Herbal Use/Indication
Ginseng is stated to possess thymoleptic sedative, demulcent, and stomachic properties, and is reputed to be an aphrodisiac.
(1)
Traditionally, ginseng has been used for neurasthenia, neuralgia, insomnia, hypertonia, and specifically for depressive states associated with sexual inadequacy. (16)(19)(64)(29)
Ginseng is used as a stimulant, tonic, diuretic, and stomachic.
(43)
Short term use in healthy individuals include: to improve stamina, concentration, healing, stress resistance, and work efficacy. For longer term use, ginseng is used to improve well-being in debilitated and degenerative conditions associated with old age. (1)
Traditionally, ginseng has been used for neurasthenia, neuralgia, insomnia, hypertonia, and specifically for depressive states associated with sexual inadequacy. (16)(19)(64)(29)
Ginseng is used as a stimulant, tonic, diuretic, and stomachic.
(43)
Short term use in healthy individuals include: to improve stamina, concentration, healing, stress resistance, and work efficacy. For longer term use, ginseng is used to improve well-being in debilitated and degenerative conditions associated with old age. (1)
Pharmacological Actions
Ginsenosides may augment adrenal steroidogenesis via an indirect action on the pituitary gland.
(44)Hormones produced by the pituitary and adrenal glands are known to play a significant role in the adaptive capabilities of the body.
(47)
Many of the pharmacological actions directly oppose one another. This has been attributed to the actions of the individual ginsenosides. For example, Rb1 exhibits CNS depressant, hypotensive, and tranquillising actions. Rg exhibits stimulative, hypertensive, and anti-fatiguing actions. These opposing actions are though to explain the adaptogenic reputation of ginseng. Adaptogenic is the ability to increase the overall resistance of the body to stress and balance bodily functions. (1)
Many of the pharmacological actions directly oppose one another. This has been attributed to the actions of the individual ginsenosides. For example, Rb1 exhibits CNS depressant, hypotensive, and tranquillising actions. Rg exhibits stimulative, hypertensive, and anti-fatiguing actions. These opposing actions are though to explain the adaptogenic reputation of ginseng. Adaptogenic is the ability to increase the overall resistance of the body to stress and balance bodily functions. (1)