History of ginseng and properties attributed to it. Ginseng

At all times, people have sought health and prolongation of life from the forces of nature.

This is how dreams of a panacea arose - a cure for all ailments at once. Such wonderful properties were attributed to ginseng in ancient times. The Russians call it stosil, and the Chinese call it the root of life. What do we know about him?

Where does ginseng live?

This root does not grow everywhere. It prefers moist and shaded places, as well as solitude. It is found in China, Korea and Russia (Primorsky Territory, Altai). Numerous legends say that the root once lived only in China, but after the sage Lao Tzu discovered its rare healing power people, he fled to the north and took refuge in the Ussuri region. Once three brothers went in search of him, but got lost and died in the taiga. According to legend, they still roam the forest and call to each other. If a root collector in the taiga hears voices from nowhere, then he should not go in the direction from which they are coming, otherwise, they say, he will forever get lost in his search. eternal life…

In the East, they firmly believe that the ginseng root can only be revealed to a person with a pure soul, so hunters for it never take weapons with them and cannot repel criminals who sometimes try to take away the found root by force - after all, it is very valuable and can bring its owner much money.

Another belief says that ginseng, fleeing from people, created its own likeness, which the Chinese call “pantsui”. The shape of the root can be similar to a human figure. The greater the similarity, the more beneficial the pantsuy is for health, the more vitality, and in addition, this means that somewhere nearby there is real ginseng growing, supposedly giving. They say that it blooms, illuminating the darkness of the taiga with a bright light, but sinners are not able to see this light...

Elixir for the Emperor

They say that Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di dreamed of the elixir of eternal life. Court doctors and mystics were tasked with finding a recipe for immortality, and the learned men sat in the library for a long time, studying ancient manuscripts... Their conclusion was clear: if there is such a plant, then it can only be ginseng. They told the emperor about the miracle root growing in the North, and the ruler equipped a small army on the road.

They say that the soldiers managed to find the root and deliver it to the court. But the court oracle said that although the plant is indeed good for health, the true root, which grants immortality, grows even further to the north... The emperor’s troops passed through different countries, and everywhere people tried to buy off the ruler’s anger with medicinal plants. All the plants that arrived in the Middle Kingdom could make a person happy for a long and healthy life, but the root of immortality was not among them. Many rulers of the lands subject to the emperor laid their heads on the chopping block because of this, but the elixir of eternal life was never created...

Plant and bird

Due to the fact that the spread of ginseng is largely facilitated by birds, among the peoples of the East, the images of the root and the bird are closely connected. It is believed that there once lived a young man who thoroughly studied the properties of plants. He was smart, handsome, but poor. Selfishness was not inherent in him; he healed many just for a bowl of food. The healer's fame grew over time, and then one day a certain rich man, suffering from an incurable illness, heard about him. He immediately ordered to find the young man and promised that in case of healing he would fulfill any wish of the doctor, if it was in his power. The young man treated the rich man for a long time, and while he was fiddling with various potions, the sick man’s daughter, a beautiful and young girl, fell in love with him. After recovery, the rich man was ready to shower the healer with gold, but he refused, asking for the hand of his daughter. The father's anger knew no bounds. He neglected his promise, banished the young man to distant lands, but even at a distance the lovers could not forget about each other. One day, a girl, seizing a moment when her parent was not at home, ran away and followed her lover. The rich man returned home and set out to chase them. His hirelings galloped to the mountain ranges and almost caught up with the lovers, but then the young man turned into a ginseng root, and the girl into a bird... Even today, search engines are always looking for a healing root where many birds gather.

Miracle from the pharmacy

Every year, ginseng sheds its stems, leaving traces of them on the root, which scientists use to calculate the age of the plant. I must say, this is not an easy matter. Roots have already been found that have lived for 140 years, and some experts are convinced that ginseng can easily live up to 400 years.

Collecting ginseng root has recently become difficult; it requires special permission, but acquiring it has become much easier. After all, they have been trying to “cultivate” the “root of life” since the 18th century. The experiment was a success. Now ginseng grows and spreads well in temperate zones. Usually it is placed between spreading trees that cast the shade that the plant loves so much, watered and sprinkled with sawdust to protect it from the sun.

Various tinctures and preparations containing ginseng are available today. They give vigor, relieve nervous and physical tension, fatigue, and when taken regularly they can actually prolong life.

Syn: root of life.

A herbaceous perennial plant from 30 to 70 cm, living up to 100 years or more. Used as a tonic, energy, nootropic stimulant. Used for hypotension, activates cardiac activity, increases performance, and improves sexual function.

Ask the experts a question

Flower formula

Common ginseng flower formula: CH5L5T5P2.

In medicine

Ginseng preparations are used for fatigue, hypotension, decreased performance, mental and physical fatigue, functional diseases of the cardiovascular system, exhaustion, anemia, neurasthenia, and hysteria. For asthenic conditions caused by various diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis, malaria, etc.). Has an analgesic effect. Ginseng for men is used for sexual dysfunction.

Tinctures, decoctions, pills, powders, and ointments are prepared from the roots. A decoction is prescribed at the rate of 2-3 g of roots per 600 ml of water, which must be boiled to 1 glass.

In our country, 10% alcohol tincture and ginseng root powder are approved for use. It is prescribed orally before meals. Tincture 12-25 drops 3 times a day, powder 0.25-0.3 g 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 90 days. After every 30 days of taking the drug, take a break of 10 days. Store ginseng tincture in a dark place.

Contraindications and side effects

Ginseng has very low toxicity, however, cases have been reported fatal poisoning with a single dose of 150-200 g of ginseng root tincture. The dose for children must be agreed with the doctor. Ginseng preparations are contraindicated in the midst of infectious diseases, as well as in patients with organic pathology of the central nervous system, especially in the manic phase.

In cosmetology

Thanks to its tonic and stimulating properties, ginseng is perfectly used in cosmetology. It promotes skin rejuvenation, eliminates wrinkles, gives skin elasticity, and relieves inflammation. Ginseng oil is often added to various hair strengthening products: balms, shampoos, conditioners. The oil is also used for baths, making the skin elastic, beautiful, and giving it a healthy color. Helps with various dermatoses, acne, vitiligo, many other skin diseases, and baldness.

