Food and medicine interaction
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and diabetes medicines such as insulin, sulfonylureas and metformin
TheoreticalEvidence level: theoretical. Suggested by how the food and the drug work, or by lab data. Not shown in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
Ginseng may lower blood sugar a little and add to the effect of diabetes medicines. A 2022 meta-analysis of 20 trials found ginseng lowered fasting blood glucose in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes; low blood sugar from the combination has not been shown in studies.
- Why it happens
- Ginseng appears to improve insulin sensitivity (it lowered HOMA-IR in the meta-analysis), an effect that would stack with glucose-lowering drugs.
- At ordinary food amounts
- The trials used ginseng supplements. Ginseng tea or ginseng in drinks is usually a smaller dose, but regular use is worth mentioning.
What to do
NCCIH advises people with diabetes to consult their health care provider before using Asian ginseng. If you start it, check your blood sugar more often and tell your prescriber; do not change your diabetes medicine on your own.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have asian ginseng (panax ginseng) while taking diabetes medicines?
NCCIH advises people with diabetes to consult their health care provider before using Asian ginseng. If you start it, check your blood sugar more often and tell your prescriber; do not change your diabetes medicine on your own. The trials used ginseng supplements. Ginseng tea or ginseng in drinks is usually a smaller dose, but regular use is worth mentioning.
Sources
Related
- RemedyPanax ginseng: the full evidence pageAsian (Korean) ginseng root, sold for energy and focus. Trials are small and short: a small effect on general fatigue, inconsistent blood sugar results, and no convincing cognitive benefit.
- Interaction · ProbableAsian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)