Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) is an herbaceous plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for a wide variety of preventative purposes. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and is the most widely used species within the Panax genus for medicinal purposes.[4] The roots of the plant, typically harvested in early autumn from mature specimens aged at least 4 years, are the primary source of bioactive compounds and are usually the parts used in supplements.[5]
While there are 13 identified species of ginseng, the two most prevalent in supplements and the food industry are Panax ginseng, grown in China and Korea, and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), grown in regions of the United States and Canada. Panax ginseng supplements are often used to enhance mood, cognition, and immune function. Ginseng is also used as an ingredient in food and edible products (e.g., chewing gums, candies, and coffee).[6]
It is essential to distinguish genuine Panax ginseng from other herbal products marketed under the name of ginseng. Notably, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, also known as eleuthero), Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia paniculata), and Indian ginseng (ashwagandha) are among the commercially available alternatives that do not originate from the Panax genus. Although they carry similar names, they do not contain the same bioactive compounds, and therefore they have completely different mechanisms of action and effects.[6]