Nhân Sâm và Y Học
By Ming Tao Jiang, MD, PhD, Marathon Ginseng International, Inc.
The Viagra Connection: How Nitric Oxide Works
Viagra gained international fame for its ultimate male enhancement effects worldwide. Its main mechanism involves increasing blood flow by relaxing blood vessels through the production of a powerful molecule called Nitric Oxide (NO). Three American scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1998 for identifying Nitric Oxide as the key relaxing factor in blood vessels.
Ancient Chinese Wisdom Meets Modern Science
In Chinese folklore, Emperor Qianlong died after taking a large dose of Manchurian Ginseng, suffering from bleeding. Many people experience nosebleeds after taking ginseng - what the Chinese call "Shang Huo" or "too much fire/energy in the body." Until now, no scientific research had connected these dots to explain this excessive bleeding.
Personal Discovery: Wisconsin Ginseng's Surprising Effects
When I moved to Wausau, Wisconsin - home to most ginseng gardens - my family began drinking ginseng tea. As a cardiovascular scientist with 20 years of experience, I expected ginseng to increase heart rate and blood pressure. However, after drinking ginseng tea, my blood pressure actually dropped from 128/90 to 122/85 within 15 minutes.
This surprising result suggested that Wisconsin ginseng actually relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure through water-soluble active compounds.
Ginseng's Blood-Thinning Properties
After weeks of drinking ginseng tea, we noticed significantly longer bleeding times from small cuts. Friends who received our ginseng gifts reported similar experiences - gum bleeding and small bleeding spots under the skin. Local Marathon County doctors, especially surgeons, routinely check if patients are taking ginseng before surgery due to its blood-thinning effects.
As Father Jartoux wrote in 1711 about this mysterious herb: "This is most certain, that it thins the blood; that it makes it circulate; that it warms it."
Important: Wisconsin ginseng can serve as a powerful natural blood thinner, especially beneficial for middle-aged and older individuals. Always adjust ginseng intake based on individual sensitivity.
Ginseng as a Natural Aphrodisiac
Ginseng has been regarded as an aphrodisiac in Chinese medicine for centuries. In October 2009, we hosted friends from Milwaukee, serving them Pheasant/Wisconsin Ginseng soup and ginseng-spiced vodka. The next morning, one gentleman confirmed ginseng's legendary effects on male vitality.
Energy Enhancement and Cognitive Benefits
Friends who tried ginseng from Monk Ginseng Garden reported difficulty sleeping due to increased energy levels. Dr. Ann, an oncologist, stopped drinking coffee after trying ginseng and now recommends it to cancer patients recovering from chemotherapy to combat fatigue and malaise.
The Scientific Connection: Ginsenosides and Nitric Oxide
The active ingredients in ginseng are ginsenosides (ginseng saponins), including Rg1, Rg2, and Rg3. These compounds can be extracted through traditional methods - boiling in hot water followed by alcohol extraction.
Figure 1: Ginsenoside Rg1 increases the active form of NO synthase (phospho-eNOS), boosting nitric oxide production in human cells.
Research Findings
Medical scientists in Hong Kong and the UK studied Ginsenoside Rg1's effects on human umbilical vein cells. Results showed that Rg1 increased the active form of the enzyme producing nitric oxide within 10 minutes. Japanese researchers found similar results with Ginsenoside Re from Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng).
The Mystery Solved: How Ginseng Works Like Viagra
Nobel Prize winners identified NO as the mysterious factor that dilates blood vessels. Nitric Oxide:
- Relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow
- Enhances male erection by improving blood flow to reproductive organs
- Inhibits platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots
- Boosts energy and cognitive function
Dr. Louis Ignarro, Nobel Prize winner for NO discovery, found that NO inhibits platelet aggregation - the building blocks of blood clots. Ginseng increases NO production, which inhibits blood clotting and explains the bleeding effects observed in historical accounts.
Wisconsin Ginseng: The Complete Health Solution
Wisconsin ginseng, through its ginsenosides, stimulates production of nitric oxide. This powerful molecule:
- Boosts Energy: Enhances cognitive function and reduces fatigue
- Supports Cardiovascular Health: Reduces blood clotting risk for stroke and heart attacks
- Improves Circulation: Relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure
- Enhances Male Vitality: Supports healthy blood flow and energy levels
Safety Considerations
Warning: Excessive ginseng consumption can cause uncontrolled bleeding, as experienced by the ancient Chinese emperor. The traditional Chinese concept of "too much fire/energy" likely results from excessive NO production. Always consult healthcare providers before starting ginseng supplementation.
Conclusion: Ancient Wisdom Validated by Modern Science
The ancient Chinese mystery has finally found its modern scientific explanation. Wisconsin ginseng's remarkable health benefits - from cardiovascular support to energy enhancement - all trace back to its ability to boost nitric oxide production naturally.
Disclaimer: All statements in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician before taking ginseng supplements.
Copyright 2025. Marathon Ginseng International, all rights reserved. No reproduction without prior consent.