Effect of White, Taegeuk, and Red Ginseng Root Extracts on Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake in Muscle Cells and Proliferation of β-cells

Recent studies have indicated that β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance are important factors in the development of type 2 diabetes. The present study investigated the effect of extracts from different parts of white, Taegeuk, and red ginseng root on insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle cells and proliferation of β-cells. Extracts of the fine roots of Taegeuk ginseng significantly enhanced glucose uptake compared with the control. White ginseng lateral root extracts enhanced insulin-induced glucose uptake. Proliferation of β-cells was significantly increased by Taegeuk ginseng main and lateral root extracts and by red ginseng lateral and fine root extracts. In conclusion, different root parts of white, Taegeuk, and red ginseng differentially affect glucose uptake and pancreatic β-cell proliferation.