Red ginseng Red ginseng is the more traditional and well-known form. It is created through a special preservation process in which white ginseng is treated with hot steam and then dried[1][3]. This process leads to a caramelization of the sugar contained and gives the ginseng its characteristic red color[1][3].

Benefits of red ginseng:- Higher content of ginsenosides compared to white ginseng[4]
- Stronger antioxidant effect due to the Maillard reaction during processing[1]
- Known for its energizing and stimulating properties[1]
- Well researched with numerous clinical studies[5]

Black ginseng Black ginseng is a more recent development and the result of intensive research. It is made by cooking and drying red ginseng several times[5].

Benefits of black ginseng:- Contains additional active ingredients such as ginsenosides Rg3, Rg5 and Rk1[5]
- Stronger effect on brain metabolism and testosterone[5]
- Possibly more effective for improving intellectual performance and memory[5]

Comparison and conclusion While red ginseng is considered a general tonic and is recommended for circulation, winter ailments and for women, black ginseng seems particularly suitable for people who want to improve their intellectual performance and memory, as well as for men[5].

The choice between red and black ginseng ultimately depends on individual needs and goals. Red ginseng is better researched and has a longer tradition, while black ginseng may show even stronger effects in certain areas. Both forms can be considered valuable, depending on the desired effect and personal preferences.

Citations:
[1] https://de.typology.com/magazin/was-ist-der-unterschied-zwischen-weiem-ginseng-und-rotem-ginseng
[2] https://www.loreal-paris.de/tipps-und-trends/inhaltsstoffe/roter-ginseng
[3] https://www.burgerstein.at/at/de/wissenswertes/diverse-naehrstoffe/ginseng-ein-ueberblick-ueber-die-wichtigsten-einsatzgebiete
[4] https://www.auranatura.de/a/magazin/ginseng/
[5] https://ginseng-premium.com/de/content/9-rot-oder-schwartz-welche-waehlen
[6] https://ginseng-premium.com/de/content/8-die-eigenschaften-von-black-ginseng

Other types of ginseng

Red and black ginseng come from Korea and it is the most widely used form of ginseng.

1. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Native to North America and known for its calming and balancing effects, it is often used to promote relaxation and reduce fatigue.

2. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Although not in the genus Panax, it is often referred to as ginseng due to similar adaptogenic properties. It is native to Russia and Northeast Asia and is used to increase endurance and performance.

3. Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus): Another species in the genus Panax used in traditional medicine.

It is important to note that these different types of ginseng may have different active ingredients and effects. For example, while Panax species contain ginsenosides, which are known for their medicinal properties, Siberian ginseng contains eleutherosides as its main active ingredient.

Citations:
[1] https://ostrovit.com/en/blog/ginseng-and-siberian-ginseng-properties-effects-1636354920.html
[2] https://www.cikangtcm.com/post/exploring-the-different-types-of-ginseng-and-their-health-benefits
[3] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/american-ginseng
[4] https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/asian-ginseng
[5] https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-ginseng

Ginseng and Libido

Women

Studies suggest that ginseng may increase libido in women.

• A placebo-controlled study showed that Korean red ginseng improved sexual arousal in menopausal women.
• In premenopausal women, red ginseng significantly improved areas of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.

Sources:

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20141583/
[2] https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/red-ginseng-may-help-with-menopausal-symptoms-but-is-it-a-good-choice-for-all-women/
[3] https://www.maha.asia/blog/living-sciences-4/black-ginseng-richer-in-ginsenoside-compared-to-red-ginseng-201
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6049720/
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4700177/
[6] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aphrodisiac-foods
[7] https://ginseng-premium.com/en/content/9-ginseng-red-or-black-which-one-to-choose
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229919302316
[9] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03630242.2020.1803465
[10] https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20170049

Men:

Ginseng, particularly Korean red and black ginseng, has been studied for its potential effects on male libido and sexual health. Here is a summary of the findings based on scientific studies:

Effects on libido and sexual health in men

1. Improve erectile function: Ginseng promotes the release of nitric oxide (NO), which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the penis. This mechanism is similar to the action of drugs like Viagra, but ginseng works more slowly and has fewer side effects[1][3][7].

Studies show that Korean red ginseng can improve erectile function in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED). A meta-analysis showed a significant improvement in erectile function compared to placebo[3][6].

2. Increase testosterone levels: Ginsenosides, the active ingredients in ginseng, can stimulate testosterone metabolism. This may positively affect libido by increasing levels of free testosterone, which is crucial for sexual desire[1][7].

3. Improved sperm health:Ginseng has been shown to promote spermatogenesis (sperm production) by improving Sertoli cell function. It may also improve sperm count, motility, and overall quality[1][6][9].

4. Increase neurotransmitters associated with desire: Ginsenosides may increase dopamine and acetylcholine levels in the brain, neurotransmitters that play a key role in sexual desire and arousal[1][6].

5. Psychological benefits: The adaptogenic properties of ginseng may reduce stress and fatigue, which are common obstacles to sexual performance and libido[7].

Notes

• The effects of ginseng on libido and erectile function vary from person to person.
• While studies show promising results, some reviews suggest that improvements in erectile function may be modest or “insignificant” compared to placebo when assessed with standardized instruments[2].
• Dosage is important: Clinical trials often use higher doses (e.g., 900–1000 mg three times daily) than are commonly used in over-the-counter supplements[7].

Sources:

[1] https://precisemensmedical.com/blog/ginseng-benefits-for-erectile-dysfunction/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8094213/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2561113/
[4] https://ginseng-premium.com/en/content/9-ginseng-red-or-black-which-one-to-choose
[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316096
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3861174/
[7] https://ginseng-premium.com/de/presse/10_ginseng-erection-libido-was-sollten-wir-glauben.html
[8] https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ginseng-benefits-sexually/
[9] https://e-fsbh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.52361%2Ffsbh.2023.3.e32
[10] https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/korean-red-ginseng