Asian ginseng is perhaps the most widely recognized of the plants used in traditional medicine and plays a major role in the herbal health market. It has been used for more than two thousand years. At least six species and varieties of Panax have been used in traditional medicine. It is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and cosmetics. It is promoted for its antistress effects.
Ginseng's dried root is medicinal. It contains triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides that appear to be the active ingredients responsible for the plant's immunomodulatory effects. Ginsenosides seem to increase natural-killer cell activity, stimulate interferon production, accelerate nuclear RNA synthesis, and increase motor activity.
The ginsenosides have been found to protect against stress ulcers, to decrease blood glucose level, to increase high-density lipoprotein level, and to affect central nervous system activity by acting as a de pressant, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and antipsychotic.
Ginseng is available as powdered root, tablets, capsules, and tea. Common trade names include Centrum Ginseng, Chikusetsu Ginseng, Gin-Action, Ginsai, Ginsana, Ginseng Manchurian, Ginseng Power Max 004X G-Sana, Ginseng Up, Gin Zip, Herbal Sure Chinese Red Ginseng, Herbal Sure Korean Ginseng, Korean White Ginseng, Lynae Ginse-Cool, Power Herb Korean Ginseng, Premium Blend Korean Ginseng Extract, Sanchi Ginseng, The Ginseng Solution, Time Release Korean Ginseng Power, and Zhuzishen.
Reported uses
Asian ginseng is used to manage fatigue and lack of concentration, and to treat atherosclerosis, bleeding disorders, colitis, diabetes, depression, and cancer. It's also used to help recover health and strength after sickness or weakness.
Administration
Powdered root: For a healthy patient, 0.5 to 1.0 g of the root may be taken by mouth, every day, in 2 divided doses for 15 to 20 days. The morning dose is usually taken 1 to 2 hours before breakfast; the evening dose, 2 hours after dinner. If a second course of therapy is desired, patient must wait at least 2 weeks before starting ginseng again. For an elderly or sick patient, 0.4 to 0.8 g of the root by mouth every day taken continuously
Solid extracts in tablets and capsules: Dosage is 100 to 300 mg by mouth three times a day
Tea: Dosage is 1 cup every day, up to three times a day, for 3 to 4 weeks. The tea is prepared by steeping 3 g (1 teaspoon) of the herb in a cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Asian Semiconductor Manufacturing on Strong Growth Curve Reports In-Stat
By: Business News
With the semiconductor food chain already strongly established in Asia -- including design, EDA, IP firms, and testing and packaging services -- the long-term outlook indicates that Asia's position in semiconductor production will continue to strengthen, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). In addition to reduced production costs in Asia, companies will also benefit from the growing demand for semiconductors in Asia itself, the high-tech market research firm says.
"With the foundry business centered in Taiwan, and major memory makers located nearby in Japan and South Korea, China is expected to drive the next manufacturing growth wave in Asia," said Mayank Jain, In-Stat analyst. "Many IDM and foundry players in China are already expanding their production capacities."
Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
-- Overall foundry revenues in 2005 were US$18.24 billion, and the contribution of Asian foundries was close to 91%, at US$16.56 billion.
-- Revenue from Asian foundries is expected to reach US$31.8 billion in 2010.
-- With Samsung venturing into the leading-edge foundry business, competition is expected to heat up among top foundry players offering advanced process technology, while China's foundries will offer low-cost fabrication on older technologies.
The research, "Semiconductor Manufacturing in Asia: Focus on China, South Korea, and Taiwan" (#IN0602728ASM), covers the semiconductor manufacturing market in Asia. It includes a forecast of Asian foundry revenue, Asia's market share of the foundry business, as well as of the overall Asian semiconductor market through 2010. It also includes extensive analysis of the challenges and drivers of the Asian semiconductor industry. Technology road maps of major manufacturers are provided.
For more information on this research, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/Scatalogue.asp?id=239 or contact Erin McKeighan at 480-609-4551 or emckeighan@reedbusiness.com. The price is $2,495 (US).
About In-Stat
Technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals and market specialists, worldwide, rely on In-Stat's experienced staff and in-depth research to support critical business, product and technology decisions. In-Stat's insights are derived from both a deep technology understanding and comprehensive research, which examines each segment of the value chain for each market. Regular and ongoing end user demand and primary research surveys underpin much of the analysis, enabling In-Stat to provide incisive market knowledge and guidance on future market opportunities.
In-Stat is a strategic segment of the $9 billion Reed Elsevier global information network, with access to an expansive worldwide electronic network, extensive technology databases and well-informed personnel. As a member of Reed Business Information, In-Stat is a division of the largest business-to-business publisher in the United States.