In aromatherapy

The smell emitted by ginseng essential oil tones, helps solve digestive problems, and this in turn has the most beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Steam baths with ginseng oil are also beneficial for the skin, especially in combination with aromatherapy sessions.

Classification

Common ginseng (Latin: Panax ginseng) belongs to the Araliaceae family (Latin: Araliaceae).

Botanical description

Underground Organs: Ginseng root is a vertical, short rhizome from which emerges a branched, succulent, taproot, yellowish-white, fleshy, slightly branched, pale yellow root. The root surface is wrinkled. More often it is inclined 30-45 degrees to the surface. The roots consist of a head, a long neck and a spindle-shaped root itself, branching at the bottom into two processes 20–25 cm long, 2–2.5 cm in diameter. The rhizome forms the “cap” of the root. The root in the lower part is divided into two processes - like “legs”, the upper part is like the “arms” of the plant. The stem is single, 30–70 cm high. The leaves (two or three) at the base are palmately five-parted, long-petiolate, the leaves are obovate, with a sharp edge, with a wedge-like base and spines on the veins. The flowers are collected in a simple umbrella of 15–20 flowers - greenish-white, sometimes pale pink, bisexual. The calyx of the flower is green. Ginseng flowers emit a faint aroma. The formula of the common ginseng flower is CH5L5T5P.

Ginseng berries are bright red juicy drupes - two-, less often three-seeded. Collected in a spherical group.

Spreading

The species is distributed in eastern Asia (Far East, Altai, China, Tibet).

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

Wild ginseng is a protected plant; it is harvested only under licenses. Therefore, ginseng as a medicinal raw material is mainly a cultivated plant.

On plantations, 5-8 year old plants are harvested. They dig with special bone spatulas, being careful not to tear off the two long lobes that go deep from the root into the ground. You can’t wash the roots, just carefully clean them from the soil. The roots are handed over fresh, or they can be preserved by keeping them over water vapor heated to 80ºC. Dry the raw materials in the shade for a month or two. Dried roots should be light brown and hard. In this form they can be preserved for many years.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition of ginseng and its properties have not yet been fully studied. The root contains triterpene saponins, called panaxosides A, B, C, D, E, P. In other Araliaceae, these glycosides of tetracyclic triterpenes of the dammarane series are absent. In panaxosides A, B, C, the aglycone is panaxatriol, and in panaxosides D, E, P, panaxadiol. Panaxosides belong to the class of triterpenoids. Panaxoside C is extracted from the herb and fruit of ginseng. In addition, panacea essential oil, panaxic acid, which is a mixture of fatty acids: stearic, palmitic, linoleic and oleic, cane sugar, alkaloids, fatty oil, phytosterols, mucus, pectin substances, starch, resins, tannins, vitamins, were found in the roots. group B, ascorbic acid. According to Chinese researchers, a significant content of sulfur, phosphorus, trace elements Ca, Mg, K, Al, Se, Fe, Sr, Mn, Ba, Ti was found.

Pharmacological properties

Ginseng preparations are characterized by a significant breadth of therapeutic action. Since they are non-toxic, they can be used for a long time. It has been established that ginseng root is one of the strongest stimulants of central nervous system, superior in effectiveness to the mixture of phenamine with proserine, but, unlike the latter, it is not characterized by phasic action and negative consequences, does not disturb sleep, and increases performance, including during night wakefulness. According to evidence, the effect of ginseng on the body is caused by its stimulating effect on the cortex and subcortical centers. Ginseng increases the mobility and strength of basic cortical processes, enhances positive conditioned reflexes, facilitates the production conditioned reflexes and improves differentiation. Ginseng root preparations have been proven to have a beneficial effect on blood composition, increase gas exchange, stimulate tissue respiration (especially of the brain), reduce the frequency of contractions and increase the amplitude of the heart, and promote rapid healing of wounds and ulcers. Ginseng tincture, taken orally, increases the secretion of bile, the concentration of bile acids and bilirubin in it, and increases the sensitivity of the human eye to light during the process of dark adaptation. The glycoside ginsenin regulates carbohydrate metabolic processes, reduces blood sugar and increases glycogen synthesis, which makes it effective for diabetes. It has been experimentally proven in animals that when ginseng is administered as a preventive measure, the resistance of animals to radiation exposure improves. Animals that received ginseng and were exposed to radiation were more likely to return to normal life, while animals that did not receive ginseng were sick for a long time and died. The beneficial effect of ginseng on the body is explained by its content significant amount biologically active components.

Use in folk medicine

Ginseng root has long been valued in China, where its amazing healing qualities have been known for many centuries. It clearly had a strengthening, tonic, and stimulating effect. It is rightfully believed that ginseng promotes longevity and is very useful in old age. It is used for general weakness, exhaustion, fatigue, depression, impotence, and hypochondria.

In addition, ginseng tincture is used for mental and physical fatigue, after severe long-term illnesses, for functional disorders of the cardiovascular system, hypofunction of the gonads, diabetes and some functional nervous and mental diseases (neuroses, neurasthenia, psychasthenia, etc.), for chronic gastritis with reduced secretory function.

In China, there is a custom to give newborn children (especially boys) ginseng tincture as a preventative measure. This, instead of vaccinations, protects babies from various infectious diseases. Ginseng roots are used fresh or canned - in sugar or honey.

Historical reference

2800 BC in Chinese medicine, ginseng was considered a remedy that could cure all diseases. Of course, such a unique medicine was highly valued. Natural specimens (roots) weighing 100-200 grams were considered rare. Like finding gold bars or precious stones, finds of especially large specimens left their mark on history. So, in 1981, a root weighing 500 grams with a shoot 65 cm long was found in China. The root had many
branches and pearl growths, which is especially highly valued. In 1905, when laying railway An even larger specimen weighing 600 grams was excavated in Manchuria. It was sold in Shanghai for $5,000, which was only half its true value. Ginseng was first brought to Russia from China in 1675 by boyar N.G. Sapphiriy, Russian envoy to the court of the Chinese Emperor.

Literature

1. N. G. Kovaleva - Treatment with plants - M.: “Medicine”, 1972 - 352 p.

2. Universal encyclopedia of medicinal plants / Comp. I. N. Putyrsky, V. N. Prokhorov - Minsk: “Book House”, M.: Makhaon, 2000 - 656 p.

