Good laboratory practice or GLP

Good laboratory practice or GLP generally refers to a system of management controls for laboratories and research organizations to ensure the consistency and reliability of results - as outlined in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Principles of GLP and national regulations.

GLP applies to non-clinical studies conducted for the assessment of the safety of chemicals to man, animals and the environment.

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) embodies a set of principles that provides a framework within which laboratory studies are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived. These studies are undertaken to generate data by which the hazards and risks to users, consumers and third parties, including the environment, can be assessed for pharmaceuticals (only preclinical studies), agrochemicals, cosmetics, food additives, feed additives and contaminants, novel foods, biocides, detergents etc.

GLP helps assure regulatory authorities that the data submitted are a true reflection of the results obtained during the study and can therefore be relied upon when making risk/safety assessments.

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What are the Benefits of Ginseng?

The Chinese people have used ginseng in herbal medicine for centuries. Rhizomes resembling the human form are thought to be more valuable medicinally. Ginseng rhizomes contain substances called ginsenosides, a class of chemical compounds responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cancer preventing properties. Ginseng is used to cure the entire body and is not used for a specific organ or body part.

Check with your doctor for contraindications before using ginseng products. There may be adverse effects such as insomnia, headaches, uterine bleeding, or diarrhea if ginseng is consumed over a period of time or with other medications. Ginseng is also considered to be a stimulant, so caffeine and other stimulants should be avoided when using ginseng.

Studies show that ginseng is a non-toxic herb, although as with any herb or medicine, avoid excessive or prolonged use. The recommended dosage is 0.5 to 2 grams of rhizome per day, the equivalent of approximately 1 to 5 thin slices of rhizome. Ginseng should not be used for more than three consecutive months without a 2-week break from use.

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How to make Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is slightly sweet at first but may have a strong biting or even bitter aftertaste. It is often mixed with chrysanthemum tea and sweetened with sugar or honey.

The first method for making ginseng tea is to pour boiling water over 3 to 5 thin slices of ginseng and let steep for 5 minutes—more if you prefer stronger tea, less if you prefer weaker tea.

Alternatively, boil 3 cups of water, add 8 to 10 ginseng slices, and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain and let cool. It can be served warm or cold as an iced ginseng tea. Store the tea in the refrigerator.

Or, try the Korean version of ginseng tea. Place thinly sliced pieces of ginseng rhizome in a ceramic, glass, or stainless steel bowl and add a few teaspoons of honey. Let sit for 30 minutes, and then pour boiling water over the mixture to make the tea.

Tea can also be made with liquid extract or ginseng powder. For liquid extract, mix one cup of extract with one cup of boiling water. For powder, dissolve 1 teaspoon in one cup of boiling water.
It is also possible to use a standardized extract to make tea by adding a few drops to hot water in a cup. Be advised that extracts may contain small amounts of alcohol unless otherwise stated.

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