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Herbs & Supplements
Anchi
Scientific Name: American Ginseng
Other Names: Canadian Ginseng, Five Fingers, Ginseng, American, North American Ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Red Berry, Ren Shen
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Uses
NOTE: American ginseng is different from Panax ginseng and Eleuthero (formerly Siberian ginseng). They are not interchangeable.
American ginseng has not been studied as extensively as Panax (Asian) ginseng, but in general, ginsengs are considered to be adaptogens, or substances that may help individuals adjust to physical and emotional stress. Recently, results from two small studies of adults have shown that taking American ginseng may reduce some cold and flu symptoms. In both studies, some participants took two capsules of American ginseng each day for 4 months. Other participants took placebo capsules that looked identical but did not contain any active ingredient. Generally, individuals who took American ginseng had fewer colds and those who got colds had milder symptoms that lasted shorter times than individuals who took the placebos.
American ginseng may have several other significant effects in the body. For example, in small studies of humans, taking American ginseng has appeared to lower blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Non-diabetic study participants also experienced reductions in blood sugar levels, although their reductions were smaller than those seen in individuals with diabetes. Results from one small study in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed that American ginseng combined with ginkgo biloba may help to control disruptive behavior associated with ADHD. In animal studies, American ginseng appeared to produce anti-anxiety effects, as well. American ginseng has also been found in animal and laboratory studies to protect nerve cells from damage caused by a lack of oxygen. In humans, this effect could help prevent or limit impairment from strokes and nerve-damaging conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. None of these potential effects have been studied well enough to recommend the use of American ginseng to treat any of these conditions, however.
American ginseng is thought to have estrogen-like components that ordinarily would be expected to worsen hormone-dependent conditions such as some types of breast cancer. Laboratory studies, though, have shown that it actually may have a cancer-fighting effect for certain types of breast cancer cells. Both the methods used to process American ginseng and possible fungal contamination may contribute to its potential estrogenic effects. Further studies of American ginseng's possible use as add-on therapy for breast cancer and investigations of its potential to relieve symptoms of menopause are underway.
Frequently, American ginseng is added to sports supplements and beverages that are promoted to increase physical performance. In small studies, however, products containing American ginseng did not show any benefit over placebo (inactive supplements) for athletes who took it.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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Who is this for? 
