Ginseng and cardiovascular health: Uncovering the heart-protecting secrets of the ‘king of herbs’

The Ancient Understanding of Ginseng's Heart-Protective Properties

In the Compendium of Materia Medica, Li Shizhen stated that ginseng can treat ‘weak and nearly absent pulses,’ which is related to weakened cardiovascular function, such as weak pulses during heart failure or circulatory failure during shock. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, ginseng's effects on the cardiovascular system are closely tied to the relationship between “qi” and ‘blood’:

• Qi propels blood flow, and blood carries qi: Traditional Chinese medicine holds that qi is the driving force behind blood circulation. When qi is deficient, blood flow slows down, leading to symptoms like chest tightness, palpitations, and cold extremities. Ginseng can replenish ‘heart qi’ and ‘original qi,’ effectively boosting the cardiovascular system to ensure smooth blood flow through the vessels.
• Promoting smooth meridian flow and harmonising qi and blood: For palpitations caused by qi and blood deficiency (similar to arrhythmia) or low blood pressure due to insufficient yang qi, ginseng, through its ‘warming and tonifying’ properties, can both strengthen the heart's pumping ability and improve blood circulation in the extremities, keeping blood vessels in a relaxed state.

Although people in the past did not understand concepts like blood pressure and heart rate, through countless practical applications, they summarised ginseng's characteristics of ‘strengthening the heart without causing dryness, and unblocking blood vessels without being too aggressive.’ This is why it is more effective than other tonics. Modern research also supports traditional Chinese medicine's claims. For example, in some heart failure models, using ginseng extract improved the heart's pumping function, consistent with traditional Chinese medicine's assertion that ginseng enhances the heart's pumping capacity.

Modern Research on Ginseng's Heart-Protective Properties

With advancements in science and technology, the mechanisms behind ginseng's effects on the cardiovascular system are gradually being uncovered. Scientists have identified ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, Rg3) in ginseng, which have been proven to be key components in regulating cardiovascular function. These ginsenosides primarily exert three effects:

1、Help your heart work flexibly：

• Make the heart stronger: Small amounts of ginsenosides can promote energy metabolism in cardiac muscle cells, making the heart contract more powerfully, which is suitable for people with poor heart function. Experiments have found that it can make cardiac muscle cells more resistant to hypoxia and protect them during ischaemia. Research data indicates that in animal experiments, the group administered a certain dose of ginsenosides had 30%-40% more ATP (an energy substance) in their cardiac muscle cells compared to the untreated group, indicating more abundant energy in the cardiac muscle cells. In a small-scale trial involving heart failure patients, after taking medication containing ginsenosides, cardiac function indicators such as left ventricular ejection fraction improved by an average of 5%-8%.
• Preventing the heart from beating too fast: When the heart beats too fast due to excessive sympathetic nervous system activity, ginsenosides can slow down the heart. This ability to adjust according to the situation is quite unique. Studies show that in cellular experiments simulating rapid heartbeat, adding ginsenosides reduced the frequency of abnormal heartbeat in myocardial cells by 20%-30%, alleviating the state of cardiac overstimulation.

2、Keep your blood vessels elastic

• Regulating vascular dilation: The active ingredients in ginseng can cause the vascular endothelium to release nitric oxide, a substance that helps maintain vascular elasticity, reduce vascular resistance, and thereby regulate blood pressure. For those with high blood pressure, consuming ginseng can help stabilise blood pressure; for those with low blood pressure, it can help raise it slightly. A study on hypertensive patients found that after taking ginseng extract for 8 weeks, systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 8–12 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 5–8 mmHg. In contrast, individuals with low blood pressure who consumed ginseng products experienced an increase in cardiac output of 10–15%, leading to a corresponding rise in blood pressure.
• Preventing vascular hardening: Ginsenosides can reduce fat deposits on blood vessel walls, prevent vessels from hardening and developing plaques, and lower blood viscosity to prevent blood clot formation, akin to giving blood vessels a thorough cleaning and maintenance. Research has found that in vitro cell experiments, ginsenosides can reduce cholesterol absorption by vascular smooth muscle cells by 30%-40%, thereby reducing fat accumulation on blood vessel walls. Individuals who regularly consume ginseng extracts have a 10%-15% reduction in blood levels of fibrinogen and other substances related to blood clot formation, indicating reduced blood viscosity and a lower risk of blood clot formation.

3、Helps regulate metabolism

Abnormal blood sugar and lipid levels can cause significant damage to blood vessels. Ginseng can help regulate insulin sensitivity, stabilise blood sugar levels, and reduce the damage caused by high blood sugar to blood vessels. At the same time, it can lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, increase ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL), and fundamentally reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study conducted by Korean researchers showed that when prediabetic patients took 500 mg of red ginseng extract powder twice daily for 12 weeks, their fasting blood sugar, haemoglobin A1c, and oral glucose tolerance all improved. In terms of lipid regulation, related studies indicate that taking ginseng preparations continuously for three months can reduce total cholesterol by 10–15%, triglycerides by 15–20%, and increase ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL) by 8–12%.

Eating ginseng this way protects your heart and is safe.

Although ginseng is beneficial for cardiovascular health, it must be consumed correctly. Based on ancient and modern experience, keep the following points in mind:

• Don't eat too much: 3-5 slices of ginseng per day is enough. Eating too much may cause your heart rate to increase and your blood pressure to fluctuate. Also, don't eat it continuously. It is recommended to eat it for 2-3 weeks and then stop for 1 week to allow your body to adjust. Research shows that consuming over 10 grams of ginseng daily can cause 30%-40% of people to experience an accelerated heart rate, with an additional 10-15 beats per minute, and some may also experience blood pressure fluctuations, with systolic pressure increasing by 10-20 mmHg.
• Adjust consumption based on individual conditions:

  Suitable for: Individuals with blood deficiency causing palpitations, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, or mild heart failure. Hypertensive patients may also consume under medical supervision.

  Not suitable for: Individuals experiencing acute myocardial infarction, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or hyperthyroidism (already experiencing rapid heart rate), as consumption may exacerbate cardiac strain.

• Combination considerations:

  For better heart protection: Can be combined with Danshen (which promotes blood circulation) and Ophiopogon (which nourishes yin) to make ‘Ginseng and Ophiopogon Decoction,’ suitable for those with palpitations and dry mouth.

  Avoid consuming with strong tea or coffee: May impair absorption; also avoid combining with anticoagulants like warfarin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

The right way to view ginseng

The protective effects of ginseng on the cardiovascular system essentially involve regulating the body's balance. Unlike Western medicine, which directly targets specific areas, ginseng improves overall bodily functions, enabling the heart, blood vessels, and metabolic system to work together effectively. Healthy individuals do not need to take it specifically; however, those with insufficient qi and blood or poor cardiovascular function may benefit from taking it under medical guidance.
From the ancient use of ‘ginseng soup’ for emergency treatment to modern ginsenoside-based medications, this plant with a history of thousands of years continues to contribute to human health. Ultimately, regular routines and balanced diets remain the foundation of heart health; ginseng is simply a helpful adjunct.