Page 15 - phytotherapy_ EBOOK_2025

• Effects: The main active components are the ginsenosides, a diverse group of steroidal saponins. A
single ginsenoside may initiate multiple or opposing actions, making the pharmacology complex.
o Cognitive: Age-related cognitive impairments are associated with a loss of nicotinic receptor
binding. A non-ginsenoside component of the herb has shown affinity for the nicotinic
receptor, which may be beneficial for neuroprotection.
o Antioxidant: Protects against oxidative DNA and protein damage. Also provides a
hepatoprotective effect by increasing hepatic glutathione peroxidase.
o Antiplatelet: Components (panaxynol, ginsenosides) inhibit aggregation, release reaction, and
thromboxane formation.
o Antiviral: Induces interferon production, enhances natural killer cell activity, and stimulates
cell-mediated immunity.
o Hypolipidemic/Cardiac: Saponins activate lipoprotein lipase, reducing chylomicrons and
VLDLs, which decreases triglycerides and cholesterol.
o Miscellaneous: Stimulates corticotrophin secretion. Ginsenosides stimulate insulin release
and increase insulin receptors, exerting a hypoglycemic effect.

• Indications (Commission E): Lack of stamina (used for fatigue, debility, decreased capacity for
work).

• Unproven Uses: Folk medicine uses include loss of appetite, anxiety, impotence, neuralgia, and
insomnia.

• Precautions/Interactions: Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. "Ginseng
Abuse Syndrome" (hypertension) is associated with prolonged high doses, especially with caffeine.
o Drug Interactions: May interact with diabetic agents/insulin. Due to antiplatelet effects, avoid
use with warfarin, NSAIDs, or antiplatelet agents. Headache and mania have been reported
with phenelzine (MAOI). Germanium (present in some ginseng products) was reported to
cause loop diuretic resistance and nephrotoxicity.
o Pregnancy/Lactation: Associated with neonatal androgenization; not recommended.

Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

• Habitat/Names: Indigenous to Vietnam, China, and Japan.
• Chemical composition: D(+)-camphor, extracted from the volatile oil. Synthetic camphor is DL-

camphor.

14