Cardiovascular effects, ginsenosides

Many studies have shown that ginseng has a protective effect on the development of atherosclerosis that may lead to myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. The preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases of ginseng include its potential antihypertensive and antiatherosclerotic effects. Ginsenosides are likely to be responsible for some of these effects as they have been shown to have inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation and to suppress thrombin formation as well as an effect on blood vessel contraction. 

Physioiogicai There is an extensive literature that deals with the effects ginseng on CNS function, but effects are also seen in neuroendocrine function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the immune system, and cardiovascular function (Gillis 1997). Ginsenosides induce a decrease in heart rate and have biphasic effects on blood pressure, with decreases preceded by a slight increase (Kaku et al. 1975). Ginsenoside Rgl had the most potent effects on blood pressure. Little or no effect is observed on respiration. 

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