Immunity Benefits of Ginseng

It has been traditionally thought that ginseng enhances the immune system, and helps protect the body from infectious diseases. Recent research in both humans and animals supports this belief.

Influenza:

Two randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trials published in the American Journal of Geriatrics (2004) found that an aqueous extract of American ginseng significantly reduced the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza in elderly people. The studies found that American ginseng stimulated the production of T-lymphocytes in spleen cells.

Canadian research (2005) found that a moderate dose of American ginseng root extract over a 4 month period significantly reduced the mean number of colds (0.68 vs 0.93); the proportion of people who experience two or more colds (10% vs 22.8%); the severity of symptoms (score 77.5 vs 112.5); and the number of days cold symptoms were reported (10.8 vs 16.5). 130 people took ginseng and 149 took placebo in this randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which commenced at the start of the influenza season.

General immunity:

Another US study in mice found that American ginseng activated macrophages in the abdominal cavity, leading to increased production of interleukin-1, interleukin-6, TNF alpha and nitric oxide, and therefore improved cell-mediated immunity. It also significantly increased interleukin (produced by white blood cells to regulate immunity) production in mice in a dose dependent manner.

Borchers et al, in the International Journal of Immunotherapy (1998), found that American ginseng extract significantly stimulated lymphocyte proliferation on 20 volunteers in vitro. Interestingly, this researcher found that one brand of American ginseng had little effect, nor did the Korean ginseng tested.

A Japanese study found that polysaccharides in American ginseng increased the production of various interleukins, and appeared to do this using at least two different mechanisms.

Swedish and Chinese research (both in 2005) found that when ginsenoside Rb1 is added to pig and chicken vaccines, the short and long term antibody response is increased.

Please note:
Use only as directed. Always read the label. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

Ginseng - Australian grown American Ginseng root | American Ginseng 500 capsules

Influenza:

General immunity: