Korean red ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is a traditional herbal remedy long used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic for various chronic illnesses.
Based on studies, Korean red ginseng may help erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the studies need further substantiation.
Researchers believe Korean red ginseng may have vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, apart from other health benefits, but these require further research.
Ginseng is thought to have potential mechanisms of action, such as boosting nitric oxide levels – an essential ingredient of erections – in the body. Nitric oxide relaxes the smooth penile muscles and promotes enhanced blood circulation. However, the jury is still out on whether ginseng could conclusively improve ED outcomes in men.
The 411 on Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng): what is it?
Korean red ginseng goes by various monikers, such as Panax ginseng, red ginseng, or Chinese ginseng, among others. It’s a medicinal plant used as a traditional herbal remedy for millennia and counting. It may also come in red and white varieties based on its processing method.
Red ginseng is native to the Korean peninsula and northeastern China and is the most commonly used ginseng strain in herbal supplements and preparations; Native American ginseng is the other. Siberian ginseng is an entirely different medicinal plant that doesn’t belong to the Panax family of “true” ginseng.
Both Asian and American ginseng strains contain ginsenosides, their active ingredients that are thought to give the plant its therapeutic properties. Ginsenosides are thought to have vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Ginseng is classified as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are active components in medicinal plants and fungi believed to affect how the body manages stress and promotes overall health.
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Does Korean ginseng help with ED symptoms?
Based on studies, Korean red ginseng may be effective in managing ED symptoms, which it has long been historically used to treat. There is a growing body of research supporting the claim that red ginseng may help enhance erectile function, but it requires more studies to substantiate this claim conclusively.
Ginseng is thought to be beneficial in treating ED since several studies show that it helps relax blood vessels, allowing for greater blood flow throughout the body, apart from promoting nitric oxide production. Prescription ED drugs such as sildenafil (brand name Viagra) and tadalafil (brand name Cialis) and their related drugs, known as PDE5 inhibitors, work similarly.
These ED drugs inhibit the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme found in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and allow more blood flow throughout the body, including the penis, which leads to better erection quality. Panax ginseng is thought to have the same effect.
What are the other health benefits of ginseng?
Korean red ginseng is believed to possess the following benefits to health, although more conclusive studies need to be conducted to confirm them:
- May enhance immune function. Ginseng is thought to boost the immune system by promoting lymphocyte activity, maintaining a balanced immunity, and boosting resistance to illnesses. Lymphocytes help stave off infections or microbial attacks.
- May help against cardiovascular disease. Studies show that ginseng may help reduce blood pressure, enhance blood flow throughout the body, and reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels, all promoting better cardiovascular health.
- May boost mental performance and brain health. Animal studies show that ginseng may help treat degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s. Substances derived from ginseng are also believed to increase cognitive performance and memory retention.
- May help reduce stress levels. A 2017 study revealed that Korean red ginseng may decrease stress.
- May help manage type 2 diabetes. Based on small studies, ginseng may help reduce blood sugar levels, increase fasting glucose levels, and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- May help reduce cancer risk. Ginseng is thought to inhibit tumor growth thanks to the anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties it is believed to possess. Moreover, it is believed to inhibit angiogenesis or the development of new blood vessels. Both processes are responsible for the development and progression of cancer.
How to take Korean red ginseng?
Korean red ginseng is available as tablets, capsules, and powder. It’s also available in tea bags or dried ginseng root that can be steeped or brewed accordingly.`
What are the risks of taking Korean red ginseng?
It’s worth mentioning at this point in time that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate ginseng supplements. Therefore, there are no guarantees that the supplements you buy are potent or pure as they say they are. Moreover, the FDA hasn’t approved ginseng as a treatment for any medical condition.
Ginseng may also cause the following side effects:
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Headaches
- Rashes or hives
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding in the vagina
- Breast pain
Korean red ginseng may also interact with certain medications, so consult your doctor about supplements and medicines you’re currently taking before going on another herbal supplement.
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What is erectile dysfunction?
ED, also known as impotence, is the inability or difficulty to produce or maintain an erection. More than one in two men between the 40-70 demographic are believed to experience some degree of ED.
Frequent or worsening ED symptoms may be an early indicator of something more serious under the hood, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or mental and psychological issues.
ED can be treated
Talking about something as personal as ED can be embarrassing for some men, but it shouldn’t be – ED is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions that happen to most men at one point in time or another. If you’re experiencing ED, consult your doctor.
