Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to assess ginseng's effect on glycemic control and further undertake a RCT to explore the therapeutic potential of the economically-grown, non-steamed Korean ginseng variety, Korean white ginseng (KWG). The meta-analysis of 16-trials (n=770) showed that ginseng significantly improved fasting blood glucose relative to control (P=0.03), with no effect on other glycemic parameters. The RCT in 25-subjects with type-2-diabetes revealed that acute administrations of 1g, 3g, and 6gKWG were safe, but did not improve postprandial glycemia and blood pressure measures relative to control. Nevertheless, 3gKWG demonstrated significant improvements in augmentation index compared to control (P=0.04). Overall, the meta-analysis results indicate that ginseng may serve as an adjunct to conventional diabetes therapy. The clinical findings further suggest that KWG may possess promising vascular benefits, offering a potential cost-effective natural health alternative. However, these results are preliminary and warrant long-term exploration.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: A H A M Esra' Shishtar
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2286087922