Korean Ginseng (Japanese-cultivated Chōsen Ninjin)
朝鮮人参 (朝鮮人参)
Why source from Japan
Fukushima Aizu has 300+ year heritage ginseng cultivation; small-volume premium producers maintain cultivars distinct from Korean / Chinese supply.
Key spec
Total ginsenoside 2-7% in dried root (varies by age); Rg1/Rb1/Rb2 standardisation typical; Japanese cultivars tend higher Rg1 ratio.
Typical end-product
Premium Kampo ginseng, premium supplement-grade extracts, hospitality wellness amenity.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg dried root; 100 g – 1 kg standardised extract
- Typical lead time
- 12–18 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Fukushima (Aizu), Nagano (Shinshu), Shimane
- Category
- Medicinal plants
- Harvest season
- Roots aged 4-6 years before harvest; processing year-round
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Kampo herbal under MHLW; FFC notifications exist
- INCI name
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Japanese name
- 朝鮮人参
- Romaji
- 朝鮮人参
About this ingredient
Cultivated Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) — historically grown in Japan in Fukushima (Aizu) and Nagano (Shinshu) since 1700s, distinct from Korean and Chinese commercial supply. Modern Japan-domestic cultivation is small-scale but produces premium ginseng commanding multiple-of-Korean pricing in Kampo and supplement markets. Standardised ginsenoside content (Rg1, Rb1, Rb2) drives functional positioning. Aizu and Shinshu cooperatives maintain heritage cultivars; Tochimoto Tenkaido and Uchida Wakanyaku supply pharmaceutical and supplement OEMs.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Kampo herbal under MHLW; FFC notifications exist |
|---|---|
| EU | Novel Food typically not novel; CosIng listed |
| United States | DSHEA NDI for supplements; GRAS by long use |
| China | NMPA / TCM herbal; well-precedented import |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Korean Ginseng (Japanese-cultivated Chōsen Ninjin) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Japanese Reishi Mushroom
日本産霊芝
Ganoderma lucidum; Ganoderma japonicum source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Yomogi (Japanese Mugwort)
ヨモギ
Artemisia princeps (mainland) / Artemisia indica (Okinawan Fuchiba) source; INCI Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (dried); 100 g – 10 kg (extract).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Dokudami (Houttuynia Cordata)
ドクダミ
Houttuynia cordata source; INCI Houttuynia Cordata Extract; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (extract); 1-100 kg (dried).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier EU regulatory path
Korean Ginseng (Japanese-cultivated Chōsen Ninjin) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in EU. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sasa Bamboo Leaf Extract
クマザサエキス
Alkaline polysaccharide 5-15%; chlorophyll-derived bioactives 0.5-2%; minimal allergen profile.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
イチョウ葉エキス
Flavone glycoside 24-26%; terpene lactone 6-9%; ginkgolic acid <5 ppm; bioactive: bilobalide, ginkgolide A/B/C.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
Royal Jelly
ローヤルゼリー
10-HDA content 1.4-2.0% (fresh-equivalent basis); protein 12-18%; vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) carry-over.
Simpler in EU· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Uchida Wakanyaku Ltd.
ウチダ和漢薬株式会社
Bunkyo, TokyoEst. 1947English supportExport experienceGMP (pharmaceutical)ISO 9001Aizu / Shinshu ginseng Kampo grade
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Last updated: 2026-05-05