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(Actuele) publicaties 2008 Ginseng
| 12-03-2008: | "The wonder of Ginseng" |
| 11-03-2008: | "Ginseng Herbal Remedy - Contraindications And Precautions" |
| 08-03-2008: | "Asian Ginseng - Uses of Ginseng" |
| 23-02-2008: | "Talking SEX Give your love life a boost" |
| 04-02-2008: | "Plants to Raise Biological Activity in Space " |
| 15-01-2008: | "Ginseng helps Cancer Patients With Energy, Study Shows" |
| 01-01-2008: | "Ginseng aids vaccination response in horses" |
The wonder of ginseng
By YIP YOKE TENG
Spring Garden Chinese Restaurant, Crown Princess Kuala Lumpur, City Square Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03-21625522 ext 5511.
March 12, 2008 - Ginseng is the ultimate herb to the Chinese. For centuries, the root has been treasured for its nutritional benefits that few ever wondered why some Ginseng are priced in the thousands.
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Chef's selection: Chin posing with the variety of Ginseng-infused dishes. |
"Not all diners can accept Ginseng's slight bitterness and strong after,taste so we do not put too much of it into the dishes," said Chinese chef Simon Chin who created the dishes.
The amount of ingredient used is adjusted to give it a lighter taste, and middle range Ginseng roots are chosen for the purpose because it doesn't yield a strong aftertaste.
Super strength: Double Boiled Shark's Fin Soup with Dried Scallops, Chicken and Fresh Ginseng in Bamboo Cup.
Chef Chin's team spent almost one month to perfect the tastes of the dishes. As a result, these are some innovative dishes - among them Pan-Fried Lamb Rack with Coffee Ginseng Sauce.
The marriage of coffee and Ginseng gives birth to a sweet brown sauce that blends well with the lamb. Ginseng adds another layer of mild flavour to the dish.
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Super strength: Double Boiled Shark's Fin Soup with Dried Scallops, Chicken and Fresh Ginseng in Bamboo Cup. |
Stir Fried Lily Bud with Scallops, Vegetables and Pou Sam Herb proves that Ginseng goes well with vegetables, too.
Double Boiled Shark's Fin Soup with Dried Scallops, Chicken and Fresh Ginseng in Bamboo Cup leaves one feeling pampered while Cold Ginseng Chicken Rolls with Shredded Jelly Fish are impressive with a dash of wine.
For dessert, there is Deep Fried Ginseng Root, a crispy puff filled with lotus paste boasting tinges of Ginseng. Ginseng tea, served with lotus seed, red dates, lily flower and Ginseng root, is at hand to complement these Ginseng de-lights.
The dishes are priced between RM12++ and RM55++ per portion. Meanwhile, the Chinese restaurant has also prepared six new Dim Sum varieties to whet one's appetite. They are prepared by chef Leong Kok Meng by mixing and matching different ingredients.
FROM: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/12/central/20595553&sec=central
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Ginseng Herbal Remedy - Contraindications And Precautions
Submitted by davidjones
March 11, 2008
Taxonomic Class: Araliaceae
Common Trade Names
Multi-ingredient preparations : Bio Star, Cimexon, Energy Rise, Fast Lane Herb Tea, Gincosan, Ginsana, Ginsatonic, Ginseng Action, Neo Ginsana
Common Forms
No standards exist for Ginseng despite availability of chromatographic assays for ginsenosides and Ginseng polysaccharides.
Capsules : 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg
Extract : 2 oz root extract (in alcohol base)
Root powder : 1 oz, 4 oz
Tea bags : 1,500 mg Ginseng root
Also available as a cream, eye gel, nutrition bar, and oil. The root is available in bulk by the pound.
Source
The most common species is Panax quinquefolius, commonly known as American or Western Ginseng. Sought after most commonly for its root, the plant's other characteristics (wild or cultivated) and the shapes of the root make it more valuable. Traditionally, ideal plants are at least 6 years old. Panax Ginseng is known as the Asian, Korean, or Japanese Ginseng. Asian Ginseng usually undergoes treatment, such as drying and curing, before it is sold; the American variety undergoes less manipulation and carries less distinction.
Chemical components
Ginseng is composed primarily of ginsenosides, also known as panaxosides. About 12 major panaxosides have been isolated but are found in only minute quantities and are difficult to purify on a large scale. Other components of the plant isolated for pharmacologic effects include a volatile oil, beta-elemine, sterols, flavonoids, peptides, vitamins (B 1 , B 2 , B12 panthotenic acid, nicotinic acid, and biotin), fats, polyacetylenes, minerals, enzymes, and choline.
