The health benefits of ginseng may be debatable, but its profit potential is clear. Today's Baltimore Sun examines the herb's place in western Maryland agricultural, specifically whether it has the power to assist the state's flailing economy.Ginseng is said to sell for $75 a pound and wild ginseng for $500 pound.

Ginseng plays a key role in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and in the last few years has garnered significant attention from mainstream press for its link to a stronger immune system and enhanced male sexual function.

Ginseng is so popular, in fact, that it is eliciting talk of building a $60 million dollar research facility [PDF] between Marlyand and West Virginia that will be dedicated to studying the root and other medicinal herbs.