-+Ginseng+-

//** By: Eisa Morad **//


 * Panax Ginseng **

'Ginseng' or the man-root(see figure 1) has been used for hundreds of years in Asia. Ginseng is referred to as the "man-root" because the appearance of the plant has a great resemblance to a human. The scientific name for Asian ginseng is Panax ginseng. (Ellis, 2006)

Figure 1. Panax ginseng has a resemblance to a human body**. (**Panax Ginseng, n.d)

**__Appearance of Plant__** This type of ginseng has a fleshy root, usually yellowish white in color. (The Free Dictionary, n.d) Usually there is only one stem, which grows approximately fifty centimeters in height.(see figure 2.) This plant can have three -five leaves growing from the upper part of the stem.(The Free Dictionary, n.d) Panax ginseng can be found growing in relatively loamy, well-drained soils and broad-leaved coniferous forests, which are the ideal location and preferred types of locations for ginseng to grow optimally. (The Free Dictionary, n.d) Usually, proper cultivation of Panax ginseng is required to produce healthy and useful ginseng for personal purposes and selling. Wild, naturally grown ginseng grows very slowly compared to cultivated ginseng and can live up to a hundred years of age. (The Free Dictionary, n.d)


 * // Which parts of the world are Panax ginseng found? //**

Panax ginseng is type of ginseng that originates from Asia. Korea, China, Japan and This type of ginseng is also found in Russia or the former USSR. (Thordur Sturluson et al., The Herbal Resource, n.d) Products that contain Panax ginseng.

__** Products **__ There are various types of ginseng products on the market right now. For example, products that contain Panax ginseng include various types of dried root powders, taken as a whole root, or as a standardized extract, for example a pill. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) The specific product that will be focused upon is the Panax Ginseng standardized supplements.(see figure 3) The main active components that helps the body (which are found in Panax ginseng) are ginsenosides. (Vitabase, n.d)



Panax ginseng extract or supplements are mostly derived from the roots long thin offshoots(see figure 5) which are referred to as root-hairs. (Vitabase, n.d) Thse roots are then dried, crushed are powdered and used to make supplements in a form, which can easily be taken orally. Usually taken orally, supplements are a very easy way to include important nutrients and other vitamins otherwise not included in your diet.

__** Steps outlining the production of the Product: **__


 * ||  ||   || [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image014.gif align="left" caption="First step is the Panax ginseng is planted or cultivated."]] ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * ||  |||||||||||| [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image018.gif align="left" caption=" There are two basic forms of Panax Ginseng; Red and white coloured."]] ||   ||   ||
 * ||  |||||||| [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image016.gif align="left" caption=" Next the colour of the Panax ginseng must be taken in to account."]] ||   ||   ||   ||^   ||   ||   ||   ||   ||
 * ||  |||| [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image017.gif caption=" Lastly, the ginseng root is shipped to various parts of the world and is used to make the Panax ginseng supplements found around the world, more specifically in Asia."]] ||||   ||   ||^   ||   ||   ||^   ||   ||   ||^   ||   ||   ||||   ||
 * ||  |||||| [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image015.gif caption=" Harvesting the root and drying it in the sun produce white ginseng. Red ginseng is harvested then steamed and then dried to be used to produce various types of products."]] ||
 * ||  |||||| [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/user/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image015.gif caption=" Harvesting the root and drying it in the sun produce white ginseng. Red ginseng is harvested then steamed and then dried to be used to produce various types of products."]] ||

