The Many Benefits of American Ginseng
Summary/Benefits:
- Energy
- Stress and Sleep
- Promotes neurocognative function, and memory
- Diabetes
- Strengthen the immune system
- Promotes male fertility
Energy
One of the biggest health and wellness concerns that we hear is lack of energy. Our mBody product is what I often recommend. While American Ginseng (AG) does not have as much of the energy giving properties of its Asian counterpart it does contain some of the compounds responsible for this effect. An increase in the production of ATP in mitochondria have shown to be an effect of some of the polysaccharides in AG.
Mitochondria mutation
There also seems to be a somewhat protective effect provided to the mitochondria by AG. As we age mitochondria can mutate diminishing their capacity to produce ATP and thus becoming a contributing factor to low energy. Another way that AG helps with one's energy needs is that it increases oxygen circulation throughout the body allowing easier access to the tissue. For anyone that does any physical activity this is a great thing to have in your goodie bag.
Stress and Sleep
Being something recommended for energy it might be surprising that it is also a surprisingly good recommendation for someone wanting to sleep. Working on the GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) receptors and regulating the Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA-axis) is how it does this. When it comes to calming the brain down in the evening the neurotransmitter that we need to focus on is GABA. This is very helpful when it comes to getting a restful sleep. The other mode of action, regulating the HPA-axis, has to do with the decrease in the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone most associated with stress, and is associated with many other conditions. Alongside insomnia these other conditions include, but are not limited to, depression, fatigue, weight gain, and acne to name a few.
Promotes neurocognative function, and memory
The GABA-ergic mechanism also seem to be involved in some of the neuroprotective effect of AG. Another action that provides neuroprotective effects comes from AG's cholinergic activity. With Alzheimer's disease there is degeneration in the presynaptic cholinergic system resulting in low levels of acetylcholine (ACh). In Alzheimer induced rats an extract of AG was able to increase serum levels of ACh. AG also enhances what is referred to as working memory. When it comes to the processing of our immediate surroundings and other short term tasks working memory is of great importance. This is precisely why I had my grandmother start taking it.Inhibiting Neurotransmitter reuptake
Another action that AG has on the brain is that it inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and GABA. This causes the effects of these neurotransmitters to last longer. Therefore you will need less for the same effects. Also the same amount will have more of an effect. For instance Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin is the goal with SSRI treatment. For this reason I believe the good feeling that comes from consuming AG is the result of this.
Diabetes
Another promising effect American ginseng has on the body is how it helps to regulate blood sugar. There are several ac. First off it causes the pancreas to increase the production of insulin via regeneration of β-cells. Insulin production occurs within these cells. AG has been shown to cause a decrease in insulin resistance. AG also lowers levels of glycated hemoglobin. GlycationHemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the part of the red blood cell (RBC) that contains iron. Glucose can attach to the iron, in a process called glycation, not allowing oxygen uptake. RBCs have about a 90 day lifecycle which is why a Hemoglobin A1C test will tell an individual's average blood sugar over a three month period as it is measuring the amount of glycation that has taken place. Not only can AG help with hyperglycemia, but as stated by the University of Maryland Medical Center "to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even in people without diabetes, take American ginseng with food."
Strengthens the immune system
When looking at AG researchers discovered that a certain steroidal saponin causes the maturation of dendritic cells (DC). The T-Cell-mediated immune response is regulated by DCs. Therefore AG has the effect of enhancing T-cell activity. The body’s immune system uses antibodies or immunoglobulins (Ig) to help fight infection. The Ig's intern attach to the foreign substance (bacteria, virus, fungus, etc…) so that the immune system can destroy it. The most abundant antibody in the body is IgG. When it comes to fighting bacteria and viruses this specific group is at the forefront of defense. In the presence of bacteria and viruses compounds within AG promote a higher IgG release. I personally think taking things like American ginseng in a preventative approach is the best way to avoid sickness.
Promotes male fertility
With an increase in energy it is only natural that there would be an increase in other things, if you know what I mean. Not only will AG give you the energy to do the dirty, but there are several other actions that men especially should find interesting. First of the effects is that AG raises the production of Nitrous Oxide (NO). This is the same mode of action that pharmaceuticals like viagra and cialis have. Side note: this is extremely beneficial to the rest of your cardiovascular system as well. An increase in blood testosterone is associated with ginseng consumption. As a result there is a rise in libido associated with AG. For guys this is kind of like the cherry on top.
