The glycaemic effects of single doses of Panax ginseng in young healthy volunteers

Jonathon Reay, David Kennedy, Andrew Scholey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The results of two acute placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over studies assessing the effect of Panax ginseng (G115) on blood glucose levels are reported. In study 1, thirty participants received three treatments: placebo; 200 mg G115; 400 mg G115. In study 2, twenty-seven participants received four treatments: placebo (0 mg ginseng and 30 mg saccharin); ginseng (200 mg ginseng and 30 mg saccharin); placebo–glucose (0 mg ginseng and 25 g oral glucose); ginseng–glucose (200 mg ginseng and 25 g oral glucose). Blood glucose levels were measured at baseline (at 09.00 hours after an overnight fast) and then 60, 90 (study 1 only) and 120 min post-dose. Both studies demonstrated that G115 alone significantly lowers fasting blood glucose levels. Conversely, in study 2 there was a significant drink × ginseng interaction suggesting opposing glycaemic effects of ginseng under fasting and raised blood glucose conditions. These data have implications for the use of ginseng in individuals with poor gluco-regulation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)639-642
JournalBritish Journal of Nutrition
Volume96
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypoglycemic agents
  • Ginseng
  • Placebos

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