The effect of root parts of Korean Red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and alcohol extracts of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) and Korean Red ginseng on glycemic parameters

Evidence attributes ginseng pharmacological activity to ginsenosides. Compositional variability of ginseng translates to varying physiological effects. It is unclear whether total saponin content or proportions of the saponin-profile affect the postprandial glycemic response. Glycemia-lowering potential of American ginseng (AG) root within and across batches has been demonstrated. Relatively fewer studies exist for this indication with Korean Red ginseng (KRG). We compared root-fractions, body and rootlets of KRG, with varying saponin-profiles, to select the most efficacious part for lowering postprandial glycemia. Alcohol extraction methods can be applied to ginseng to manipulate the ginsenoside-profile. We also compare for the first time, the effects of a range of ethanol-extracted AG and KRG on postprandial glycemia and insulinaemia. Results show a glycemia-lowering potential of KRG within a ginsenoside therapeutic dose range and AG and KRG extracts demonstrate insulin-sensitizing effects. Other unmeasured ginsenosides or degradable components of the whole-root matrix may modulate glycemic parameters.