American Ginseng for Diabetes

American ginseng may help control diabetes.

Diabetes is incurable, affects nearly one in 12 Americans with unpleasant symptoms, needs constant medical maintenance and may be fatal. Every diabetic wants a way to control the disease, and modern medicine offers many methods. One Canadian study has evaluated an age-old herbal remedy and found that American ginseng may be helpful in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetics.

The Study

A study in published in 2000 led by Dr. Vladimir Vuksan at St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto compared blood sugar levels in nine patients with Type 2 diabetes and 10 patients without diabetes.On four separate occasions at least a week apart, each subject took a pill that either contained three grams of American ginseng or was a placebo. They took the pills either 40 minutes before or in conjunction with a measured "meal" of sugar-water.

Researchers measured the participants' blood sugar levels at 15-minute intervals after the meal. They noted decreased blood glucose levels in both groups of participants. When the participants took the ginseng in conjunction with the meal, blood glucose levels in diabetic patients decreased an average of 19% at 45 and 60 minutes after eating. When they took the ginseng 40 minutes before eating, the diabetics' blood glucose levels decreased an average of 22% at 30 and 45 minutes after the meal. Similar results occurred in non-diabetic participants.

American Ginseng

The American ginseng root is gnarled, tan-colored and has stringy shoots that resemble arms and legs. It was used traditionally by Native Americans as a stimulant and to treat headaches, fever, indigestion, and infertility. Laboratory studies in animals have found American ginseng to be effective as an antioxidant and for immune system support. American ginseng contains ginsenosides, although the types and ratios of these substances are different in the American and the popular, readily available Asian varieties of this herb. One University of Chicago study, published in 2002, found that the American ginseng berry specifically was effective in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetic mice.

Different Species of Ginseng

While all types of ginseng are tried-and-true tonics and have purported healing properties, the type and ratio of ginsenosides in American ginseng are different from the Chinese, Japanese and Siberian species. The studies on glucose levels in diabetics used American ginseng, not the other varieties.

What This Means

Researchers were quick to point out that the studies indicated only that American ginseng had possibilities as an alternative treatment for Type 2 diabetes, and larger, more rigorously controlled studies were needed to firmly establish its efficacy. They said the findings did not mean diabetics should start taking ginseng for the purpose of lowering blood glucose levels. American ginseng certainly does not take the place of any modern form of treatment that is part of your current diabetes management program.

What To Do

If you are interested in trying American ginseng for your diabetes, discuss the study results and potential pitfalls with your doctor. Make sure she knows that the study used three grams of American ginseng, not any other variety or dosage. Since ginseng does have other healthful properties, your doctor may agree that it cannot hurt and might help; however, he may also have reasonable concerns about your taking herbal supplements. If your doctor agrees, be careful to look for the American ginseng in a form that allows you to take three grams. Always tell your doctor if you add any new medications or supplements for any reason.

References

• Science Daily: American Ginseng Reduces Blood Sugar: Implications For Diabetes And Herbal Research
• University of Maryland Medical Center: American ginseng
• University of Chicago Medical Center: Ginseng berry extract shows promise for diabetes, obesity