FUNCTION related to ATHEROSCLEROSIS (as is most
erectile dysfunction in men age 60 and older).
There is also likely a preventive effect against
embolytic STROKEand HEART ATTACK.
For most people, health experts consider ginkgo
biloba safe at recommended doses. Because ginkgo
biloba affects blood clotting, people who are having
surgery should let their surgeons and anesthesiolo-
gists know they are taking it. The doctor may ask
the person to stop taking the supplement for a
week or two before the surgery and for a period of
time after the surgery, until HEALINGis adequate to
end the risk for postoperative bleeding. People who
take ANTICOAGULANT THERAPY(including ASPIRIN THER-
APY) should talk with their doctors before taking
ginkgo, as it may intensify the anticlotting effect.
Gingko biloba also affects INSULINproduction and
sensitivity, which may improve prediabetes and
noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes though can
interfere with ANTIDIABETES MEDICATIONSand INSULIN
THERAPYin people who have insulin-dependent dia-
betes (type 1 or type 2).
GINKGO BILOBAUses Risks/Side Effects Interactions
RAYNAUD’S excessive bleeding anticoagulants
SYNDROME elevated BLOOD antihypertensives
INTERMITTENT PRESSURE thiazide diuretics
CLAUDICATION trazodone
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR prochlorperazine
DISEASE(PVD) ASPIRIN THERAPY
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
CORONARY ARTERY
DISEASE(CAD)
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
See also ANTI-AGING APPROACHES; ARTERY; INSULIN
RESISTANCE; LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH.
ginseng A botanical product prepared from the
root of the ginseng plant. There are two major
varieties of ginseng, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). As
well, there are dozens of subvarieties within each.
Asian ginseng, also called Chinese or Korean gin-
seng, is indigenous to the Asian continent. Ameri-
can ginseng, also called North American ginseng,
grows naturally on the North American continent.
The designation “Panax ginseng” refers to the
major varieties and their subvarieties collectively;
“Panax ginseng” with both words italicized refers to
Asian ginseng. The herb commonly called Siberian
ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosusor Acanthopanax
senticosus) is not true ginseng but rather a “look-
alike” botanical cousin that has a different chemi-
cal composition and different effects as an herbal
remedy. Ginseng is sold as a dietary supplement in
the United States and available in various forms
without a doctor’s prescription.Panax Ginseng
The varieties ofPanaxginseng include differing
amounts of three major kinds of chemicals- ginsenosides, which function as mild stimulants
to sharpen mental focus and possibly improve
cognitive function and memory - panaxans, which may improve INSULINsensitiv-
ity - polysaccharides, complex sugar molecules that
aid IMMUNE SYSTEMfunctions
PANAXGINSENG
Uses Risks/Side Effects Interactions
mental clarity insomnia loop diuretics
and focus excitability CAFFEINE
memory improvement
IMMUNE SYSTEM
support
aphrodisiac
INSULIN RESISTANCE
type 2 DIABETESThe color of ginseng, red or white, reflects the
kind of processing method used in its preparation.
Medicinal preparations use only the ginseng root.
Red ginseng is steam processed, which preserves
more of the natural ginsenosides. White ginseng is
sun dried. Herbalists consider red ginseng more
potent than white ginseng. Most people take gin-
seng for improved mental alertness, and for its
IMMUNE RESPONSE properties. Ginseng also has
gained popularity as an aphrodisiac, likely as a
result of its mild STIMULANTeffect. Some research
studies support the claimed benefits of sharpened
mental focus and improved cognitive function,
especially when taken in combination with GINKGOginseng 71