Ginseng has been used as an adaptogen to treat illness, both as a tonic and as a rejuvenator. In modern societies, owing to an excessive amount of brain activity, overwork, and group living conditions, modern life involves constant exposure to stress. Moreover, the level of stress can be sustained over time because of repetitive exposure; this can cause detrimental biological stress responses. When under stress , the human body secretes hormones and inflammatory cytokines, and chronic stress can promote the development of anxiety, depression, and even panic disorders in severe cases. Therefore, adaptogens are often used to cope with day-to-day and/or workplace stress. Ginseng shows superior regulation of stress, as compared with that shown by other adaptogens. Its efficacy as an antistress agent has been demonstrated using various behavioral conditioned stress tests, such as swimming and immobilization tests. In vivo studies have also shown that ginseng has excellent antistress effects, as compared to appropriate controls.
Depression is a severe mental illness without any apparent physical symptoms. However, physical problems can emerge as depression becomes more advanced. About 10–30% of patients with depression are unable to overcome the initial stages, and eventually succumb to extreme physical harm; this includes committing suicide, inflicting self-harm, and developing drug dependence, which affects their quality of life. Furthermore, the prevalence of depression is increasing and this represents a major clinical challenge.
Ginseng effectively suppresses stress, which is a major cause of depression. This activity has been demonstrated in depression tests using animal models. Ginseng demonstrated similar levels of efficacy as the commercially available antidepressant, fluoxetine. In addition, depression can be associated with memory loss. This is because depression results in progressive damage to nerve cells. This neuronal cell damage, coupled with a neuroinflammation-induced reduction in neurogenesis, can result in hippocampal cell death.
Research studies can employ self-testing using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale to measure anxiety, depression, and stress levels induced by the environment, including emotional and physical factors. Stress is closely related to psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. Thus, ginseng is potentially an effective candidate for easing stress and can therefore improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Extracted from Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis by Seungyeop Lee and Dong-Kwon Rhee (2017 Jan 24)
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