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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2007

J. L. Reay ,
D. O. Kennedy  and
A. B. Scholey
J. L. Reay
Affiliation:
Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
D. O. Kennedy
Affiliation:
Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
A. B. Scholey*
Affiliation:
Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
*
*Corresponding author: Professor Andrew Scholey, fax +44 (0)191 227 3190, email a.scholey@unn.ac.uk
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Abstract

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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.

Keywords

PanaxGinsengAcutePlaceboBlood glucoseHypoglycaemiaHealthy adults
Type
Short Communication
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 96 , Issue 4 , October 2006 , pp. 639 - 642
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2006

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