Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world. Its various pharmacological benefits are attributed to the existence of bioactive components, ginsenosides. Of more than 150 kinds of ginsenosides that have been identified, ginsenosides Rh2, Rg3, Rh3 and Rk2 are best-known ones.
Ginsenoside Rh2 belongs to rare ginsenosides. Metabolized from prototype ginsenosides, ginsenoside Rh2 is more lipid-soluble and absorbable. There are many health benefits of ginsenoside Rh2.
Fight fatigue and increase energy
Ginseng has long been regarded as a perfect energy booster since thousands of years ago. A study published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science indicated that ginsenoside Rh2 may enhance energy and relieve chronic fatigue by regulating energy metabolism and oxidative response.
Prevent cardiovascular diseases
Ginsenoside Rh2 may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Several studies suggest that ginsenoside Rh2 has anti-oxidant and cardio-protective potential.
For example, one animal study found that ginsenoside Rh2 reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels, and inhibited reactive oxygen species to protect cardiac cells from oxidative damage.
Moreover, another animal study showed that ginsenoside Rh2 delayed thrombosis formation and reduced platelet aggregation.
More clinical studies are needed to consider ginsenoside Rh2 as a possible complementary therapy for cardiovascular diseases.
Lower blood sugar
Many researchers claim that ginsenoside Rh2 may help lower blood sugar and help treat diabetes.
One animal study showed that ginsenoside Rh2 increased insulin production to lower plasma glucose. This indicates that ginsenoside Rh2 may be used as supportive therapy for the promotion of glucose levels.
Improve brain function
The nervous system plays an important role in controlling the brain functions, and ginsenoside Rh2 shows an anti-neuroinflammatory activity to exert neuroprotective effects.
It is reported that ginsenoside Rh2 has the potential to treat neurological disorders, enhance cognitive performance, and help maintain brain health.
Though some studies indicate the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rh2, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm this benefit.
Fight cancer
Ginsenoside Rh2 may have strong anticancer activity and can be used as an anti-tumor drug. Some test-tube studies show that ginsenoside Rh2 can induce apoptosis in various human cancer cells in various pathways, and animal studies reveal that ginsenoside Rh2 can prolong the survival of tumor-bearing treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner.
Specifically, ginsenoside Rh2 may be used to enhance the anticancer activity of chemotherapy drugs and reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapy. The study, published in the journal The Prostate found that a combination of ginsenoside Rh2 or aPPD and the chemotherapy drug Docetaxel exerts synergistic activities in prostate cancer cell lines.
Side effects
Not all side effects of ginsenoside Rh2 are known. Although ginsenoside Rh2 is considered safe to consume, some people may experience insomnia, anxiety or headaches.
Interaction
Ginsenoside Rh2 may alter the effects of blood pressure and diabetes and heart medications. People with diabetes shall never use ginsenoside Rh2 without first consulting a doctor, and heart medication like digoxin should mix.
Also, researchers advise not mixing ginsenoside Rh2 with antidepression medications and blood thinners.
Dosage
Standard doses of ginsenoside Rh2 have not been given by relevant authority for any conditions. Different makers may have different suggested dosage.
Where to buy
Ginsenoside Rh2 supplements are available to purchase on Amazon. REDSENOL, a rare ginsenoside supplement brand, is well-received among consumers on Amazon. The supplement Redsenol-DAG Sublingual Pills contains 8 highly active rare ginsenosides including ginsenoside Rh2, with a high concentration of over 12%. People can take some ginsenoside Rh2 supplement to enhance physical capacity, but always speak to a doctor before taking a new supplement.
