Title: Ginseng
Additional Names: Panax
Literature References: Root of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey., Araliaceae, a perennial herb indigenous to Eastern Asia, P. quinquefolium L., found in Eastern U.S. and Canada, and P. pseudoginseng Wall, found in India, China and Japan. The biologically active constituents are considered to be a series of saponin glycosides known as ginsenosides, panaxosides or panaquilins. Review of constituents: J. P. Hov, Comp. Med. East West 5, 123-145 (1977). Isoln and identification of ginseng saponin glycosides: S. Shibata et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1962 419; G. B. Elyakov et al., ibid. 1964, 3591; R. Kasai et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 31, 2120 (1983). Chemico-pharmacological study: T. Kaku, Arzneim.-Forsch. 25, 539 (1975). Effect on brain biogenic amines: V. Petkov, ibid. 28, 388 (1978). TLC analysis of saponin content of commercial ginseng products: L. E. Liberti, A. D. Marderosian, J. Pharm. Sci. 67, 1487 (1978). Use in oriental medicine as tonic: K. Chimin Wong, Wu Lien-teh, History of Chinese Medicine (Shanghai, 2nd ed., 1936) 906 pp. Comprehensive review of morphology, cultivation and uses: Baranov, Econ. Bot. 20, 403-406 (1966). Review of chemical constituents: J. P. Hou, Comp. Med. East West 5, 123-145 (1977). Brief reviews: W. E. Court, Pharm. J. 214, 180-181 (1975); B. J. Spalding, Chem. Week 139, 19-21 (1986).
Properties: Sweet, slightly aromatic taste.
Therap-Cat: Tonic. |