Konjac Mannan and Ginseng Compositions and Methods and Uses Thereof

Abstract

Described are a number of compositions, namely a konjac mannan mixture, a ginseng composition, and a composition comprising konjac mannan and American ginseng. Methods of use of these compositions are described including their use for reducing blood glucose in non-diabetic and diabetic individuals, as well as reducing postprandial blood glucose in such individuals. Applications in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, an increase in nitric oxide, Syndrome X and cardiovascular disease are also described. Various other applications of the compositions and methods are also described.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A composition of matter for reducing blood glucose comprising ginseng. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 44  wherein the ginseng is an extract of ginseng. 
     
     
         46 . The composition according to  claim 44  wherein the ginseng comprises a ratio of diols/triols of greater than about 1.5. 
     
     
         47 . The composition according to  claim 44  wherein the composition is formulated into a liquid, powder or food. 
     
     
         48 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a disorder which benefits from reducing blood glucose in an animal comprising administering to the animal in need thereof a sufficient amount of ginseng. 
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the ginseng is an extract of ginseng. 
     
     
         50 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the ginseng is administered before a meal or with a meal. 
     
     
         51 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein administration before the meal occurs from about 1 to about 180 minutes before the meal. 
     
     
         52 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the amount of ginseng is at least about 1000 mg per administration. 
     
     
         53 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the ginseng comprises a ratio of diols/triols of greater than about 1.5. 
     
     
         54 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the ginseng is administered as a food, a powder, or a liquid. 
     
     
         55 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the ginseng is American ginseng. 
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the disorder which benefits from reducing blood glucose is diabetes, heart disease, or syndrome X. 
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the method increases insulin sensitivity in an animal. 
     
     
         58 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the disorder comprises type 2 diabetes. 
     
     
         59 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the method reduces systolic blood pressure, blood cholesterol or lipids. 
     
     
         60 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the method increases insulin secretion. 
     
     
         61 . The method according to  claim 48  wherein the animal comprises a human. 
     
     
         62 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a disorder which benefits from reducing blood glucose in an animal comprising administering to the animal a sufficient amount of a composition comprising a konjac mannan mixture and ginseng.