Standardized Plant Extract — TITREX®

Ginseng

Root of Life — The adaptogenic panacea of Oriental medicine

Latin name

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer

Family

Araliaceae

History & Botany

Ginseng is the most studied medicinal plant in the world. Its Latin name, Panax, comes from the Greek pan (all) and akos (remedy — panacea), a testament to its universal reputation. In Chinese, the term means "man-plant," referring to the anthropomorphic shape of its root. Archaeological research traces its use back to the Paleolithic period, around 60,000 years ago.

Reserved for emperors and great lords due to its rarity and power, it is described in Shennong’s Herbal Classic (200 AD) as a tonic for "Qi," the vital energy. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century, it is now primarily produced in Korea, China, and Canada. Its cultivation requires rare patience: a minimum of 6 years of growth under shade, in rich and well-drained soil, before harvesting — which explains its high price and the need to choose certified standardized extracts.

Morphology

Perennial plant, 30 to 60 cm tall, with characteristic palmate leaves arranged in whorls. Small white flowers in umbels, and scarlet red berries in summer. The main root is fleshy and branched, often anthropomorphic, with a wrinkled yellowish-beige skin. White ginseng = cleaned and dried root; Red ginseng = steamed before drying (richer in Rg ginsenosides, more stimulating).

Part used & extraction

The main root, harvested after 6 to 8 years of cultivation. The dry extract is standardized in total ginsenosides (minimum 7%), sometimes up to 20-25% for highly concentrated extracts. HPLC titration is essential to guarantee efficacy.

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer

Fleshy, branched root, sometimes anthropomorphic, and characteristic scarlet red berries

Organoleptic Characteristics

Appearance

Very wrinkled root, yellowish-beige (white ginseng) or reddish-brown mottled (red ginseng). Powder ranges from ochre-brown to grayish-brown depending on the process.

Odor

Characteristic and recognizable: slightly musky, earthy, and gently sweet. Red ginseng develops warmer, caramelized notes due to steaming.

Taste

Initially slightly sweet, then bitter, aromatic, slightly pungent, and persistent. Red ginseng is more pronounced and warmer. Bitterness is a sign of richness in ginsenosides.

Texture

Fibrous, dense, and woody when dry. Fine powder, slightly hygroscopic, to be stored away from moisture. Good hydroalcoholic solubility.

Active Principles & Biochemistry

Medicinal Properties & Traditional Use

Adaptogen & Anti-Stress

Helps the body adapt to physical, psychological, and environmental stress. Regulates cortisol and normalizes the functions of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Stimulating effect in case of fatigue, calming effect in case of overstimulation — a bidirectional action characteristic of true adaptogens.

Cognitive & Physical Stimulant

Improves physical and intellectual performance, concentration, and working memory. Increases resistance to fatigue and stimulates adrenaline secretion. Recognized by the WHO for its effects on performance in cases of fatigue or chronic exhaustion.

Immunostimulant & Antioxidant

Stimulates NK lymphocytes, macrophages, and interferon production. Strong antioxidant power of ginsenosides (protection of cells against oxidative stress). Cardioprotective properties (regulation of blood pressure and platelet aggregation).

Vitality & Longevity

Traditional millennia-old use to support sexual vitality (documented improvement of erectile dysfunction), prevent premature aging, and strengthen the body's overall resistance. Ginsenoside Rb1 protects neurons against degeneration.