Does it work?

Several studies report a blood sugar-lowering effect of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) in individuals with type 2 diabetes [1] and hyperglycemia [2]. Future research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy of American ginseng compared to standard oral hypoglycemic [3] drugs.

Dangers and possible side effects....

Ginseng may increase the effects of blood sugar lowering medications, including insulin [4]. Avoid ginseng with a known allergy [5] to plants in the Araliaceae family. There has been a report of a serious life-threatening skin reaction, possibly caused by contaminants in ginseng formulations.