I've heard that ginseng is susceptible to picking up toxins or pesticides through its roots. Is this something I need to worry about with your product?

No. The HRG80™ ginseng that we feature in our red ginseng supplements is hydroponically grown in ultra-clean conditions. Because the ginseng roots are carefully cultivated and provided with optimal growing conditions without the need for pesticides or exposure to soil-borne toxins, the plant thrives and produces the beneficial compounds we look for that make a good supplement. Those compounds include noble ginsenosides, which are rare in conventionally grown ginseng roots.

How absorbable are the compounds from ginseng?

That depends on the quality of the ginseng, an individuals' level of healthy gut bacteria, and the quantity of compounds in the ginseng that you start with.

Much of the conventionally grown ginseng contains what are known as classic or common ginsenosides. These are converted in the gut into noble ginsenosides, which are more easily absorbed in the intestines and used by the body. However, the conversion rate may be slow and cumbersome in the digestive system, and doesn't guarantee that you'll see any energizing benefits from the botanical.

HRG80 ginseng, by comparison, is grown in such a way that it already has more noble ginsenosides in the roots — 7 times more than a leading, conventionally grown ginseng supplement, in fact. A Caco-2 study found that the ginsenosides in HRG80 were 17 times more absorbable than a leading European ginseng supplement.

The traditional Korean steaming process helps ginsenosides become more absorbed or bioavailable as well, but starting off with a higher level of rare, noble ginsenosides makes good sense if you want to see results.*

Will ginseng make me jittery?

Our HRG80 Red Ginseng Energy supplement helps you feel more energized by helping you feel more resilient to stress. After all, stress is exhausting. But although stressful days can make you tired, they don't make you more relaxed. Because ginseng has adaptogenic qualities, stresses won't seem so demanding. You may find that not only do you feel more energized during the day, you'll also feel more relaxed at bedtime, and have a better night's sleep.*

What makes it "red" ginseng? Isn't all ginseng the same?

Although both red and white Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng) are from the same species, they are not processed the same way. White ginseng is generally air dried, while red ginseng is traditionally steamed, which gives it a red/brown color. Steaming can help make ginseng compounds — known as ginsenosides — better absorbed, and that may be one of the reasons that Korean practitioners typically preferred red ginseng.

Also, by not extracting these noble ginsenosides from their classic or common ginsenoside counterparts, HRG80 ginseng may provide synergistic effects not seen in more narrowly-focused extracts. Researchers are also examining the role of other ginseng compounds, including ginsans and gintonins, and how they assist ginsenosides in promoting good health.

Can women take Korean red ginseng? I've always thought it was more for men.

Yes, women certainly can take Korean red ginseng. Although sometimes it has been viewed as a "male" ingredient, ginseng has also been used for women for a variety of reasons. Ginseng has been successfully used in clinical studies for women regarding menopause, mental well-being, libido, energy, and other aspects of overall health.* There have also been published human studies that show no negative impact on hormonal balance.

What is the difference between Korean and American ginseng?

There are several other herbs that have been known as "ginseng." These include Eleutherococcus senticosus, often simply called eleuthero, which was once commonly known as Siberian ginseng, and Panax quinquefolius, which is grown and harvested in the United States. Panax quinquefolius (commonly called American ginseng) shares common characteristics with Panax ginseng, but is considered a separate species.