Ginseng takers have 40 times less cancer risk - study

MANILA, Philippines - A published study has shown that people who take ginseng regularly may have 40 times less risk of developing cancer.

The study, which lasted for five years, yielded one of the strongest positive results to show ginseng’s potential anti-cancer effects.

Ginseng consumers appear to be well-protected from developing cancer compared to non-consumers. This study reinforces the results shown in previous case-controlled studies conducted on both humans and experimental animals.

In a case-controlled study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology entitled “Non-organ Specific Cancer Prevention of Ginseng: A Prospective Study in Korea,” conducted by Drs. Taik Koo Yun and Soo-Yong Choi of the Korea Cancer Hospital, 4,634 people over 40 years old were asked to answer a questionnaire about their ginseng intake.

By a well-accepted research methodology, relative risks to develop cancer was estimated in the research subjects. Variables, which can affect the predictive outcome of the study, were controlled, so that the intake of ginseng could be correlated with the development of cancer.

Ginseng, one of the most popular traditional herbs in the world, has been shown as a nutrient with revitalizing benefits but this cancer-preventing effects may yet be shown to be its most remarkable benefit.

This anticarcinogenic effect of ginseng has been repeatedly tested in various studies to further establish the connection between the intake of the herb and cancer prevention.

There are many ginseng preparations being marketed in the country but one preparation with the highest amount of ginseng is Energin 300, available as an over-the-counter food supplement in Mercury and other leading drug stores.

Energin 300 is manufactured by one of the most reputable sources of food supplements in the United States. It is locally marketed by Trianon International Inc., a recipient of several awards for marketing excellence.

Charles Cultura, national sales and marketing manager of Trianon International, said ginseng in Energin 300 is combined with royal jelly well known also for its revitalizing effects and its strengthening or boosting effect on the immune system, which also contributes to cancer prevention.

“The powerful ginseng-royal jelly combination in Energin 300 also helps reduce reactions to stress, which brings about a younger and healthier appearance,” said Cultura. Cancer prevention is now a top priority due to the increasing rate of cancer cases all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, there were 10 million new cases of cancer in 2000 and is predicted to increase by 50 percent by 2020.

Ginseng’s anticarcinogenic properties may not have surprised herbalists, even those from centuries past. In ancient times, ginseng has been used as tonic to invigorate weak bodies.  

In the Encyclopedia of Herbs written by Li Shizen in China, ginseng was regarded as an ingredient which can cure 23 diseases. Ginseng is also included in 16.6 percent of the total prescriptions in the Korean Clinical Pharmacopeia written by herbalist Huh Joon.

“Destructive elements in the environment have increased the risk of cancer and this is why we have decided to provide the Philippine market with Energin 300 which has one of the highest ginseng content in the market. Intensive protection for diseases like cancer is always the key,” said Cultura.

He, however, stressed that a healthy lifestyle remains the most important means to prevent cancer and all the so-called lifestyle diseases.

Cultura cited some pointers based on cancer-prevention tips offered by experts at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. These are:

• Don’t smoke and avoid smokers when they puff their cigarettes to minimize exposure to second-hand smoke.

• Eat a balanced diet with more foods from plant-based sources, and less fat.

• Exercise regularly and maintain an ideal body weight.

• Avoid excessive exposure from the sun, especially avoiding peak radiation hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Get immunized for certain diseases such as hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

• Avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that may increase your risk of cancer. (There are viruses which are transmitted sexually or by sharing contaminated needles.)

• Regular screening and self-examination can detect cancer early enough to allow possible curative treatment.

For more information on Energin 300, call or text 0917-8836164 or 0922-8203776.