Ginseng has been used for many centuries to enhance vitality and
increase energy levels. The main ingredients are substances known as
ginsenosides which have been shown in research studies to increase stamina and
enhance learning abilities. Researchers in Japan reported that ginseng contains
a biologically active Nerve Growth Factor-like immunoreactive substance.
Nerve Growth Factor is a substance necessary for the growth of neurons and has
gained special attention in the case of Alzheimer’s disease where neurons are
damaged selectively.
Even more precious than the ginseng plant itself are the ruby-red berries of the
ginseng plant.
The ginseng plant must grow for at least three or four years before its berries are mature and ready for picking. Each plant produces only a small number of berries and within each berry lies the carefully nurtured seeds. Because each berry contains only a small drop of vital fluid, they must be handled with the utmost care as the juice is extracted.
Research shows that the extract of the rare ginseng berry helps increase physical stamina, increase blood supply to the brain which enhances concentration, slows down degeneration of the cells, decreases blood sugar levels, calms the nerves and helps treat chronic fatigue syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Chicago recently reported that ginseng berry extract holds real promise for treating diabetes and obesity. Their study shows that “the extract completely normalized blood glucose levels, improved sensitivity to insulin, lowered cholesterol levels and decreased weight by reducing appetite and increasing activity levels.” The key ginsenoside found in ginseng berry appears to be ginsenoside Re, a substance that could potentially create an entire new class of anti-diabetic medications.
Another study conducted by Dr. Anton Kirchdorfer showed that ginseng berry enhances sports performance. 30 athletes were tested using a pre-programmed exercise machine to ensure a specific level of muscle work. Their heart rate was measured before, immediately following and several minutes after the eight-minute exercise. Before administration of ginseng berry, the athletes’ heart rates more than doubled from about 70 to 155 beats per minute (bpm). After taking ginseng berry for 9 weeks, pulse rates increased to only 140 instead of 155 bpm.
Lactate, a substance that causes muscular pain after exercise, was also measured during these tests. Before ginseng berry intake, the lactate levels of the athletes increased from 2.0 (before exercise) to 10.5 (after exercise). Following the ginseng berry administration, lactate acid levels only reached 6.2 — at their highest point — and decreased to normal after 20 minutes. Thus, this study concluded that these athletes were using oxygen much more efficiently after taking ginseng berry.
