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Review
. 2018 Jul;42(3):239-247.
doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.03.011. Epub 2017 Apr 15.

Beneficial effects of Panax ginseng for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: past findings and future directions

Ki Hyun Kim  1 , Dahae Lee  1 , Hye Lim Lee  2 , Chang-Eop Kim  2 , Kiwon Jung  3 , Ki Sung Kang  2
Affiliations
Review

Beneficial effects of Panax ginseng for the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases: past findings and future directions

Ki Hyun Kim et al. J Ginseng Res. 2018 Jul.

Abstract

In recent years, several therapeutic drugs have been rationally designed and synthesized based on the novel knowledge gained from investigating the actions of biologically active chemicals derived from foods, plants, and medicinal herbs. One of the major advantages of these naturalistic chemicals is their ability to interact with multiple targets in the body resulting in a combined beneficial effect. Ginseng is a perennial herb (Araliaceae family), a species within the genus Panax, and a highly valued and popular medicinal plant. Evidence for the medicinal and health benefits of Panax ginseng and its components in preventing neurodegeneration has increased significantly in the past decade. The beneficial effects of P. ginseng on neurodegenerative diseases have been attributed primarily to the antioxidative and immunomodulatory activities of its ginsenoside components. Mechanistic studies on the neuroprotective effects of ginsenosides revealed that they act not only as antioxidants but also as modulators of intracellular neuronal signaling and metabolism, cell survival/death genes, and mitochondrial function. The goal of the present paper is to provide a brief review of recent knowledge and developments concerning the beneficial effects as well as the mechanism of action of P. ginseng and its components in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Keywords: Panax ginseng; antioxidant; ginsenosides; neurodegenerative diseases.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Structure of selected ginsenosides. (A) PPDs. (B) PPTs. (C) Derivatives of PPDs and PPTs. (D) Other ginsenosides. Ac, acetyl; Ara(f), α-L-arabinose(furanose); Ara(p), α-L-arabinose(pyranose); Glc, β-D-glucose; GlcUA, β-D-glucuronic acid; mal, malonyl; PPD, protopanaxadiol; PPT, protopanaxatriols; Rha, α-L-rhamnose; Xyl, β-D-xylose.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Structure of selected nonsaponin constituents. (A) Polyacetylenes. (B) Phenolic compounds. (C) Sesquiterpenes. (D) Alkaloids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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