Health Benefits of Panax Ginseng - Can It Help Sexually?
Panax Ginseng is an adaptogen that has been in use for many years in India and Asia as a traditional medicine to treat various ailments. But does this adaptogen support sexual health? It’s time to find out!
What is Panax Ginseng?
Panax ginseng is an Asian plant native to China, Korea, Japan, and parts of Siberia, meaning that the plant is of three types depending on the origin. Panax ginseng root is commonly used as a natural remedy in traditional Chinese medicine.
However, apart from ginseng from Siberian the rest are packed with pharmacologically active components known as ginsenosides credited for providing health benefits.
Panax ginseng is an adaptogen found in herbal medicines and dietary supplements which has been linked to a number of health benefits including improving stress resistance, increasing vitality, enhancing cognition, and reducing mental fatigue.
Some studies have linked a number of psychological and physiological causes of erectile dysfunction. Health issues like stress, mental fatigue, and low energy have been found to affect the quality of sex. But are Korean panax ginseng benefits for male sexual enhancement claims true?
According to Dr. Brandon Crawford, D.C., a board-certified functional neurologist and co-founder of Neuro Solution Center of Austin in Texas, Panax ginseng has shown cognitive improvement, especially during mental fatigue which is crucial for sexual function.
Also, Panax ginseng root extract has been studied and found to be effective in reducing stress, improving endurance, and increasing alertness which are crucial for better bedroom performance.
A research involving 60 men with erectile dysfunction was conducted. The 60 participants were treated using Korean red ginseng for 12 weeks. Marked improvement in erectile function including erection maintenance, penetration, and rigidity was reported.
Difference Between White and Red Ginseng
Asian panax ginseng is sometimes referred to as white panax ginseng or red panax ginseng and each offers diverse health benefits. That is probably why you will see different names on the label of ginseng supplements.
However, it is worth noting that red ginseng or white ginseng does not mean that the extracts are from different ginseng plants. These terms refer to different extraction methods applied to obtain the compounds from the roots of the ginseng plant.
For instance, Korean white ginseng preparation is done by drying while Korean red panax ginseng extract is prepared using a water extraction to remove the volatiles followed by a concentration process.
Both Korean panax ginseng preparation methods utilize six-year plants whose roots are dug up, washed, and steamed before water concentration of drying.
How Does Panax Ginseng Work to Improve Sexual Function for Men?
Panax ginseng is packed with a wide range of bioactive components with ginsenosides as the main active compounds responsible for the herb’s pharmacological effects. The type of ginsenosides in a ginseng plant and their concentration may vary depending on the preparation and extraction method.
Panax ginseng extract also contains other active compounds such as fatty acids, polyacetylenic alcohols, peptides, polysaccharides, phytosterols, and polyacetylenes which also contribute to the herb’s general therapeutic properties. But does panax ginseng benefit sexually?
Panax ginseng extract has shown the ability to improve sexual function in men through different mechanisms. For instance, the extract has been linked to stress reduction which is vital in arousing sexual desire and boosting sexual drive.
According to Dr. Lee Fang Jann, a Urologist, Panax ginseng can help to enhance nitric oxide production, improving blood flow to the penis and helping with ED. It also acts as an adaptogen, helping the body manage stress, which may lead to overall improved sexual health.
A research study in Phytomedicine Journal notes that Panax ginseng demonstrated substantial association with various sexual domains including sexual desire and sexual arousal in both men and women.
Also, panax ginseng for libido benefits has been investigated and the results show that it can help in boosting libido and energy through a fatigue reduction mechanism.
A research publication in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology looked into the effect of red ginseng supplementation on libido and sexual function.
Panax ginseng's testosterone benefits have also been studied and according to the findings, the compound can help boost the production of testosterone in the body crucial for the body’s overall performance.
A study published in Spermato Genesis Journal, notes that supplementation of Panax ginseng was responsible for the increment of serum testosterone levels and copulatory behavior improvement.
