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| Red ginseng extract product by Cheong Kwang Jang / Couresy of KGC |
By Kim Jae-heun
Korean red ginseng, which is known for boosting immunity, has become a popular product in the era of COVID-19 where people are vulnerable to the fast-spreading virus.
Immunity refers to the ability to resist various pathogens, including foreign substances, germs and viruses. This power is not created by certain cells in the body, but maintained when the organs and cells responsible for the immune system stay healthy.
A strong immune system keeps people healthy from any viral attack. But when it becomes weak, people can develop eye infections, blisters in the mouth, diarrhea and stomachaches. Middle-aged people are likely to see their immunity weaken as they grow old.
In Korea, people have been consuming red ginseng to keep their immunity strong. The effects of the medicinal root have been proven through various scientific studies. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety also certified the ability of red ginseng to help boost immunity.
Red ginseng has other benefits too. According to the ministry, it helps people recover from fatigue, improves blood circulation and memory and also inhibits oxidation. It has long been prescribed to replenish energy and maintain body balance in traditional medicine.
Cheong Kwan Jang is the most popular red ginseng brand in the world. It was launched by Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC) in 1899 and the firm has been producing the health supplement food for over 120 years. Cheong Kwan Jang has garnered fans all over the world, including the United States, Europe and Asia and was selected as an official gift to President Ronald Reagan when he visited Korea in 1983.
Last year, KGC signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Vaccine Institute to cooperate in developing immunity boosters. The company believes that red ginseng could be utilized to develop substances to produce COVID-19 vaccines. Immunity boosters are substances that augment the immune response caused by antigens, and they are important ingredients in the development of vaccines.
"More people have been eating red ginseng for their health in the wake of the spread of COVID-19 in Korea. Red ginseng extract is especially popular here as it is made entirely using the medicinal root," a KGC official said.
