Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 27, 2026 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
Medical News: A new study offers fresh hope for tackling age related metabolic problems by showing that fermented red ginseng may help restore healthy blood sugar control and gut balance during aging. Conducted by researchers from Oklahoma State University in the United States, the National Institute on Aging in the United States, and BTC Corporation in the Republic of Korea, the research focused on how aging disrupts insulin action and gut bacteria, two closely linked processes that raise the risk of type-2 diabetes.
Fermented red ginseng shows promise in restoring insulin control and gut health during aging
Understanding why metabolism worsens with age
As people grow older, their bodies often become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. This condition, known as insulin resistance, increases the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Aging also alters the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria living in the digestive system, leading to inflammation and further metabolic damage. Scientists have long suspected that improving gut health could help restore metabolic balance, but practical dietary strategies have remained limited.
What fermented red ginseng is and why it matters
Red ginseng has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but fermentation enhances its benefits. Through fermentation, natural bacteria break down ginseng compounds into smaller, more active forms that are easier for the body to absorb. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulating effects, making fermented red ginseng a promising candidate for healthy aging.
How the study was carried out
In this study, 19-month-old male mice, which roughly represent elderly humans in biological terms, were fed either a normal diet or the same diet supplemented with fermented red ginseng for 14 weeks. The researchers carefully monitored body weight, food intake, blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, liver health, and gut microbiome composition. The goal was to see whether fermented red ginseng could reverse age related metabolic decline without affecting normal eating behavior.
Key improvements in insulin control and liver health
The findings showed that mice receiving fermented red ginseng had lower fasting blood sugar levels and significantly improved insulin sensitivity. Their bodies required less insulin to control blood sugar, a clear sign of healthier metabolism. At the liver level, fermented red ginseng activated critical insulin signaling pathways while suppressing inflammatory genes that typically increase with age. Microscopic examination of liver tissue also revealed fewer inflammatory changes, suggesting protection against age related liver damage. This
Medical News report highlights that these effects occurred without changes in body weight or food intake.
Restoring balance in the aging gut microbiome
Beyond blood sugar control, fermented red ginseng reshaped the gut microbiome in a fav
orable way. The treatment reduced harmful bacterial groups linked to diabetes while increasing beneficial bacteria known to support metabolic health and reduce inflammation. Importantly, the overall diversity of gut bacteria improved, a hallmark of a healthier digestive system and stronger metabolic resilience during aging.
Why these findings matter
The conclusions from this study are significant because they show that a natural dietary supplement can target multiple drivers of age-related metabolic disease at once. By improving insulin signaling, reducing inflammation, and restoring gut balance, fermented red ginseng demonstrates a multi layered approach to supporting metabolic health in older age. While human studies are still needed, the results suggest strong potential for fermented red ginseng as a functional food to help manage aging related diabetes risk and metabolic decline.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biology.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/15/3/211
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/anti-aging
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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