Root Fractions of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) Have Differential Effect on Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Control In Healthy Individuals

Abstract

BACKGROUND Considering increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in North America, novel therapies that positively affect multiple metabolic risk factors are desirable. Previous studies have demonstrated the pharmacological properties of Korean Red Ginseng of undefined composition to lower blood pressure. OBJECTIVES The present study assessed the acute efficacy of two root fractions–root body and rootlets-of the same batch of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) having different ginsenoside composition, on blood pressure (BP) and postprandial blood glucose levels. DESIGN Randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover. METHODS After a 12-hour overnight fast, 13 healthy individuals (Gender:6M:7F, Age:28±10, BMI: 24.1±3kg/m2, SBP: 108±6, DBP: 66±4mmHg) were randomly assigned to receive 3g of either KRG body or rootlet fraction or cornstarch placebo, 40min prior to meal. Part 1: The blood pressure was measured with Ambulatory BP Monitors (90207, SpaceLabs Medical) at 10min intervals for 180min after ingestion of ginseng or placebo. Part 2: Capillary blood samples were taken 60min prior to a meal containing 50g available carbohydrate at which time ginseng or placebo capsules were taken and at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120min post meal. RESULTS Compared to the placebo, 3g of the rootlet fraction of ginseng root significantly lowered systolic blood pressure at 80min (P<0.05), whereas root body reduced blood glucose iAUC by 19%. CONCLUSION The rootlet fraction of ginseng significantly improved hemodynamic control while the root body fraction had a positive effect on glycemia. This preliminary study supports further investigation of KRG's efficacy on acute and long-term cardiovascular risk factors.