Your pancreas is an elongated, tapered organ at the back of the abdomen. The outer sections of the pancreas secret digestive enzymes that help digest food in the intestine. The inner beta cells secrete the hormone insulin, which transports glucose from the blood to the liver, muscle and fat cells. Diseases of the pancreas include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis, or blockage of the tubes of the pancreas. Insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas may also lead to diabetes. Along with medications and surgery, certain herbs such as American ginseng may also help manage pancreatic diseases.
About Ginseng
American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius, is a plant native to Canada and the northwest United States. The tree has yellowish-green, umbrella-shaped flowers, red berries and leaves that grow in a circle around a straight stem. The roots of the plant contain antioxidants, volatile oils and saponins and have been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions including cancer, diabetes, fatigue and infections. American ginseng supplements are available as powders, capsules and tablets. The dose may vary, depending on the age of the patient, form of the supplement and condition being treated.
How Does Ginseng Affect the Pancreas?
American ginseng supplements may prevent apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of pancreatic beta cells and increase the production of the hormone insulin in laboratory animals, according to a study published in the October 2007 issue of the journal "Chinese Medicine." Another study in the June 2010 issue of the journal "Phytotherapy Research" also reports that fermented ginseng products preserve the functional beta cells in the pancreas by inhibiting proteins that control expression of genes. A September 2006 article in the journal "Evidence-Based Alternative and Complementary Medicine" also reaffirms that ginseng supplements enhance insulin production and inhibit beta cell apoptosis.
Side Effects
American ginseng supplements are generally safe to use. Side effects such as high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety and headache have been reported rarely. It can also lead to diarrhea, vomiting, breast pain and vaginal bleeding. The supplements may also interfere with certain blood thinning, diabetes and antipsychotic medications. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals with bipolar disorder to avoid the herb.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before using American ginseng supplements to maintain pancreatic health. Also remember that American ginseng supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. So talk to a pharmacist to ensure the safety of the product.
References
- "Chinese Medicine"; American Ginseng Modulates Pancreatic Beta Cell Activities; Zonggui Wu et al.; October 2007
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Fermented Ginseng Protects Streptozotocin-Induced Damage in Rat Pancreas by Inhibiting Nuclear Factor-KappaB; H. D. Yuan et al.; June 2010
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; American Ginseng Stimulates Insulin Production and Prevents Apoptosis through Regulation of Uncoupling Protein-2 in Cultured β Cells; John Zeqi Luo et al.; September 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
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