Conference explores wide-ranging medicinal uses for American ginseng

With the current outbreak of influenza-like illnesses, many people are trying to boost their immune systems with supplements. Ginseng is often a key ingredient, but its therapeutic use may extend far beyond that. Researchers are now investigating whether ginseng can help relieve health problems ranging from diabetes to depression to erectile dysfunction.

The Ontario Ginseng Innovation & Research Consortium (OGIRC) at The University of Western Ontario will explore clinical uses, plant biotechnology, processing, and commercialization for Ontario-grown American ginseng at a conference starting Friday, November 6th and ending Saturday, November 7th at London Hall, 1140 Western Road, London, Canada.

"Scientists from OGIRC will meet to validate and better understand the multi-action Ontario grown American ginseng herb. We'll discuss ginseng's potential role in the management of diabetes complications, obesity, cardiovascular health, stress, depression, infection, cystic fibrosis and erectile dysfunction," says Ed Lui, Director of OGIRC and an associate professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Some of the afternoon conference highlights for Friday include ginseng and:

• 2:30 (EST) an overview of efficacy
• 2:50 modulation of immune responses
• 3:10 antioxidant, exercise, diabetes and cataract effects
• 3:30 stress-buffer to anti-depressant therapy

Some of the conference highlights for Saturday include ginseng and:

• 9:00 metabolic syndrome
• 9:20 obesity
• 9:40 obesity and cardiovascular disease
• 10:40 diabetes
• 11:00 erectile dysfunction
• 11:20 pulmonary anti-infective
• 11:40 cystic fibrosis

A full agenda can be found at http://www.uwo.ca/physpharm/ogirc/events/OGIRC_2009_Conference_Agenda.pdf