A review of Panax ginseng as an herbal medicine

Abstract

Panax ginseng is categorized as parental herb tribe to Asian people, particularly to Korea and China and it is widely used as an alternative remedy in Eastern Asia countries since many years ago. Based on traditional practice and recent research on this ancient herb, all parts of the ginseng contain pharmacologically active elements; however, it has been found that the main ingredient comes from its roots has a numerous compounds and chemicals that can exert the pharmacological properties such as lowering blood glucose, lowering hypertension, anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic agents, anti-stress, improve vitality, sexual dysfunctions, and promote healing process; thus, it is also called as modern tonic traditional complementary medicine. However, some modern research has identified that it can cause severe side effects such as mental disorder, hypertensions, bleeding allergy reactions, and renal toxicity. Therefore, the use of this herb among public is not recommended because there is not definite dose for human.

Keywords

• Ginsenosides
• health supplement
• herbal medicine
• traditional tonic
• vitality