Ginseng and Ginseng Products 101

What are You Buying?

Choosing the herbs or herbal products that are suitable and safe for use is essential for any consumer. This is especially true when it comes to Ginseng, one of the most commonly used and highly regarded herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This book consolidates knowledge from official pharmacopoeias, latest scientific research and on-the-ground survey of Singapore's local market conducted by the authors. From exploring the medicinal benefits and safety concerns of the herbs, to inspecting the labels of the various products available on our local market, this book is an invaluable resource for any discerning consumer interested in finding out more, buying or using ginseng and ginseng products.

This is an easy-to-read guide to the various herbs and products related to "Ginseng". It introduces the reader to the traditional uses and latest scientific research regarding Chinese/Korean ginseng, Notoginseng, American ginseng, Siberian ginseng and five-leaf ginseng (Jiao Gu Lan), including their names, pharmacological activities, phytoconstituents, indications, dosage, safety considerations (e.g. side effects and herb-drug interactions).

Our team has delved into the local market and surveyed over three hundred ginseng and ginseng products. Glossary of terms, explanations of Traditional Chinese Medicine terminologies, pharmacological activities, drug-herb interactions and a list of major chemical components from five herbs and their respective pharmacological activities, and products information are presented clearly in the Appendices.

Contents:

• Introduction

• Panax Species:

  • Ginseng Root
  • Red Ginseng
  • American Ginseng
  • San Qi or Tian Qi

• Other Plants That are Termed "Ginseng":

  • Siberian Ginseng
  • Five-Leaf Ginseng or Jiao Gu Lan

• Ginseng Products in Singapore:

  • Introduction
  • Survey of Products
  • Conclusion

• Conclusions:

• Appendices:

  • Glossary
  • Explanations of TCM Terminologies Mentioned in the Main Text
  • Pharmacological Activities and Herb–Drug Interactions
  • Major Chemical Components and Their Pharmacological Activities
  • Decoction and Dosage
  • Product Information

Readership: General public, including those who are new to ginseng related herbs, as well as well-read and informed consumers who want to find out more about the latest developments in gineng and ginseng products. For healthcare professionals and scientists who are curious about the herbs and products that patients may be using, or for those who are exploring complementary methods, this book will be an invaluable resource to help them understand the subject matter and to help their patients or themselves achieve optimal health outcomes and to maintain good health. Instructors and students of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, as well as Integrative Medicine will find the comprehensive and consolidated information useful.