3. A.F. Gammerman, N.I. Grom - Wild medicinal plants of the USSR - M.: “Medicine”, 1976 - 287 p.

4. Popov V.I., Shapiro D.K., Danusevich I.K. - Medicinal plants - Minsk: “Polymya”, 1990 - 304 p.

5. A. N. Alefirov, Mastopathy. Herbal treatment. St. Petersburg: Publishing House "Ves", 2006 - 160 p.

6. Yagodka V.S. - Herbal medicine in dermatology and cosmetics - Kyiv: “Health”, 1987 - 135 p.

The similarity of the root with a human figure was the reason for the taiga inhabitants to create a unique anatomical terminology for ginseng: the resting bud began to be called the “head”, the rhizome - the “neck”, the main root - the “body”.

Biological characteristics

Ginseng is a herbaceous perennial with a green or green-brown stem up to 80 cm (rarely 86 cm) in height and about 0.7 cm in diameter. In most cases the stem is single, but multi-stemmed plants are also found. In exceptional cases, the number of stems reaches 6. At the top, the stem bears a whorl of several (2-6) palmate leaves on petioles up to 10 cm long. The leaves of an adult plant have 5 leaflets of obovate or oblanceolate shape; the middle one is the largest, 4-20 cm long and 2-8 cm wide, the outer ones are significantly smaller. The leaves are finely serrated along the edges, bare or with very sparse hairs. They are located on petioles up to 3.5 cm long.

The peduncle, rising from the middle of the whorl, reaches 24 cm in length (in cultivation 30 cm or more) and usually has one terminal umbel. In mature plants with a well-developed root, it is often accompanied by several more (1-4) lateral umbrellas. The latter often have bracts up to 0.8 cm long and 3 mm wide. The flowers are small, bisexual, greenish-white, about 4 mm in diameter. There are an average of 16 flowers in an umbrella, but there are also multi-flowered specimens (more than 40 flowers), and on plantations you can find plants with more than 100 flowers. The number of flowers increases with the age of the plant.

The fruits are bright red, their size is on average 1.5x0.9x0.7 cm, with yellow flesh, compressed from above and from the sides, containing two flat light yellow seeds. The latter have a ridge along the upper edge and clearly defined veins along parallel grooves. The surface of the bone is covered with small warts and similar depressions, somewhat rough to the touch. The length of the stone is 4-6 mm, width up to 5 mm, the shell is dense (Gutnikova, 1951). The weight of 1000 seeds is 23.7 g, while 1 kg contains about 40 thousand seeds, their yield from the fruit is 24.2%. The weight of the seeds increases with the age of the plant (Gutnikova, 1970).

The seed is flat, disc-shaped, has a thin skin (Grushvitskaya, Grushvitsky, 1955) and contains a small underdeveloped embryo at the stage of cotyledon formation (Bogdanova, Grushvitsky, 1970). For a seed to germinate, the embryo must increase in size by 10 times or more. The seeds are in simple deep morphophysiological dormancy, caused by a combination of underdevelopment of the embryo and a strong physiological mechanism of inhibition of germination (Nikolaeva et al., 1985).

Ginseng is characterized by deviations in the structure or number of almost all above-ground organs - its leaves, peduncles, flowers, etc. vary. Detailed characteristics these anomalies were given by I.V. Grushvitsky (1961).

The reason for their appearance is special conditions mineral nutrition or in altered timing of the formation and development of the renewal bud. Thus, in plants that form buds at normal times, but are in a particularly favorable soil environment, there is an increase in the number of elements of vegetative and generative organs. They have an increase in the number of leaves, the number of leaflets in them, buds in umbrellas, etc. This is also typical for cultivated plants. In other cases, the formation and development of a wintering bud occurs at a later or earlier time than normal under favorable soil conditions that provide fast growth. This leads to multiple stems, branching of the stem, an increase in the number of peduncles, and the formation of two or even three leaf rosettes. Finally, in some plants a premature awakening of a dormant bud occurs, resulting in the formation of shoots of two generations.

The underground part of the plant consists of the rhizome and the root itself. The rhizome of adult wild plants is long, with numerous stem traces, the number of which approximately corresponds to the number of years of the plant's life. In the roots of cultivated plants, the rhizome can be greatly reduced, but in some specimens it is preserved and has up to 7-8 stem traces.

The root is yellowish, fleshy, cylindrical, up to 3 cm or more in diameter, with numerous branches. Ginseng roots lack mechanical tissues that give plant organs elasticity and rigidity; their hardness is achieved due to turgor. On the one hand, this leads to the fact that in the event of pathogen penetration, ginseng roots quickly decompose due to the lack of mechanical barriers to infection. On the other hand, ginseng roots retain the ability to change their shape, in particular to contract. Contractile, i.e. contracting roots allow the ginseng to draw a wintering bud deep into the soil, thereby protecting it from winter frosts. The action of contractile roots is associated with superstitious ideas that the root “goes” into the ground, to prevent which the miners of past years “locked the plant” by tying a special rope around the stem.

The contractility of ginseng roots is reflected in their spatial position in the substrate. In most cases, ginseng grows on mountain forest soils, characterized by a thin (about 10 cm) layer of humus horizon, where nutrients are concentrated. Under the humus there is a layer of loam, and under it there is a rocky subsoil. The vertical position of the roots is maintained until the thin end of the root encounters an obstacle from rocky soil. Then the roots begin to grow horizontally and become anchored in a harder layer. After the reduction, which is usually carried out once a year, in the fall, the main root is pulled to the place of attachment and with each subsequent reduction it takes on an increasingly inclined position until it lies almost horizontally. The larger the layer of loose soil, the less pronounced the slope will be. On plantations with high ridges, the roots of mature plants are located vertically.

Contractile roots are also found in other plants. They are not uncommon in Umbelliferae: they are found in carrots, parsley, hogweed and other perennials. Among the Far Eastern Araliaceae, herbaceous aralias also have such roots. Even high aralia is characterized by contractile roots. True, in all these plants the ability of roots to contract is expressed to a much lesser extent (Smirnova, 1965) and does not affect the position in the soil or the external appearance of the root.

Unlike other plants, the main root of ginseng contracts strongly and, going deeper, carries with it the lateral shoots located in its upper part. They also move only with their upper part, as a result of which they bend somewhat and become similar to arms bent at the elbows. In contrast, the branches located at the bottom of the main root continue to grow in the chosen direction and remain straight (like legs). This is how the plant’s “humanoid” appearance is created over the years.

