Today we are diving into the fascinating plant called Panax ginseng, which is a part of the Araliaceae family. Did you know that there are actually thirteen different types of Panax plants? Panax ginseng is the most sought after species of Panax though because of its high concentrations of ginsenosides and its ability to support a wide range of benefits. That being said, a lot of Panax ginseng out there is fake, and is actually oftentimes cheaper and inferior Panax species. To ensure that ours is real genuine Panax ginseng, we perform species testing via HPTLC on every single batch!
The word “Panax” means “all healing” in ancient Greek. This name was chosen by Carl Linnaeus to represent the genus because he was aware of the use of Panax species in traditional Chinese practices for a plethora of different applications. Panax ginseng isn’t the only name that this miraculous plant has! It’s also known as Korean Red Ginseng, True ginseng or even Mountain ginseng. Panax ginseng has been traditionally used in Chinese practices for more than 2000 years!
While the roots of Panax ginseng are most often utilized, the leaves of Panax ginseng actually contain much higher levels of ginsenosides, the main class of bioactive compounds in Panax ginseng. Our Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract is standardized to a whopping 40% ginsenosides!* Furthermore, the ratios of the ginsenosides in the leaves also produce more stimulating effects, making the Panax ginseng leaf extract a force to be reckoned with, and a rare one at that because Panax ginseng leaf extracts are not very common!*
We can’t talk about Panax ginseng without also talking about ginsenosides! There are over 100 different types of ginsenosides contained in Panax ginseng that are divided into either the Protopanaxadiol, Protopanaxatriol, Oleanolic Acid or Ocotillol class. All of those four categories have their own basic structures that each individual ginsenoside has their own unique spin on!
Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rd and Re are the most common and commonly researched ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are so important because they are where most of Panax ginseng’s benefits come from! Most of the ginsenosides in Panax ginseng are found in either the leaves or the roots although they are found throughout the entire plant. Rg1 and Re specifically are in much higher concentrations in the leaves than the roots which is part of the reason we chose to use the leaves for this extract!
As Carl Linnaeus already knew when he named the genus ‘Panax’, Panax ginseng has a very comprehensive effects profile. If there was ever an ideal example of a “stand-alone supplement” then this is it. With this in mind, it is also no surprise that this is perhaps one of the most well known botanicals on the planet! If you are looking for a supplement that helps dial in your cognitive function while keeping stress at bay and your vitality up, then you can stop reading here because you’ve likely found your ideal supplement since it basically ticks all of the boxes!*
Let’s dive into the effect a little bit more in depth though, because a botanical with such a long history of use and a highly revered status, deserves some extra attention! One of the most popular uses for Panax ginseng is as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are botanicals or isolated compounds that help us adapt to the various stressors in our environment, whether that be mental stress from work or school, or physical stressors like cold temperatures. Specifically, Panax ginseng has an incredibly unique adaptogenic effect when we look at stress.* Most stress management supplements work by simply lowering cortisol levels, which is one of the main stress hormones. Panax ginseng does this in a more sophisticated fashion though. The ginsenosides in Panax ginseng actually attach themselves to the same exact receptors that cortisol binds to and they even work as agonists here! This may seem weird since cortisol binding to these receptors and activating them, is what causes most of the common effects of stress. The unique thing about the ginsenosides is that they produce a much lower intensity of receptor activation, while also binding to the receptors very strongly. This allows the ginsenosides to displace cortisol from its receptor, which makes it very hard for cortisol to bind to the receptors, thereby reducing the cortisol induced stress response. In essence, the ginsenosides take over for cortisol, which means that during periods of high stress (coinciding with high cortisol levels), Panax ginseng can help support stress management since it helps blunt the normal cortisol induced stress response.* On the other hand, during periods of exceptionally low stress, we can actually become unmotivated. This is because cortisol also has a motivational effect, and thus if cortisol activity is too low, then motivation can suffer too. This is where the adaptogenic properties of Panax ginseng come in handy, because the ginsenosides can produce that low level stress response necessary for optimal levels of motivation even when cortisol levels are low!*
In addition to its positive effects on stress, Panax ginseng also has a wonderful mood brightening effect.* With root extracts, this mood brightening effect is also accompanied by a somewhat calming effect.* However, with the Panax ginseng leaf extract, this mood brightening effects is accompanied by a pleasant energizing effect.* This makes the leaf extract perfect for those somber days when you can’t seem to find the motivation or energy to do anything. The ginsenosides also have a very positive effect on neuroplasticity, which means that over time, the mood enhancing effects of Panax ginseng become more pronounced.* This neuroplasticity enhancing effect also helps promote memory and general cognitive function.* Taken together, the stress balancing, stimulating, mood brightening and cognition enhancing effects make this Panax ginseng leaf extract an incredible natural nootropic!*
Now for the cherry on top, if the nootropic effects weren’t enough, Panax ginseng is also great for general health!* It helps promote immune function, cardiovascular function and metabolic health while also helping to promote balanced levels of oxidation and inflammation.* Truly a panacea as its botanical name promises!
