Studies have shown that the organic solvent extract of American ginseng berry can be used for the treatment of diabetes in obese diabetic mice through intraperitoneal injection. Researchers explored the possibility of using American ginseng berry as a dietary supplement for anti-diabetes (Xie et al., 2007). Such change of the administration route from intraperitoneal injection to oral intake can provide a more convenient and a safer method for regular patients.
The researchers observed that in mice that had consumed oral berry juice for ten days, the fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced. Such effects sustained for more than 10 days after finishing the treatment. The oral supplementation of American ginseng berry juice also improved the glucose tolerance levels.
The most remarkable effect was that the supplementation of the berry juice led to significant decrease of the body weight (Xie et al., 2007). These results indicate that ginseng berry juice can be used as a dietary supplement for both weight control and the healing of diabetes. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of such effects.
Reference:
Xie, J. T., Wang, C. Z., et al. (2007) American ginseng berry juice intake reduces blood glucose and body weight in ob/ob mice. J Food Sci 72, S590-594.