Contraction of the roots leads to the formation of transverse wrinkles on the main root, the number and depth of which increase with age. Young plants have them in the basal part of the root; in old roots they are located along the entire length.

Numerous deep wrinkles are a sure sign that the root grew in the taiga and is not a “carrot,” as experienced taiga dwellers often call the cultivated root. Therefore, wrinkling is sometimes taken into account when determining the age of a plant, although it is not at all easy to establish it in this way. When collecting ginseng, root growers distinguish age categories based on the number of leaves - “two-leafed”, “three-leafed”, etc. When determining absolute age, the number of leaves and their dissection, bud size, height and thickness of the stem, number of fruits, etc. are usually taken into account. However, since all of the listed characteristics vary greatly depending on the growing conditions of ginseng, they can only serve as additional criteria for the age of the plant.

Counting the stem traces remaining on the rhizome due to the annual death of above-ground shoots, which is considered the most reliable method, is not guaranteed against errors. In case of damage to the overwintering bud, part or all of the rhizome, death of the “body” (main root) and increased development of the adventitious root, as well as when the plant goes into a state of dormancy, which can last for more than one year, this method can also give a large deviation.

It is also necessary to mention that ginseng has special seasonal suction roots. In spring, thin, very fragile roots are formed on the main root, rhizome and adventitious roots. Possessing root hairs, they perform a nutritional function. Once these seasonal roots have formed, it is no longer advisable to remove ginseng from the soil: the roots easily break off and the plant, having lost its main supplier minerals, suffers greatly and may die.

Most of the suction roots function only until the 2nd half of the growing season. At this time, the main root of ginseng begins to contract, which leads to the breakage of the suction roots located in the basal part of the main root. The remaining roots are preserved and die at the very end of the growing season (Grushvitsky, 1961). In autumn, near the bases of dead roots, root primordia are formed - the rudiments of absorbing roots of the next year (Liu Mei et al., 1991).

“Dream” is another one biological feature ginseng, which has also been a source of superstition for a long time. When the renewal bud is damaged, the above-ground shoot of ginseng plants this year does not form - they say that ginseng “fell asleep.” This “sleep” is caused by the fact that the dormant bud of the second year (a spare bud especially for such cases) is not sufficiently differentiated and cannot form a new shoot in the current year. After a certain time, when the differentiation of the bud is completed, a new aboveground shoot appears in the spring. Ginseng is usually at rest for one year, but its “sleep” can last a very long time - several decades; such cases are also known.

Ginseng is a “winter” plant, i.e. For its normal development, a winter cold period is required. According to the definitions of I.V. Gru-shvitsky (1961), low-temperature treatment is about 4 months at 2-3o C and below. Shorter exposure to cold leads to a decrease in the number of vegetative plants, a decrease in growth and even a decrease in root weight. If ginseng overwinters at elevated temperatures, dormant buds on some plants may open prematurely and then dry out, and the root will go into a dormant state for the next growing season. Partially opened buds often rot.

The propagation system of ginseng cannot be considered completely studied. In central Primorye, ginseng blooms in June-July, the fruits ripen in August, and the shoots dry out in late September-early October. Flowering takes about half a month, with individual plants blooming for about 10 days, and 1 flower - 2.5 days (Gutnikova, Vorobyova, 1963). The buds on the periphery of the umbrella bloom first, then closer to the center. In ginseng, unlike a number of other representatives of the genus Aralia, only bisexual flowers develop, but they are characterized by partially expressed protandry. IN in this case it lies in the fact that the anthers ripen earlier than the stigmas and by the time of ripening are in the position of maximum distance from the stigmas. This prevents self-pollination for some time. Towards the end of flowering, however, the already opened anthers approach the stigmas and are created favorable conditions for self-pollination. Thus, thanks to the sequence of flowering buds and the first stages of flowering, conditions are created for cross-pollination, but final stages flowering is favorable for self-pollination. The presence of nectar and aroma also indicates that ginseng plants are not obligately self-pollinating. However, at current population densities, when individual families are tens of kilometers apart, it is difficult to imagine cross-pollination having a significant effect on the reproductive system of wild plants. Another thing is plantations, where many plants, often of different origins, grow in close proximity. In this case, we can expect a significant contribution of cross-pollination to the reproduction process. However, this possibility has not yet been quantitatively assessed by anyone, and an assessment can only be obtained using methods of biochemical or molecular genetics. This work, taking into account the preparation of donor plants, can take 4-5 years.

Thus, for now we have to put up with qualitative assessments of the ginseng propagation system. This applies well known fact that its fruits are formed under conditions of self-pollination, as was first shown by Z.I. Gutnikova and then confirmed by I.V. Grushvitsky. Results of experiments by I.V. Grushvitsky (1961; tables 74 and 75) are summarized here in table. VI.I.

They show a fairly high fruit set in gauze insulators (i.e., the possibility of effective self-pollination), but there is no quantitative characteristic of fruit set in different growing conditions. Therefore, the possibility of cross-pollination when growing plants on plantations in close proximity, in wild families in the forest, etc. remains unclear. The effect of long-term self-pollination on the viability of ginseng plants has also not been studied. Nevertheless, I.V. Grushvitsky conducted experiments in which he showed that a single proven cross-pollination can affect the growth rate of offspring (Table VI.II). The likelihood of cross-pollination of plants depends not only on the population density of the plant, but also on the vectoring ability of the main pollinators. Vectoring ability is strongly influenced by the size and mobility of the vector. It is believed that the most common pollinators in the Primorsky Territory - bees - are rather reluctant to visit ginseng flowers, although they have both nectar and aroma. This point of view is not shared, however, by all ginseng growers. However, it is easy for an inexperienced observer to mistake hoverflies, which are often found on ginseng plantations, for bees. Therefore, it is important to know the composition of flower visitors in order to estimate possible pollen transfer distances.

We undertook special observations of the composition of visitors to ginseng flowers under different conditions. Phenological observations of wild plants transplanted into ginseng gardens in the Chuguevsky district (carried out by Yu. Zaitseva) made it possible to establish a fairly wide range of visitors to ginseng inflorescences. According to the definitions of Doctor of Biological Sciences A.S. Leleya (Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences), they belonged to 5 orders, and representatives of the 3 most numerous families are considered potential pollinators.

