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Review
. 2016 Oct;40(4):309-314.
doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2015.09.002. Epub 2015 Sep 16.

Ginseng, the natural effectual antiviral: Protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against viral infection

Kyungtaek Im  1 , Jisu Kim  1 , Hyeyoung Min  1
Affiliations
Review

Ginseng, the natural effectual antiviral: Protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng against viral infection

Kyungtaek Im et al. J Ginseng Res. 2016 Oct.

Abstract

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a heat-processed ginseng developed by the repeated steaming and air-drying of fresh ginseng. Compared with fresh ginseng, KRG has been shown to possess greater pharmacological activities and stability because of changes that occur in its chemical constituents during the steaming process. In addition to anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory activities, KRG and its purified components have also been shown to possess protective effects against microbial infections. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the properties of KRG and its components on infections with human pathogenic viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human herpes virus, hepatitis virus, norovirus, rotavirus, enterovirus, and coxsackievirus. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of KRG as an antiviral and vaccine adjuvant is discussed.

Keywords: Korean Red Ginseng; antiviral; ginsenosides; hepatitis virus; influenza virus.

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