Stress is a common emotional reflection that helps us keep alert as a self-defense against dangers or difficult situations. However, beyond a certain point, it will cause some health problems like sleep disorder, loss of appetite, and poor cognition. Severely, long-term chronic stress will lead to diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problem.
Adaptogen herbs may help relieve stress. Adaptogens have stimulating properties to help reduce the harmful effects of stress, thus enhancing the resistance to stress. Ginseng is one of the well-known adaptogens that have been reported to help relieve mental and physical fatigue related to stress.
A new research found that Korean red ginseng has adaptogenic benefits in reducing the harmful consequences of stress. The study was conducted by scientists published in the Journal of Ginseng Research.
“Ginseng like Panax ginseng, Korean red ginseng, etc. can help increase energy and resistance to stress. This might be related to its adaptogen effects. We conducted a clinical trial to examine the adaptogenic effects of Korean red ginseng and its active ingredients, ginsenosides,” noted study author J.H. Baek.
In the double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 63 people were recruited, including nurses and firefights who works in the high-stress environment. They were randomly treated with Korean red ginseng and placebo for 6 weeks.
The researchers used the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Quotient Inventory, both of which use self-assessment, to measure the degree of individually perceived stress. After 6 weeks, they compared the perceived stress levels, cognitive functions, and biological markers ( blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability).
The study results showed that triglyceride levels were significantly increased and the epinephrine level was decreased in Korean red ginseng group, and the triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease, suggesting that Korean red ginseng may have adaptogen effects to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, Korean red ginseng was also found to improve cognition in individuals with high stress.
People who suffer from stress can take some Korean red ginseng supplements. Korean red ginseng, prepared from heated Panax ginseng, contains high amounts of ginsenosides including ginsenosides Rh2 and Rg3, and it is ginsenosides contained in Korean red ginseng that have strong active activities. For this reason, products contained a high concentration of ginsenosides are best options for users.
The well-known ginsenosides include Rh2, Rg3, Rk2, Rh3 and aPPD. The products with multiple ginsenosides are currently available on the Amazon. Always remember to consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplements.