Special Edition: Botanicals
Ginseng
Sales of Ginseng (Panax spp.), excluding Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), have declined since 2014, with 52 week sales data ending August 10, 2014 across mass and natural channels reported to be $15.5 million, according to SPINS. These decline over the subsequent two 52 week periods, declining by 13% year-on-year to $13.5 million in 2015. The 2016 value was similar ($13.6 million).
The literature reports numerous potential health benefits for ginseng, including blood sugar management, cognition, subjective well-being, blood pressure, blood lipids, and even sleep quality.
The National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health notes only two potential benefits for Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) supplementation: blood glucose management benefits and immune support.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has been reported to have potential cognitive benefits, with a 2012 study reporting significant improvements in working memory (Psychopharmacology, 2010, Vol. 212, pp. 345-356).
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