Although a significant part of the detected flower visitors can serve as pollinators, the question of the reality of cross-pollination also depends on the distance at which another, not closely related ginseng plant is located, and how this distance is compared with the migratory and vector capabilities of the potential pollinator. The task of further studying the ginseng propagation system is to quantitatively characterize the ratio of self-pollination and cross-pollination under different conditions, to compare the viability of offspring of different origins, and to study the significance of these factors for the preservation of genetic diversity in populations. In nature, ginseng reproduces by seeds and only in very rare cases vegetatively. The fruits are pecked and spread by hazel grouse, jay, nutcracker, and thrush (Grushvitsky, 1961; Nechaev A., Nechaev V., 1969); they are eaten by mouse-like rodents and chipmunks. Often the fruits fall off and germinate next to the mother plant, forming “families”. Let us give a description of one such “family” made by I.K. Shishkin (1930): “In the immediate vicinity of the village. Eldovak, on one of the areas of forested rocky outcrops, I met a colony of it (ginseng - author), consisting of two spots, of which the larger (and, apparently, the oldest) was located slightly higher up the slope at a distance of some 12-15 m from the smaller spot; In total, I counted 52 specimens in this colony; I consider it not useless to give here its “age” composition; it contained: 1-leaf plants - 3 copies; 2-leaf - 11 copies; 3-leaf - 25 copies; 4-leaf - 13 copies.”

Ginseng seeds germinate only after undergoing natural stratification, which lasts on average 18 months. Therefore, the main part of the seeds germinates in the second year after planting. By this time, the embryo is already sufficiently differentiated, its size is increased 10-20 times compared to what it was at the time the seeds ripened on the plant.

The embryo of a germinating seed consists of a small embryonic root, a trifoliate leaf primordium placed between two large cotyledons, and a tiny, not yet sufficiently developed bud (Petrovskaya-Baranova, Malenkina, 1960).

According to the nature of seed germination, plants of the genus Panax occupy a separate position among the Araliaceae. Their cotyledons remain in the soil and die off after some time. At the same time, they perform an absorptive function, delivering nutrients to the developing plant from the endosperm. This indicates the antiquity of the genus, since this feature of cotyledons is characteristic mainly of representatives of archaic families (Grushvitsky, 1963a).

In general, germination of ginseng seeds takes about a month and occurs in several stages (Slepyan, 1968). The seed swells, and its valve expands somewhat. Already at the stage of the swollen seed, the formation of secretory channels occurs (Slepyan, 1973). Soon a germinal root appears, the length of which does not exceed 1 mm. Then the hypocotyl becomes visible, the root at this time reaches a length of 5 mm, and cotyledons appear. The root bends and begins to grow vertically downwards. A petiole appears, soon forming a small loop. As the petiole grows, this loop appears on the soil surface. Next, the petiole grows intensively and straightens, remaining arched only in the upper part. The ginseng leaves are still hanging down. The cotyledons by this time slow down their growth. Then the petiole straightens, the leaves, still folded together, are now located horizontally to the soil surface. By this time, the seedling has almost exhausted the nutrients it received from the endosperm, and therefore it begins to absorb them from the cotyledons themselves, which gradually dry out. The leaves take on a vertical position. Finally, the whorl straightens out, forming the usual “trefoil”. The cotyledons dry out and root growth begins. It is curious that adult ginseng plants also repeat some stages of seedling emergence in their spring development (for example, the loop stage).

In culture and natural conditions, annual ginseng has a similar morphological structure and consists of a small, often cylindrical root and one trifoliate (3-leafed) leaf. Occasionally, cultivated annuals may have 4- or 5-leaf leaves, and very rarely 2 leaves. Subsequent development of wild and cultivated plants differs significantly.

In natural habitats, ginseng grows very slowly: the first flowering occurs only in the eighth to tenth year, and the annual increase in root mass does not exceed 1 g (Gutnikova, 1970). In excessively shaded places, 8-year-old plants may have an aerial part consisting of one trifoliate leaf, like that of an annual, and in a 140-year-old patriarch, the root mass may not exceed 23 g. In cultivation, the growth and development of ginseng is significantly accelerated. In the second year, its aerial part is represented mainly by one 5-leaf leaf, some specimens have 2 leaves. Three-year-old ginseng is represented by 2-leaf plants, with one leaf being 3-leaf and the other 5-leaf. Four-year-olds and five-year-olds have a similar structure of the aerial part, which consists of 3 leaves. Finally, 6-year-old ginseng has an average of 4 leaves (Gutnikova, 1960). Cultivated ginseng blooms starting from the third and even the second year. So, according to Z.I. Gutnikova (1971), approximately 4% of plantations bloom in the second year, at least 60% in the third, and all normally developed plants bloom in the fourth year. The annual increase in root mass under plantation conditions often exceeds 10 g. The weight of the root in six-year-olds reaches 100 and even 300 g, but on average it is about 60 g.

The mechanism for accelerating development during plantation cultivation remains not entirely clear. It cannot be explained only by an improvement in growth conditions: wild plants, just transplanted from the forest, and lines cultivated since time immemorial grow and develop in the same bed at different speeds. It seems a priority task to find out how many generations initially wild plants must take place in the culture in order to achieve its usual growth characteristics.

How long does ginseng last? The absolute age of old plants can only be determined approximately. Finds have been recorded whose rhizomes bore more than 140 stem traces, in other words, these plants were obviously at least 140 years old. Some authors and root specialists believe that ginseng can live up to 400 years of age. According to the descriptions of root growers, old ginseng plants (weighing more than 150 - 200 g) have a low and thickened stem of a dark green or brown (blue-black at the surface) color, hard wrinkled leaves, short peduncles, a few flowers with a lot of barren flowers.

