Using a root powder containing high levels of rare ginsenosides, researchers from the Catholic University of Louvaine demonstrated that Red Panax ginseng improved spatial planning abilities and visual memory in a cohort of moderately stressed participants.
The supplement, manufactured by Belgian ingredient supplier Botalys (which funded the research), also reduced negative emotions and levels of perceived depression and stress.
“These results confirm the emotional and cognitive benefits of Red Panax ginseng in moderately stressed adults and pave the way for further exploration of its use as a promising approach to improving psychological well-being,” the researchers wrote in the journal Nutrients.
What are rare ginsenosides?
Often used as a herbal remedy in traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is rich in bioactive compounds such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides and polyphenols.
These compounds are thought to give ginseng adaptogenic properties, enabling it to regulate neurotransmitter activity and modulate stress response pathways.
However, while ginseng is well studied, researchers often fail to specify the levels of bioactive compounds which can significantly influence results, according to the study authors.
“Panax ginseng is revered as the king of adaptogens, offering scientifically demonstrated benefits across various health applications, including stress management,” said Sylvie Defrère, head of R&D at Botalys. “However, not all ginsengs are created equal—the specific composition and concentration of bioactive compounds play a crucial role in determining the potency of this precious root.”
Botalys' panax ginseng has a high level (20.2 mg) of rare ginsenosides which are formed through processing methods such as steaming and fermentation.
These processes are designed to enhance bioavailability and potency, and exert more pronounced neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects.
Study details
To conduct their study, the researchers randomly assigned 149 participants between the ages of 18 and 60 to take one capsule of Red Panax ginseng or placebo (200 mg rice flour and brown sugar) for three weeks.
Stress levels were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), while depression was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI).
Cognitive processing abilities were assessed at the same time points using two subtests of the CANTAB (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery)—one for visual memory and new learning and the other for spatial planning and working memory.
While PSS and BDI scores improved in both the placebo and intervention arms, the ginseng group saw greater improvements, suggesting potential mood-boosting benefits.
The ginseng group also made fewer errors in the visual memory learning task and had shorter response latencies in the spatial planning test after the intervention.
Confirmation of ginseng’s benefits
The researchers say the findings replicate that of previous research but in a larger cohort of participants, confirming the supplement’s benefits.
However, since the improvements appear to be moderate, they noted that ginseng should be used as a “complementary therapeutic contribution to a more comprehensive treatment.”
“These findings underscore the importance of further research to explore the long-term implications of Red Panax ginseng supplementation in clinical populations, possibly presenting higher levels of stress and/or anxiety, as well as depressive feelings,” they concluded.
Source: Nutrients. doi: 10.3390/nu17060955. “Effect of Hydroponically Grown Red Panax Ginseng on Perceived Stress Level, Emotional Processing, and Cognitive Functions in Moderately Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study". Authors: V. Dormal, et al.