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Panax ginseng has been long reported to carry a variety of health-promoting properties, capable of extending longevity, improving immunity, relieving stress, aiding digestion, alleviating fatigue, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and treating diabetic symptoms. A variety of mechanisms have been identified regarding the proposed benefits in the consumption of ginseng such as ginsenosides, alkaloids, polypeptides, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals (Luo & Luo, 2009).
May Improve Hyperglycemia
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Panax ginseng root
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A growing body of evidence suggests that ginseng may help treat conditions of hyperglycemia. The anti-hyperglycemic and anti-obesity effects of ginger appear to be attributed to ginsenosides, as seen in a diabetic obese mouse model. The ability of ginsenosides to regulate glucose, particularly Rh2, occurs via insulin secretion through the regulation of nerve terminals. Various experiments conducted on humans and in animals suggests that administration of ginseng root improves diabetic conditions (Luo & Luo, 2009).
Jeon, Oh, Park, & Ji, (2012) observed that administration of an extract of fermented ginger in a T2DM mouse model for 8 weeks significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations after6 and 9 hours fasting, HbA1c, and increased levels of adiponectin and serum insulin, compared to a control group. In addition, the group that was administered ginseng resulted in significantly reduced levels of TNF-a and IL-6, markers of inflammation, compared to the control group. Compound K, naturally present in ginseng, showed an anti-hyperglycemic effect, similar to the effect of sulfonylureas, a common diabetic medication (Jeon, Oh, Park, & Ji, 2012).
Jeon, Oh, Park, & Ji, (2012) observed that administration of an extract of fermented ginger in a T2DM mouse model for 8 weeks significantly reduced blood glucose concentrations after6 and 9 hours fasting, HbA1c, and increased levels of adiponectin and serum insulin, compared to a control group. In addition, the group that was administered ginseng resulted in significantly reduced levels of TNF-a and IL-6, markers of inflammation, compared to the control group. Compound K, naturally present in ginseng, showed an anti-hyperglycemic effect, similar to the effect of sulfonylureas, a common diabetic medication (Jeon, Oh, Park, & Ji, 2012).
References
Jeon, W., Oh, J., Park, M., & Ji, G. (2012). Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of Fermented Ginseng in Type 2
Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Model. Phytotherapy Research, 27(2), 166-172. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4706
Luo, J., & Luo, L. (2009). Ginseng on Hyperglycemia: Effects and Mechanisms. Evidence-Based
Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 6(4), 423-427. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem178
Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Model. Phytotherapy Research, 27(2), 166-172. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4706
Luo, J., & Luo, L. (2009). Ginseng on Hyperglycemia: Effects and Mechanisms. Evidence-Based
Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 6(4), 423-427. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ecam/nem178