of ginsenosides was reported to significantly reduce tumor size in mice treated.

In a review , examining the immunomodulatory properties of ginseng, it is referenced that it works "mainly through the improvements in cell-mediated immunity consisting of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, while other mechanisms such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis are also involved.

Ginseng root is a top superfood and dietary supplement possessing strong adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens are known to help the body "adapt" to or withstand mental and physical stress. They protect the body from the effects of trauma, anxiety and fatigue, normalizing the over-activity or under-activity of the organs and glands. Ginseng is therefore known to have a positive influence on not only the immune system, but also on the adrenals, the thyroid and especially the pituitary gland, which plays a significant role in regulating the endocrine system.

In the Chinese system, ginseng fortifies the major meridian systems of the body that are in charge of creating energy. These two meridians are the spleen meridian and the lung meridian. As an herbal stimulant, ginseng, particularly Asian ginsengs, are renowned for their ability to provide a quick boost of energy but, unlike caffeinated substances, are both activating and restorative to central nervous system functions. Ginseng is often used in herbal preparations using other Chi tonics, like astragalus root , which also works on building Chi as well as boosting immune health.

In one study analyzing the anti-fatigue effects of Panax ginseng on subjects with chronic fatigue, it was concluded that "P. Other research, studying the effects of Panax ginseng on fatigue induced by tumor growth, it was shown that "Panax ginseng is safe and improves cancer-related fatigue as well as overall quality of life, appetite, and sleep at night. Famous as a "male tonic herb", Asian ginseng has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac for increasing sexual energies and as a supportive tonic for both infertility and impotence.

Ginsenosides, like Rg1, are plant-derived steroid glycosides that help to activate androgen levels, specifically testosterone, especially when taken at higher doses. A review in the July issue of Spermatogenesis, it was identified that Rg1 is the "major active constituent in Panax ginseng responsible for the increase of serum testosterone levels and improvement of copulatory behavior. According to Steven Harrod Buhner, in his book "The Natural Testosterone Plan", Panax ginseng activates the release of the luteinizing hormone which "stimulates the synthesis and secretion of testosterone into the bloodstream.

A commonly consumed dietary supplement among professional body builders and athletes, Panax ginseng also contains certain ginsenosides that increase the conversion of arginine to nitric oxide, which is helpful for building strength and muscle mass. Despite ginsengs reputation as a male herb, it is in fact considered beneficial for both men and women alike. Because of its normalizing effect on the endocrine system, it can be useful as a natural hormone balancer and is known to improve blood flow to the sex organs and glands in females as well as males.

Women experiencing peri or post-menopausal symptoms are said to benefit from American ginseng supplementation as it is cooling to the body and may potentially support an increase in the female estrogen hormone, estradiol.

Both Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius , have been demonstrated in some research to improve neurocognitive functions and enhance memory. In one published study , the gintonin compound found in ginseng was shown to be helpful for stimulating neurotransmitter release of dopamine and thought to explain its modulating effects on the nervous system. Ginseng ginsenosides have also shown to exhibit antidepressant-like actions in animal studies by modulating the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Other aspects of mental health, like concentration and learning, will also get better. Are you suffering from erectile dysfunction? Asian ginseng is a natural remedy. Researchers think its ginsenosides act similarly to testosterone. Asian ginseng is a bit darker than the American kind. Regardless, they look a lot alike and are often confused with each other.

Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a distant cousin of American and Asian ginseng. Instead of ginsenosides, this herb has active chemicals called eleutherosides. Siberian ginseng is traditionally used as an immune booster.

Like Asian ginseng, it encourages T cell production. Studies have even shown that it reduces the length and severity of colds. Another advantage is better energy levels.

Many people take it for improved cognitive and physical performance. At the same time, this herb has anti-tumor properties. It has the ability to stop multiplication of cancer cells. Combined with its benefits on the immune system, Siberian ginseng may be your new anti-cancer tool. Now that you know about the different types of ginseng, you can choose the best one for your needs. The root is available in fresh or dried form. Sign in.

The Siberian ginseng comes with a woody root. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 S, Prabhat. This article is very interesting from the standpoint of taxonomy—I always thought that ginseng was ginseng.

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