Recently, several studies have established that Ginseng root stimulates physical and mental activity, improves the endocrine function of the gland, and has beneficial effects on the sex glands. For this reason, Ginseng is considered an aphrodisiac, especially when sexual desire is lost.
GENERIC NAME(S): Ginseng, Korean Ginseng Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root, Asian Ginseng
Ginseng use as medicine from 3,000 years ago. Ginseng The word comes from the Chinese term “Renshen,” meaning “human root” for the forked shape similar to a small man’s body. The word Panax comes from the Latin word “panacea”, which is a remedy for every disease and refers to the properties of adaptogenic herbs with a variety of active ingredients that balance the entire human organism.
Panax ginseng contains many active substances. The substances thought to be most important are called ginsenosides or panaxosides. Ginsenosides is the term coined by Asian researchers, and early Russian researchers chose the term panaxosides. Panax ginseng is often referred to as a general well-being medication because it affects many different body systems.
Benefit of Ginseng
Ginseng has been used for improving overall health. It has also been used to strengthen the immune system and help fight off stress and disease. There are different types of ginseng. Asian ginseng (from Chinese and Korean sources) has been used for unclear thinking, diabetes, and male erectile dysfunction. American ginseng has been used for diabetes and for reducing the risk of the common cold and flu. Siberian ginseng has been used to reduce the risk of colds and flu and reduce the severity of herpes simplex virus type 2 infections.
Ginseng for sexual dysfunction
In Asia, ginseng is commonly included in herbals used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Recent studies in laboratory animals have shown that Asian and American ginseng forms enhance libido and copulatory performance. These ginseng effects may not be due to hormone secretion changes but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. Indeed, there is good evidence that ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of the penile corpus cavernosum. Moreover, ginseng effects on the corpus cavernosum appear to be mediated by the release and modification of the release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and perivascular nerves. Treatment with American ginseng also affects the central nervous system. It has been shown to significantly alter hypothalamic catecholamines’ activity involved in the facilitation of copulatory behavior and hormone secretion. Recent findings that ginseng treatment decreased prolactin secretion also suggested a direct nitric oxide-mediated effect of ginseng at the anterior pituitary level. Thus, animal studies lend growing support for the use of ginseng in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and provide increasing evidence for the role of nitric oxide in the mechanism of ginsenoside action.
Does Ginseng help with erectile dysfunction?
The erection of the virile member occurs due to a relaxation of the smooth muscle of the penis caused by an impulse of the nervous system. However, the increase in nitric oxide (NO), a natural vasodilator, also promotes the blood supply to the penis muscle. This substance’s production requires the amino acid L-arginine, which acts as a precursor, and of an enzymatic catalyst, nitric oxide synthase. Therefore, adequate L-arginine consumption through diet and supplementation and the intake of plants that stimulate NO synthesis are winning strategies to counter erectile dysfunction. Scientific research shows that L-arginine supplementation is effective and safe in patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
Ginseng is an excellent source of energy and a vasodilator that improves the quality of erections in men because it promotes the release of nitric oxide and good circulation.
As for plants, although dozens of species traditionally used as natural aphrodisiacs in different cultures and countries have been studied, the supporting scientific evidence is not equally valid for each of them. In erectile dysfunction, remarkable results have been obtained with Panax ginseng and some herbal combinations containing maca, ginseng, or Tribulus.
What is Aphrodisiac? Ginseng and Viagra
An aphrodisiac must also increase sexual desire and pleasure and improve performance: which is why the products on the market, such as Viagra, are simply drugs and not aphrodisiacs!
Aphrodisiacs act on two aspects:
- on the mind, to stimulate sexual desire: a true aphrodisiac stimulates the body to produce chemical compounds associated with Sexual desire;
- On certain parts of the body to stimulate sexual activity: a true aphrodisiac can increase blood flow, especially in the genital areas; some aphrodisiacs also seem to increase the production of hormones responsible for increasing libido.
Aphrodisiac Action on Ginseng
- Ginseng has a tonic and energetic action on the whole organism. Ginseng contains ginsenosides that improve physical performance, giving the body vitality and energy. The result of Ginseng can stimulate sexual desire and functions.
- Ginseng also affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland axis, increasing the levels of corticosteroids in the bloodstream. This process results in an increase in vitality and a greater sense of well-being, including increased sexual pleasure.
- From the physiological point of view, Ginseng increases the blood flow in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, which partially explains the aphrodisiac effect of this plant.
Ginseng increase libido
But sex is more than just penis erection. This intimate relationship is influenced by sexual desire, the level of hormones and the correct functioning of the nervous system, physical resistance, and the integration of olfactory, tactile and mental stimuli.
Traditional medicine has also focused on the aphrodisiac power of damiana ( Turnera diffuse ), and preliminary studies suggest that the flavonoids, caffeine, and arbutin present in a concentrated extract can improve sexual desire promote post-ejaculation recovery.
And if the desired goal is to reduce fatigue and increase prowess, a sure answer is Panax ginseng. Animal studies have shown that Korean ginseng promotes libido and performance during intercourse and has an anti-inflammatory action even in older men with prostatitis.
Some natural ginseng components, called ginsenosides, increase libido because they have a similar effect to testosterone.
How to use Ginseng?
Since ginseng may cause trouble sleeping, please do not take it near bedtime. Ginseng should not be used for long periods. Asian ginseng should not be used for more than three months, and Siberian ginseng should not be used for more than 2 months at a time. American ginseng has been used for up to 1 month, although certain extract products have been used for up to 4 months. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about your product and how to use it safely.
Ginseng: side effects
Do not use too high doses (risk of diarrhea, sometimes hypertension). Do not take with substances that excite at the same time. Reduce the dosage in case of ultra stimulation (then gradually increase). To be avoided in case of significant heart problems because Ginseng could increase the risk of hypertension and increase heart palpitations (when taken in high doses or when mixed with other stimulants such as black coffee or black tea). Finally, pay attention to the risks of consuming Ginseng with other drugs, especially those with anticoagulant effects.
The recommended amount to obtain benefits varies from 0.5 to 3 grams per day. You can consume ginseng as an infusion, grated, or as an ingredient in your recipes. Don’t forget that an overdose could cause:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Changes in the mood
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, webmd.com