Single Herb Glossary
Rén Shēn 人參
| Pharmaceutical name | Ginseng Radix Panax Ginseng ginseng root "man root" |
| Category | Tonify Qi |
| Key Properties | Powerfully tonifies primal qi of 5 organs Nourishes the Yin Revives from collapse Stops heavy bleeding |
| Properties | Sweet Slight Bitter Slight Warm |
| Tropism | LU, SP |
| Actions & Indications | **1) Powerfully Tonifies the Primal Qi 2) Strengthens SP & Tonifies ST 3) Tonifies LU & Augments the Qi (SOB, wheezing) 4) Generates Fluids & Stops Thirst (Qi/Fluid injury, fever) 5) Benefits Heart Qi & Calms the Spirit |
| Dosages | 3-9 g Cooked separately, added to strained decoction 0.5-1g (as powder) In emergencies, up to 30g, divided into multiple doses |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Steaming bone disorder, bleeding from Blood Heat, ascendant Liver yang, or Fire from constraint Not taken with coffee or other stimulants Effectiveness may be reduced by concurrent consumption of turnips, daikon, tea Caution w/ External Pathogens; |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Triterpene saponins, aglycone (20S)-protopanaxadiol (ginsenoside Ra0, Ral, Ra2, Ra3, Rbl, Rb2, Rb3; notoginsenoside R4, Rs1, Rs2, Rs3, Rs4; malonylginsenoside Rb1, Rc, Rd), aglycone (20S)-protopanaxytriol (ginsenoside Re, Rf, Rg1, notoginsenoside R1 ), aglycone oleanolic acid (ginsenoside Ro, chikusetsusasaponin-V Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rgl), water-soluble polysaccharides (panaxane A to U), polyynes (falcarinol, falcarintriol) |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Effects on the central nervous system: administration has significant impact on CNS; has stimulating effect in low doses, but an inhibiting effect in large doses; intraperitoneal injection at 50 mg/kg for 5 days has stimulating effect, as it increases amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in brain stem; oral ingestion of a 40% Ren Shen solution has sedative effect as it greatly decreases physical activities of rats; because of its dual functions of stimulation and inhibition, provides an adaptogenic effect for the body under various environmental stress • Cognitive: administration has demonstrated marked effect in improving memory and learning ability; using herbal extract at 20 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 100 mg/kg/day of dried herb) for 3 days, there was significant increase in cognitive capacity in rats as the time necessary to exit a maze was substantially reduced compared to the control group that did not receive any herbs; however, when dosage of herbal extract was increased to 100 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 500 mg/kg/day of dried herb), there was an opposite effect, with impairment of memory and learning capacity • Endocrinological: administration has marked influence on endocrine system; in animal studies, stimulates pituitary gland to increase secretion of ACTH, which in turn stimulates adrenal glands and their activities; in another study, mice given Ren Shen had an increase in ACH and ACTH, and subsequently better physical performance; mice given one dose of the herb had a 132% increase in swimming time, and mice that were given the herb for 7 days had a l79% increase; overdose had opposite effect as it decreased swimming time • Immunostimulant: immune-enhancing effects; increases function of reticuloendothelial system and increases total count of IgM • Cardiovascular: administration has positive inotropic effect on hearts of dogs, rabbits, cats and other animals; increases contractility of the heart, slightly increases blood pressure, and constricts blood vessels; has shown beneficial effects in treatment of shock, arrhythmia and burns; at larger doses, however, has opposite effect as it causes inhibitory influence on cardiovascular system leading to decreased contractility of the heart, dilation of blood vessels, and decreased heart rate • Hypoglycemic: administration was effective in lowering blood glucose in dogs with hyperglycemia • Antihyperlipidemic: saponins lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce risk of atherosclerosis • Hepatoprotective: protective effect in treating various liver disorders; extract effectively lowered elevated levels of liver enzymes in mice induced by acute or chronic consumption of ethanol • Reproductive: stimulating effect on pituitary gland to increase secretion of gonadotropin; in young mice, speeds up development of reproductive organs; in adult mice, stimulates production of sperm in males, and lengthens estrus period in females; however, has not demonstrated any direct effect on sex hormones |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antidepressants: has been suggested, but not documented, that induction of mania may occur in depressed patients who mix antidepressants and Ren Shen; in rare cases, concurrent use of Ren Shen and phenelzine has led to manic-like symptoms • Ethanol: In an in vitro study, herbal preparation of Ren Shen, Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae), Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori) and Fu Ling (Poria) found to reduce ethanol-induced impairment of memory registration; also ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory registration deficit; this suggests that this herbal preparation ameliorates impairment effect of ethanol on learning and memory processes • Antidiabetics: use of Ren Shen associated with reduction of fasting blood glucose levels; has been suggested that hypoglycemia may occur when Ren Shen is combined with drugs for treatment of diabetes mellitus • Incompatible with Li Lu (Veratri nigri Radix et Rhizoma) • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Wu Ling Zhi (Faeces Trogopterori), Zao Jiao (Fr. Gleditsiae ) and Lai Fu Zi (Sm. Raphani) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.