Ginseng roots, a key source of herbal supplements have lately attracted researchers studying pulmonary diseases. One such study in Italy on chronic bronchitis has revealed that ginseng root extracts may eradicate pulmonary bacteria infections.

A January 5, 2024 report details how a ginseng extract trademarked as G115 brought anti-bacterial relief to patients in 6 days. This in comparison with those who took only antibiotics who recovered in 7 days.

Acute Bronchitis vs Bacteria

The crossroads between bacterial infections and bronchitis happens during acute chronic bronchitis (ACB). This is when the patient’s lung cells are at their weakest and bacteria manages to permeate the tissue. 

Bacterial infection accounts for between 50 and 70% of the causes of an acute attack of chronic bronchitis.

ACB patients experiencing this bacterial attack often turn to antibiotics, which cause side effects. Hence the use of  a natural herb might be less irritant than conventional drugs.

Improved Pulmonary Function

A regular dose of ginseng extract may also aid pulmonary disease patients cope fast and regain lung function.

One such dosage of 100g of G115 for 90 days helped improve lung functions in patients in a study. Users also gained better ability to walk, an acute chronic bronchitis incapacitation that occurs due to lack of enough oxygen. 

This is because the extract helps to boost the oxygenation process in blood and the pulmonary tissues.

Possible Action of Ginseng Extract

In its capacity to boost pulmonary function, ginseng root extracts act in three ways. Firstly, they raise the immunity of the bronchial system by killing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is a bacteria that naturally occurs in soil but can also infect a person’s lungs.

Ginseng extracts may also have the ability to raise natural defenses through the stimulation of antibody release. Antibodies are natural cells that keep an individual resistant to disease. 

The overall effect, however, is the reduction in bacterial count in a patient’s lungs. This alone helps the patient to concentrate on normal treatment of chronic bronchitis after eliminating bacteria. 

Two Countries offering Ginseng Roots

The U.S. and China are two major countries that export whole ginseng roots and convert extracts into medical supplements.

In the United States, the latest ginseng root season ended in November 2023 in the main supply state of Wisconsin.  The average cost in the United States ranges from $172.21 to $1,830.73 a kilo.

China, in its part, is the biggest exporter of ginseng roots. 2021 exports clocked $84.8 million. The price in China is usually quite high due to the demand for this curative plant in Asia. In 2023, the average price per pound was  $8,090 in lucrative markets including Hong Kong.

Conclusion

Despite the high cost of ginseng root products, many patients suffering from chronic bronchitis could benefit from Panax ginseng extracts. This especially applies to those who find it hard to do battle bacterial infections through drugs.