Today we are diving into the fascinating plant called Panax ginseng, which is a part of the Araliaceae family. Did you know that there are actually thirteen different types of Panax plants? Panax ginseng is the most sought after species of Panax though because of its high concentrations of ginsenosides and its ability to support a wide range of benefits. That being said, a lot of Panax ginseng out there is fake, and is actually oftentimes cheaper and inferior Panax species. To ensure that ours is real genuine Panax ginseng, we perform species testing via HPTLC on every single batch!
The word “Panax '' means “all healing” in ancient Greek. This name was chosen by Carl Linnaeus to represent the genus because he was aware of the use of Panax species in traditional Chinese practices for a plethora of different applications. The second part of the name ‘ginseng’ actually has quite an interesting story behind it too! Ginseng comes from the Chinese word that means “man root” because Panax ginseng roots look similar to a person's legs.
The roots of Panax ginseng are oftentimes the most desirable part of the plant because of its great balance of effects. The leaves of Panax ginseng can also be used and actually contain much higher levels of ginsenosides, however, the balance of the ginsenosides is different than in the roots. To make things even more interesting, there are also differences in ginsenoside profiles between different processing methods. For example, raw Panax ginseng root can be treated in two different ways. The first, and the oldest method for root preparation, is to dry the roots after shaving off the outer coating of the roots. This method preserves the highest amount of ginsenosides but also retains the naturally occurring ginsenoside profile. This type of processing results in white Panax ginseng. The second and much more modern method for Panax ginseng root preparation involves steaming the roots at very high temperatures. This method doesn’t employ a shaving step and just uses whole roots. When exposed to these high temperatures, a maillard reaction occurs which gives this form of Panax ginseng a distinct red color, which is why it is called red Panax ginseng. This processing method also generates different ginsenosides that are normally not present in the root or only present at very low concentrations. In practice, we have found that white Panax ginseng root can both be more potent and more calming whereas red Panax ginseng produces cleaner and more stimulating effects.* Our current capsules are made with white Panax ginseng, which offers a fantastic calming yet uplifting Panax ginseng experience!*
Our white Panax ginseng root extract is standardized to 10% Ginsenosides to support all of its amazing benefits!*
We can’t talk about Panax ginseng without also talking about ginsenosides! There are over 100 different types of ginsenosides contained in Panax ginseng that are divided into either the Protopanaxadiol, Protopanaxatriol, Oleanolic Acid or Ocotillol class. All of those four categories have their own basic structures that each individual ginsenoside has their own unique spin on!
Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rd and Re are the most common and commonly researched ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are so important because they are where most of Panax ginseng’s benefits come from!* Most of the ginsenosides in Panax ginseng are found in either the leaves or the roots although they are found throughout the entire plant.
As Carl Linnaeus already knew when he named the genus ‘Panax’, Panax ginseng has a very comprehensive effects profile. If there was ever an ideal example of a “stand-alone supplement” then this is it. With this in mind, it is also no surprise that this is perhaps one of the most well known botanicals on the planet! If you are looking for a supplement that helps dial in your cognitive function while keeping stress at bay and your vitality up, then you can stop reading here because you’ve likely found your ideal supplement since it basically ticks all of the boxes!*
Let’s dive into the effect a little bit more in depth though, because a botanical with such a long history of use and a highly revered status, deserves some extra attention! One of the most popular uses for Panax ginseng is as an adaptogen.* Adaptogens are botanicals or isolated compounds that help us adapt to the various stressors in our environment, whether that be mental stress from work or school, or physical stressors like cold temperatures. Specifically, Panax ginseng has an incredibly unique adaptogenic effect when we look at stress. Most stress management supplements work by simply lowering cortisol levels, which is one of the main stress hormones. Panax ginseng does this in a more sophisticated fashion though.* The ginsenosides in Panax ginseng actually attach themselves to the same exact receptors that cortisol binds to and they even work as agonists here! This may seem weird since cortisol binding to these receptors and activating them, is what causes most of the common effects of stress. The unique thing about the ginsenosides is that they produce a much lower intensity of receptor activation, while also binding to the receptors very strongly. This allows the ginsenosides to displace cortisol from its receptor, which makes it very hard for cortisol to bind to the receptors, thereby reducing the cortisol induced stress response. In essence, the ginsenosides take over for cortisol, which means that during periods of high stress (coinciding with high cortisol levels), Panax ginseng can help support stress management since it helps blunt the normal cortisol induced stress response. On the other hand, during periods of exceptionally low stress, we can actually become unmotivated. This is because cortisol also has a motivational effect, and thus if cortisol activity is too low, then motivation can suffer too. This is where the adaptogenic properties of Panax ginseng come in handy, because the ginsenosides can produce that low level stress response necessary for optimal levels of motivation even when cortisol levels are low!*
In addition to its positive effects on stress, Panax ginseng also has a wonderful mood brightening effect.* With white Panax ginseng root extracts, this mood brightening effect is also accompanied by a very pleasant calming effect. This makes the white Panax ginseng root extract perfect for those frantic days where you need to slow down a little bit without losing energy and vitality!* The ginsenosides also have a very positive effect on neuroplasticity, which means that over time, the mood enhancing effects of Panax ginseng become more pronounced. This neuroplasticity enhancing effect also helps promote memory and general cognitive function. Taken together, the stress balancing, calming, mood brightening and cognition enhancing effects make this Panax ginseng root extract an incredible natural nootropic!*
Now for the cherry on top, if the nootropic effects weren’t enough, Panax ginseng is also great for general health!* It helps promote immune function, cardiovascular function and metabolic health while also helping to promote balanced levels of oxidation and inflammation.* Truly a panacea as its botanical name promises!
The Immune Stack: Panax Ginseng Root Extract + Nigella Sativa Extract Capsules
Do you want the best stack for immune function? Then look no further than Panax ginseng and Nigella Sativa Extract! And that’s not all! This stack also supports metabolic and cellular function!*
The Calming Stack: Panax Ginseng Root Extract + Magnolia Bark Extract Tablets
Panax ginseng paired with Magnolia Bark helps to promote healthy stress levels and relaxation. Who doesn’t need some relaxation in their lives? This is not a stack you want to miss!*
The Stress Management Stack: Panax Ginseng Root Extract + Baikal Skullcap Extract Tablets
Panax ginseng and Baikal Skullcap combine for the ultimate stress management stack! With additional benefits to cellular function and mental focus, this is the stack for you!*
As a dietary supplement, take one 200mg capsule 1-3 times daily.
To gain more insight, see the Panax Ginseng Root Extract reviews and experiences below.
Nootropics Depot offers 60ct. and 180ct. jars of high quality Panax Ginseng Root Extract. Nootropics Depot’s Panax Ginseng Root Extract has been lab-tested and verified for both product purity and identity.
| *Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
