Ginseng is a botanical known for its possible health benefits, which includes its potentially beneficial role in maintaining glucose levels.

How Korean ginseng can help

Ginseng has a natural bioactive compound known as panaxosides or ginsenosides.

There are more than 150 varieties of ginsenosides, typically extracted from the roots of the ginseng plant, although they can also be found in its leaves and berries.

These compounds may help regulate insulin and glucagon hormones, playing a role in maintaining glucose levels. Consequently, ginsenosides could assist in enhancing or postponing possible complications related to diabetes.

Two ginseng roots on a bamboo mat

Ginseng could help manage sugar in the body in several different ways. These include:

Modulating insulin release:

Ginsenosides might assist the pancreas in regulating the amount of insulin it produces, leading to improved blood sugar management and enhanced glycaemic control for individuals.

Facilitating glucose absorption

These substances could aid the body in effectively transferring glucose into cells, thereby preventing its accumulation in the bloodstream. This process can help individuals maintain their blood sugar levels within a healthy range

Alleviating inflammation

Ginsenosides might reduce insulin resistance, a significant contributor to inflammation. By mitigating inflammation, they can help manage conditions linked to inflammation, such as diabetes, and lower the risk of associated complications.

Diminishing free radical effects

Poorly managed diabetes can lead to increased free radical production, which can harm cells and contribute to complications. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, ginseng can help reduce the impact of free radicals.

Summary

  • Ginseng may help the pancreas regulate insulin production.
  • The botanical could prevent glucose from accumulating in the bloodstream.
  • Ginsenosides may reduce insulin resistance
  • Ginseng has antioxidant properties, reducing the impact of free radicals.

Ginseng and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder that hinders the body’s capacity to regulate blood sugar levels. While further studies are needed, preliminary findings imply that ginseng could serve as a safe and affordable supplementary treatment for diabetes and its associated complications.
This herb has been utilised for medicinal purposes for millennia, particularly in Asian societies.
Increasing evidence suggests that ginseng may possess antidiabetic properties, potentially enhancing glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, which could aid in the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In one study, participants with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or type 2 diabetes consuming 5 g/day Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract were found to have significantly reduced blood glucose.

Summary

  • One study saw participants consuming Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract were found to have significantly reduced blood glucose.
  • Ginseng may enhance glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.

Korean Ginseng supplements in a bowl

How to use Korean ginseng

Supplements

Korean ginseng supplements usually come in a powder capsule. Desistal’s Sugar Cravings Control contains 25mg of Korean ginseng which could have a beneficial role in maintaining glucose levels.

Tea

Ginseng tea does not contain any tea leaves, it is a herbal tea infusion made out of the ginseng plant’s root. To make tea, ginseng roots are often ground or powdered but the root itself can be soaked to make an extract or herbal tincture.

Eating

Korean ginseng is usually eaten in the form of a soup, usually using the famous recipe for ‘Korean Chicken Soup’.

Safety

Ginseng isn’t recommended for children or if you are pregnant or lactating. Ginseng could also interact with other medicines. 

Summary

Ginseng may help with sugar cravings by improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.

Ginseng is also known for its adaptogenic properties, which may help balance energy and reduce fatigue.

How ginseng may help:

  • Ginseng may improve pancreatic cell function
  • Ginseng may boost insulin production
  • Ginseng may enhance the uptake of blood sugar in tissues
  • Ginseng may help stabilize blood sugar levels after meals
  • Ginseng may help improve glucose tolerance