‘Ginseng extract shows astonishing efficacy in radiation damage’

“It is amazing to learn that ginseng not only helps regain stamina but also has efficacy in boosting immunity and reducing damage from radioactive materials.’

Participants seemed surprised at every session where efficacy of Korean ginseng and examples of its excellence were presented at the international seminar on “The excellence and efficacy of Korean ginseng” held at Hotel Pullman in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 6. The seminar was organized by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) to make inroads into the Islam region, where potential demand for ginseng is high.

Prof. Kim Shi-gwan of Kunkok University medicine and life science college, who serves the chairman of the Korean Society of Ginseng and the first speaker of the seminar, stressed various efficacy of ginseng. “Ginseng boosts immunity by activating microphage. It is also effective in preventing viral respiratory disease such as cold,” he said.

Kim also introduced results of studies that suggest ginseng reduces damage from exposure to radioactive materials. “A research team led by Morio Yonezawa at the Osaka Radiation Center in Japan conducted case-control analysis of 30-day survival of mice exposed to radiation, to find that ginseng extracts reduce hemorrhage caused by radiation, and accelerate generation of platelet,” he said.

Prof. Lee Yeong-joo at Sejong University college of life science, the second presenter, said ginseng is highly effective in post-menopausal women. Citing a study conducted by a research team led by Prof. Seo Seok-gyo at Yonsei University College of Medicine’s gynecology department, he said, “The group that had intake of red ginseng saw menopausal symptoms decline by about 30 percent, while the comparison group displayed no change.” He added, “The case group who had intake of red ginseng saw the level of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein decline by 20 percent on average, and the thickness of interior wall of their carotid artery fall by 4 percent.”

Afterwards, studies were also presented suggesting that ginseng improves cardiovascular diseases, helps cancer treatment, boosts resistance to heat, and enhances stamina. A presentation suggesting that ginseng produce from Korea is richer in saponin and acidic polysaccharide compared with that from other countries such as the U.S. and China also drew keen attention from participants. The seminar was followed by an event where participants had a chance to sample food containing ginseng, including samgyetang (chicken soup with ginseng).

In attendance at the event were more than 200 people, including Kim Yeong-seon, the Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, and officials in charge of food and drugs in Southeast Asian countries, including Ellin Herlina, head of the food safety bureau at the Indonesian Food and Drug Administration, researchers and professional buyers.

“We have organized the seminar to promote the excellence of Korean ginseng that is widely recognized as top quality product in the China region to the Southeast Asian region, including Indonesia,” said “Lee Seong-bok, chief of aT’s Jakarta branch. “We will continuously promote excellence of Korean ginseng to countries worldwide and boost its export competitiveness.”