One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food noted a significant decrease in blood sugar levels 30 minutes after a group of people with fasting glucose disorders ate a variety of Korean red ginseng .
This study is one of many that confirm that both Asian and American ginseng reduce blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes .
The authors note: “These studies indicate that American ginseng extract is effective and safe as an add-on therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes .” In general, ginseng has rarely shown significant effects on A1C , fasting insulin, or insulin resistance .
However, a 2016 analysis found an improvement in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins after using ginseng .
These effects can be attributed to the soluble ginseng fiber, which binds to fats within the digestive system and pulls them out of the body. It has also been noted that medicinal use of the extract can also treat high blood pressure . Studies have shown that systolic blood pressure can drop significantly after eating the herb .
Reductions in systolic pressure help lower the risks of heart attack and stroke, and its high concentration of antioxidants means it can boost the body’s immunity as well . This antioxidant protection, in turn, can stop abnormal cell production and growth, which is the typical mechanism of cancer. .
In protecting cells, researchers found that ginseng can reduce the risk of cancer by 16% .
Long-term use or high doses of ginseng can lead to unwanted side effects, however, taking it with caution is warranted .
Reports of side effects from ginseng supplementation include diarrhea, insomnia, headache, rapid heartbeat, fluctuations in blood pressure, and breast
