Effects of Ginseng on Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer), a famous traditional medicinal herb, has been widely used for many centuries. Numerous studies have shown that ginseng has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders. In this review, we summarized the effects of ginseng in treating neurological diseases, particularly the anti-depressant effects of ginseng. Furthermore, its potential mechanism was also outlined. Therefore, this review may provide new insight into the treatment of ginseng on neurological diseases.

Keywords: BDNF; depression; ginseng; neurological disorder; neuron.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram summarizing the antidepressant effect of ginseng via the BDNF-TrkB signal path. G115, ginseng extract G115; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; AKT, protein kinase B; mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; ERK, extracellular regulated protein kinases; CREB, cAMP-response element-binding protein.

Figure 2

Schematic diagram summarizing the antidepressant effect of ginseng via the HPA axis. CRH, corticotrophin-releasing hormone; AV, arginine vasopressin; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; CRF, corticotropin-releasing factor; GR, glucocorticoid receptor; AR, androgen receptor; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone; DS, dammarane sapogenins; PGE, Panax ginseng extract; GTS, ginseng total saponins.

Figure 3

Schematic diagram summarizing the potential protective effects of ginseng and its constituents against neurodegeneration. Aβ, amyloid beta peptide; TLRs, toll-like receptors; AD, Alzheimer's disease; HD, Huntington's disease; PD, Parkinson's disease; NF-κB, nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of an activated B cell; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, AChE, acetylcholinesterase; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; RG, red ginseng.