// What is the product used for? // Panax ginseng is primarily taken to improve psychological function including, but not limited to improving ones stamina or athletic performance and increased immune functions. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) Also believed to improve blood circulation and research has shown that it enhances the release of insulin from the pancreas and lowers blood sugar levels .(Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) The capsule form of Panax ginseng is also claimed to help men dealing with erectile dysfunction, and impotence. (Kristi M., PharmD, Arthur S, MD, August, 4th, 2010) These types of products are usually taken by athletes hoping to increase their performance or individuals that sincerely believe in Panax ginsengs potential and sometime miraculous effects on the mind, body and overall general health off the human body consume this product.In the future once more research is done; Panax ginseng products more specifically supplements can be used to counter affect Type 2 diabetes and its symptoms. Therefore, it can replace drugs, which are commonly used for Type 2 diabetes 2. Metformin and other drugs will be replaced by ginseng due to its medicinal properties and ability to increase resistance to diabetes. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) By using this product, people and the society can collectively gain deeper insight and awareness into the benefits of naturally cultivated plants, which can be used as substitutes for drugs. For mostly reasons unknown, Panax ginseng can have innumerable effects on the consumer’s body. However, just as there are positive aspects to the usage of Panax ginseng, there are also very negative impacts it may have upon the society or even individual users of the plant.
 * __ Beneficial Impacts __**

What negative impacts does this product or the usage have on people or the society in general? The key to a balanced and healthy lifestyle is moderation. Moderation in every form. Especially eating and the intake of food, nutrients and vitamins. Too much off something that is supposed too beneficial to your body can become unresponsive or harmful to the body when taken in large quantities or when combined with other drugs or prescription medications. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) Usually it is very uncommom to develop adverse reactions to high-quality standardized ginseng. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) Just like any other drug or medication an overdose of Panax ginseng can lead to nervousness, insomnia and even in some cases increased menstrual bleeding, (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) Also any form Panax ginseng should not be combined with anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs including Aleve, Anaprox and Naprosym. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) Another side effect that people should be cautioned bout is never combing coffee with Panax ginseng supplements or extracts that can be swallowed, because it increases the risk of over-stimulation and gastrointestinal upset. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d)
 * __ Negative Aspects __**

__** Conclusion **__ In conclusion, Panax ginseng is a unique plant. The adaptogens that the plant has helps the bodies’ response and ability to fight disease and regulate immune functions. (Vitamin Supplements Guide, n.d) In addition, this type of ginseng has an array of disease fighting and preventing attributes that are mostly speculated but in the future, there will probably be more research and evidence showing its potential and side effects. In life everything should be taken in moderation otherwise, the purpose will become meaningless. Overdoses of Panax ginseng in any form can have adverse side-affects and should be included in a well0-balanced diet

//__** Webpages **__//: The Free Dictionary, (n.d) [Web] Retreived from http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Panax+ginseng.
 * __ References __**

Benefits of Panax Ginseng, (2008,March 11), [Web] Retrieved December 11, 2010 from http://erectile-dysfunction.emedtv.com/panax-ginseng/benefits-of-panax-ginseng.html

Health Benefits of Panax Ginseng and Side Effects, (n.d ), [Web] Retrieved December 11,2010 from http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/panax-ginseng.html

Ginseng Extract Korean (350 mg), (n.d), [Web] Retreievd December 11, 2010 from http://www.nutrasanus.com/ginseng-extract-product.html

Ginseng Extract Korean (350 mg), (n.d), [Web] Retreievd December 11, 2010 from (http://www.nutrasanus.com/korean-ginseng.html

Ginseng, (n.d). [Web] Retrieved December 11, 2010 from http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/herbal-supplements/ginseng.php

Ellis, M. (2006, February 28). [Web] Ginseng: man-root". Retrieved from http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=2&mode=form&reqsrcid=APAWebPage& more=yes&nameCnt=1

//__** Pictures: **__// Panax Ginseng, (n.d). [Web] Retrieved December 14, 2010 from http://www.bouncingbearbotanicals.com/ginseng-p-92.html

Natural Boost, (2004). [Web] Retreived December 11, 2010, Retrieved from http://www.keystovibranthealth.com/prodCatNATURAL_BOOST.asp#TOP

Novuhair Composition, (n.d). [Web] Retrieved December 11, 2010, Retrieved from http://www.cqwow.com/aboutnovuhair.htm

Red Ginseng Extract 240g of Korea, (n.d) [Web] Retrieved December 14, 2010 from http://www.tradekorea.com/sell-leads-detail/S00014262/Red%20Ginseng%20Extract%20240g%20of%20Korea.html

Far East Ginseng, (n.d) [Web] Retrieved December 11, 2010 from http://windsorlegiontrack.com/menuold/search/ginseng-russian.html