Ginseng (Panax ginseng, C.A. Meyer) has been a popular herbal remedy used in eastern Asian cultures for thousands of years. In North America, the ginseng species indigenous to both Canada and the United States (Panax quinquefolium) represents an important industry for both domestic and export markets. There are numerous theories and claims describing the efficacy of ginseng, which can combat stress, enhance both the central and immune systems and contribute towards maintaining optimal oxidative status against certain chronic disease states and aging. Risk issues concerning the safety of ginseng at recommended dosages are less prominent and scientifically based. While some epidemiological or clinical studies have reported indications of efficacy for specific health benefits or potential toxicity, there are an equal number of studies that provide contradictory evidence. This situation has led to questionable conclusions concerning specific health benefits or risks associated with ginseng. Recent advances in the development of standardized extracts for both Panax ginseng (G-115) and Panax quinquefolius (CNT-2000) have and will continue to assist in the assessment of efficacy and safety standards for ginseng products. This paper reviews the scientific literature and evidence for ginseng efficacy and safety derived mostly from in vitro and animal studies and places emphasis on the need for more randomized, double-blinded, placebo clinical studies that can provide unequivocal conclusions. An example of the efficacy and safety of ginseng is provided with the description of biological activity of a North American ginseng extract (NAGE), which includes illustrating mechanisms for antioxidant activity without prooxidant properties.

Aim:The antioxidant capacity of human milk reflects the presence and activity of multiple components, which prevent oxidative rancidity. The aim of this study was to use the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity assay to assess human milk antioxidant capacity and find correlations with milk components.Methods:Milk samples collected from 60 breastfeeding women at 1 month postpartum were assayed for antioxidant capacity, vitamins E and A, and fatty acids. Potential statistical relationships of concentrations of vitamins A and E and polyunsaturated fatty acids on the antioxidant capacity of human milk were determined.Results:Human milk antioxidant capacity was positively attributed to α-tocopherol concentration (ρ < 0.05). The vitamin A concentration did not significantly contribute to milk antioxidant capacity, but was correlated to milk α-tocopherol concentration (r=0.587; ρ < 0.001). There was no evidence of an inverse relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration and the antioxidant capacity value of milk.Conclusion:This study shows that α-tocopherol is an important contributor to the oxidative stability of human milk. Moreover, there was no evidence obtained to show that women who have high levels of milk polyunsaturated fatty acids are predisposed to lower milk antioxidant capacity.