ABSTRACT
Radix Ginseng (Rensben) is the root of Panax Ginseng C. A. Mey. The root turns reddish after steam treatment, and is known as ‘red ginseng’. It is sweet and slightly bitter in taste. The use of Radix Ginseng has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. According to Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing published around 101 B. C. during the West Han Dynasty, Ginseng was said to be able to ‘support the five visceral organs, calm the nerves, tranquilize the mind, stop convulsions, expunge evil spirits, clear the eyes, and improve the memory’ (Huang 1998a). The efficacy of Ginseng was known in the West by the 18th century, and the pharmacological effects of Ginseng have been demonstrated in the central nervous system (CNS) as well as in cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.
