GS15-4 Panax Ginseng: An Adaptogenic Herb For Stress and Fatigue

What Is GS15-4^™ Panax Ginseng?

GS15-4™ is produced through a fermentation process that transforms its ginsenoside content into end-stage metabolites, mimicking the fermentation environment of the colon. This transformation has been clinically proven to provide 15 times increased absorption, 4 times faster absorption and 4 times more consistent absorption—with a better taste profile than conventional ginseng extracts.

GS15-4^™ Panax Ginseng's Superior Manufacturing Process

✔ Harvested at optimal time

✔ Whole root, no peeling

✔ Proprietary vacuum extraction

✔ Patented enzyme fermentation

When it comes to getting the most out of herbal extracts, bioavailability is always a major concern, because not all natural compounds are absorbed well by the body. Our sister brand Natrium Health recently developed a Ginseng formulation, called PanaMAX, that addresses the bioavailability issues associated with Panax ginseng by using both the roots and leaves of the Panax ginseng plant. Extracts of the roots and leaves of Panax ginseng are then combined with Schisandra berries to help boost the absorption of the ginsenosides in Panax ginseng. This has proven to be a very effective method to help boost overall Panax ginseng benefits. However, there are some other routes that can be taken for enhancing Panax ginseng bioavailability. One of these methods is fermentation which is implemented in an incredibly novel ginseng extract called GS15-4!

When we consume Panax ginseng, the ginsenosides make their way down to our colon where they are eventually fermented by our gut microflora and turned into ginsenoside metabolites that can then be even better absorbed by our bodies. The fermentation of these ginsenosides can vary greatly from person to person, however, due to differences in gut microflora make up. Due to this, some people may be getting benefits from the ginsenosides in Panax ginseng but they may not be fully reaping the benefits of the fermented ginsenosides. With this in mind, RFI ingredients set out to produce a pre-fermented Panax ginseng so that everyone can enjoy fermented ginsenoside benefits!

✔ GS15-4 Panax Ginseng's Manufacturing Process

RFI ingredients starts this process with very high quality Panax ginseng raw material. The Panax ginseng root is harvested at an optimal time in its life cycle and is then extracted in its raw, unpeeled form. These methodologies lead to a great, raw Panax ginseng supplement. It is then extracted using a proprietary low heat vacuum-based extraction technique. This helps preserve some of the more delicate Panax ginseng bioactives. The finished extract is then put through a patented enzyme fermentation which turns the ginsenoside into their metabolites, such as the novel ginsenoside called IH-901 (also referred to as compound K).

✔ GS15-4 Panax Ginseng's Bioavailability

The end results of this novel extraction and fermentation methodology is a highly bioavailable Panax ginseng extract. As can be seen in the graphs below, the fermentation process leads to 15 times higher absorption of the ginsenoside metabolites. This is a huge improvement in overall bioavailability. Furthermore, the ginsenoside metabolites are absorbed 4 times faster. Better yet, they are absorbed 4 times more consistently!

✔ GS15-4 Panax Ginseng's Flavor Profile

Panax ginseng can also be fairly limited in the way it is consumed because it does not have a very palatable taste. Strong Panax ginseng extracts are very bitter tasting, and this can be quite off putting to some people. Through the enzyme fermentation process, GS15-4 loses much of its flavor, and so it is easier to incorporate it into a beverage or food item. Furthermore, due to its mild flavor and high bioavailability, GS15-4 can also be taken sublingually. We have found that this leads to a faster onset of energizing and mood-promoting effects!

What Are Adaptogenic Herbs?

"...Adaptogen plant extracts or herbs are extracts that help our body adapt to the stressors around us, rather than fully eliminating them."

One of the most prominent effects of great Ginseng supplements like GS15-4 are its stress management effects. We live in a very stressful world these days and sometimes it may feel as if responsibilities start piling up and you don’t have the capability to deal with it all. This is when a stress management supplement can be of great help. However, the issue with most stress relieving supplements is that they can sometimes make us too calm and unmotivated. This is where GS15-4 stands out and can be a cut above the other stress management supplements out there. Instead of producing calming stress management-effects, GS15-4 may help regulate stress levels to a manageable level whilst simultaneously promoting our energy levels and focus. In our opinion, this makes GS15-4 a fantastic stress management supplement for those under a lot of stress but cannot afford to slow down too much.

