Some plants are considered a kind of panacea, the treatment of all diseases or at least their wide variety. For instance, Ginseng can be found in numerous supplements that promise to boost the immune system and energetic level and improve metabolism and sexual life. Which of these effects are true and backed by science? Let’s unveil the influence of this magical root on testosterone levels.

What Is Ginseng

This plant is one of the keystones of Chinese traditional medicine, in which its root plays the main role in the treatment of different health problems. All the valuable compounds are gathered in its root. The latter can be taken out before 4 years of growing. This type is called fresh.

Then, there is white ginseng harvested between 4–6 years, and red option that has spent more than 6 years under the ground. In addition, apart from the Chinese variety, there is American ginseng. Some resources claim that it is less active or that these species differ in action on the body.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence on these features. Just when you purchase ginseng, you can pay attention to this fact and select the variety that is preferable.

Role in the Body

This plant is rich in useful nutrients that influence the body in many ways, namely:

• Unique ginsenosides enhance the production of nitric oxide, which is required for the dilation of blood vessels, improves blood flow and contributes to easier arousal;
• They also make receptors for male hormones more reactive and help to balance the hormonal system;
• Powerful antioxidants provide reliable protection from free radicals that slow down the aging process and strengthen the immune system;
• Minerals and vitamins have a positive impact on the metabolism, regulate blood sugar levels, increase energy levels and activity, reduce the reaction to stress and eliminate anxiety.

Therefore, we can claim that ginseng has a powerful and diverse action on the body. No wonder traditional Chinese medicine has been profiting from its content for centuries. Moreover, all the effects of ginseng are mild and do not cause stress in the body. You will need several weeks of regular intake to feel the difference but the obtained results will not disappear then. The body will be balanced and this result is going to be maintained further on.

How Does Ginseng Affect Testosterone

There are several ways to explain the overall effect of this powerful plant. It takes part in different metabolic processes in order to normalize the hormonal misbalance and provide men with strength in all areas of life.

Direct action

Talking about the direct influence on testosterone levels, several scientific investigations have proven that this plant acts as follows:

• Increases both free and blood testosterone;
• Regulates dihydrotestosterone levels. This is one of the chemical forms of the main male hormone that is even more active than testosterone itself;
• Makes the receptors for male hormones more sensitive. This means that even a low concentration of hormones will have a more significant effect on the body.

When all these effects are combined, we observe so-called boosting. Still, it occurs in a mild, natural way and is not harmful to the body.

Indirect action

In addition, this root has a wider effect on the hormonal system. Thus, it decreases the concentration of prolactin. This compound is primarily responsible for breastfeeding in women. However, men also have a tiny amount of it in their bodies.
When hormonal misbalance occurs, the growth in prolactin concentration may badly influence the testosterone levels. Therefore, this type of action is more than useful and helps to achieve the goal of boosting men’s health.

Potential physiological mechanisms

For now, we do not have a detailed understanding of how this plant acts inside the body. However, there are several suggestions that we can take into consideration:

• The compounds from its composition activate the receptors to androgens and make them more sensitive. Thus, the response of the body to male hormones becomes higher;
• The plant contains antioxidants that protect the cells and tissues from free radicals that are useful for metabolism;
• It helps to produce nitric oxide and dilute vessels. This effect contributes to longer and stronger erections, and that is why ginseng is so popular as an aphrodisiac.

Various scientific investigations related to ginseng are still in progress. Therefore, in the nearest future,we’ll definitely learn more about the features of its action and detailed mechanisms.

Scientific researches

It is worth noticing that there are both pro and contra sides in the studies related to ginseng. For instance, we can consider the following positive examples:

• Laboratory animals that were given the extract of the plant in the study of prostate health revealed higher testosterone levels.
• Men with infertility who were given the plant got higher free and blood testosterone and lower prolactin compared to the test group and placebo group.

However, several pieces of research did not give such promising results. One of them was concerned with bodybuilders who did not experience the increase in male hormones. Still, there is an explanation that their initial levels were probably too high and ginseng has just normalized them.