Search for ginseng in the past and present

The exceptional healing properties of ginseng not only gave rise to legends about its origin; The life of ginseng seekers also became the subject of colorful descriptions. Outwardly romantic and attractive, especially from the perspective of our days, she was actually full of difficulties and hardships. Chinese root hunters often went to the taiga without any weapons, believing that only an honest and sincere person could find the desired root. More than once they were attacked by wild animals and forest robbers - Honghuz, and suffered from cold and hunger, floods and other natural disasters. This is how N.A. describes the Chinese ginseng seeker. Baikov (1926): “For the most part, these are homeless people, immigrants from the inland provinces of China, or aborigines of the region, who went to the mountains and forests and devoted themselves to this trade under the influence of external unfavorable conditions life. Many of them have been engaged in this business almost all their lives, from adolescence to old age. The distinctive features of these seekers are an oiled apron to protect clothes from dew, a long stick for raking leaves and grass underfoot, a wooden bracelet on the left hand and a badger skin tied at the back of the belt. This skin allows you to sit on the ground and on a windfall overgrown with damp moss, without fear of getting your clothes wet. On their heads they usually wear a cone-shaped birch bark hat, fastened to the chin with a strap; on the legs there are uls made of tarred pigskin. Among the crowd of Chinese, workers and villagers, a ginseng seeker can always be recognized by these signs; In addition, his special, wandering, downward gaze betrays his craft. Life full of hardships and mortal dangers in distant dense forests and wild mountains leaves a special imprint of asceticism and asceticism on these people. The whole look of the seeker of the “root of life” speaks of renunciation of this world, its vanity, joys and sorrows. Our desires are alien to him and our worldview is incomprehensible. This is a man who has turned into a special creature, with the cunning and intelligence of a Chinese, the sense of a wolf, the eye of a falcon, the ear of a hare and the agility of a tiger. Man and beast united in him, but the beast did not drown out the man. In his soul the poetic strings of a nature lover and a born forest tramp were preserved and developed. His whole world lies in the taiga. Here he spent his long wandering life in a constant struggle with nature; here the whole purpose of his life is concentrated - making money. Leading a life full of poetry and communication with nature, this forest tramp calmly and fatally looks at death, which often threatens him in all forms. As a true son of the East, a believer in fate and predestination, superstitious to the core, he meekly and silently bears his cross of asceticism and severe hardships, not striving to improve the conditions of his life. Every year, from the beginning of June, ginseng seekers go to the taiga for the precious root. They go alone, rarely together, without any weapons, with only one prayer and with the firm faith that the spirits of the mountains and forests will help them in a difficult matter... During the search and wandering through the taiga, the seeker of the root does not have a specific place of residence. Where night finds him, he settles down for the night. In rain and bad weather, he usually spends the night in caves and under rock overhangs, in mountain ridges; if night finds him in the forest, he makes himself a canopy from cedar bark. He spends most of his nights under open air, snoozing by the fire under the shade of a centuries-old spruce, on his worn-out badger skin... As soon as the autumn cold, dry northwest winds blow, ... the happy owner of the precious root hurries to quickly leave the taiga to a populated area. The dangers of the wild primeval forest are left behind; but an even greater danger awaits him ahead. Somewhere, where the gorge looks like a mountain crack, and the taiga path winds along the stones of a fast river, a predatory robber with a rifle in his hands is guarding him. A stream of fire flashed like lightning against the background of the thickets, the sound of a shot echoed loudly across the mountains and distant valleys, and the unfortunate ginseng seeker leaned forward, waved his arms and sank heavily onto the path.”

The search and digging of the found ginseng was accompanied by a whole ritual, also generously presented in the literature. Let us give one of these descriptions, extracted from the book by V.K. Arsenyev “Ginseng seekers in the Ussuri region” (1925): “Seeing ginseng, the manza-seeker throws a stick away from him and, covering his eyes with his hand, throws himself on his face to the ground with a cry: “Pan-tsui, don’t leave!” he shouts in a loud voice. “I am a clean person, I have freed my soul from sins, my heart is open, and there are no evil thoughts.” Only after these words does the Chinese decide to open his eyes and look at the plant. The place where the root is found is carefully studied in all respects. The Chinese look closely at the topography of the area, the composition of the rocks, the soil and carefully study the community of herbaceous, shrub and woody plants . The position of the place in relation to the sun and in relation to the prevailing wind does not escape his attention. Having looked around, the Chinese kneels down, sorts out the grass with his hands and inspects the plant most carefully. Having made sure that there is only one ginseng growing, and that there are no other similar plants nearby, the Chinese carefully digs up the ground, slightly exposes the ginseng and examines it. By the wrinkles and scars on it, he determines its dignity. If, in the opinion of the ginseng grower, the root is still small, he leaves it to grow until next year. In this case, he tries in every possible way to bring everything back to its previous order. The root is again covered with earth, the trampled grass is straightened and, if there is a stream nearby, it is watered so that it does not wither. If pan-tsui is found in the period of flowering or ripening seeds, then it is allowed to bloom and sprinkle them on the ground in the hope that other, similar plants will grow here over time. Sometimes the seeds are collected and transferred for planting closer to the fanza. The ginseng itself is stuck around with thin sticks - a sign that this root has already been found. Another Chinese who finds such ginseng, studded with sticks, will never touch it. This is not done out of fear of responsibility, not out of superstition - here it is simply due to attention to other people's interests. When the time has come, the ginseng is dug up with all precautions. It is important not to cut off the long lobes that extend from the root deep into the ground. The actual digging is done with special bone sticks (Chinese name pan-tsui qian-tzu) 6 inches long. Ginseng farmers carry it on their belt along with a folding curved knife. These knives are intended for marks during the journey, to clear the area around the ginseng from weeds and bushes. In order not to lose the place where the root is located, in case it did not sprout the next year, the Chinese mark it in an original way. It is not advisable to dig the ground or make notes that would be conspicuous to any passerby. So the ginseng seeker does this. Having chosen some tree growing nearby, he makes a notch on it, then accurately measures the distance from the tree to the ginseng and continues the line the same distance further beyond the ginseng, where he places a medium-sized stone or drives a stake so that it only stuck out slightly from the ground. Thus, it turns out that half of the line from the stone to the tree will be exactly the point where the pan-tsui was located. The seeker of the healing root will come here another time. He will visit this place every year.”

