The 5 Major Benefits of Red Ginseng_② How It Improves Blood Circulation
If your hands and feet feel cold and you're worried about blood circulation, we explain in an easy-to-understand way how red ginseng’s “helping blood flow through inhibition of platelet aggregation” function works, including the effect ginsenosides have on thromboxane A2.
TL;DR Ginseng has been officially recognized by the MFDS for the functionality of "helping blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation." The key component, ginsenosides, may help smooth blood flow by suppressing the production of substances that trigger thrombus (blood clot) formation and by acting in a way that relaxes blood vessels. The daily intake standard for ginsenosides for this recognized functionality is 2.4 mg to 80 mg.
💡 You can get answers to questions like these!
"My hands and feet are cold and my blood circulation seems poor. Could ginseng help?"
"People say ginseng is good for blood flow, but what is the actual mechanism?"
"How can I check whether a ginseng product has blood circulation improvement functionality?"
"I'm considering ginseng as a gift because my parents say their hands and feet are cold."
First: What is 'blood circulation'?
Blood circulation (血行) means blood flowing through blood vessels.
Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body and removes carbon dioxide and waste products. If this flow is not smooth, symptoms such as cold hands and feet or a heavy feeling may appear.
One of the main causes of blocked blood flow is excessive platelet aggregation. Platelets clump together to stop bleeding when a wound occurs, but if this aggregation reaction is activated more than necessary, thrombi (blood clots) can form and obstruct blood flow.
MFDS-recognized blood circulation functionality of ginseng: what is the exact wording?
The officially recognized blood circulation-related functionality expression for ginseng is as follows.
"May help blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation"
The key point in this expression is 'platelet aggregation inhibition.' It does not mean forcibly promoting circulation itself, but rather acting to inhibit the excessive aggregation of platelets, which is the cause of thrombus formation.
Functionality expression | Daily ginsenoside standard |
|---|---|
May help blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation | 2.4 mg ~ 80 mg |
May help improve immune function | 3 mg ~ 80 mg |
May help improve fatigue | 3 mg ~ 80 mg |
Source: MFDS Health Functional Food Code
How it works: How do ginsenosides act on blood circulation?
The blood circulation-related action of ginsenosides can largely be explained through two pathways.
1. Inhibition of thromboxane A2
Thromboxane A2 is a substance that causes platelets to aggregate and blood vessels to constrict. Studies have reported that ginsenosides act to inhibit the production of this substance.
2. Increased prostacyclin production
Prostacyclin is a substance that relaxes blood vessels and inhibits platelet aggregation. When inhibition of thromboxane A2 and increased prostacyclin work together, blood flow becomes smoother.
Clinical trial results have also been reported for these two pathways. In one study, groups that consumed 1.5 g or 3 g of ginseng for 8 weeks showed significant inhibition of platelet aggregation and a decrease in blood viscosity.
Who should pay attention to blood circulation improvement functionality?
Ginseng's blood circulation functionality is especially popular among middle-aged and older adults.
In general, as people age, blood vessels tend to lose elasticity and blood viscosity tends to increase. This is why people who feel cold in their hands and feet, or who experience ongoing mild fatigue, become interested in blood circulation-related functional ingredients.
However, if symptoms of poor circulation are severe or if there is a specific disease, consultation with a medical professional should come first. It is important to understand that health functional foods are not intended to treat disease.
What to check when choosing a product
① Check the health functional food mark Blood circulation functionality is a functionality recognized by the MFDS. To display this functionality, the product must be certified as a health functional food.
② Check for the phrase 'May help blood flow by inhibiting platelet aggregation' Make sure this expression is included in the functionality information on the product label.
③ Check the ginsenoside content The recognized range for blood circulation functionality starts at 2.4 mg per day. Check the 'functional ingredient' label on the back of the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I tell whether cold hands and feet are caused by a blood circulation problem?
A. The causes of cold hands and feet are varied, and not limited to circulation issues. If symptoms persist or you are concerned, it is best to get a diagnosis from a medical professional.
Q. Does blood circulation improvement functionality mean the same as lowering blood pressure?
A. No. Blood pressure control is a separate medical area, and ginseng's blood circulation functionality helps maintain a state in which blood can flow more easily by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Q. Are there ginseng products that have both blood circulation and immune functionality? A. Yes. If the ginsenoside content is 3 mg or more, all five functionalities—immune support, fatigue, blood circulation, memory, and antioxidant—can meet the recognition standards. You can check this in the functionality section on the product label.
In closing
Since officially being recognized by the MFDS in 2008, ginseng's blood circulation-related functionality has been a consistently used functional ingredient in the health functional food market.
When choosing a gift, checking the label is as important as understanding the mechanism. The health functional food mark, the "platelet aggregation inhibition" functionality expression, and ginsenosides of 2.4 mg or more — checking these three directly is the most reliable method.
If you also want to check immune functionality → [Immune support section: Learn how ginseng acts on NK cells]
References
MFDS Health Functional Food Code (standards and specifications for ginseng functional ingredients)
Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, "Survey Results on Ginsenoside Content in Health Functional Foods Containing Ginseng", news.seoul.go.kr
Korea Policy Briefing, "5 Things You Must Check When Taking Ginseng", korea.kr
Hankook Ilbo US Edition, "Ginseng... boosts immunity and is excellent for fatigue relief" — citation of the recognized platelet aggregation inhibition functionality
RootTerra.com, "Main Benefits of Ginseng and Related Research" — clinical data related to thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin