Ginseng for Prediabetes: Can It Help?

clinical-trial PMID: 39004031

Quick Summary: A new study found that a specific type of ginseng, called ginseng berry saponins, helped lower blood sugar levels after meals in people with prediabetes. It also improved insulin resistance and boosted "good" cholesterol.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at how ginseng berry saponins, a compound from the berries of the Panax ginseng plant, affected people with prediabetes. They found that taking this supplement:

Significantly lowered blood sugar levels two hours after meals.

Improved how the body uses insulin (reduced insulin resistance).

Increased "good" cholesterol (HDL-C), which is good for heart health.

Study Details

Who was studied: 195 adults who had prediabetes.

How long: Each treatment lasted 4 weeks.

What they took: Participants took either a placebo (a "dummy" pill) or Zhenyuan Capsule, a Chinese medicine containing ginseng berry saponins. All participants also followed lifestyle interventions.

What This Means For You

If you have prediabetes, this research suggests that ginseng berry saponins, as part of a healthy lifestyle, might help:

Manage your blood sugar levels, especially after eating.

Improve your body's response to insulin.

Potentially improve your heart health by increasing "good" cholesterol.

Important: This study used a specific extract (Zhenyuan Capsule). It's not the same as all ginseng supplements. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're already taking medication.

Study Limitations

The study only looked at the effects over a short period (4 weeks).

The exact dose of ginseng berry saponins wasn't specified.

The study focused on a specific extract, not all ginseng products.

More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects.

Key Findings

Zhenyuan Capsule (ginseng berry saponins) significantly reduced 2-hour postprandial glucose (2-h PG) by -0.98 mmol/L versus placebo after adjusting for treatment order. It also lowered fasting and 2-h postprandial insulin/C-peptide levels, decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: -1.26), improved insulin sensitivity (QUICKI: +0.012), and increased HDL-C by +0.25 mmol/L. No serious adverse events occurred. The study concluded that ginseng berry saponins complement lifestyle interventions in improving glucose metabolism and lipid profiles in prediabetes.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (ChiCTR2000034000). 195 prediabetic adults were randomized 1:1 to two sequences: (1) placebo for 4 weeks → 4-week washout → Zhenyuan Capsule for 4 weeks, or (2) reverse order. All participants maintained lifestyle interventions. Primary outcomes: changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h PG. Secondary outcomes: insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and blood lipids.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received Zhenyuan Capsule, a patented Chinese medicine containing ginseng berry saponins extracted from Panax ginseng berries. The exact saponin dose per capsule was not specified in the abstract. Administration details (e.g., frequency, timing) were not provided, though the intervention lasted 4 weeks per treatment period. Placebo matched the capsule formulation.

Results & Efficacy

Zhenyuan Capsule significantly reduced 2-h PG (-0.98 mmol/L; p < 0.05 vs. placebo) but did not significantly alter FPG. It lowered HOMA-IR (-1.26) and raised QUICKI (+0.012), indicating improved insulin sensitivity. HDL-C increased by +0.25 mmol/L (p < 0.05). Fasting and 2-h postprandial insulin/C-peptide levels decreased significantly versus placebo. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was reported for key outcomes, though exact p-values and confidence intervals were not detailed in the abstract.

Limitations

The 4-week treatment duration limits assessment of long-term efficacy and safety. The crossover design risks carryover effects despite the washout period. Demographics (e.g., age, BMI, ethnicity) were unspecified. The mechanism of action for ginseng berry saponins was not explored. Dose-specific effects could not be evaluated due to lack of dosage details. No data on FPG statistical significance was provided.

Clinical Relevance

For prediabetic individuals, ginseng berry saponins (as Zhenyuan Capsule) may complement lifestyle changes by specifically targeting postprandial glucose spikes and insulin resistance. The +0.25 mmol/L HDL-C increase suggests cardiovascular benefits. However, this is not a standalone treatment—it requires concurrent lifestyle intervention. Users should note this tested a specific patented extract, not generic ginseng supplements. Short-term safety was confirmed, but long-term use requires further study. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before use.