Cardiovascular System

CAM
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Institution
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CAM
Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant that is said to have medicinal advantages. In China, ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for a long time. There are many varieties of ginseng in the world. However, the most popular ones are the Asian, also known as Korean, ginseng, and American ginseng. These two variants are quite different in how they impact the body of those who take ginseng. According to Semeco (2018), Asian ginseng is said to have a more invigorating effect than American ginseng, which has a more relaxing effect.
Effect on the Cardiovascular System
The pharmacological properties of ginseng are widely known, especially the Korean ginseng. Ginseng is known to have an active ingredient known as ginsenoside, which is believed to have several effects, including being an antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory (Kim, 2018). Further, ginseng is believed to affect the cardiovascular system positively. According to Lee and Kim (2014), ginseng is known to help individuals suffering from conditions such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. Hypercholesterolemia is a condition where blood has high levels of cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia is a known risk factor for conditions such as myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease (Girod et al., 1999). High levels of cholesterol are quite dangerous because it impedes normal blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body. Lee and Kim (2014) note that using ginseng helps to restore normal blood flow because it helps reduce the cholesterol levels in the blood. In doing so, ginseng helps to prevent instances of myocardial infarction.
Anticipated Benefits
The benefits of ginseng are quite many. As already indicated, ginseng contains an ingredient known as ginsenoside. This ingredient is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lee and Kim (2014) note that ginseng’s anti-inflammatory property is crucial for patients with myocardial ischemia. The researchers indicate that ginseng decreases atherosclerosis with its anti-inflammatory effects, thus ensuring and enhancing blood flow in the body.
Lee and Kim (2014) indicated that other benefits of ginseng include modulating vascular function, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and enhancing vasomotor functions.
Any identified Risks or Adverse Effects
Despite its major pharmacological benefits, ginseng is also known to have some effects on the users. According to Paik and Lee (2014), the abuse and misuse of ginseng could lead to conditions such as gynecomastia, allergies, and even affective disorder, among others. Further, patients could also find themselves reporting instances of genital organ bleeding, reproductive toxicity, and hypertension.
Relative patient education
While numerous studies have been done on ginseng’s efficacy on various conditions, patient education happens to be quite low on ginseng as an intervention. In China, ginseng has been a traditional medicine for a long time. Therefore, patient education happens to be quite high in the region. However, in America, patient education on ginseng is not as widespread as it is in China.
Hawthorn
Like ginseng, Hawthorn is a plant that happen...