What Are The Sex Support Benefits of Panax Ginseng?
Benefits of Panax Ginseng
While most of the published clinical studies on the benefits of Panax ginseng on sexual dysfunction and the body’s well-being are small, the results suggested may still offer valuable insights into the potential health benefits of this herb in the treatment of various health concerns including sexual health issues.
Panax ginseng has been shown to offer varied sex support benefits. Some of the benefits of Panax ginseng for sex support are discussed below:
Improving blood circulation
Proper blood flow in the entire body system is crucial for well function of different body organs. Men are able to experience firm and long-lasting erections if there is adequate and proper blood circulation in the penile chamber.
Panax ginseng is one of the medicinal herbs believed to support healthy and proper blood flow, crucial for a firm erection.
According to a publication in the Journal of Ginseng Research, ginseng contains pharmacological and biochemical activities beneficial for controlling blood pressure and improving blood circulation.
Better mental function
Panax ginseng has also been studied and found to have the ability to support mental function. Supplementation of this compound has been linked to a reduction in stress and mental fatigue. It helps the body to ward off fatigue.
Stress, depression, and mental fatigue have been associated with sexual dysfunction, meaning that mental stability is crucial for better bedroom performance.
According to a study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research, ginseng may help stimulate the formation of blood vessels and also improve blood circulation in the brain, thus improving cognitive abilities.
Mood improvement
Panax ginseng is one of the medicinal herbs found to have a positive effect on mood. Mood swings are a condition found to have a negative effect on sexual health.
Emotions can affect sexual behavior either by weakening or strengthening sexual arousal and sexual desire feelings.
Being in a good mood may help arouse sexual desire and also boost sex drive, meaning that it is a crucial element for quality sex.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics notes has revealed that Panax ginseng can help maintain natural energy, and mental and physical abilities, improve mood, and promote the body’s general well-being.
Boost endurance
It is the dream of every man to last long and stay in power during sexual intercourse. Endurance is one of the aspects that can help improve sexual function.
Panax ginseng extract ultra strength has been found to have an effect on stamina and strength, which can elevate your endurance and the body’s overall performance.
According to a study in the Molecule Journal, red ginseng can help improve exercise endurance, making it an ideal compound for supporting skeletal muscle function.
Safety and Side Effects
Panax ginseng's side effects have been studied and a number of researches have linked the herb extract or a number of health issues. However, short-term intake of Panax ginseng is considered safe for the majority of people without causing any serious adverse effects.
On the other hand, long-term use has been found to negatively affect the body. A research study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology examined the effects of long-term use of the Panax ginseng supplement. The results indicated that the subjects under the study exhibited side effects like redness, ulcers, and fever.
Panax ginseng extract has also been linked to other mild side effects like an increase in heart rate, headache, dizziness, rash, elevated blood pressure, and diarrhea. However, these side effects are said to be less common.
A publication in Drug Safety has revealed that the most common side effects of taking Panax ginseng extract are headache, gastrointestinal, and sleep disorders.
However, not everyone who uses the Panax ginseng supplement is bound to experience these side effects because people's health needs are different and people also react differently to supplements.
It is also worth noting that panax ginseng is likely to react with other medications the reason why health experts recommend consulting with your doctor first before committing to any ginseng supplement.
Dosage and How to Take It?
Panax ginseng doses vary depending on the form. The amount taken in capsule form may vary from that taken in powder. The dose for panax red ginseng extract liquid may also differ from the other forms.
However, according to health experts, consuming 200 mg - 400 mg per day is considered safe. For treatment that focuses on libido enhancement and erectile health, 3mg of Panax ginseng dosage daily divided into three doses of 1gm each is recommended.
FAQs
Does Panax Ginseng Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Various studies have been conducted to establish the effect of Panax ginseng on erectile dysfunction. One research published in the World Journal of Men’s Health notes that supplementation of Panax ginseng showed the potential of improving sperm quality.