Actions
Several pharmacologic effects have been noted that vary with dose and duration of treatment. The panaxosides, found in the root, are thought to be the pharmacologically active agents. Although they are similar in structure, sometimes these compounds exert opposing pharmacologic effects. For example, ginsenoside Rb-1 has analgesic, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and CNS depressant effects; stress ulcer-preventing action; and acceleration of glycolysis and nuclear RNA synthesis. Ginsenoside Rg-1 has antifatigue, CNS stimulating, hypertensive, and stress ulcer-aggravating activities. These opposing features form the basis for the theory that Ginseng serves to "balance bodily functions."
Another example of these opposing actions is that Rg and Rg-1 enhance cardiac performance, whereas Rb depresses cardiac function. Other ginsenosides have shown antiarrhythmic activity similar to that of verapamil and amiodarone. Oral Ginseng was found to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decrease platelet adhesiveness, impair coagulation, and increase fibrinolysis in cholesterol-fed rats. Ginsenosides may reduce stress by acting on the adrenal gland.
Hypoglycemic activity in rodents has been documented, but the mechanism of action has not been proved . Extracts of Ginseng have shown antioxidant activity on human erythrocytes in a laboratory model and prevented the development of morphine tolerance in rats. Some studies in animals have documented Ginseng's anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities and its hepatoprotective effects at low doses (destruction at high doses) in a rat model, whereas others found that tumors in mice were suppressed by components of Ginseng.
Reported Uses
Ginseng is popularly claimed to minimize or reduce thymus gland activity. Other claims include its use as an antidepressant, an aphrodisiac, a demulcent (soothes irritated or inflamed internal tissues and organs), a diuretic, a sedative, and a sleep aid. Short-term use of the herb may improve concentration, healing, stamina, stress resistance (adaptogenic), vigilance, and work efficiency; long-term use is claimed to improve well-being in elderly patients with debilitated or degenerative conditions. Few claims have supporting data from animal studies and fewer still have data from human studies.
Although studies conducted in humans were mostly small and poorly designed, results suggest that Ginseng has several beneficial effects. Improvement in appetite, emotional lability, sleep, and work efficiency in animals and humans indicates the Ginseng's ability to enhance physical and mental performance. Ginseng may also indirectly exhibit corticosteroid-like effects.
Ginseng decreased fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin Ale levels in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients such that some diabetics were free of insulin therapy for the duration of the study . The herb has also been shown to be beneficial in patients with hepatic dysfunction, hyperlipidemia, and impaired cognitive function.
Dosage
Dosages vary with the disease state; usually, 0.5 to 2 g of dry Ginseng root P.O. daily or 200 to 600 mg of Ginseng extract P.O. daily in one or two equal doses
For improved well-being in debilitated elderly patients, 0.4 to 0.8 g of root daily P.O. on a continual basis.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: headache, insomnia, nervousness.
CV: chest pain, hypertension, palpitations.
EENT: epistaxis.
GI: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
GU: impotence, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding.
Skin: pruritus, rash (with Ginseng abuse).
Interactions
Antidiabetic agents, insulin: Increased hypoglycemic effect. Use together
cautiously
MAO inhibitors (hypericin, parnate, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine): Adverse reactions include headache, mania, and tremor. Avoid administration with Ginseng.
Contraindications And Precautions
Avoid using Ginseng in pregnant or breast-feeding women; effects are unknown. Use cautiously in patients with CV disease, diabetes, hypertension, or hypotension and in those who are also receiving steroid therapy.
Special Considerations
Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of Ginseng abuse syndrome. This syndrome occurs when large doses of the herb are taken concomitantly with other psychomotor stimulants, such as tea and coffee. Symptoms include depression, diarrhea, edema, euphoria, hypertension, insomnia, loss of appetite, rash, and restlessness. The existence of this syndrome is debatable.
Monitor the diabetic patient for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Advise him to monitor his blood glucose level closely until effects are known.
Advise the patient not to take Ginseng for a prolonged period.
Instruct the patient with preexisting medical conditions to check with his health care provider before taking Ginseng.
Urge the patient to watch for unusual symptoms (diarrhea, insomnia, nervousness, palpitations) because of the risk of Ginseng toxicity.
