Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng, an
endangered species), Panax repens. Family: Araliaceae American
ginseng, Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, man-root, Schinsent
Ginseng is a very popular herb. A common name for ginseng, "man-
root," because of its humanoid appearance, implies that it has
benefits for the whole body. The medicinal part consists of the
dried main and lateral root and root hairs. Ginseng commonly
refers to Panax quinquefolius L. (American ginseng) or Panax
ginseng C.A. Meyer (Korean ginseng). Siberian Ginseng is derived
from a slightly different family than Panax and is referred to
as Eleutherocossus Senticosus Maxim. Both families of ginseng
share similar chemical constituents. Panax ginseng contains
saponin glycosides that are also known as ginsenosides, whereas
Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides but another class
of compounds called eleutherosides. In all cases, they are
referred to as adaptogens. Medically valid uses Animal studies
have demonstrated that ginse