Psychotropic+Drugs-Ginseng

"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
 * Warning Label: **

Psychotropic herbs are a new class of supplements which are believed to aid in mental function as well as potential weight loss and sports performance (Kreider, 2010). Ginseng is one of these natural psychotropic herbs and is the most popular. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which means that it has an ability to help the body adapt to stress and normalize bodily processes. There are several species of the ginseng plant, they are panax ginseng (chinese ginseng or korean ginseng), american ginseng and red ginseng. When you hear ginseng, they are most likely referring to panax ginseng. It is an immune booster and mind enhancer. The active ingredient in ginseng is ginsenoside which is thought to account for the ergogenic effects (Phillips, 2013).
 * Definition: **



Athletic performance Actoprotective Effect- Proves there is no significant data to prove that ginseng helps with physical performance on its own, but due to data proving improvement of immune functions, that could indirectly help physical performance (decrease HR, decrease post exercise recovery, lactate production) (Oliynyk, 2013). General knowledge is known that when an athlete performs strenuous exercise, immune functions can be suppressed and therefore improving immune function can also improve physical performance in an insignificant way (Engels, 2003). There is no statistical significance that would support ginseng enhancing athletic performance (Wong, 2011).

Ginseng is a natural occurring plant and can be found in the ginseng root. Other sources include:
 * Sources: **
 * Energy drinks are the most common source of ginseng
 * The root can be consumed raw.
 * It can be added to water and boiled down or simply added to soup.
 * You can buy capsules
 * Because it is rapidly growing, it can be found in anything from gum to teas and candy (Phillips, 2013).

It is not recommended for people under the age of 18. It is not recommended to take ginseng if pregnant or breast feeding. It is not recommended for people with cardiac problems. It is not recommended to take during a cold or flu, but to be used for recovery.
 * Recommendations: **

Ginseng can also be bought in capsule form and daily dosage should be between 250 mg to 500 mg. Due to its stimulating properties, it is recommended to be taken earlier in the day. When you are taking any supplement quality is better than quantity due to varying potencies. Ginseng's potency is measured by ginsenoside, and high quality ginseng will contain between four and seven percent. An easy way for a person to know is to look for products containing “whole root” (Phillips, 2013).
 * Usage: **

GInseng should not be taken with MAOIs, which are a class of antidepressants, it can cause manic episodes and/or tremors (Nordqvist, 2013).
 * Warning and Side Effects: **

Ginseng has been proven to alter effects of blood pressure, so it should never be taken with heart medications without a doctor’s consultation. It can also effects blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin and aspirins (Phillips, 2013).

Ginseng can help blood-glucose levels, so people with diabetes (especially those who take insulin) should consult a physician before consuming ginseng (Phillips, 2013).

Side effects of ginseng use include but are not limited to:
 * insomnia
 * bloody noses
 * headaches
 * nervousness
 * diarrhea
 * skin eruptions
 * vomiting
 * elevate heart rate
 * restlessness (Nordqvist, 2013).


 * Ranking: **

** Total Score: 13/20 **

 * References: **

Engels, H., Fahlman, M., Wirth, J. (2003). Effects of ginseng on secretory IgA, performance and recovery from interval exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol 35(4) pg 690-696.

Kreider, B. Richard., et al. (2010). ISSN exercise and sport nutrition review: research and recommendations. Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine. 7:7.

Oliynyk, S., Oh, Seikwan. (2013). Actoprotective effect of ginseng: improving mental and physical performance. Journal of ginseng research vol 37(2), 144-166.

Phillips, S., Johnson, R., et al. Panax Ginseng Nutritional Compound. Retrieved January 9th, 2014 from Nutros.net: [|__http://www.nutros.net/nsr-0200w.html__].

Nordqvist, J. (July 8 ,2013). What is ginseng? What is ginseng used for?. Retrieved January 9th, 2014 from [|__http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262982.php__].

Wong, C., Bandyopadhyay, A., Chen, C. (2011). Effects of Panax ginseng supplementation on physiology responses during endurance performance. Journal of Men’s Health vol 8(1), S78-S80.