Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, the hormone that metabolizes glucose. Type 2, the most common form of diabetes, occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively. Diabetes treatment aims to normalize blood glucose levels and usually comprises insulin injections or medicines that regulate blood sugar. American ginseng might also help to lower high blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients, although evidence to prove this is limited. Get medical advice before using this herb.
Properties and Potential Benefits
American ginseng is most commonly used a general health tonic and to boost stamina, but might also play a role in the treatment of numerous medical conditions including cancer and diabetes. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it might lower blood glucose levels and might also boost the effects of insulin and oral diabetes medicines. It contains a host of active compounds, including chemicals known as ginsenosides that are likely responsible for American ginseng's activity.
Administration
American ginseng is usually administered in capsules or tablets. MedlinePlus notes that taking 3 g up to two hours before a meal is sometimes used to lower post-meal blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients. Keep in mind that this dose is only a guideline. Check with your doctor whether this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials examining the effects of American ginseng on diabetes are limited. However, the results of a small clinical study published in the April 2000 issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" show that taking 3 g of American ginseng 40 minutes before a meal helps to reduce post-meal blood sugar levels. Research findings published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in April 2001 also show that American ginseng lowers post-meal blood glucose levels, but this particular study was carried out with healthy patients, not people with diabetes.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus states that short-term use of American ginseng might be safe but adds that it might cause side effects including itching, insomnia and nervousness. It might also affect your blood pressure and may cause breast tenderness and vaginal bleeding in women. Ensure you check your blood sugar levels regularly when using this herb alongside your diabetes medicines, as it might lower them too much. Avoid this herb if you also have a hormone-sensitive condition, insomnia or schizophrenia.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginseng (American)
- MedlinePlus: American Ginseng
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) Reduces Postprandial Glycemia in Nondiabetic Subjects and Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; V. Vuksan, et al.; April 2000
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) Attenuates Postprandial Glycemia in a Time-Dependent But Not Dose-Dependent Manner in Healthy Individuals; V. Vuksan, et al.; April 2001
