Ginseng Therapy in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients: Effects on psychophysical performance, glucose homeostasis, serum lipids, serum aminoterminalpropeptide concentration, and body weight

Eero A Sotaniemi; Eila Haapakoski; Arja Rautio

doi:10.2337/diacare.18.10.1373

Short Reports

Ginseng Therapy in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients: Effects on psychophysical performance, glucose homeostasis, serum lipids, serum aminoterminalpropeptide concentration, and body weight

Eero A Sotaniemi, MD, PHD ,
Eila Haapakoski, RN and
Arja Rautio, MD, PHD

Departments of Internal Medicine Oulu, Finland
Pharmacology and Toxicology Oulu, Finland
University of Oulu, and the Deaconess Institute of Oulu Oulu, Finland

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Eero A. Sotaniemi, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 90220.

Diabetes Care 1995 Oct; 18(10): 1373-1375. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.18.10.1373

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of ginseng on newly diagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this double-blind placebo-controlled study, 36 NIDDM patients were treated for 8 weeks with ginseng (100 or 200 mg) or placebo. Efficacy was evaluated with psychophysical tests and measurements of glucose balance, serum lipids, aminoterminalpropeptide (PIIINP) concentration, and body weight.

RESULTS Ginseng therapy elevated mood, improved psychophysical performance, and reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight. The 200-mg dose of ginseng improved glycated hemoglobin, serum PIIINP, and physical activity. Placebo reduced body weight and altered the serum lipid profile but did not alter FBG.

CONCLUSIONS Ginseng may be a useful therapeutic adjunct in the management of NIDDM.