Advise the pregnant or breast-feeding patient to consult a health care provider before taking Ginseng because safety has not been established.
Points of Interest
It is estimated that 6 million people in the United States use Ginseng regularly. In oriental cultures, it has been used for its medicinal properties for more than 2,000 years.
Although it was abundant in eastern North America, American Ginseng is now considered threatened because of aggressive harvesting for commercial sales.
Commentary
Public interest in Ginseng has been increasing. Although the herb appears to have promising uses, additional human efficacy, toxicity, and interactions data are needed. Ginseng has an interesting and unique pharmacologic profile, but ingestion of the plant is not without risk, despite its use for centuries.
Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about home remedy. He also holds experience writing about ayurvedic medicines and home remedies.
FROM: http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=20080312_ginseng_herbal_supplements.htm
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Asian Ginseng - Uses of Ginseng
Mike Hussey
March 08, 2008 - Asian Ginseng is perhaps the most widely recognized of the plants used in traditional medicine and plays a major role in the herbal health market.
It has been used for more than two thousand years. At least six species and varieties of Panax have been used in traditional medicine. It is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and cosmetics. It is promoted for its antistress effects.
Ginseng's dried root is medicinal. It contains triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides that appear to be the active ingredients responsible for the plant's immunomodulatory effects. Ginsenosides seem to increase natural-killer cell activity, stimulate interferon production, accelerate nuclear RNA synthesis, and increase motor activity.
The ginsenosides have been found to protect against stress ulcers, to decrease blood glucose level, to increase high-density lipoprotein level, and to affect central nervous system activity by acting as a de pressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and antipsychotic.
Ginseng is available as powdered root, tablets, capsules, and tea. Common trade names include Centrum Ginseng, Chikusetsu Ginseng, Gin-Action, Ginsai, Ginsana, Ginseng Manchurian, Ginseng Power Max 004X G-Sana, Ginseng Up, Gin Zip, Herbal Sure Chinese Red Ginseng, Herbal Sure Korean Ginseng, Korean White Ginseng, Lynae Ginse-Cool, Power Herb Korean Ginseng, Premium Blend Korean Ginseng Extract, Sanchi Ginseng, The Ginseng Solution, Time Release Korean Ginseng Power, and Zhuzishen.
Reported uses
Asian Ginseng is used to manage fatigue and lack of concentration, and to treat atherosclerosis, bleeding disorders, colitis, diabetes, depression, and cancer. It's also used to help recover health and strength after sickness or weakness.
Administration
Powdered root: For a healthy patient, 0.5 to 1.0 g of the root may be taken by mouth, every day, in 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 days. The morning dose is usually taken 1 to 2 hours before breakfast; the evening dose, 2 hours after dinner. If a second course of therapy is desired, patient must wait at least 2 weeks before starting Ginseng again. For an elderly or sick patient, 0.4 to 0.8 g of the root by mouth every day taken continuously
Solid extracts in tablets and capsules: Dosage is 100 to 300 mg by mouth three times a day
Tea: Dosage is 1 cup every day, up to three times a day, for 3 to 4 weeks. The tea is prepared by steeping 3 g (1 teaspoon) of the herb in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
FROM: http://www.losangeleschronicle.com/articles/54599
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Talking SEX Give your love life a boost
February 23, 2008 - This week we will discuss the exotic foods and spices humans have used for thousands of years to boost their libido and enhance their fertility.
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People have used items that they believed contained aphrodisiac properties for thousands of years.
Many ancient peoples believed in the so-called 'law of similarity', which means that an object resembling the genitalia may possess sexual powers. Ginseng, rhinoceros horn and oysters are three typical examples.
Aside from resemblance to sex organs, people throughout history have made aphrodisiac associations with animals that are known to be virile and prolific reproducers such as rabbits, tigers, goats and bulls.
The sex organs of these animals were eaten to achieve an aphrodisiac effect and/or to enhance sexual performance
Folklore
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the alleged sexual effects of so-called aphrodisiacs are based in folklore, not fact. In 1989, the agency declared that there is no scientific proof that any over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work to treat sexual dysfunction and that they were ineffective and sometimes even dangerous. However, many people still use them to give their sex lives a boost.
Aphrodisiacs work in many ways. They may directly increase the physical desire to have sex, stimulate the strength and endurance of an erection in men, and increase lubrication and genital sensitivity in women. But there are very few substances that are scientifically proven to do this on a consistent basis. Most alleged aphrodisiacs act as tonics, increasing virility over time.
