Ginseng is a very popular herbal supplement, and is used for a host of problems. These can range from improvements in memory, poor concentration, fatigue, hypotension, problems associated with aging, mild depression, and even giving birth!

There are two types of ginseng that are used medicinally. Panax ginseng is also known as Asian ginseng. It is this variant that has a long history of use in China and other Asian countries. American ginseng is not considered as effective as Panax ginseng, though it may suit some people better.

Siberian ginseng is actually not in the same genus as Panax and American ginseng, and its active constituents are also quite different. Thus, even though it is nicknamed ginseng, it is actually not a ginseng. To get a sense of the differences in plant classification that a genus represents, look at the term homo sapien, as applied to humans. The genus is represented by the term Homo. Sapiens is used to name the species. Both American and Asian ginseng belong to the same genus - Panax.

Another important difference between Siberian ginseng and the Panax varieties, is that Siberian ginseng does not contain ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are found only in plants belonging to the Panax genus. They are believed to be responsible for ginsengs medicinal effects, and there are a number of different variants that have slightly different effects. The exact amounts of the different ginsenosides predominant in various ginseng plants does vary - even from plant to plant. Things like where the plants were grown, and how old they were when they were harvested, can all have an impact on their ginsenoside content. For this reason, it really pays to get good quality ginseng, whether its the American or Asian variety youre after.