Does Panax ginseng affect lipid profile and blood glucose?

Whether Panax ginseng can have positive effects on metabolic parameters is still uncertain, with more high-quality studies needed to reach a conclusion.

One meta-analysis found that supplementation with 200–20,000 mg per day of Panax ginseng dry extract for 2–12 weeks decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to a placebo but didn't have a significant effect on triglycerides or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. It's worth noting that the studies in this meta-analysis included people both with and without cardiovascular risk factors, and there was high variability in the types of ginseng extracts used and their administration frequencies.^[1] Another meta-analysis found inconclusive results regarding the effect of ginseng on blood pressure while noting a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL levels, and body fat percentage compared to a placebo.^[2]

Regarding blood glucose parameters, dosages of Panax ginseng between 200 mg and 8,000 mg per day were associated with a reduction in blood glucose levels compared to a placebo. However, no significant effect was observed on fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, postprandial glucose (glucose levels after food), postprandial insulin, or Hb1Ac levels.^[2] Similar results were reported in another meta-analysis where supplementation with 780 mg to 6 grams per day of red Korean ginseng for 12 weeks did significantly affect fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HbA1c levels compared to a placebo.^[3]