Ginseng Does Not Improve Blood Sugars

Swallowing ginseng root extract has no effect on blood sugar regulation among people with diabetes or prediabetic symptoms, a new study concludes. Despite prior evidence that the herb might help treat problems processing blood sugar, the researchers were unable to even detect ginseng compounds in the participants’ bloodstream after they took it. They also saw no differences in the subjects’ blood sugar. Participants were overweight or obese and had either recently received a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes or had developed impaired glucose tolerance. Before and after the 4-week treatment with 3 grams daily for 2 weeks then 8 grams daily for another 2 weeks, in 15 patients, the researchers gathered information on how well the participants regulated their blood sugar and how sensitive they were to insulin. None of the measurements were different after taking ginseng. Diabetes Care, online March 16, 2011