They may be classified in two principal groups:
Psycho-physiological (visual, tactile, olfactory and aural).
Internal (stemming from food, alcoholic drinks, drugs, love potions and medical preparations).
Aphrodisiac herbs and spices
The following supplements are used for their aphrodisiac effects
Chromium picolinate can be used to treat decreased libido.
Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiac) contains alkaloids that directly stimulate the nerves and organs. It has a long history of use as herbal medicine in Mexico, dating back to the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilisations. In Jamaica, it is called Ram Goat Dash Along.
No cautions have been noted for the use of this herb, except an occasional slight laxative effect.
Deer Antler Velvet has been prized in Chinese medicine for its use as a sexual stimulant, as well as a tonic. A 2000-year-old silk scroll describes the use of deer antler as a remedy for more than50 illnesses.
It is considered one of the strongest 'yang' or 'male energy' tonics. Yang energy is an important aspect of sexuality and libido in both men and women, as well as a primary indicator of overall health, strength and vitality.
According to pharmacognosist Albert Leung, PhD, and Arkansas herbalist Steven Foster, the epimedium herb has been proven to improve the sexual function of male animals in experiments. It acts somewhat as an androgen (sex hormone) and might stimulate sexual desire in women who are androgen-deficient.
Fennel is reported to increase the libido of both male and female rats. Fennel has compounds that mimic the female hormone oestrogen. However, in doses greater than about a teaspoon, it can be toxic.
Ginseng is another well-known aphrodisiac. The word Ginseng means 'man root', and the plant's reputation as an aphrodisiac probably arises from its marked similarity to the human body. Ginseng has been regarded as an invigorating and rejuvenating agent for centuries in China, Tibet, Korea, Indochina and India.
Ginseng use should be monitored by a physician in patients using warfarin, ticlopidine and other blood thinning medications because it may enhance the blood-thinning effects of these medications.
Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant that enhances circulation and increases the supply of oxygen to the brain and sexual organs.
Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) and Go-Qi-Zi have traditionally been used in China for thousands of years for their rejuvenating effects on sexuality and fertility.
Wolfberry is a small red berry which is dried and prepared as a tea. Scientific studies have found that polysaccharides found in Wolfberry fruit protect both male and female sex organs from free radical damage.
Although adverse reactions are rare, there is one reported case of a possible interaction between warfarin and Lycium barbarum. It should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing because it contains betaine which may cause abortion.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous vegetable like kale and broccoli that grows in the Andes mountains in Peru. Native people dig up the root-like tuber and brew it into a strong drink. Both men and women partake of this brew shortly before going off in couples for connubial enjoyment.
Spanish fly is one of the most famous aphrodisiacs. It is made from a beetle that secretes an acid-like juice, called cantharidin, from its leg joints when threatened. Because it would be more difficult to remove the juice only, the entire beetle is dried and crushed to produce.
Sarsaparilla contains a testosterone-like substance that is effective in men.
Tribulus and maca have been dubbed the natural Viagra. Tribulus works by slightly increasing hormone levels, while maca strengthens semen and improves libido.
Vitamin B complex calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
Vitamin E is necessary for proper functioning of the reproduction system and glands.
Wild yam rejuvenates and gives vigour to lovemaking.
FROM: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080223/life/life4.html
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Plants to Raise Biological Activity in Space
2008-02-04 Tomorrow Russian carrier vehicle "Progress M63" will deliver cells of two plants - red-rooted gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) and Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) - to the orbit.
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Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) |
The box will stay aboard International space station till the middle of April under natural radiation conditions, charged particle flows and magnetic fields. Cell cultures are usually time restricted - culture lawn dries out in 60 days. However, this experiment provides airproof container allowing longer life of both cell and bacterial cultures.
Plants, chosen for the experiment, are special. Ginseng biomass is a perfect material for making various medical agents, as well as for cosmetology and food industry. Ginseng is a source of biologically active substances called ginsenosides, showing various therapeutic effects.
As for red-rooted gromwell, this plant contains quite valuable biologically active substance shikonin, possessing bactericide and fungicide properties, as well as showing burn-treating effect.
FROM: http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/5691/
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Ginseng Helps Cancer Patients With Energy, Study Shows
Local Doctors Test Ancient Remedy
January 15, 2008 OMAHA, Neb. -- An herbal supplement may be just as good at relieving chronic fatigue in cancer patients as prescription drugs, a new study shows.
