Ginseng and Diabetes

Abstract

Ginseng is known as a type of slow-growing perennial plant which belongs to Panax genus and Araliaceae family. In some regions of China and some parts of Asia, the plant is called as Ginnsuu. The word ginseng is derived from the Chinese word renshen that has two parts: „ren“ means “person” and “shen” means “plant root.” Ginseng contains diversified components, including saponins, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, phenols, and alkaloids. Ginseng saponins, known as ginsenosides, are an important class of natural triterpene saponins, which can decrease oxidative stress and inflammation. Because these are the two main factors that contribute to the progression of diabetes, people who have this disease are interested in understanding the ginseng role as the viable part of diabetes management. There are different species of ginseng including Panax ginseng that is known as Asian ginseng and Panax quinquefolius that is known as American ginseng. There are also some other types of plants that are mistaken for the ginseng root such as Siberian ginseng and Crown prince ginseng. The true ones are the plants that belong to the Panax genus. By commercialization panax ginseng is marketed as red, white and fresh. Some researches prove that red ginseng is useful in normalizing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The efficacy and beneficial effects of ginseng powder or extract on blood glucose control has been well documented in some experimental models and on the healthy individuals. Most studies conducted in human subjects only evaluated the effect of a single oral dose, that is found to be seriously effective in lowering the blood glucose area under the curve, during the oral glucose tolerance test. Ginseng roots are usually sold in dried form in the case of traditional medicine that can provide different benefits such as an aphrodisiac, stimulant and antidiabetic agent. It may also be added to some energy drinks, herbal teas, hair tonics and cosmetic products. There are some side effects in using of ginseng including insomnia, headaches, nausea, hypertension, chest pain.