How Does Korean Ginseng Affect the Brain?

Korean ginseng is one of the most popular herbs which have been praised for their medicinal qualities. This herb is an adaptogen that supports adrenals and nervous system, and boosts mental and physical health.

Ginseng root is the main part of the herb, which is used for its medicinal properties in a number of ways to benefit human health. The Asian ginseng was explored over 1000 years ago in the regions of Manchuria and China. In the beginning of 1900s, countries like U.S. and South Korea started commercial cultivation to meet the rising global demand on ginseng. In this article, you are going to learn how Korean ginseng can benefit our brain.

1. Neuroprotective & Cholinergic Effects

Ginseng promotes neuroprotective benefits by improving the health Parts of the brain cells. It also stops neuronal death. Neuroprotection slows down the progression of disease and hinders transformation of preclinical to clinical diagnosis.

Another way in which Korean ginseng promotes neuroprotection is hindrance to neurodegeneration. Neurodegeneration can be an outcome of aging in most of the cases, though there are exceptions as well. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which fight cell death or “apoptosis” of neurons. Apart from these, ginseng reduces inflammation in microglial cells (cells which belong to mononeuclear phagocytic system such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and so on, and present antigens in an MHC-class-II restricted environment). All of these have been proven by a number of studies.

2. Schizophrenia

It has been said that Panax or Korean red ginseng may fight off a couple of symptoms of schizophrenia. Panax ginseng increases the production of endorphins which have a direct and positive impact on the mind of schizophrenic patients. A study was conducted in which patients with Schizophrenia were given Panax ginseng and placebo for 8 weeks. Patients were divided into two groups. Group one stated taking ginseng and the other group was given placebo. After some days, first group was switched to placebo while the second group was switched to ginseng. Results showed that ginseng's impact on reducing the symptoms was intact even when the first group was crossed over to placebo.

3. Parkinson's & Alzheimer's Disease

A review article published in Journal of Ginseng Research has suggested that ginsenosides contained by Korean ginseng extract or root may treat neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other similar diseases.

4. Nerve Growth

Best korean ginseng supplements improve levels of nerve growth and other brain-related neurotrophic factors. These neurochemicals regulate the growth structures in the brain and improve the neuroplasticity as well.

5. Acetylcholine Levels

Korean ginseng improves acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus ( it is a small organ within the medial lobe of human brain) and it impedes the negative effects of acetylcholinesterase (Acetylcholinesterase stops excitation of a nerve after transmission of an impulse) . In this way, it helps memory formation, memory recall, and concentration.

6. Depression and Anxiety

Red ginseng is an adaptogen that influences adrenals and calms you down. It helps regulate the hormonal changes that are usually caused by stress. In this way Korean Red Ginseng fights off stress, depression, and anxiety.

7. Cognition & Mood

Your every action and even your mood is controlled by the brain. Several studies have established that red ginseng can improve cognition and mood. It has been used as an effective cognitive enhancer since years. Ginseng drink and supplements provide you a relaxed but alert state of mind. It has been proven that Korean ginseng is also able to improve learning and thinking process of the human beings.

Final Takeaway

Korean red ginseng is already well-known for its positive impact on brain and nervous system, and has a number of proven benefits. Still, clinical tests are going on to assure Korean ginseng's ability to:

Lower lipoproteins

Reduce risks in the growth of atherosclerosis

Lower glucose level in the blood

We are still awaiting the results of these investigations. But so far the popularity of Korean ginseng is remarkably increasing due to its extraordinary effects on brain related issues.

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4503934/
http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/news/20080508/ginseng-may-help-treat-schizophrenia#1
http://www.ginsengres.org/article/S1226-8453(16)30269-X/pdf