A 2018 meta-analysis involving 28 studies on Panax ginseng found that the herb can effectively treat erectile dysfunction.
Another study published in the Cochrane Database Review System showed that panax ginseng had a minor effect on erectile dysfunction and also no significant sexual arousal or desire was noted.
Does Panax Ginseng Increase Testosterone?
According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Food, Panax ginseng has been studied and found to be a potent androgen with the ability to increase testosterone levels, promote gonadotropins secretion from the pituitary gland, and luteinizing hormone.
Can Panax Ginseng Help Men Perform Better in Bed?
Panax ginseng has been studied and found to benefit sexual function apart from providing other extra benefits.
The majority of men with erectile dysfunction (impotence) are said to have benefited from Panax ginseng supplementation which is claimed to help them maintain a firm and lasting erection enabling them to perform better in the bedroom.
How Long Does it Take for Panax Ginseng to Work?
A number of studies have shown that taking Panax ginseng for 4 weeks can give noticeable results. Extended use of this substance beyond 4 weeks may decrease its efficiency in the body.
According to a research study in Annals of Pharmacotherapy, intake of Panax ginseng for 2-3 week cycle2 with 1-2 breaks in between showed maximum benefits.
Who Should Not Take Panax Ginseng?
While panax ginseng has been linked to a number of health benefits, it is said to be off-limit to some individuals. According to various studies, people with bleeding conditions should not take Panax ginseng.
Those with high blood pressure and heart condition are also not advised to take Panax ginseng without first consulting with their doctor because the herb has been found to affect blood pressure (hypertension and hypotension) as well as heart rhythm.
Individuals with bipolar disorder should also avoid taking ginseng because it is likely to accelerate the risk of mania.
A research publication in Drug and Lactation Database notes that due to a lack of sufficient studies, Panax ginseng should not be used by children, expectant, and breastfeeding individuals.
When is the Best Time to Take Panax Ginseng Supplement?
According to various studies, participants who consumed Panax ginseng showed to full benefits and better absorption when consumed before meals.
How Much Panax Ginseng Should I Take Per Day?
How much panax ginseng per day consumption depends on the form. Whether you are taking it in powder, capsules, or liquid form? When taking it as a capsule the dosage should range between 100-600 mg per day.
However, according to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, panax ginseng administered at 500 mg per day is considered safe and effective
If you are a starter, health experts recommend starting with lower doses and increasing slowly with time until you reach the recommended dose per day.
Is Panax Ginseng Safe?
Panax ginseng is generally considered safe if taken in the right doses. However, this does not mean that it doesn’t have side effects. According to a publication in the Medicines Journal, supplementation of Panax ginseng showed mild and temporary symptoms with no severe side effects.
According to various studies, Panax ginseng should be taken for 4-6 months because long-term use of this compound can cause harm to your health. Some of the side effects associated with long-term use of ginseng panax include trouble sleeping, severe rash, severe allergic reaction, and liver damage.
Conclusion
Health Benefits of Panax Ginseng
While studies on the best panax ginseng are still limited, Korean panax ginseng benefits for men which have been explored cannot be ignored.
There are plenty of positive Korean panax ginseng reviews an indication that the plant extract has immense health benefits worth exploring. Through various studies, the supplement has exhibited its ability to treat and manage a number of health conditions including sexual health issues.
On supporting sexual health, panax ginseng extract has been found to enhance libido, elevate mood, reduce stress and mental fatigue, improve circulation, and boost endurance.
While these sexual health claims may be true to some extent, extensive research is still required before this adaptogen can be fully suggested for treating and managing sexual dysfunctions in humans.
If you are planning to add panax ginseng supplement to your daily health regimen, our advice is that you first consult with a healthcare provider to help you determine the best panax ginseng that can fit into your health routine and help you achieve optimal health benefits. To explore the benefits of another potent natural ingredient, read our article on Tongkat Ali Health Benefits