Ginseng
(FloraFarm GmbH / Katharina Lohrie, Ginsengpflanze,
Wikimedia Commons. GNU Free Documentation License.)
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) has been the subject of several studies for diabetes (1). This is not to be confused with Panax ginseng (Chinese or Korean ginseng) which may have similar effects (2) or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) which is another genus altogether.
American Ginseng is thought to be quite safe. The supplement seems to have a hypoglycemic effect – it decreases glucose production in the liver and increases tissue uptake. It may also decrease carbohydrate absorption. One trial that compared dosage timings found that intervals shorter than 40 minutes prior to eating were not effective (3). A common dose is 1-3 grams taken 40 minutes before meals.
This may be a supplement worth trying by interested patients. However, the dosing frequency and timing may deter less motivated individuals. Future studies may provide better information about effectiveness.
1. Yeh GY, et al. Systematic review of herbs and dietary supplements for glycemic control in diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2003 Apr;26(4):1277-94.
2. Vuksan V, et al. Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) improves glucose and insulin regulation in well-controlled, type 2 diabetes: Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of efficacy and safety. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2008 Jan;18(1):46-56.
3. Vuksan V, et al. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) attenuates postprandial glycemia in a time-dependent but not dose-dependent manner in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Apr;73(4):753-8.