Another issue that can arise with various stress management supplements is that stress levels are actually regulated too much. Although super low stress levels may sound appealing, without a healthy amount of stress in our lives, we can start to lose drive and focus. What we want to achieve is a perfect level of stress where stress levels are high enough to push us to achieve our goals, while low enough to be able to achieve those goals in a sustainable and calm fashion. In other words, balance. The interesting thing about Panax ginseng is that it can mimic our stress hormones. By doing so, the ginsenosides in Panax ginseng can bind to the same receptors that our stress hormones bind too. Once at these receptors, the ginsenosides activate them to a much lower degree than our stress hormones. In addition to this, by binding to the stress hormone receptors, the ginsenosides regulate our stress hormones so as to not bind to their respective receptors. The overall net-positive effect of this unique mechanism is that overall stress levels are managed but it does not drop so low that we feel lethargic or unmotivated. This balancing act earns Panax ginseng the classification of an adaptogen. As the name may suggest, adaptogen plant extracts or herbs are extracts that help our body adapt to the stressors around us, rather than fully eliminating them.

"...GS15-4 is great supplement for promoting energy levels-- including both physical and mental energy!"

As we alluded to in the section about stress management, GS15-4 is great supplement for promoting energy levels-- including both physical and mental energy! Part of this effect comes from the ginsenoside metabolites in GS15-4 binding to our stress receptors and producing very controlled and minor stress responses. Think of it like having a volume knob for our "fight or flight" response. Having a full blown "fight or flight" response can be a jarring experience that throws all of our senses into overdrive and prepares our body for almost inhuman physical feats. Now imagine taking this response and lowering the intensity with our “volume knob” to a comfortable level. This allows us to hone our senses and perform physical activities with more ease. In a sense, this is exactly what GS15-4 achieves as it will mimic the positive effects of a stress response without the negatives.

Anecdotally, the energy effects of GS15-4 come on fast and smooth, helping to clear the mind and support alertness. When GS15-4 is taken sublingually, these effects are especially noticeable. The energy boosting effects of GS15-4 have made it a favorite around the office for when we are faced with especially large projects and need that extra "pick-me-up" while keeping stress at a manageable level. GS15-4 is also a favorite among students during exam time as it helps support focus while studying. GS15-4 is also popular among athletes as a fast-acting, caffeine-free pre-workout. When taken sublingually, the energy effects of GS15-4 can be felt in minutes. This is especially useful for athletes that need a rapid acting pre-workout for those quick, condensed and explosive workouts!

"...improvements in metabolic function have been associated with Panax ginseng for centuries; however, modern research has found that IH-901 is particularly effective at promoting metabolic health."

One of the more unique effects of GS15-4 is that one of the ginsenoside metabolites, IH-901, is especially good at helping promote healthy metabolic function. Improvements in metabolic function have been associated with Panax ginseng for centuries; however, modern research has found that IH-901 is particularly effective at promoting metabolic health. This makes GS15-4 a great option among Panax ginseng supplements for those looking to help enhance their metabolic health.

Additionally, The IH-901 content in GS15-4 has been shown to potentially help regulate the absorption of various carbohydrates.

The easiest option is to simply grab a jar of our GS15-4 capsules, and take those orally. This is the most consistent and hassle-free way to take GS15-4. However, if you would like to try out sublingual dosing or if you would like to incorporate GS15-4 into a beverage or food item, then our GS15-4 Panax Ginseng powder may be a better option for you. That being said, in order to properly utilize our GS15-4 powder you will need an accurate milligram scale. If you do not have a scale, Nootropics Depot recently came out with an accurate milligram scale at a fantastic price point. Simply measure out the recommended dose on our scale and place the powder under your tongue for a few minutes for sublingual dosing. Alternatively, the GS15-4 powder can be mixed with a beverage of choice as it is highly water soluble.