Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), being present in 400 million people accross the globe in people of all races, ages and genders is amongst the more important types of diseases present in the World Health Organizations 2013-2020 Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. CVD are the leading cause of death in the World as well as in Turkey. Ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng root, is widely used in Turkey to prevent tiredness, fatique, and loss of concentration, to improve mental and physical capacity during recovery period, as well as to reduce the degenerative effects of stress. It also acts as adaptogen due to its anti-stress effect while regulating blood sugar in diabetic patients and increasing erectile capacity and libido in cases with erectile dysfunction. In addition, use of Ginseng as a dietary supplement is increasing day by day among individuals with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and oxidative damage. In the literature, there is controversial data concerning Panax ginseng s pharmacological activity on the cardiovascular system. Increasing the synthesis of nitric oxide, it is observed that Ginseng has both hypertensive and hypotensive effects. While it is stated that dietary supplements containing Ginseng affect the autonomic nervous system, but also increases the blood pressure, reduces or making no change, controversial results were obtained. For these conflict data, ginsenoside, first reducing and then increasing the blood pressure, is thought to be responsible. Depending on the acute and chronic use of Ginseng, it has also been observed that various pharmacological activities exist. In this review, we aim to present the cardiovascular effects of Ginseng.
Key words: Alternative Medicine; Cardiovascular System; Panax ginseng.
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