Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is arguably one of the most recognised medicinal plants in the world. Its precious roots have been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years as an elixir of longevity and for their energising and adaptogenic properties.

Once reserved for the nobility, the therapeutic use of ginseng is now widespread. Its reputation as a panacea, to which the plant owes its Latin name Panax (from the Greek pan – “all” and Akos – “remedy”), has earned it recognition and study throughout the world. Every year, more and more scientific data is published on the health benefits of its active ingredients: the ginsenosides.

Panax Ginseng root C.A. Meyer

– helps to increase resistance to fatigue and stress with toning and revitalising effects

– stimulates vitality and helps counteract the effects of fatigue

– helps maintain good cognitive performance

– helps support the immune system

– the activity of bioactive ginsenosides in ginseng, such as Rg5, Rk1 and Rg3, has been correlated with metabolic regulation, with a demonstrated dual action on blood sugar and lipid metabolism.

Ginsenosides are the main active molecules in Panax ginseng roots. They have proven benefits in various health-related areas, and their impact can vary depending on their nature and bioavailability.

Rare ginsenosides such as Rg3, Rg5 and Rk1 have a wide range of health benefits due to their high bioavailability. The composition of HRG80® ginseng offers unparalleled levels of rare ginsenosides such as Rg3 and Rg5.

The more common ginsenosides, such as Rb1 or Rg1, have low bioavailability and therefore have a limited physiological impact by themselves. However, they can be partially converted by the gut microbiota into more bioavailable forms of ginsenosides.

It is important not to confuse the different botanical species of ginseng (American, Siberian) as they differ in pharmacological activity, indication, dosage and safety.

The botanical name of Korean ginseng is Panax Ginseng, which is the species on which the vast majority of scientific papers have been published and whose use is approved by the European Society of Phytotherapy (ESCOP) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

There are two types of preparation:

– White Ginseng is obtained by simply drying the root.

– Red ginseng is a traditional Korean preparation and is obtained by cooking.

The ginsenoside profile varies according to the treatment of the roots. Steaming or cooking leads to converting the common ginsenosides into more bioavailable forms, the latter increasing relative content in the roots. This is why we have chosen red ginseng in the Optim Ginseng formulation.