The positive medicinal effects of ginseng have been difficult to prove using modern
science. Frequently, there are contradictory results from different studies.
Supporters claim that this is due to the wide variety of ginseng quality used in
studies. The quality and neutrality of studies from East Asia have also been
questioned. Another issue is that there is no profit to be achieved from researching
ginseng because it cannot be patented; therefore, pharmaceutical companies have no
incentive to research ginseng. As a result, quality studies into the effects of
ginseng are rare. Ironically, one of the better studies involving ginseng actually
uses a proprietary formula of ginseng
Ginseng is highly prized as an adaptogen (a product that does no harm, but increases
the body's resistance to stress). Unfortunately, this property is extremely
difficult to prove scientifically as well.
A comparative, randomized and double-blind government study does indicate it to be
"a promising dietary supplement" when assessed for an increase in quality of life
[2]
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9034
759&dopt=Abstract).
Panax ginseng appears to inhibit some characteristics associated with cancer in
animal models; nevertheless, this effect is unclear in humans [3]
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1088
0039&dopt=Abstract).
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