APPENDIX 1. EFFECTS OF GINSENG FROM EARLIER RESEARCH STUDIES Blood Pressure: hypertension patients experience a reduction of blood pressure using low to moderate doses of ginseng; hypotensive patients' experience an increase of blood pressure using moderate to large doses of ginseng. Blood Sugar: diabetic patients experience some lowering of blood sugar with prolonged use; at least one month. Central Nervous System: calming action in cases of insomnia in low dosage, stimulant action in cases of lethargy, poor digestion, chill, and mental dullness in larger doses. Stress: reduces stress reaction, including depletion of vitamin C, glycogen, and protein, and preserves life against many physical (e.g., temperature, low oxygen, radiation), chemical (e.g., liver toxins), and biological (e.g., viral) stresses. APPENDIX 2. TYPES OF GINSENG AND TYPICAL DOSAGES Ginseng: Panax ginseng, from Korea and Northeast China Low Dosage: 0.5-1.0 grams/day High Dosage: 3.0-4.5 grams/day Eleuthero Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, from Siberia and Northeast China Low Dosage: 1.0-2.0 grams/day High Dosage: dried extract derived from 30-45 grams/day Tien-chi Ginseng, Panax notoginseng, from Southeast China Low Dosage: 0.5-1.0 grams/day High Dosage: 1.5-3.0 grams/day American Ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, from Canada and U.S. (now also produced in China) Low dosage: 0.5-1.0 grams/day High dosage: 1.5-3.0 grams/day APPENDIX 3: HERBS USED AS GINSENG SUBSTITUTES OR ADJUNCTS Codonopsis: Codonopsis pilosula is said to have properties similar to ginseng; it is especially used for treatment of weak immunity, anemia, and poor digestion. Astragalus: Astragalus membranaceous, has properties similar to ginseng and is combined with either ginseng or codonopsis for the treatment of weakened immunity, low energy, or chronic illness. Atractylodes: Atractylodes macrocephalla, has properties similar to ginseng, codonopsis, and astragalus, and is usually combined with them to enhance their effects. Pseudostellaria: Pseudostellaria heterophylla, sometimes called "prince ginseng" is used in making tonic soups with properties similar to ginseng. It is especially used for persons who suffer from "yin deficiency" with symptoms of thirst and dryness. Polygonatum: Polygonatum sibericum, is used for restoring energy and replenishing fluids in persons who have suffered a debilitating illness. It is sometimes combined with ginseng for enhancing immunity, improving heart function, and increasing vitality. Licorice: Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has some properties in common with ginseng and is almost always combined with ginseng to enhance its effects on energy, digestion, and relief of symptoms; an important combination for those with allergies. Deer antler: Cervus nippon, is used as a restorative tonic and aphrodisiac with properties somewhat like ginseng; it is typically combined with ginseng for best effects. APPENDIX 4. ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF GINSENG Panaxosides and Eleutherosides: these are glycosides that have been intensively studied. They seem to have many of the central nervous system and cardiovascular effects. Polysaccharides: these are highly branched chains of sugar molecules; they appear to have a normalizing effect on immune system functions. Phenolic Compounds, other complex alcohols, and organic acids: these have been recently studied; it is suggested that they contribute an anti-aging effect and reduce fatigue. Fixed and Volatile Oils: these have an anti-stress effect and are sedative in nature. Vitamin and MIneral Components: ginseng contains B vitamins and a number of minerals; however, it is unlikely that the amounts contained in the average daily dose of ginseng have much health impact. Nonetheless, ginseng can be classified as a nutritious food. Some authorities believe that ginseng was originally eaten raw or in soups as a food which provided energy and quenched thirst. APPENDIX 5. FAMOUS GINSENG COMBINATIONS In the Orient as well as in the West, the best way to take ginseng is in properly formulated combinations. A number of combinations are well-known and readily available. The major ingredients of the common formulas are mentioned here. The names of the formulas used below are English translations of Chinese formula names and are unlikely to appear on the label of a product. Check the ingredients panel of the products for comparison with those below; formulations may vary with the manufacturer. Uses of the formulas given below are representative examples and are not intended to be comprehensive. Four Major Herbs Combination: ginseng, atractylodes, licorice, hoelen; it is especially useful for weak digestion, poor nutritional status, and chronic fatigue. Ginseng and Astragalus Combination: ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, atractylodes, licorice, tang-kuei, and bupleurum. It is used for hernia, hemorrhoids, general lethargy, and weakened resistance. Ginseng and Tang-Kuei Ten Combination: named for its many benefits to the body; ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, atractylodes, licorice, hoelen, tang-kuei, peony, rehmannia, and cinnamon. Used for anemia, severe fatigue, recovery from childbirth or traumatic injury, and for weak muscles. Ginseng Nutritive Combination: named for its action on all body organs, it is an anti- stress and rebuilding formula for weakened individuals; ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, atractylodes, licorice, tang-kuei, rehmannia, schizandra, polygala, It is used for people displaying multiple symptoms of stress. A modern version is called Shen Gem (Health Concerns). Ginseng and Longan Combination: a calming, blood tonic formula to improve digestion; ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, hoelen, tang-kuei, longan fruit, polygala. This formula is important for those with poor memory, insomnia, and weak digestion. Gecko- A: an invigorating tonic for persons with adrenal exhaustion; ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, atractylodes, licorice, gecko, schizandra, deer antler. Used for people who are exhausted from overwork or stress, for impotence, frequent urination, and backache. Ginseng Antler Pills: an invigorating tonic for impotence, weakness of back and legs, and general debility. Ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, tang-kuei, deer antler, cordyceps. Used to counter effects of aging. Astragalus 10+: a modern combination for people with chronic weakness of the immune system; the formula includes ginseng, astragalus, atractyodes, licorice, schizandra, and ganoderma. Applicable to persons who got frequent colds and flues, and those with chronic viral infections (AIDS, Epstein-Barr, herpes, hepatitis). Wu Chi Pai Feng Wan: one of the most desired formulas for improving energy and normalizing hormone functions in women; ingredients include ginseng, astragalus, tang-kuei, peony, deer antler, licorice, and rehmannia. Especially used for menstrual irregularities, severe fatigue, and dry skin. Note: it is evident from the above formula descriptions that certain herbs are used repeatedly with ginseng, and many of these are described in Appendix 3. Other herbs frequently mentioned here include: tang-kuei, the most frequently used blood tonic; peony, used as a blood tonic with tang-kuei; rehmannia, used as a blood tonic and general restorative; gecko, a lizard that invigorates the hormone functions; schizandra, a small fruit with immune-enhancing and astringent properties; hoelen, a tree fungus that aids digestion; polygala, an herb used for sedative and expectorant properties; and longan, a sweet fruit used to nourish the blood. October 1997 INTRODUCTION | IMMUNE SYSTEM STUDIES | THE HORMONAL SYSTEM | CARDIOVASCULAR IMPACT | THE ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF GINSENG | IN CONCLUSION | BIBLIOGRAPHY | APPENDIX