Ginseng Helps Cancer Patients

Article by Arnie Gitomer

New study finds ginseng reduces fatigue, pain, anxiety, and increases appetite in cancer

Fatigue is the most common symptom in those with cancer, and there are few options for boosting energy. People also often experience pain, anxiety, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep. In this study, 30 men and women with cancer-related fatigue, pain, anxiety, loss of appetite, and disturbed sleep took 800 mg of Panax ginseng per day.
After 15 days, using standard measurement tests, fatigue scores had decreased by 39.7 percent, pain scores by 28.4 percent, and appetite scores had improved by 32.5 percent.
After 29 days, while pain, fatigue, and appetite scores continued to improve, participants also scored a 32.4 percent improvement in sleep quality and had 52.2 percent lower anxiety scores.
This was an “open label” study, meaning no placebo group. Doctors suggested larger placebo-controlled studies to help confirm these promising findings.

Reference: Integrative Cancer Therapies; 2015, Vol. 14, No. 5, 419-27
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Additional Comments from Don Goldberg

Ginseng is categorized as an “adaptogenic” herb. As such, it has long been promoted as an adjunctive supplement for people undergoing cancer treatment. Other adaptogenic herbs, such as Ashwagandha, are thought to have similar properties. If anything, there effectiveness has led to some disagreement as to whether they are appropriate for this purpose. This is somewhat ironic, but understandable, as there is a toxic, destructive side to most cancer thereapies. It is unfortunately difficult for conventional medical treatment to destroy cancer cells without also harming healthy cells. Some physicians fear that adaptogenic herbs may thus lessen the effectiveness of cancer therapies, even though it moderates the side effects and toxicity of the treatment. Some physicial still harbor this concern. Studies like the one quoted above make it difficult to dismiss the value of adaptogenic herb therapy, however.

There are different types of ginseng. This study utilized Panax ginseng, also known as Chinese ginseng.    To help you understand the differences, I am including some information on Chinese ginseng from the product monograph under the Willner PhytoTech Chinese Red Ginseng:

Chinese Red Ginseng
Ginseng is the premier adaptogenic, immune-modulating herb. Chinese Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is more “stimulating” or warming than American Ginseng.
Who would benefit from this supplement? Those suffering from fatigue, burn-out, frequent illness, depression. Red Chinese Ginseng is thought to increase vigor, energy, vitality and resistance to illness and environmental or external stress. It is often the preferred adaptogenic herb for the elderly.
Supplemental Information:
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng increases vigor, energy, vitality and resistance to illness and environmental stresses. It is best for those who are depleted and are low on passion in life. It is also indicted for those working too hard and are afraid of burn out. Red Chinese Ginseng will increase the stress hormone ACTH from the pituitary that helps the body adapt to stress. When stress is initiating the breakdown on one’s innate weakness (genetic, constitutional, predispositional tendencies), Red Chinese Ginseng will help the body to cope and therefore assist in many chronic diseases, especially if debilitating and wasting.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng is not for those in their prime of life who are full of fire, the Type-A personality. It is for those who used to be that way and are now not what they used to be. It helps in the aging process to stay alert, youthful, energetic and adaptive to environmental changes. It is immunomodulating and keeps the immune system firing on all levels.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng is a tonic for the 21st century with the fast paced life style that creates accelerated wear and tear. It gives more mileage to the body.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng should be considered for depression in the elderly who might not be chemically depressed in a St. John’s Wort way (serotonin), but need some energy to process life with more passion and enjoyment. It is synergistic with Ginkgo for the elderly.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng is a more yang or warming and stimulating ginseng than the American. Eleuthero Root (sometimes referred to as Siberian Ginseng) is not a true Ginseng and is considered neutral, not warming or cooling.
Phyto-Tech™ Chinese Red Ginseng contains 333 mg of imported Chinese Red Ginseng per 30 drops.
Dosage: 15-45 drops, 2-3 times per day It is best used as a long term tonic (1-3 months and longer).
1 fl oz - Prod Code: 57023
List Price: $39.10 - Discount Price: $27.37

The study quoted above utilized Panax (Chinese) ginseng. There may be times when a blend of ginsengs and similar adaptogenic herbs is appropriate–even preferred.  A strong “warming” action may not always be desirable. I am a big fan of the blend we carry in the Willner PhytoTech line, Ginseng Energy Blend. Some information on this product is provided below.

Ginseng Energy Blend
A combination of adaptogenic herbs resulting in a synergistic blend enhancing emotional, physical and mental energy.
Each type of ginseng, Red Chinese and American, and other adaptogenic herbs, such as Eleutherococcus, have traditionally different properties. The combination, along with complimentary herbs such as Licorice, Ginkgo, Fo Ti and Codonopsis, results in an energy blend for all purposes.
Who can benefit from this supplement? Those who are under stress, suffering from fatigue, mental “burn out,” adrenal fatigue, poor immune system function.
This blend of adaptogenic herbs supports the adrenal glands, the immune system, and the nervous system.
Phyto-Tech™ Ginseng Energy Blend is available in an alcohol and an alcohol free version. It contains the following herbs: Red Chinese Ginseng Root, American Ginseng Root, Eleuthero Root, Licorice Root, Ginkgo Leaf, Fo Ti Root, Codonopsis Root, Ginger Root.
1 fl oz ~ Regular Formula
Prod Code: 56962
2 fl oz ~ Regular Formula
Prod Code: 57087
1 fl oz ~ Alcohol Free
Prod Code: 57068

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Note: A version of this article appeared in the Summer 2016 Willner Window Newsletter/Product Catalog.