Ingredient Spotlight: American Ginseng
Ingredient Spotlight: American Ginseng
American Ginseng: Cultivating Tradition Amid Modern Challenges
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is like nature’s little pep talk, in root form. It helps boost energy, reduces stress, and sharpens focus. A perfect combination for the pressures of modern life. [1] Indigenous to North America, this herb contains various complex bioactive compounds, notably triterpene saponins known as ginsenosides and several polysaccharides. [2] These compounds play a significant role in the therapeutic effects of American Ginseng, which encompass enhancements in metabolic health, bolstering the immune system, and improved cognitive function. [3]
Biological Activity
Immunomodulation
Ginsenosides, such as Rg1, enhance humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Research has shown increases in T helper cells, T lymphocytes, and NK cells, strengthen the body’s defense against pathogens. [4]
Antioxidant Activity
American Ginseng has demonstrated the ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and boost the activity of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a protective role against oxidative stress. [5]
MAPK Pathway Activation
Studies show that American Ginseng activates the ERK/MAPK pathway, a key signaling route involved in cellular growth and immune function. [6]
Glucose Metabolism
Research suggests that American Ginseng can help lower serum glucose levels and influence carbohydrate metabolism, contributing to improved glycemic control. [7]
Human Research Findings
Diabetes Management
Multiple clinical studies report that American Ginseng lowers blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes, impacting both fasting and postprandial glucose levels. [8]
Cognitive Function
Certain research points to improvements in cognitive performance, including working memory, although additional studies are needed for confirmation. [9,10]
Cold Prevention
Evidence indicates a modest effect in reducing the frequency and severity of colds, suggesting benefits for overall immune resilience. [11]
Cultivating American Ginseng
The phytochemistry of American Ginseng is intricate, as are its cultivation practices. In regions like Wisconsin and Ontario, modern farming employs artificial shade and wild-simulated methods that replicate its natural forest habitat. A significant challenge is that American Ginseng requires a long maturation period, between four and seven years, before it can be harvested. This slow growth, combined with the delicate nature of its roots, makes harvesting particularly challenging and necessitates careful handling to maintain quality. [12,13]
There are important distinctions between wild and cultivated ginseng. Wild ginseng grows naturally beneath forest canopies, is harvested at an older age, and is prized for its perceived potency and unique ginsenoside profile, which some believe surpasses that of cultivated ginseng. In contrast, cultivated ginseng, raised in controlled environments, offers a more reliable supply at a lower price, easing pressure on wild populations. [14,15]
Extracting the bioactive compounds from American Ginseng is critical for its journey from field to product. Traditional extraction methods have included heat-reflux, Soxhlet extraction, and ultrasound-assisted techniques. [16] However, newer technologies like ultrahigh-pressure extraction (UPE) and pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) are showing superior efficiency and yield, enabling rapid extraction while maintaining a consistent therapeutic profile. Standardization of these extracts is essential to address variations in chemical composition, which can impact efficacy and safety. [17,18]
Despite its health benefits, American Ginseng faces challenges that industry professionals and clinicians must consider. The prolonged cultivation period and sustainability issues surrounding wild harvesting, such as habitat disruption and over-harvesting, underscore the need for sustainable practices. Additionally, the price gap between wild and cultivated ginseng is significant, with wild roots commanding a premium due to their rarity. In an article from the American Botanical Council, Steven Foster highlights the complex history and adulteration issues surrounding Ginseng, with many instances of misidentification, or even misuse of the term “ginseng”, highlighting the necessity of responsible, and ethical sourcing. [19]
The Bottom Line
For industry stakeholders, moving forward requires a commitment to quality sourcing and innovative extraction methods. Collaborating with sustainable growers and adopting advanced techniques for bioactive compound extraction can lead to more consistent and effective American Ginseng products. The herb’s versatility also makes it a strong candidate for combination formulations, allowing for synergistic benefits when paired with other ingredients, such as berberine for glucose control or nootropic agents for cognitive support.
American Ginseng, like turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha, stands at the intersection of tradition and modern science. Its impressive array of health benefits is well documented, yet its cultivation and extraction present unique challenges. By focusing on quality sourcing and advanced extraction technologies, industry members and clinicians can fully realize the potential of this remarkable herb, ensuring the production of high-quality products while supporting sustainable practices that protect consumer interests and the environment.
References:
3. Wee JJ, Mee Park K, Chung AS. Biological Activities of Ginseng and Its Application to Human Health. PubMed. Published 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92776/
4. Chen SE, Sawchuk RJ, Staba EJ. American ginseng. III. Pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides in the rabbit. European journal of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. 1980;5(3):161-168. doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7202434/
5. Zhang YT, Tian W, Lu YS, et al. American ginseng with different processing methods ameliorate immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide in mice via the MAPK signaling pathways. Frontiers in Immunology. 2023;14. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1085456/full
6. Zhang YT, Tian W, Lu YS, et al. American ginseng with different processing methods ameliorate immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide in mice via the MAPK signaling pathways. Frontiers in Immunology. 2023;14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10160487/
7. Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Koo VYY, et al. American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) Reduces Postprandial Glycemia in Nondiabetic Subjects and Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2000;160(7):1009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10761967/
8. Mount Sinai. American ginseng Information | Mount Sinai – New York. Mount Sinai Health System. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/american-ginseng
9. Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Savage K, et al. Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng (Panax quinquefoliusL.) to healthy middle-age adults. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 2015;30(2):108-122. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25778987/
10. Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, et al. Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Psychopharmacology. 2010;212(3):345-356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20676609/
11. Predy GN. Efficacy of an extract of North American ginseng containing poly-furanosyl-pyranosyl-saccharides for preventing upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled trial. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2005;173(9):1043-1048. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16247099/
12. American Ginseng: Production Practices On Its Quality. W Ginseng Farm. Published 2024. https://wginseng.com/pages/american-ginseng
13. Growing American Ginseng in Ohio: An Introduction. Osu.edu. Published 2013. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/F-56
14. Liu Z, Moore R, Gao Y, et al. Comparison of Phytochemical Profiles of Wild and Cultivated American Ginseng Using Metabolomics by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Molecules. 2022;28(1):9-9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9821851/
15. Quincello G. What is the difference between Wild and Cultivated Ginseng? – Ginax Ginseng Canada. Ginax Ginseng Canada. Published April 13, 2021. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://ginax.ca/lblog/history/what-is-the-difference-between-wild-and-cultivated-ginseng/
16. Qi LW, Wang CZ, Yuan CS. Isolation and analysis of ginseng: advances and challenges. Natural product reports. 2011;28(3):467-495. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3056508/
17. Engelberth AS, Clausen EC, Carrier DJ. Comparing extraction methods to recover ginseng saponins from American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), followed by purification using fast centrifugal partition chromatography with HPLC verification. Separation and Purification Technology. 2010;72(1):1-6. doi: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1383586609004985
18. Jegal J, Jeong EJ, Yang MH. A Review of the Different Methods Applied in Ginsenoside Extraction From Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius Roots. Natural Product Communications. 2019;14(9):1934578X1986839. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X19868393
19. ABC Herbalgram Website. Herbalgram.org. Published 2025. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/111/table-of-contents/hg111-feat-ginsengadult/