Many athletes try to use natural supplements instead of anabolic steroids like Oxandrolone and Trenbolone, and drugs for weight loss like Clenbuterol. Some of these supplements are designed for better muscle mass growth (we mean natural steroid alternatives), while others help sportsmen maintain energy levels and stay healthy. Ginseng belongs to the second group. It also may be used for weight loss and improvement of performance in sports (for bodybuilding).
Korean Panax Ginseng – Main Characteristics
Ginseng (in Chinese this word means “root of life”) is a perennial herb, which belongs to the Aralioideae family. This plant became widely known thanks to its widespread use in folk and modern medicine. For example, traditional Chinese medicine claims that drugs based on it prolong the life and youth of the body and have beneficial properties on the human body. The famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus gave this plant the Latin name “pánax”, which comes from the word “panacea”, that is, “cure for all diseases”.
Ginseng is a perennial plant, which grows on the average from 30 to 70 cm in height. The root system of ginseng is perennial. The total life span of ginseng, according to various estimates, varies from 70 to 150 years. The plant blooms from early to mid-summer, and its fruits usually ripen in early autumn.
Different kinds of ginseng in the wild are most often found in the east of Asia (the Far East, including Korea, China, Tibet, Altai), and also occur in the east of North America and some regions of Vietnam. Ginseng, which grows in the Chinese province of Yunnan, is listed in the International Red Book, many other species are also protected at the regional level due to the threat of extinction of populations.
To date, there are about 12 kinds of ginseng in the world. The popularly named name of these species reflects the locality on which they grow: Korean Panax Ginseng (or simply Panax ginseng), American, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese ginseng, and others.
Interestingly, different species of the genus ginseng contain far from the same amount of useful substances and chemical components. At the same time, scientists have long found out that the greatest amount of such substances is contained in the Korean form of ginseng. Therefore, it is Korean ginseng that is considered the most useful species from the whole genus of these plants.
By the way, in fact there are two varieties of Korean ginseng (the scientific name of this plant is Panax ginseng CAMey or Asian ginseng), namely, the so-called “red” and “white” ginsengs. They are difficult to compare, because they have different properties, which have different effects on the human body.
White ginseng is the unchanged root, which was dug and dried in the open air. Red Ginseng is the same ginseng root, but it has undergone a special treatment procedure. According to the technology of processing ginseng, approved even by the government of South Korea, the plant must be more than six years old, after which the roots of fresh ginseng are sorted and selected to meet technological requirements. Then the roots are steamed and dried, without peeling, at a humidity of 14%. As a result of this procedure, the roots darken, acquiring a brownish-red hue. The initial composition of its substances is changing: some are destroyed and new ones appear (for example, the content of the main active substances of ginseng called saponins is increased). In addition, special heat treatment gives the roots a strong antioxidant effect, they become inactive when exposed to air, due to which ginseng extractum can be stored for a long time (more than ten years).
Composition and Benefits of Panax Ginseng
Due to the variety of chemicals contained in red ginseng (such as saponins, alkaloids, starch, pectin and tannins, resins, essential oils, vitamins B, C, phosphorus and sulfur; macroelements including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, microelements including iron, copper, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, chromium, titanium, etc.), ginseng has proved beneficial properties and is used not only in traditional but also in modern medicine. The spectrum of its uses is broad.
Red ginseng is valued among athletes due to a large amount of saponins. Saponins are called plant glycosides, which play a key role in the therapeutic effect on the human body. However, in terms of its chemical structure, the saponin of ginseng is completely different from the saponins contained in other medicinal plants. Therefore, the saponin of ginseng is called ginsenoside (or “ginseng-glycoside”). This substance has a significant effect on the breakdown of fat, promotes the absorption of nutrients and digestion of food. It also activates fat burning processes in cells, which speeds up metabolism.
It is believed that the substances that are contained in the root of Red ginseng have a wide range of actions on the human body. For example, the plant can be used for ED, mental and physical stress, arterial hypotension, neuroses, panic attacks, increased excitability, insomnia, and other disorders of the central nervous system.
In addition, traditional medicine experts believe that the extract of Red ginseng has a tonic and analgesic effect on the human body, increases performance, removes bile, improves oxygen exchange in the lungs, normalizes blood pressure, increases the function of the endocrine system, reduces blood sugar, has an anti-cancer effect, soothes the psyche, relieves stress, has an anti-inflammatory effect and even slows aging processes. Anti-ED effect of Red ginseng root is widely known, as this herb stimulates the sexual activity of men, and also improves the male sexual function.
Panax ginseng extract is especially popular among bodybuilders and other athletes. It is recommended for use in cases of increased physical exertion, prolonged physical and mental overload, changing time zones and climatic zones, as well as competitions under adverse conditions (for example, during prolonged cold or hot weather). At the same time, there is increased endurance, reduced fatigue, the body is better able to withstand the load, and also recover faster after exercise. In addition, red ginseng contributes to the preservation of glucose in the body. The plant gives a cheerful mood and a good appetite. In addition, the body better tolerates acclimatization and increases immunity due to Panax ginseng benefits.
It should be noted that ginseng extract may cause some side effects, such as:
- trouble sleep;
- breast pain;
- increased heartbeat;
- high / low arterial pressure;
- headaches;
- appetite loss;
- diarrhea.
Therefore, you shouldn’t exceed recommended dosages.
Forms of Panax Ginseng Extract
To date, there are many recipes for ginseng use (including Red Panax ginseng): alcohol and water tinctures, ginseng tea, mixing with honey or juice, etc.
Some people believe that the most effective effect is the tincture of red ginseng on vodka or alcohol. In addition, in case of such a way of administration, the maximum extraction of all active substances from the root is noted. Capsules based on Red ginseng are also very popular. Effects of the supplement depend on the dose: when it is used in low doses, there is an increase in excitation and a weakening of inhibitory processes in the body. However, high doses can enhance inhibitory processes.
Skin care cream (10ml or more) is another form of ginseng remedies. According to users’ reviews, it helps nourish and improve the skin’s health while revitalizing its look.
Manufacturers of Red Panax Ginseng Supplements
In our time, ginseng products are manufactured by many countries around the world. Red ginseng is traditionally produced from the roots of plants grown in China and South Korea. Moreover, it is in South Korea that the government pays close attention to the quality of products from the Red Ginseng manufactured by Korean enterprises. For example, in this country there are strict quality control and certification rules established by the governmental organization called KFDA (Korean Food and Drug Administration). At the same time, products that have undergone such a certification procedure in the country receive the appropriate marking, which indicates their highest quality and compliance with governmental standards.
Where to Buy Panax Ginseng?
Many people wonder: “Where to buy Panax ginseng?”. You can do it in specialized dietary supplement stores. Check the presence of physical address, telephone number, and customer support when searching for reliable suppliers.
