Proof of the Mysterious Efficacy of Ginseng: Basic and Clinical Trials: Clinical Effects of Medical Ginseng, Korean Red Ginseng: Specifically, Its Anti-stress Action for Prevention of Disease

Abstract

Abstract. We are exposed to many external and internal stresses in this day and age. Stress weakens the function of immune systems in living organisms and disturbs homeostasis. As a result, stress induces various psychosomatic diseases. Thus, ways of reducing stress and thus protecting humans from disease must be developed. One such method is called "the prevention of Mibyou" in Kampo, the Chinese traditional medicine. Many studies have reported the direct effects of medical ginseng on damaged target organs and recovery from disease. It also increases immune potential and may maintain homeostasis of living organisms through the autonomicendocrine systems. It is also thought to prevent the development of disease. We studied and considered the action of medical ginseng on living organisms that were exposed to various stresses such as cold environment and industrial work. Furthermore, we confirmed the preventive effects of medical ginseng on the common cold symptom complex, including flu, by clinical observation. Here, we report our experiences.

Protective Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on the Infections by H1N1 and H3N2 Influenza Viruses in Mice

“…24,26 In clinical studies, the incidence of common cold symptom complex or acute respiratory infection was also significantly lower in healthy individuals who had preventively taken ginseng. 29,42 The results in this study support the protective effects of ginseng against influenza virus infection when taken in healthy individuals.…”

Korean red ginseng protects against neuronal damage induced by transient focal ischemia in rats

“…Meyer, Araliaceae) is used frequently as a crude substance that is taken orally as a traditional medicine in Asian countries. It has been reported to show a range of biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antistress activities (8)(9)(10). These activities have been attributed mainly to saponin, which contains a variety of ginsenosides.…”

Protective Effect of Sun Ginseng against Diabetic Renal Damage

“…It has a wide range of pharmacological and physiological actions, such as antiaging, immunoenhancement, antistress and antitumor. [6][7][8] In addition, several investigations strongly support the evidence that ginseng root possesses anti-diabetic properties, such as inhibition of intestinal glucose absorption, increase in energy expenditure, improving sensitivity to insulin and stimulation of sugar metabolism, etc.9-11) Moreover, ginseng root has been shown in clinical studies to have beneficial effects in diabetic patients. 12,13) Of the two kinds of ginseng, white ginseng (WG) is airdried ginseng, and red ginseng (RG) is produced by steaming raw ginseng at 98-100°C for 2-3 h. RG is reportedly more pharmacologically active than WG.…”