The Focus Stack: Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract + Ginkgo Biloba
Panax ginseng and Ginkgo biloba is a classic combination, and for good reason! With this stack, expect even higher levels of focus and cognitive enhancement than each on their own.*
The Cognitive Support Stack: Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract + Sibelius™ Sage Capsules
Panax ginseng and Sibelius Sage combine for the ultimate cognitive function stack! With additional benefits to balanced oxidation and inflammation levels, this is the stack for you!*
Immune Function Stack: Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract + Functional Yeast Extract Capsules
Do you want the best stack for immune function? Then look no further than Panax ginseng and Functional Yeast Extract! This is an outstanding duo for cognitive function in addition to immune function!*
As a dietary supplement, take 200mg 1-3 times daily.
To gain more insight, see the Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract reviews and experiences below.
Nootropics Depot offers 15g and 30g jars of high quality Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract. Nootropics Depot’s Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract has been lab-tested and verified for both product purity and identity.
| *Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
This is definitely a strong ginseng, especially using it in combinations. However the effects are less pronounced and heady than the root. It feels like ginseng would on the body only so sort of like caffeine, but works for my purpose which is to combat lethargy from bacopa and ashwagandha among others.
I bought this as part of a ginseng variety pack. Was just curious. I find it absolutely fascinating. Everyone knows ginseng root. Who knew about the leaf? This product is noticeable stimulating for me. Pretty good for energy & focus. This is the type of product where, if it agrees with your system, I wouldn't be opposed to pushing the dose up beyond 200 mg.
This is definitely a strong ginseng, especially using it in combinations. However the effects are less pronounced and heady than the root. It feels like ginseng would on the body only so sort of like caffeine, but works for my purpose which is to combat lethargy from bacopa and ashwagandha among others.
I bought this as part of a ginseng variety pack. Was just curious. I find it absolutely fascinating. Everyone knows ginseng root. Who knew about the leaf? This product is noticeable stimulating for me. Pretty good for energy & focus. This is the type of product where, if it agrees with your system, I wouldn't be opposed to pushing the dose up beyond 200 mg.
Effective stuff at a good price! Usually take 250mg around noon and will occasionally take another around 4-5pm. Can take it with my coffee without worrying about anxiousness or over-stimulation. Definitely seems to help with inflammation and allergies.
Ever been down after the dust settled from a stressful situation? This supplement mimics "eustress" to eliminate this problem. Overstressed? This occupies stress receptors, partially activating them and preventing the body from activating them fully, balancing stress to manageable. I've seen it (ND Ginseng Leaf) succeed within 45 minutes at eliminating severe, melancholic low mood over 75% of the time (unipolar, one anecdotal case). Beats 6-8 weeks. Research ginsenosides for more info. This is likely the strongest there is. As far as the taste, consider capsules.
After months trying some adaptogens* individually, this Panax Ginseng Leaf Extract is simply the best for me. Although I'm only using 200 mg once a day, I'm guessing upping to 400–600 mg might be slighly better. It helps by reducing a bit my sleep inertia and fatigue from simply daily activities. Since the leaf has absurdly high levels of the ginsenoside Rg1 & also high Re (MisterYouAreSoDumb, 2016, reddit), based on some studies about both acting on glucocorticoid receptors (GR), I'd say they positively regulate the GR (agonism is established) and/or increase a naturally low HPA axis responsiveness. * Ashwagandha (Normal, KSM-66, Sensoril), Bacopa monnieri, Panax Ginseng GS15-4 (ND), Relora and Rhodiola rosea (3% salid.) (ND); P.S.: I have Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) & naturally lower than normal salivary cortisol levels throughout the day (fixing it doesn't fix all my IH). P.P.S.: ND Admin, I'd like to suggest selling a 60 or 125 g bottle if it's reasonable. Thanks!
Good product, excellent value. Will likely order again.
Quality and package is great, but this one did not agree with me. Unlike the root extract versions, the leaf extract one made me drowsy.
This is a great energy enhancing product and gives the energy effect most people are actually seeking in Ginseng, I think. It tastes exactly like the very strong Korean ginseng's I used to be able to source and is definitely swimming with the active ingredient! I combine with the GS15-4 stuff for a more balanced feel.
