Today’s Solutions: November 02, 2024

Aging gracefully is an art that involves maintaining good health—but, as we age, our bodies become more vulnerable and will need extra attention. In the case of postmenopausal women, reduced estrogen makes it more likely that they will experience oxidative stress, which is an indication of the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. However, there is research that demonstrates the potential of Korean red ginseng (also called Panax ginseng) to support the health of aging women in a multitude of ways.

Studying the effects of Korean red ginseng

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is touted for having beneficial effects on aging and antioxidant capacity. For this reason, the researchers wanted to see whether KRG would also support healthy biological aging and antioxidant capacity, specifically in postmenopausal women.

The study involved 63 postmenopausal women, 33 of which were randomly given two grams of ginseng, while the rest were given a placebo over eight weeks. For the duration of the study, the researchers monitored their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number to assess biological aging. Their total antioxidant status (TAS) was also observed, and the women answered questions about their energy levels and alertness before and after the study.

The findings

After the eight weeks, those who received the KRG had notably better numbers, including more TAS, indicating better antioxidant status, and more mtDNA copies, which essentially means less aging. The KRG recipients also reported increased energy in comparison to the placebo group.

According to the study authors, “The mtDNA copy number is associated with aging and oxidative stress. Therefore, our result suggests that consuming KRG can increase mitochondrial functioning, which is negatively [i.e., inversely] associated with biological aging.” Simply put, if your mitochondria are functioning at their best, then fewer aging processes are happening within your body.

Conclusion

Although more research that includes a wider sample (all the participants were Korean, and the researchers couldn’t control other plausible variables that may have influenced results) is needed to figure out what the optimal dose and duration would be for ginseng supplements, their findings “are consistent with those of previous studies on the effectiveness of KRG,” say the study authors.

Source Study: NutrientsThe effects of Korean red ginseng on biological aging and antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

This heartwarming Danish ad breaks down the ‘Us vs Them’ narrative

It’s rare that we publish a story about an advertisement, but then again it’s rare that an ad stirs so much emotion within its ...

Read More

NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing

We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city ...

Read More

A seat at the table for underrepresented communities

Climate change is already affecting all of us—however, those that bear the brunt of these consequences are predominantly from low-income, marginalized, BIPOC communities. So ...

Read More

Expanding democracy: Michigan opens new doors for formerly incarcerated voters

Malijah Gee's path from incarceration at the age of 17 to imminent freedom reflects the longing for a voice that has been suppressed for 36 years. ...

Read More