A research program aimed at validating health claims for North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), called “New Technologies for Ginseng Agriculture and Product Development,” will include Naturex, Avignon, France. Researchers will focus on various medical and health areas, including metabolic syndrome, stress, physical en­durance, cardiovascular diseases, immuno-modulation, reproductive health and neuroprotective and psychiatric disorders. Ginseng is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world.