Ginseng fights inflammation

Ginseng/wikipedia

Researchers have shown that ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties in human cells. This finding has the potential to benefit millions of people who suffer with inflammatory conditions ranging from arthritis to heart disease and fibromyalgia.

What is ginseng?
Ginseng is one of the most ancient herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. For more than 2000 years, the roots of the perennial herb have been used to enhance the immune system, improve vitality, and promote overall health. In the past few years, ginseng has shown promise in improving the quality of life of cancer patients.

Ginseng and inflammation
Several previous laboratory studies indicated that ginseng extract has anti-inflammatory abilities. One conducted in mice in 2008 found that ginseng reduced inflammation in rodents that had ulcerative colitis.

In a more recent study, a team of scientists from the University of Hong Kong treated human immune cells with various extracts of ginseng. Ginseng contains chemicals called ginsenosides, which scientists have previously shown to have immune-suppressive and more specifically, anti-cancer fighting properties.

The Hong Kong investigators found that of nine different ginsenosides they used in their study, seven successfully inhibited the activity of a gene that causes inflammation, CXCL-10. Further research is needed to determine the potential for ginseng to help in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions in humans.

The unique aspect of this particular study was that the scientists used a sophisticated purification technique that allowed them to identify individual ginsenosides and note their activities one by one. They then reconstituted them back into a whole extract to reconfirm their findings. This approach could open the door to a more precise way to study medicinal herbs and their many constituents.

Additional benefits of ginseng
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the two main classes of ginseng, white and red, have different biological effects on the body. Ginseng is naturally white or off-white when it is harvested. White, or unprocessed, ginseng is typically used as a tonic and to promote overall health and well-being.

Red ginseng is usually processed by steaming it, which changes its color from white to red. Traditionally, red ginseng is considered more warm or “yang” than white ginseng. Red ginseng has stronger effects and is used to help treat disease.

Both red and white ginseng contain ginsenosides, which function as an adaptogen—a plant-derived agent that helps the body adapt to and recover from the effects of stress, fatigue, and disease. Ginsenosides also as antioxidants and pain killers.

Sources of ginseng
In the Phoenix area, you can find both white and red ginseng at the following stores:

Chinese Medicine Herb (Phoenix)

General Nutrition Centers (various locations)

Healthy Chinese Herb (Phoenix)

Sprouts Farmers Market (various locations)