Investigating the Acute and Chronic Effects of an American Ginseng Root Extract on Cognition and Mood

Ginseng refers to the extract of any slow growing perennial plant with a fleshy root, deriving from the Panax genus of the Araliaceae family. Ginseng root has been used as an intervention for the treatment of diabetes (Sotaniemi, Haapakoski \& Rautio, 1995), boosting cognitive function (Scholey et al., 2010) and improving mental health (Ellis \& Reddy, 2002). The most commonly used ginseng is Panax ginseng (Asia) and Panax quinquefolius (America). Ginsensosides are considered the core phytochemical compounds that contribute to the alleged beneficial effects of ginseng. In particular, ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 have been isolated and investigated for effects on cognitive function (Shin et al., 2016). Scholey et al. (2010) was one of the first studies to provide support for a beneficial cognitive effect from American ginseng (Cereboost™), with better performance on working memory in healthy young adults. Improvements were most profound for a single dose of 200 mg on working memory tasks, specifically immediate word recall and numeric working memory speed. Cereboost also increased self-rated calmness compared to placebo, suggesting ginseng can enhance aspects of mood. Similarly, Ossoukhova et al. (2015) compared a single 200mg dose to placebo to investigate whether beneficial cognitive effects extend to a middle-aged cohort. Here, Cereboost significantly improved performance on the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) working memory factor, specifically improving spatial working memory at three hours post dose. Further study is required to evaluate ginseng specific effects with a standardized extract of P. quinquefolius, such as Cereboost™ on healthy participants. Significant results will have implications for investigating the neurocognitive effects in other populations, such as those with cognitive and memory problems.