# Herbal Support for the Nervous System: The Impact of Adaptogens in Humans and Dogs
## 2 Ginseng (_Panax ginseng_ [PERSON])  
### Aspects and Composition  
_Panax ginseng_, commonly known as Korean or Asian ginseng, is a perennial plant from the Araliaceae family, highly valued in traditional East Asian medicine for its numerous health-promoting properties. Naturally, _P. ginseng_ is found in Korea and China, thriving in cool, mountainous regions with well-drained, fertile soil. Due to excessive harvesting  
Figure 1: The main properties of adaptogens. Adapted from [45; 46]. in the past, wild populations of this plant have significantly declined, leading to the intensification of commercial cultivation to meet increasing demand [55]. _P. ginseng_ grows to a height of 60 to 80 cm. It is characterized by a fleshy, often branched root measuring 5-6 cm in length, which is aromatic and varies in color from grayish-white to amber-yellow. The stem is erect, topped with a whorl of palmately compound leaves. The flowers are small, white or greenish, arranged in umbels, and the fruit is a red berry containing seeds [55]. The root of _P. ginseng_ is rich in amino acids, including arginine, which plays a key role in protein biosynthesis and supports the immune system. It also contains water- and fat-soluble vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin C, which are essential for various physiological functions [56]. For centuries, ginseng has been valued in traditional East Asian medicine for its adaptogenic properties. The key compounds responsible for these effects include bioactive substances such as ginseng, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and peptides. Ginsenosides are triterpenoid saponins that constitute the primary active compounds in _P. ginseng_. To date, over 100 different ginseng have been identified, categorized into two main groups: protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT). PPD ginseng, such as Rb1, Rb2 and Rc, and PPT ginseng, such as Re and Rg1, exhibit various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Their mechanism of action involves modulating signaling pathways related to stress response, contributing to the adiptogenic effects of _P. ginseng_[57] (Figure 2). The biological effects of ginseng are influenced not only by the total amount of ginseng but also by their specific proportions\(-\)and that individual ginseng can have distinct or even antagonistic effects [58; 59]. Polysaccharides present in _P. ginseng_ constitute another significant group of bioactive compounds. The main polysaccharides include ginseng, ginseng polysaccharides, panaxan, arabinan, arabinogalactan, uronic acid, starch and pect  
Figure 2: Characteristics of the plant and its principal active compounds [55; 56; 57; 58; 59] (search without time range in the Scopus database within, Article title, Abstract, Keywords, searching documents with the command, (adaptogen name) AND nervous AND human/dog, as of 30 March 2025 [60]). shown that they have the ability to modulate immune responses, potentially aiding the body in adapting to stress and counteracting its negative effects [63]. Polyphenols are another group of bioactive compounds found in _P. ginseng_. They exhibit strong antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress [64]. This function is particularly relevant in the context of adipogenic effects, as oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms leading to the disruption of the body's homeostasis. In addition to the aforementioned compounds, _P. ginseng_ also contains peptides such as panaxans, which may influence the functions of the nervous and immune systems, supporting the body's adaptation to stress [65; 66]. The presence of these diverse bioactive compounds makes _P. ginseng_ an effective adaptogen, helping the body cope with various stressors and contributing to the maintenance of internal balance [67]. [PERSON] et al.