British Journal of Nutrition

Table of Contents - 2006 - Volume 96, Issue 04  

Short Communication

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

J. L. Reaya1, D. O. Kennedya1 and A. B. Scholeya1 c1

a1 Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK

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.

(Received November 08 2005)

(Revised June 06 2006)

(Accepted June 06 2006)

Key Words:

Correspondence:

c1 *Corresponding author: Professor Andrew Scholey, fax +44 (0)191 227 3190, email a.scholey@unn.ac.uk

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