This legendary plant, especially the goddess in the East, has many species, although our focus will be primarily on C.A. Meyer (named after the Russian botanist who classified it in 1842). This type of ginseng, grown in Korea and with its characteristic red color, has great pharmacological potential.

Ripe ginseng contains the following substances:

• ginsenosides (saponins),
• betatasitosterol,
• ginsenin (weakly sympathomimetic)
• Panaxin (essential oil)
• crimson acid (fatty acid)
• vitamins AEK and all Bs,
• fructose,
• maltose,
• sucrose,
• maltol,
• sodium,
• calcium,
• potassium,
• vanadium,
• silicon,
• germanium,
• magnesium,
• sulfur,
• copper,
• phosphorus,
• aluminum,
• iron,
• zinc,
• manganese,
• cobalt,
• starch,
• slime,
• tannin,
• oils, resins and hormonal substances
• Smile.

Most scientists argue that the plant’s therapeutic potential is mainly associated with ginsenoids, with carbohydrate molecules combined with alcohol or phenol, which in any case act synergistically with other substances present.

The most important effects on the central nervous system. Ginseng reduces the latent time of nerve reflexes, optimizes the transmission of nerve impulses and enhances conditioned reflexes. But the effects on the subject are highly dependent on the initial state of his nervous system; indeed, the tuber has been shown to have an extraordinary ability, unknown in all drugs or Western pharmaceuticals, to be both sedative and stimulant.

To understand how this happens, it is necessary to explain that ginsenoids can be classified into more than ten subclassifications, which, in turn, can be grouped into two main classes: the first, called Rb, has sedative activity, and the second, called Rg they are stimulating. In short, ginseng behaves like an adaptogen, which, depending on the pathological condition of the patient, uses its sedative or stimulating properties, which leads to an optimal level of body functions. It also increases resistance to heat, cold, radiation and various poisonings; prevents or eliminates damage caused by alcohol or other harmful substances to the liver.

Ginseng appears to work by reducing feelings of fatigue, increasing psychomotor activity and focus, and helping to restore physical and mental performance after exertion.

Researchers Ganzit, Gribaudo, and Wyss set out to evaluate the effect of ginseng delivery on the standard parameters of highly skilled athletic performance: maximum aerobic power, maximum power and maximum anaerobic capacity, blood lactic acid levels. aerobic capacity and on a treadmill to measure maximum anaerobic capacity. The selected speed was 12 km / h and the incline was 20%. All tests were carried out on different days, in the morning, under controlled temperature, humidity and pressure conditions. Each subject completed three series of tests:

• after the administration of a placebo;
• without the administration of any substance;
• after the administration of pure ginseng extract.

Scientists have achieved the following results:

• the values ​​of the maximum aerobic power have not changed;
• Maximum anaerobic power and mechanical index were increased by 14% and 26%, respectively, in the ginseng group compared to tests from the other two groups.
• Blood lactic acid levels compared to an ergometer test was significantly lower in the ginseng group.

The researchers concluded that increases in anaerobic strength and mechanical performance index were associated with increased neuromuscular efficiency. Bodybuilding, known to be an anaerobic sport, can thus achieve the undeniable benefits of this plant, thanks in part to the fact that accredited researchers have shown its ability to significantly increase protein production by up to 14%, while strengthening cell alignment and increasing cytoplasmic density.

According to Dr. Robert Haas, daily intake for sports activities ranges from one to five grams.