Ginseng Article taken from the NOW® website on 5/21/01

GINSENG HISTORY The value of ginseng has been reported in the Orient for over 4,000 years. The earliest Chinese book, by Emperor Shen-ung, regarded ginseng as the highest, most potent among the thousands of herbs available. Shenung, who was considered the father of agriculture and medicine, claimed that ginseng was "a tonic to the five viscera, quieting the animal spirits, strengthening the soul, allaying fear, expelling evil, brightening the eyes, opening the heart, benefiting the understanding, and, if taken for some time, will invigorate the body and prolong life." As long ago as 618 BC, China's ruling families of the T'ong dynasty prized ginseng more than gold, and gave it as royal gifts. Even Marco Polo, in 1294, brought back ginseng from the Orient on an expedition. The ancient Chinese pharmacopia, compiled 25 years before the birth of Christ, stated that ginseng had a tranquilizing effect on the brain, soothed nervous irritation, helped concentration, improved memory, and lengthened the life span. WHAT IS GINSENG? Ginseng is a natural herb unlike any other. Panax (all healing) Ginseng is a name that encompasses Ginseng grown in China, Korea and North America. Panax quinquefolium is the American species that is the botanical cousin to oriental Panax Ginseng. The plant grows very slowly and takes several years to produce a quality root. The root portion of the plant is harvested, cleaned, and readied for manufacture of powder, extracts, teas, capsules and more. Almost all commercial ginseng is cultivated because "wild" ginseng is extremely costly. Panax Ginseng is identified by the active components of the ginseng plant, ginsenosides. These substances are found in different proportions depending on where and how the ginseng is grown. All NOW® ginseng is guaranteed to contain the correct Rb1/Rg1 ginsenoside ratio. RAW ROOTS All ginseng roots are not created equal. The quality and potency of ginseng varies as does the age and cultivation of the different roots. Among Chinese white-panax roots alone, many different grades exist, such as #2, #3, #5, etc. No matter where the roots are grown, selecting whole ginseng roots based on quality is a true art. In Hong Kong, the heart of the worldwide Ginseng trade, experienced buyers can look at a wild or cultivated American ginseng root and tell exactly where it came from. Oriental folklore says that ginseng roots resemble the human body and the closer the resemblance, the more potent its properties. All ginseng roots are grown as "white" ginseng, usually from 4-6 years. Without exception, the older the root, the more potent. Studies have shown a dramatic increase in the ginsenoside content of the root between the fourth and fifth years of growth. Some buyers consider only six year old roots to have therapeutic value. This is why all NOW® FOODS roots and powders utilize six year-old ginseng roots. Red ginseng roots have been processed using heat and steam. Larger roots are generally used to produce red roots and, therefore, are claimed to be more potent. Sliced ginseng roots are "bite sized" pieces that are made from processed red roots. These are convenient to chew directly, and are already pre-cut, made for individual use. Whichever form of roots you choose to use, be assured that all four NOW Ginseng Root products are properly labeled as authentic Panax Ginseng roots. LIQUID GINSENG EXTRACT Liquid herbal extracts are one of the most effective ways to deliver the benefits of the herbs. Extracts are absorbed quickly and efficiently, by passing the slow, complex digestive process necessary to break down capsules and tablets. Pure grain alcohol is used to insure potency and proper shelf life, as well as to enhance the body's ability to absorb the herb's active ingredients quickly. NOW Panax Ginseng Extract is manufactured using 2.5 lb. of quality Panax Ginseng root powder per gallon. Additionally, tasty licorice and ginger have been added to give the extract an extra punch of energy. This extract contains 20% alcohol, and 20% vegetable glycerin, a sweet extract carrier that is used in the extraction process. SIBERIAN GINSENG Eleutherococcus senticosus (Eleuthero) is botanically related to Panax ginseng, but is not a true ginseng. Siberian ginseng contains no ginsenosides, but is, instead, measured by its eleutheroside content. Siberian ginseng has adaptogenic properties and some of the qualities of true ginseng. It is relatively inexpensive compared to Panax ginseng, but has a very long history of use in China and extensive Soviet research over the past forty years. The U.S.S.R. began preliminary studies in 1959, leading to large clinical studies which showed positive results and virtually no adverse side effects. Although not a "true" ginseng, Siberian Ginseng is currently used by millions daily with ongoing studies confirming its use and benefits. PANAX GINSENG Panax Ginseng is an authentic variety that is native to the Orient, primarily China and Korea. Almost all Panax ginseng sold in the U.S. is grown in China, even many products called "Korean Ginseng". The Chinese ginseng is of comparable quality, but much lower in cost. It is very difficult to determine the country of origin because the species from each country are the same. Wild Panax ginseng used to be abundant in the Orient until its popularity almost caused its extinction. Today almost all commercial ginseng is cultivated and quite abundant. Panax ginseng from China is now the dominant type of ginseng used in the U.S. in capsuies, tablets, and extracts. AMERICAN GINSENG American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is considered by many in the orient as the best of all ginsengs. As early as 1716 ginseng was exported to the Orient where it became highly treasured. It apparently was discovered in 1716 by a Jesuit missionary near Montreal. He found ginseng by accident and sent samples back to France and to China. The Chinese consider American ginseng to be more 'yin', helping to reduce the heat of the respiratory and digestive systems. Panax ginseng has more 'yang', best for raising the heat in the blood and circulatory systems. Our personal suggestion is that panax ginseng is preferred for men, while American ginseng is best for women. GINSENG AND ROYAL JELLY Ginseng is often combined with other herbs, nutrients and phytochemicals to produce a higher synergistic effect. For energy and increased vitality, ginseng and Royal Jelly have traditionally been used together in the Orient for centuries. Primarily sold in liquid ampules, Ginseng and Royal Jelly have been inconvenient to take and inconsistent in quality. NOW Ginseng and Royal Jelly is available in capsules that offer guaranteed potency. Each component is tested to provide the minimum level stated on each label. That's our guarantee that the label potency claim is honest and accurate. Enjoy Ginseng and Royal Jelly as the perfect supplement for a healthy diet.