London market and eatery Jing Jing Nutrifood Inc. is the eagerness venture of Edmund (Ed) Lui, a retired professor of physiology and pharmacology at Western College. Jing Jing, which translated to essence and life vitality, provides an array of ginseng merchandise resembling drinks, capsules, tinctures, soups and even maple syrup, together with a licensed restaurant.
The CBC’s Travis Dolynny stopped by the distinctive store at 85 York Road to speak to Lui about his story and keenness for the “king of herbs.”
The next has been edited for size and readability:
Travis Dolynny: Ed Lui, inform me just a little bit about your self. What’s your background, and why ginseng?
Ed Lui: I used to be educated as a pharmacologist and toxicologist at Dalhousie College, however I even have a household background in conventional Chinese language drugs. My father had been engaged in making proprietary tonic medicines for a few years, so you might say it is constructed into my genetics.
After commencement, I spent a while in the USA on the Nationwide Institutes of Well being earlier than returning to Canada, the place I labored with the Division of Physiology and Pharmacology at Western College for a few years. I retired a number of years in the past.
Jing Jing Nutrifood Inc. at 85 York Road in London, Ont. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)
As for ginseng, my background in Chinese language drugs led me to acknowledge its lengthy historical past of use. In 2008, the Ontario authorities introduced funding to advertise interdisciplinary analysis and improve commercialization by integrating academia with the non-public sector. I noticed ginseng as an awesome candidate for this initiative as a result of North American ginseng is grown right here in Ontario—it’s the largest producer of American ginseng on the planet. Nevertheless, most of it’s exported to China, and we find yourself importing the completed merchandise again into Canada.
I assumed a analysis venture geared toward enhancing commercialization and rising the worth of Ontario-grown American ginseng may change that. So, I created a consortium for innovation and analysis, securing a $20 million venture to develop new agricultural expertise and new product improvement for American ginseng.
TD: What’s it about ginseng that’s so useful?
EL: It is fairly attention-grabbing. Historically, ginseng has been known as a panacea—a cure-all. It was even known as the “King of Herbs” and was so useful in historical instances that solely royalty may afford it.
Trying on the analysis, we discovered that ginseng comprises quite a few compounds that work collectively synergistically, focusing on a number of organic processes. That is totally different from trendy prescribed drugs, which usually contain a single molecule focusing on a particular receptor. Conventional Chinese language drugs takes a broader strategy, analyzing how totally different parts in an herb work together to create a variety of results. Ginseng, for instance, can assist the immune system, scale back irritation, and enhance metabolic well being.
Jing Jing Nutrifood provides ginseng merchandise resembling these capsules and tinctures. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)
TD: So, ginseng has therapeutic properties?
EL: Sure. Our research examined its function in immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory properties, cardiovascular well being, and even erectile dysfunction. We additionally checked out the way it prevents ischemia-reperfusion damage, helps coronary heart perform, and impacts metabolic syndrome.
TD: Are there any unintended effects?
EL: It depends upon the person. Some individuals could also be extra delicate to ginseng, experiencing delicate stimulation or issue sleeping. Typically, nevertheless, we do not see important adversarial results. Folks taking medicines needs to be cautious, as herb-drug interactions are all the time a risk. Whereas analysis hasn’t proven main interactions with ginseng, we suggest taking it a minimum of two hours after medicines to attenuate any potential results. For these on blood thinners, it is best to seek the advice of a physician earlier than utilizing ginseng.
Quite a lot of dried ginseng root merchandise. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)
TD: What are among the merchandise you’ve got developed?
EL: We have created pure well being merchandise which might be authorised by Well being Canada. These extracts are produced from the ginseng root and have authorised claims for exciting immune perform, modulating blood glucose, and calming nerves.
One in all our distinctive improvements is superior processing expertise that enables us to transform common ginseng into American Pink Ginseng, much like Korean Pink Ginseng. This model has stronger anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties, making it stronger than common ginseng. Lots of our merchandise are based mostly on this enhanced model.
Jing Jing Nutrifood provides a full menu of distinctive meals and drinks with loads of eating area. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)
In addition to pure well being merchandise, we additionally produce well being meals, which do not require licensing however cannot make well being claims. Nevertheless, we guarantee top quality through the use of nutraceutical-grade ginseng. A few of our merchandise embody a ginseng elixir made with crimson ginseng and different adaptogenic substances like goji berry, hawthorn, cranberry, Jerusalem artichoke, and schisandra.
We have additionally infused espresso beans with ginseng extract to supply an extra vitality increase. That is particularly useful for individuals who cannot tolerate caffeine however nonetheless need a pure stimulant.
TD: How do you incorporate ginseng into your life?
EL: Oh, I’ve it day by day. I take one capsule a day as a pure well being product. Then, we have now the elixir and the thirst quencher. Since there’s solely a lot ginseng you possibly can take at one time, utilizing a number of merchandise ensures you get sufficient to expertise its full advantages for well being and wellness. So, I am undoubtedly a confirmed guinea pig!