Dr. Judy Gale, a physical therapy professor, said she knows that progress takes effort and sometimes pain. But a few years back, Gale began feeling a lot of pain in her abdomen.
"I was admitted to the hospital and they diagnosed the pancreatic cancer," Gale said.
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Doctors said fatigue is a major problem for cancer patients.
"As their cancer progresses, patients can get tired, but patients can also get tired because of the treatments," said Dr. Peter Todd Silberstein, one of the study's doctors. "The chemotherapy or the radiation or the surgery can make people tired."
Gale had endured all three.
"It was hard for me to make it through a whole day of work," Gale said.
She said she was quick to agree when Silberstein suggested she take part in a clinical trial to relieve fatigue.
The Missouri Valley Cancer Consortium was testing an old herbal remedy found at any natural foods store: Ginseng, particularly American Ginseng. It is a root people have touted for its energy-boosting effects for thousands of years.
"More and more, we're trying to do trials, because some of these herbal remedies may be helpful," Silberstein said.
The local study included 282 participants who took a high dose of Ginseng, a small dose or a placebo. Silberstein said the results are promising.
"It actually showed that the patients who got Ginseng, on the average, felt less fatigued," the doctor said.
Gale was in the highest dosage group of 2,000 milligrams a day.
"I could get through the day much easier," Gale said. "I didn't fall asleep as often during meetings and things, which I used to do. I could do my walks after work. I wasn't so tired from work that I couldn't do something else."
Doctors said they still have a lot of testing to do to measure the impact of Ginseng on fatigue. But from the first tests, they see the potential for Ginseng to be a cheaper, more natural alternative to prescription pain drugs.
"This may be a major advance in helping fatigue in cancer patients," Silberstein said.
The study showed that one out of four patients on Ginseng recorded a significant improvement from the Ginseng, and one out of 10 recorded an improvement from just a placebo. Species of Ginseng other than American Ginseng were not tested.
Doctors warned that because it is an herbal supplement, Ginseng is not regulated as heavily as prescription drugs.
FROM: http://www.ketv.com/health/15047318/detail.html#
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Ginseng aids vaccination response in horses
January 1, 2008 Ginseng, revered as a human tonic for centuries, has been found to have beneficial properties in horses.
Work undertaken at the Equine Research Centre at the University of Guelph in Canada has shown that low doses of Ginseng in the lead-up to an inoculation improves a horse's antibody response when they receive a vaccination for equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1).
The American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) made the vaccination more effective.
Researchers Wendy Pearson (Geulph), Semir Omar (University of Ottawa), and Andrew Clarke (University of Melbourne) undertook the research to determine if Ginseng fed at low levels enhanced a horse's antibody response to the vaccine.
For 28 days, five horses received ground, powdered Ginseng (35 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, delivering 1.7 milligrams per kilogram of the active ingredient in Ginseng - ginsenosides). It was mixed in with molasses.
Five other horses received molasses only.
After 14 days, all horse in the study were vaccinated against EHV-1, and their immune responses monitored.
The antibody response to the vaccination was significantly quicker in the horses supplemented with Ginseng, with a "clinically relevant" increase in antibodies to the virus being observed after two days, as opposed to six for the control group.
The horses receiving Ginseng also had a significant decrease in serum levels of sodium and a significant increase in serum levels of potassium, the researchers wrote.
"No adverse effects of Ginseng treatment were identified by hematologic and blood biochemistry profiles. Thus, low-dose dietary supplementation with Ginseng in healthy horses may be a useful adjunct to vaccination."
The researchers chose the vaccine against EHV-1 as it typically produces a poor antibody response and provides incomplete protection against infection. The authors noted that research had previously shown that ginsenosides have been associated with increased antibody responses to vaccination in guinea pigs, pigs, mice, and dairy cattle.
However, those studies used injections of Ginseng or Ginseng extract, or both.
"Although the practice shows considerable promise, this method of administration is impractical for people working with horses in the field.
"Our study has demonstrated that dietary Ginseng, at a daily dose of 35 mg/kg body weight for two weeks before and two weeks after parenteral EHV-1 vaccination, significantly improves the early time course and magnitude of the antibody response in horses, in addition to influencing the serum electrolyte balance."
FROM: http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2008/01/002.shtml
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