Introduction

What is ginseng?

Ginseng plants are perennial herbs with sturdy taproots. Ginseng is one of the few Chinese medicinal herbs used frequently without blending with other herbs.

Significance of maintaining heart health

Cardiovascular health refers to the state of health of the heart and blood vessels. The heart is the machine that keeps us going. Aside from delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell, the heart tirelessly pumps blood throughout our body; therefore, maintaining cardiovascular health is important for the following reasons:

Foundation for longevity

Good heart health is the cornerstone of people’s aspirations to live a long and fruitful life. You live a healthier life when you make heart-healthy behaviours a top priority. 

Mind-body connection

A healthy heart supports optimal blood inflow to the brain, which enhances cognitive function and lowers the threat of illnesses.

Guardian of vitality

To guarantee that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to each and every cell, a strong heart is essential for general vitality.

Quality of life supporter

Perfecting your quality of life is as important as averting ailments when it comes to heart health. Maintaining a healthy heart is essential for engaging in a variety of physical exercises and sustaining physical cracks.

Overview of ginseng

Types of ginseng

The most commonly examined species of ginseng are Asian ginseng, American ginseng, and Chinese ginseng.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Panax ginseng is one of the most common species of ginseng, also known as Asian or Korean ginseng. The main active constituents of P. ginseng are ginsenosides.

Panax ginseng is known as the king of all herbs. It has been frequently used as traditional medicine and healthy food in China, Korea, and Japan. Panax ginseng has been used for more than 4000 years and it is believed to stimulate metabolism, thereby maintaining and improving health.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

American ginseng is one of the best-selling herbs in the US. It is grown in the eastern temperate timber areas of North America.

Ginsenosides are the major active components in both American and Asian ginseng. Although total ginsenosides vary depending on species, growing environment and extraction method.

Like Asian ginseng, American ginseng has been reported to have a wide range of pharmacological actions, including actions on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, immune system and cancer.

Chinese ginseng (Panax notoginseng)

Chinese ginseng is a rare medicinal plant that has been used for over 2000 years. Panax notoginseng was named in Chinese as Sanchi ginseng.

Sanchi ginseng (Panax notoginseng) has been cultivated in China for more than 400 years. Its root is an important traditional Chinese medicine mainly used to stanch blood, and to reduce pain caused by injury due to falls.^1,2,3,4

Traditional uses

Ginseng was considered a medicinal herbal and was used for the treatment of:

• General weakness
• Acute vomiting with diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Mental health
• Wound healing

Cardiovascular health benefits

Improved blood circulation

Ginseng may enrich blood circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation and coagulation.

Lowering of blood pressure

Ginseng lowers blood pressure although in cases of low blood pressure, it elevates the blood pressure to normal.

Anti-inflammatory effects

The anti-inflammatory effect of ginseng is associated with their ingredients of pro-inflammatory immune molecules (cytokine) production regulation and phagocytosis (immune cell engulfment of other cells or particles) as well as activation of immune defence cells (T and B-lymphocytes). It suppresses histamine and pro-inflammatory molecules like leukotriene release from mast cells and stabilises inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Antioxidant properties

Ginseng may inhibit oxidative damage. Ginseng and ginsenosides have an anti-oxidant effect that is manifest as an inhibited increase in dangerous free radical conformation.^1,2,3,4

Mechanism of action

Vasodilation

The vasodilation property of ginseng is due to its capability to lower blood pressure by creation of vascular endothelial cell-deduced nitric oxide (NO) formation.

Regulation of lipid metabolism

Ginseng participates in the regulation of lipid metabolism primarily by interloping with enzymes, signals and receptors in each pathway.

Reduction of oxidative stress

Nutritive antioxidants interact with cells in an active mode, including recovering and sparing one another, to decrease oxidative stress (an imbalance of antioxidant to free radical proportion, which causes cell damage). Ginseng inhibits the product of free radicals by promoting nitrogen oxide product thereby reducing oxidative stress.^1,2,3,4

Recommended precautions

Potential side effects

Ginseng has both hypertensive and hypotensive properties, with the latter caused by the enhanced production of nitric oxide.

Neonatal death has been related to maternal use.

Symptoms below do not require medical attention:

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Headache
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Trouble sleeping

However, the symptoms below should be reported as soon as possible:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Interactions with medication

When administered with warfarin, ginseng produces reduced prothrombin time (time taken for the plasma component of blood to clot). Ginseng should not be used by women who are pregnant or taking hormone relief.

It is important to tell your health care practitioners the list of prescribed and non-prescribed drugs and dietary supplements you use.

However, the following drugs have the potential of interacting when used with ginseng.

• Digoxin
• Diuretics like bumetanide, furosemide, torsemide
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like Carbex and Nardil
• Antihypertensive medications

It is also beneficial to tell your healthcare practitioners if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.

FAQs

Is ginseng good for blood circulation?

Ginseng lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular conditions. It does this by its anticoagulant and antiplatelet aggregation effects.

Is ginseng good for the heart?

Ginseng has been shown to improve blood circulation, reduce platelet aggregation, decreasing oxidative stress and regulating normal glucose levels.

Summary

From improved blood circulation to reduced inflammation and enhanced antioxidant activity, ginseng has promising cardiovascular benefits.

The origin of the ginseng root and its manner of origin can produce wide variations in ginseng products. The terms “red” and “white” relate to different manners of ginseng mixture, not different species. 

White ginseng is naturally dried in the sun. ‘Red’ ginseng is heated between 100–110° for 2–3 hours.

However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the different mechanisms of action of red and white ginseng in order to optimize its therapeutic potential.