American ginseng - Extract powders
Processing
After the dry American Ginseng roots have been analyzed and selected, they go into a carefully controlled extraction process with the desired concentration of ginsenosides as a result. Because some ginsenosides only dissolve in water and others only in alcohol, a particular mixture of alcohol and water is used for extraction. |
A highly controlled processing method ensures that dry ginseng is processed into ginseng extract powders according approved standard processes. |
After extraction the alcohol is distilled from the liquid extract. Then the liquid extract is dried into an extract powder. This standard process ensures an American Ginseng extract powder that contains about 8% ginsenosides (HPLC).
To obtain extract powders with a higher ginsenoside content than 8%, the smaller molecules (mainly mono- and disaccharides) need to be separated from the fluid extract. The degree to which these molecules are removed determines the final level of ginsenosides in the extract powder. The highest achievable amount of ginsenosides from American Ginseng roots is about 30% ginsenosides.
Composition of extract powders
American Ginseng extract powders are made only from dried ginseng roots.Apart from some exceptions, almost all basic American Ginseng extract powders are made without carriers or additives. At a customer's request a desired additive can still be added.
Packaging
For amounts less than 25 kg, American Ginseng extract powders are packed per 1 kg in airtight aluminum bags with PE-inner layer. Bags with 5 kg are also available. |
Standardized American Ginseng extract powder (product code: EP08) with 8% ginsenosides, packed per 1000 g in airtight aluminum bag with PE-inner layer. |
The 25 kg packaging are packed in standard plastic bags in cardboard boxes or barrels.
Properties
Standard American Ginseng extract powders dissolve in water. The color of the powder is brown to light beige.The taste of this extract powders can be qualified as bitter-sweet. As the level of ginsenosides rises, the root's bitter taste intensifies and the sweet taste declines.
For some purposes the bitter taste of Ginseng is not desired. There are ways to decrease the intensity of the taste of Ginseng.
A possible practical disadvantage from American Ginseng extract powders is that they are quite hygroscopic: they attract moisture from the air. When not preserved the right way the powder is at a high risk of clotting together. Keeping it dry in closed packaging is therefore vital.
Compared to the absorption of the ginsenosides from ground root powder, the absorption of ginsenosides from extract powders is about double.
Additives
To reduce the cost of the powder, adding a filler is an option. The cheapest filler is ground rice flour.For technical and sometimes taste sensory reasons also other possible additives like: dicalcium phosphate, malto dextrin, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate or glucose powder are used.
Of course other additives, carriers or fillers are possible too.
When deciding to use an additive it is advised to combine it with an extract that has the highest possible ginsenoside level. This will ensure a still active extract powder and will be relatively cheapest.
Another benefit of adding a filler to the extract powder is that it will drastically decrease the hygroscopic nature of the product.
Dosage
In-vitro-tests have shown that the absorption of ginsenosides from extracts is double the absorption of dried ginseng roots or root powders. Counted in milligrams, this means that in order to get the same results a double dose of ground root powders is needed in comparison to extract powders.For optimal therapeutic results of American Ginseng extract powders it is advised to take 15-30 mg of pure ginsenosides daily. For an extract powder with 20% ginsenosides this means a daily intake of 75-150 mg of powder per day.
Practical experiences have demonstrated that activity and effects of Ginseng do not decline proportionally as a daily dose is lowered.
There is no dangerous (damaging) maximum daily dose, but 7 mg ginsenosides is considered as a minimal dose. If you take less than 7 mg a day it will most likely not contribute anything.
When mixed with other medicinal herbs, a lower dose of American Ginseng might be sufficient.
 |
 |
| previous | next |