What Affect Does American Ginseng Have on Diabetes?

American ginseng is a light tan root that has been used in medicine for hundreds of years. It also has been evaluated for use for type 2 diabetics. Type 2 diabetes differs from type 1 diabetes in that insulin is produced but the body does not use it effectively. According to several research studies, American ginseng can lower blood glucose levels, making it beneficial for type 2 diabetics and pre-diabetic patients.

Types of Ginseng

• Properties of ginseng are subjects of various studies.

  Several varieties of ginseng exist, but the two used most are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. While they are very similar, some differences exist between them. Asian ginseng is thought to increase thinking and awareness and also to protect against colds. American ginseng has been used to treat headaches, infertility, indigestion and fevers. Research studies have concentrated on the use of American ginseng for people living with type 2 diabetes.

How it Works

• Both Asian and American varieties of ginseng contain a substance called ginsenosides, which is thought to help the body deal with stress. According to a 2001 article in "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," researchers believe ginsenosides in American ginseng affect how carbohydrates are digested. Carbohydrates can increase blood glucose levels. Other research showed that American ginseng enhances the effects of insulin, making less insulin go further.

Study on Dosage

• In a study by University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital researchers published in 2000, participants took 3g of American ginseng either 40 minutes before eating or during a meal. The dose decreased blood glucose levels by 20 percent in the participants with type 2 diabetes. The non-diabetic participants, though, had a similar decrease only when they took the ginseng before the meal.

  American ginseng is available in powder, capsule and tablet form. People taking ginseng should speak with their doctor or pharmacist and follow recommended doses on the product's label. Ginseng is not recommended for children. Pregnant women and nursing women should not use ginseng.

Side Effects

• Ginseng can interact with medicine.

  According to the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" article, most people in that study did not have adverse side effects. A diabetic in the researchers' first study, though, experienced insomnia after taking American ginseng. Other reports state that ginseng caused increased heart rates and increased blood pressure. People using insulin may experience lower than normal blood glucose levels. As a result, physicians recommend careful monitoring.

Interactions

• American ginseng has been known to have adverse reactions with blood thinners, causing them to stop working. It also decreases the effectiveness of hypertension and diuretic medicine. Diabetics who are on beta-blockers may see an increase in the effectiveness of those types of drugs. Insulin users who consume ginseng should monitor blood glucose levels closely because hypoglycemia may occur. People should stop taking ginseng if they have an allergic reaction, including itching, hives or swollen tongue and lips.