Panax ginseng
Korean ginseng
Panax ginseng, commonly known as Asian ginseng, is a revered medicinal herb celebrated for its adaptogenic properties. Traditionally used in Eastern medicine to combat fatigue, enhance cognitive function, and boost immunity, this potent root is highly valued for its ability to restore balance and promote overall vitality and well-being.
- Scientific name: Panax ginseng
- Family: Araliaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Apiales and the family Araliaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its membership in the genus Panax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Araliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Panax | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Panax ginseng, is recognized by several different common names across various languages and regions. In Hungarian, it is referred to as ginzeng, while in Malay, it is called Akar som. In Latvian, the plant is known as Parastais žeņšeņs, and in Italian, it is simply called Panax. Additionally, in Galician, it is commonly referred to as Ginseng.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hu | ginzeng | Wikidata |
| ms | Akar som | Wikidata |
| lv | Parastais žeņšeņs | Wikidata |
| it | Panax | Wikidata |
| gl | Ginseng | Wikidata |
| et | Harilik ženšenn | Wikidata |
| id | Ginseng Korea | Wikidata |
| ml | ജിൻസെങ് | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Sâm | Wikidata |
| tk | Ženşen | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions within Eastern Asia. In the Russian Far East, it can be found growing in the Khabarovsk and Primorye territories. Its range extends into China, specifically throughout the Manchuria and China North-Central regions. Additionally, the species is widely recognized as being native to Korea. Together, these locations define the specific ecological niche where this medicinal species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Far East | Khabarovsk | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Primorye | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Panax ginseng, is a perennial herb characterized by a distinct morphological structure. The most pharmacologically significant part is the fleshy, perennial root, which often develops a bifurcated shape resembling a human figure. These primary roots serve as the main storage organ for active ginsenosides. Above the ground, the plant features several large, palmate leaves that grow in a whorled arrangement. Each individual leaf typically consists of multiple leaflets branching from a central point. Furthermore, the plant can develop adventitious roots that emerge from the stem or nodes, contributing to its complex underground network.- Total parts
- 87
- Scientific sources
- 242
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 41 | ★★★★★ |
| roots | 35 | ★★★★★ |
| leaves | 19 | ★★★★★ |
| adventitious roots | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| leaf | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| stems | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| stem | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| ginseng roots | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| hairy roots | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| hairy root | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Chemicals
Panax ginseng has 526 reported phytochemicals identified across 1418 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ginsenosides, ginsenoside, ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1, Rb1.
- Total chemicals
- 526
- Scientific sources
- 1418
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ginsenosides | 132 | ★★★★★ |
| ginsenoside | 39 | ★★★★★ |
| ginsenoside Rb1 | 38 | ★★★★★ |
| Rg1 | 36 | ★★★★★ |
| Rb1 | 35 | ★★★★★ |
| saponins | 32 | ★★★★★ |
| Re | 25 | ★★★★★ |
| Rd | 24 | ★★★★★ |
| Ginsenosides | 23 | ★★★★★ |
| saponin | 21 | ★★★★★ |
Activities
Panax ginseng has 55 reported activities identified across 192 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, Anticancer, Antitumor, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 55
- Scientific sources
- 192
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 30 | ★★★★★ |
| Neuroprotective | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| Antitumor | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Antimicrobial | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Aphrodisiac | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Panax ginseng has 373 reported medicinal uses identified across 736 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, oxidative stress, Alzheimer's disease, depression, fatigue.
- Total uses
- 373
- Scientific sources
- 736
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 27 | ★★★★★ |
| oxidative stress | 21 | ★★★★★ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| depression | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| fatigue | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| inflammation | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| hyperlipidemia | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| obesity | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| hypertension | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| cognitive impairment | 9 | ★★★★☆ |