Ginseng

Plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda, traditional medicine, tribal medicine and other literatures mention the use of plants in the treatment of various human ailments. Researches conducted in the last few decades on  exploring crude drugs mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for treating diseases is increasing. The term ginseng refers to the species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. These plants grown in eastern Asia, typically in cooler climates. The two major species are American ginseng (grown in the Midwest of America and exported to China) and Asian ginseng. Ginseng is known to be an adaptogen – adaptogens are substances that help the body to restore itself to health and to work without side effects. The present paper summarizes the traditional uses and pharmacological actions of the roots and rhizomes of ginseng.