Chinese root workers, who were called “wa-pantsui”, developed their own taiga language (hao-shu-hoa) - conventional signs on trees, various marks that marked the places where ginseng seeds were dug up and sowed, as well as the characteristics of the roots themselves (Baikov, 1926). At the site of the discovery, a piece of bark was cut from the trunk of the nearest cedar, into which the found root, previously covered with moss, was wrapped. A year or more later, such a cutout (or, as they also say, “luboderina”), or rather, the resin that appeared on the stripped part of the barrel, was set on fire, as a result of which the so-called “burning” was obtained. Black “burnings” were clearly visible in the taiga; notes were made on them about the roots found in this place. Sometimes the burning surface was completely covered with hieroglyphs (Gutnikova, 1941). Luck was perceived as sent by the gods and could not remain without gratitude (Arsenyev, 1914): “On all the roads going through the mountains, at the very passes, everywhere you can see small idols made of wild stone, with images of gods (hua). These idols were erected by Chinese hunters and ginseng seekers. Somewhere nearby, there are pieces of red calico hung on a tree with inscriptions made in ink that read: “To the Lord, the true spirit of the mountains, who protects the forests. My joy sparkles like the scales of a fish and the beautiful plumage of a phoenix. Lord of the mountains and forests, guarding growth and wealth. If they ask, be sure to promise - there is no refusal for the one asking.”

Chinese names for the ginseng plant of different ages are still used by old root growers and their children. Single-leaf plants are called “pochangza”, two-leaf plants are called “altaza”, three-leaf plants are called “tantase”, four-leaf plants are called “sipie”, five-leaf plants are called “upie”, and the rare six-leaf plants are called “lipie”.

The largest roots were given their own, often very sonorous names, for example, “Ussuri Elder”, “Crab”, etc. The more massive the ginseng root, the higher it was valued and was, therefore, more expensive. Roots weighing 200 g or more are now very rare in nature. It is even rarer to find larger roots, and finds of ginseng weighing 400-600 g are generally unique. According to N. Kirillov (1913),

“in 1905, during the construction of the Suchanskaya railway, two fathoms from the place where the Fanza station building is now located, a root was found that is believed to have existed for 200 years; he weighed 18 lan, i.e. more than one and a half pounds (about 680 g - author), and was sold in Vladivostok for 1800 rubles, and in Shanghai valued at 5000 Mexican dollars. About 40 versts from the post of St. Olga, a hundred-year-old root weighing over 9 lanes was once found; it was sold for 1500 rubles...”

The similarity of the root with a human figure was the reason for the taiga inhabitants to create a unique anatomical terminology for ginseng: the resting bud began to be called the “head”, the rhizome - the “neck”, the main root - the “body”. If one or two thickened branches extend from the “body”, they are called “legs”. In the case of thickening of the taproot itself, it is customary to speak of a “female” root, but if the “legs” are clearly expressed, the root is called “male”. “Male” is considered the most valuable. In addition, thickened adventitious roots (“savages”, “braids”) can extend from the rhizome, which also increase the value of the root. Such roots are formed accidentally or when a wintering bud is damaged: after a dormant bud begins to grow, one of the numerous thin roots extending from the rhizome thickens, subsequently often reaching the length and thickness of the main root. Such thickened adventitious roots can also occur in old ginseng plants, but in this case the cause is the inability of the main root to contract (Grushvitsky, 1952).

Another observation by root workers is the existence of ginseng “satellites” - plants that grow in the same places as ginseng and can serve as indicators of its presence. This is wood sorrel - Oxalis acetosella L; “three-leaf fern”, or almost three-row fern - Polystichum subtripteron Tzvel.; “cross”, or Japanese green flower - Chloranthus japonicus Siebold; “peony”, or mountain peony - Paeonia oreogoton S. Moore and some others (Grushvitsky, 1961). Indeed, these plants often coexist with ginseng in its native habitats, but are much more widespread.

Currently, the supply of wild ginseng is very limited. The usual figure for many recent years does not exceed 100 kg per year. Collection is carried out under special licenses, which are distributed by decision of the regional administration between the main forest users of the region. Lately, logging has been carried out almost exclusively by the Primorsky Forest Department. In 1993, harvesting permits were issued to 1,130 root growers, mostly Forest Department employees. They prepared 72 kg of root, 15 kg were confiscated from violators (115 cases were identified) by operational raid groups.

The plant, whose name is translated from Latin as “panacea”, does not need recommendations. The names by which ginseng is known - Divine Herb and Miracle of the World, Man-Root and Stosil, Grain of the Earth and Gift of Immortality - convey a respectful and reverent attitude towards it.

The miraculous root has been revered for more than 5,000 years. Ancient Asian peoples attributed to it the magical ability to revive youth, give healing from all diseases and prolong life, so ginseng - a real natural doctor - has always been valued more than silk and gold.

Many will be surprised, but ginseng grows not only in Asia. Its varieties can be found in the forests of America and even on European plantations.

Where does ginseng grow?

Known by place of growth and species:

Asian ginseng (China, Japan, Korea, Far East); This also includes a hybrid species - Korean (red) ginseng;
American ginseng (USA, Canada);
European ginseng (Bulgaria, Slovakia, Czech Republic);
Siberian eleutherococcus (Far East, Eastern Siberia, Altai, Southern Europe).

In Japan, Panax japonicus and Panax cepens are collected, which are similar in properties. In China, Korea and the Far East - Chinese ginseng (Panax notoginseng). Also known Panax zingiberensis, growing in the Chinese province of Yunnan, which is protected and listed as an endangered species in the International Red Book. Regardless of its type, ginseng has long been considered a sacred plant in Asia, so only the imperial family was allowed to take it. And the common people who dared to encroach on the shrine were put to death.

American ginseng (Latin name - Panax quinquefolius) , which is still grows wild in Canada and has been used by northern Indian tribes since ancient times. The Cherokees and Iroquois used it to purify the blood, used it to heal wounds, and prepared a ginseng drink to increase the stamina of warriors. This type has a less pronounced, “slow” effect.

European ginseng is grown on plantations in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Its ancestor is Ussuri ginseng, the properties of which are cultural form appear much less pronounced.

A distant relative of ginseng is Siberian eleutherococcus (L eutherococcus senticcus). The effect of this type on the body is weak, which makes it possible to prescribe it even to children. It slightly increases blood pressure, helps fight stress and strengthens the immune system.

Today, ginseng is no less popular in Russia than in eastern countries. Russian doctors gleaned the first information about it in the 17th century. from the works of N.G. Spafaria, who served in the Russian embassy in China and was interested in local medicine. However, information has been preserved that even before the “cultural” penetration of ginseng into Europe, it was collected and used for treatment by the indigenous peoples of Primorye - the Udege, Ulchi and Nanai.

