Ginseng is a plant whose roots contain substances called ginsenosides and gintonin, believed to have benefits for human health. Ginseng root extracts have been used for thousands of years by traditional Chinese medicine as herbal remedies to promote well-being. Ginseng is available in many forms, such as supplements, teas, or oils or used as a topical application.
There are many varieties of ginseng plants – the main ones are Asian ginseng, Russian ginseng, and American ginseng. Each variety contains specific bioactive compounds with unique properties and effects on the body.
For example, it has been suggested that high doses of American ginseng might reduce body temperature and help with relaxation,1 while Asian ginseng might invigorate psychological functions,2,3 physical performance, and cardiovascular and immune functions.
The benefits and impact of ginseng on health and well-being may differ also based on the type of preparation, fermentation time, dosage, and individual intestinal bacteria strains that metabolize the bioactive compounds after ingestion.
These differences are also reflected in the quality of the scientific studies conducted on ginseng’s health benefits. This makes it difficult to compare results and limits the conclusions that can be drawn from these studies. As a result, there is an insufficient amount of conclusive clinical evidence to support guidelines for ginseng as medical treatment.
Ginseng might be beneficial to blood pressure but more research is necessary to clarify contradictions in evidence
Several studies investigated the efficacy of ginseng on specific cardiovascular risk factors, heart function, and cardiac tissue preservation. However, the current scientific evidence on the relationship between ginseng and blood pressure is contradictory.
It has been found that Korean red ginseng may improve blood circulation through its vasodilatory action. Vasodilation occurs when the blood vessels dilate as a consequence of the smooth muscles that line the vessels relaxing. In turn, the resistance to the circulation of blood flow within the blood vessels decreases, i.e., the blood pressure decreases.
Specifically, a study in patients at risk of developing high blood pressure and atherosclerosis found that taking red ginseng daily regulated vascular function by modulating the concentration of nitric oxide and the levels of fatty acids circulating in the blood, and in turn decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure.8
On the other hand, another study found that red ginseng was not effective in reducing blood pressure in people already suffering from hypertension.9 Additionally, a systematic review comparing multiple randomized controlled trials found that ginseng has a neutral effect on cardiac function and blood pressure.10
In future studies, standardized preparations should be compared to shed more light on the actual ginseng tea effects on blood pressure.10 Furthermore, as lower doses might be more effective, the specific dose-dependent profiles should also be studied.8
Ginseng might have some potential to control blood sugar levels
The effects of ginseng on blood sugar have been tested both in healthy people and in diabetic patients.
A review of the scientific evidence found ginseng to have some moderate potential to improve glucose metabolism.4 However, according to the authors, the studies that were evaluated were not of high quality.4Additionally, it was difficult for the researchers to compare studies because of the different forms of ginseng used.4
A study found that a 12-week supplementation of Korean red ginseng in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism may be beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels.11 Moreover, in patients with type 2 diabetes with controlled levels of blood sugar, a 12-week supplementation of red ginseng, in addition to usual therapy, was found to improve the regulation of plasma insulin and glucose metabolism.12
However, no further improvements in prolonged glycemic control were found12. Considering the current scientific evidence, it has been suggested that future research should fully demonstrate safety and efficacy for clinical applications.13
Post time: Mar-12-2022
