Antiviral potential of ginseng: Targeting human pathogenic viruses with compounds derived from ginseng

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for effective antiviral therapies, as viral infections remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Natural compounds, especially those derived from plants, have been recognized for their therapeutic properties. Ginseng, in particular, has attracted considerable attention for its potential antiviral effects. This review examines the antiviral compounds from ginseng that act against various human pathogenic viruses. We systematically summarize the antiviral activities of ginseng compounds targeting a range of viruses, including human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses A, B, and C (HAV, HBV, HCV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), enterovirus 71 (EV71), coxsackievirus, norovirus, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This review covers Panax ginseng, P. notoginseng, and P. quinquefolius, discussing their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. The analysis incorporates literature from February 2002 through August 2024, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence on the antiviral properties of compounds derived from ginseng. This review aims to underscore the scientific basis for developing ginseng as an antiviral therapeutic agent or nutraceutical.

Keywords: Antiviral effect; Ginseng; Ginseng-derived compounds; Human pathogenic viruses.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Chemical structures of ginsenosides from P. ginseng showing antiviral activities against HRV.

Fig. 2

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-influenza virus activity.

Fig. 3

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-HIV virus activity.

Fig. 4

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-HAV virus activity.

Fig. 5

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-HBV and HCV virus activity.

Fig. 6

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-HSV virus activity.

Fig. 7

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-EV71 virus activity.

Fig. 8

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-coxsackieviruses activity.

Fig. 9

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-Norovirus activity.

Fig. 10

Chemical structures of compounds from P. ginseng showing anti-COVID19 activity.