American Ginseng Prong Product Code: GINAMPR

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Introduction
Ginseng is among the worlds best-known adaptogens. There are several distinct species of ginsengs that are grown in various arts of the world. One of the most valuable and potent true ginsengs is Panax quinquefolius, commonly called "American Ginseng" because of its native origin. Garuda International, Inc. supplies American-grown Panax quinquefolius raw materials for use in food, beverage and dietary supplement applications. American ginseng is used throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe as a medicinal plant. Its unique ginsenoside profile provides a cooling stimulating effect (energy boosting "yin" tonic), unlike Asian ginsengs that have heating and stimulating properties (Tierra, 1988). For this reason, American ginseng is highly prized for use especially in summer months. It is often recommended for use by women where herbalists do not recommend Asian ginsengs. Because American ginseng is a cooling stimulant, younger people can safely consume it too (Hobbs, 1996). Ginseng is also used for its ability to relieve hangover symptoms. It is an excellent after drinking tonic.

Benefits
American ginseng is used throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe as a medicinal plant. American ginseng can be distinguished by its unique ginsenoside profile and high levels of ginsenosides (nearly double) compared to asian ginsengs. These unique characteristics provide a cooling stimulating effect (energy boosting "yin" tonic), unlike asian ginsengs that have heating and stimulating properties (tierra, 1988). For this reason, American ginseng is highly prized for use especially in summer months. It is often recommended for use by women where herbalists do not recommend Asian ginsengs. Because American ginseng is a cooling stimulant, younger people can safely consume it too (hobbs, 1996). American ginseng's anti-aging, energy-boosting effects make it the perfect tonic for aging populations.

Advantages
Ginsenosides-Researchers have shown that the most important active chemicals in ginseng belong to a group of terpenoidal glycosides. Japanese researchers have named these saponin glycosides, ginsenosides. Ginsenoside levels of American ginseng can range from three to ten percent. The highest levels of ginsenosides are generally found in the fibers and the lowest levels are found in the main tap root. The prongs contain ginsenoside levels between those found in tap roots and fibers. American ginseng contains twice the ginsenoside content of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Also, the ratios of ginsenosides are different between Asian and American ginsengs. The ginsenosides found in the highest concentrations in American ginseng include RB1, Re, and mRb1. Ginsenosides Rf and Rg2 are not present in American ginseng (Chuang, Wu-Chang, et al., 1995). This may explain why American ginseng is considered a cooling energizer (yin) while Asian ginsengs have a heating effect (yang) on the body. Ginsenosides also impart the distinctive ginseng bitter flavor, well known to ginseng users. To produce foods and beverages with consistent flavor characteristics, manufacturers should control and standardize the concentration of ginsenosides in their American ginseng-based food or beverage products.

Quality Assurance
American ginseng processing begins by placing the washed and dried roots in a device that shakes off the root fibers. The prongs (side shoots off the main tap root) are hand clipped from the defibered roots and sorted by size. During this clipping process, any soil that remained at the junction of the prong to the tap root will be removed. If the roots or prongs have too many soil particles sticking to them, they may be rewashed and dried. Because the fibers contain both the highest ginsenoside content and the most soil adhering to them, Garuda uses a double washing technique to improve the quality standard of this valuable material.

Applications
Numerous new food and beverage applications can utilize the healthful benefits and unique flavor characteristics of american ginseng. Some popular products made from ginseng include many types of ginseng herbal teas sold in tea bags, granules and ready-to-drink cans. The dried roots, prongs and especially the fibers can be steeped in hot water to produce a liquid tea that manufacturers can sweeten and package aseptically. Nutritional capsules and tablets made from powdered ginseng roots and ginseng root extracts are also popular ways to consume American ginseng. Small bottles or ampules containing extracts of ginseng are available in health food and convenience stores. Manufacturers often blend American ginseng with other herbal extracts, honey and/or royal jelly or bee pollen. There are already many herbal soft drinks containing ginseng in the U.S.A. Some of the soft drinks contain ginger or other herbs that are known to promote good health or provide an energy boost. Fruit flavors can also be added. The supplementation of chewing gums and candies with ginseng are also popular applications. Confectionery companies can blend small pieces of American ginseng fibers into dark chocolate to add special flavor and texture while promoting energy and good health. Energy bars for athletes and sports enthusiasts are other good applications for American ginseng. American ginseng brandy is yet another creative application.

Ginsenosides
Ginsenoside levels of American ginseng can range from five to eighteen percent. The highest levels of ginsenosides are generally found in the fibers and the lowest levels are found in the main tap root. The prongs have levels somewhere between the levels found in tap roots and fibers. American ginseng tends to have higher concentrations of ginsenosides than Asian and Korean ginsengs and the ratios of ginsenosides are quite different between Asian and American ginsengs. This may explain why American ginseng is considered more cooling and calming (yin). Korean ginseng has more stimulatory and heating effects (yang). Root ginsenoside levels typically range between 6 and 10 percent. Prong's ginsenoside levels typically range between 8 and 12 percent. Fiber's ginsenoside levels typically range between 8 and 18 percent. Ginsenosides also impart the distinctive ginseng bitter flavor that is well known to ginseng users. Manufacturers should control and standardize the concentration of ginsenosides in an American ginseng-based food or beverage product to provide a consistent flavor in the finished consumer product.

Processing
American ginseng processing begins by placing the washed and dried roots in a device that shakes off the root fibers. The prongs (side shoots off the main tap root) are hand clipped from the defibered roots and sorted by size. During this clipping process, any soil that remained at the junction of the prong to the tap root will be removed. If the roots or prongs have too many soil particles sticking to them, they may be rewashed and dried. Because the fibers contain both the highest ginsenoside content and the most soil adhering to them, garuda uses a double washing technique to improve the quality standard of this valuable material.

Part Used
Prong: these are the side root branches removed from the main tap root when grading whole ginseng roots. Prongs are generally smaller than the major tap root, but with a larger diameter than fibers. Prongs generally have no head or neck but sometimes we see a head on a prong because the cutting and sorting processes are not so precise. Prongs can also come in different sizes if we sift them, so it is often possible to purchase only larger sized prongs or smaller sized prongs.


Revision Date: 07/19/2006

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.