Panax ginseng effects on cognitive function
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Panax Ginseng and Cognitive Function: Evidence from Clinical and Preclinical Studies
Cognitive Enhancement in Healthy Adults and Adolescents
Multiple studies show that Panax ginseng can improve cognitive performance in healthy individuals. In young adults, single doses of Panax ginseng have been found to enhance working memory, reduce mental fatigue, and improve performance on mental arithmetic tasks, with effects observed shortly after administration and lasting for several hours 19. In adolescents, consuming ginseng-containing tea for four weeks led to significant improvements in visual cognitive performance compared to placebo . Additionally, hydroponically grown red Panax ginseng supplementation in moderately stressed adults resulted in faster response times in spatial planning tasks and improved emotional well-being . Another study found that a specific red Panax ginseng root preparation (HRG80) significantly improved attention and memory in healthy, tired subjects compared to both placebo and a traditional ginseng preparation .
Effects in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Panax ginseng has also demonstrated benefits in populations with cognitive impairment. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving Korean volunteers with mild cognitive impairment, six months of Panax ginseng supplementation led to significant improvements in immediate and delayed recall memory tests compared to placebo, with no serious adverse events reported . In patients with Alzheimer’s disease, 12 weeks of Panax ginseng treatment resulted in significant improvements in cognitive performance, as measured by standard cognitive scales. These improvements declined after discontinuation of ginseng, suggesting the effects are dependent on continued use .
Neuroprotection and Cognitive Benefits in Animal Models
Preclinical studies provide further support for the cognitive benefits of Panax ginseng. In aged animal models, oral administration of red Panax ginseng root powder improved short-term memory deficits associated with aging. In vitro, the same extract promoted synapse formation, neurite elongation, and protected neurons from excitotoxicity, indicating enhanced neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection . In a rat model of vascular dementia, Panax ginseng extract improved behavioral function, increased neuronal density, and reduced markers of neuronal injury and apoptosis, suggesting potential for preventing or treating cognitive decline due to vascular causes .
Combination with Other Herbal Extracts
Research also indicates that combining Panax ginseng with other herbal extracts, such as Melissa officinalis, can further enhance memory and cognitive function in animal models. This combination improved learning, memory, and spatial navigation, and showed significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition, which is associated with improved cognitive function .
Conclusion
The evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies consistently supports the cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective effects of Panax ginseng. Benefits have been observed in healthy individuals, those with mild cognitive impairment, and in models of neurodegenerative and vascular cognitive decline. The effects include improvements in memory, attention, and mental fatigue, as well as underlying neurobiological mechanisms such as increased neuronal plasticity and reduced neuronal injury. These findings suggest that Panax ginseng may be a promising natural supplement for supporting cognitive health across various populations 12345678+2 MORE.
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