Therefore, it is obvious that we need more research in this area to get clear results and explanations.

Ginseng Health Benefits

Apart from the influence on the hormonal system, this plant has other valuable types of activity. They are also backed by science and help the body to maintain an overall balance.

Boosting Immune System

Several investigations have proven the activating action of ginseng on the immune system. Firstly, it has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Secondly, it increases the number of immune cells and enhances their activity. Thus, the plant provides both external and internal help in combating harmful microorganisms.

Enhancing Cognitive Function

Antioxidants that come from this plant protect the brain cells from possible damage. Moreover, ginseng has a positive impact on mood, behavior and memory. Different investigations have been studying various dimensions of its action and provided us with the following results:

• Big research among older adults who regularly consumed the root revealed improved cognitive function;
• Another investigation revealed that working memory was improved after 3 hours after taking 200 mg of American ginseng;
• Several studies showed the usefulness of this plant for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Furthermore, ginseng helps to recover from stress, reduces anxiety levels andis alsogood for brain health.

Improving Blood Sugar Control

Both people with and without diabetes profit from adding ginseng to their diet. Thus, it improves the work of the pancreatic gland, boosts the production of insulin and enhances the uptake of sugar from blood into tissues.
Investigations made for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes revealed that the root decreases fasting blood sugar levels and improves sensitivity to insulin.

Safety and Side Effects

Ginseng is considered safe and does not possess any severe side effects if taken in moderate amounts. On average, the daily dose is from 1 to 2 grams of raw root or from 200 to 400 mg of extract. It is recommended to begin from the lower dosage and then move gradually up.
The standard extract contains 2–3% of ginseno sides and should be consumed before meals. This increases the absorption of active ingredients and helps to provide all the advantages to the body.
As for the ways of consumption, they are quite different and convenient, namely:

• You can eat a raw root or steam it a bit to make it soft;
• You can stew it in water or add it to the tea;
• Fresh ginseng is used as a component for soups and other dishes;
• The extract is produced as a powder, tablets, capsules and even oils.

Therefore, everyone is able to find a suitable option and consume the plant to get all the benefits.

Safe usage

To make the utilization safe one should be sure of the absence of an allergic reaction to the plant. If you are prone to them, just follow your condition during the first period of intake and stop it when some disturbing symptoms appear.
In addition, this plant must not be combined with the following medicines:

• those that lower blood sugar, as ginseng has the same action and such a combination may lead to a life-threatening situation;
• anticoagulant drugs.

Furthermore, during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period it is better to be careful with the plant.

At last, there is evidence that if ginseng is consumed regularly for a long period, its efficiency decreases. Therefore, it is advisable to cycle it. Use the root for 2–3weeks and then make a break for one or two weeks. In this case, the body will not get used to it and the effects will be maximized.

Summary

Altogether, ginseng is really a kind of magical plant. Due to its rich composition full of useful natural ingredients, it influences different systems and organs, including the hormonal system, the immune system, sugar metabolism and brainwork. These effects are backed by science and investigations are still in progress to reveal detailed mechanisms of the action.
Moreover, there are various options for its consumption and all of them are beneficial. Thus, do not hesitate to add ginseng to your daily routine and enjoy the positive impact on your health.

FAQ

What does ginseng do to the male body?

This powerful root activates the production of testosterone and the sensitivity of the receptors toward it. In addition, it decreases prolactin levels. Due to the donation of nitric oxide, the plant contributes to the dilation of blood vessels and helps to get longer and stronger erections.

Does ginseng increase estrogen?

There is some evidence of the possibility of such an effect on women. However, there is not enough scientific data and more investigations are required to prove this fact.

How does ginseng affect hormones?

This plant boosts the hormonal system of men and regulates the production of hormones. Thus, it tends to help in maintaining the hormonal balance.

Which is better ashwagandha or ginseng?

Both these plants are well-known as testosterone boosters but they differ in chemical composition and mechanism of action. Therefore, there is no way to compare them directly. Everyone should select the most suitable supplement according to their needs.