Return of inner harmony

Ginseng is amazing: therapeutic effects possess its roots, fruits and leaves. Roots aged 25-35 years are especially valued, with the highest beneficial features those that are shaped like a human figure. They are dried in the sun, after which the light amber roots are cut into slices, either crushed into powder, or an alcohol extract is made from them - an extract. Sometimes the roots are steamed before drying - this is how red-brown ginseng is obtained.

The finished powder is added to various preparations or packaged in sachets, which help prepare a healing tonic drink. The powder is also sprayed onto tea leaves to obtain ginseng tea, which has a pronounced tonic effect.

How ginseng preparations help

Relieves physical fatigue and mental fatigue.
Strengthens the nervous system.
Restores appetite.
Increases performance.
Eliminate drowsiness.
Increases potency and libido.
Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Reduce ailments from the cardiovascular system.
Normalizes blood pressure.
If there are pustules or wounds, they heal.

Ginseng helps in the treatment of many diseases: it is indicated for rheumatism, neurasthenia, diabetes, anemia, prostatitis, hypothyroidism, hypotension, and serious infectious diseases.

How to use ginseng

Ginseng extract, tincture and other preparations based on it are best taken in the cool season, combined with work fresh air: the body needs an influx of oxygen during this period. Best time- autumn and winter.

Any drugs, including vitamins with ginseng, have some contraindications: not recommended for children and healthy adults under 40 years old, people with cancer, pregnant and lactating women. Otherwise, there are no restrictions, but in what doses ginseng can be taken, the effect and individual schedule are best discussed with your doctor.

If you just want to relax and recharge yourself with the energy of a wonderful plant, brew a cup of unusual ginseng tea and enjoy the natural taste. Read about the interesting and useful benefits of ginseng tea in the next article on our tea blog.

Ginseng has been used to treat and restore well-being for several centuries. Over 3000 years ago, ancient Chinese physicians actively used this plant. “Root of Life,” as the herb is called in the East, grows in Tibet, Korea, Vietnam, and China. It is also grown in Japan and America.

Moreover, some types of ginseng grow in Russian Federation. Many years ago find medicinal plant It was possible only in the forests. However, in last years actively grow cultivated types of grass. Most often, the “root of life” grows in Siberia. However, cultural plantations have been created there. Scientists have been diligently studying them since the 19th century. In addition to Siberia, ginseng is grown:

in the Far East;
Ural;
Altai.

Attention! Experts note some differences in properties between the Siberian “root of life” and its other types.

Useful properties of the plant

The value of ginseng for human health is incredibly high. The benefits of this unique plant due to the unique biochemical composition of the “root of life”. An incredible concentration of beneficial components is found in the root, stem and leaves of the herb. The effectiveness of treatment using this plant is due to the presence in its composition:

B vitamins;
pectins;
minerals;
nicotinic acid;
essential oils;
resins;
folic acid;
tannins;
tocopherol;
vitamin F;
retinol.

It's no surprise that ginseng is very beneficial for women. Its key advantage is its ability to normalize metabolism. The plant perfectly activates metabolism, which leads to effective burning of fat. That is why many ladies use ginseng for active and safe descent weight.

“Root of Life” perfectly strengthens the immune system. It is especially useful to take ginseng in the autumn-winter season and spring, when the female body is extremely unstable to the attack of viruses and the spread of infections.

The value of ginseng for women

The use of this unique plant will be appreciated by all women who take care of themselves and love high-quality, natural and safe means. The use of this herbal remedy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair and skin. Using a natural remedy will help:

Return volume to hair.
Stop hair loss.
Activate the growth of strands.
Eliminate dandruff.
Smooth the skin.
Slow down the aging process.

In addition, the unique value of ginseng for women is also manifested in the fact that the “root of life” is able to return the diamond, natural shine and strength to the strands. Concerning skin, then the benefit of the plant is that it normalizes the complexion, returning a natural and healthy pinkish-pearl color. The herb will help increase skin turgor, restore firmness and elasticity. Ginseng helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, making the face look fresher and more youthful.

Almost every lady is familiar with that state when everything around irritates with incredible force. Ginseng will help women cope with unstable emotional background. The plant relieves stress, relieves depression, and gives an excellent boost of energy. Consuming this natural remedy helps you live a positive and easy life.

Attention! Ginseng is beneficial for women who have sleep problems. The plant will help normalize it. It eliminates insomnia, relieves nightmares and disturbing awakenings at night. The grass will allow you to fall asleep and fully relax.

Among other beneficial properties of ginseng for women, one cannot fail to note the ability to effectively reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. “Root of Life” will improve the well-being of those with diabetes. Also, a natural remedy helps minimize the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases.

The value of ginseng for men

The plant is very useful not only for ladies, but also for representatives of the stronger half of society. Even in ancient times, men took this natural remedy to improve potency. “Root of Life” has a positive effect on the genitals, activating the proper functioning of the reproductive system. In addition, the beneficial effect of a natural remedy affects the state of a man’s nervous system. Ginseng is especially useful in moments of emotional stress and intense physical activity.

Also, the “root of life” helps restore erection and improve potency during the treatment of diseases that negatively affect the functioning of the genital organs:

diabetes mellitus;
hypotension;
hypertension.

The functionality of the male sexual organ thanks to the intake medicinal herb increases significantly. The thing is that ginseng ensures the normalization of oxygen saturation of the penis. As a result, the blood supply process improves and the performance of the organ is restored.

Advice. It is also recommended for men to take the “root of life” in order to improve sperm quality.

Contraindications to taking ginseng

Despite everything unique properties and valuable features of ginseng, a plant like everyone else medicines, has a number of contraindications. It is recommended to avoid taking a natural herbal product during:

increased excitability;
bleeding;
pregnancy;
inflammatory processes.

The product itself cannot cause harm to health. However, the “root of life” stimulates various processes in the body. As a result, this can affect your well-being. Also, ginseng is not recommended for use by those under 45 years of age.

For hypertensive patients, taking this natural healing remedy can lead to a deterioration in well-being. Sometimes the drug causes severe headaches. It is extremely rare, but such situations have also been noted; the use of the product leads to increased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.

If self-administration of ginseng caused side effects, you should immediately consult a medical practitioner.

History of ginseng and properties attributed to it. Ginseng - the miraculous root of life