Ginsenosides are pharmacologically active natural compounds from ginseng and other plants of the genus
Panax.
1 Structurally, they are steroid glycosides derived from the triterpene squalene.
1 Ginsenoside Rg
2 is a protopanaxatriol that is more abundant in some
Panax species (
e.g., white and red
P. ginseng) than others.
2 This ginsenoside and its metabolites have diverse
in vitro and
in vivo effects, including neuroprotective, anti-
inflammatory, and anti-
diabetic actions.
3,4,5 It also protects against DNA damage and apoptosis induced by ultraviolet light.
6 Notably, this ginsenoside is increased by the metabolism of other bioactive ginsenosides during the steaming or heating of plant materials, particularly in
P. quinquefolium.
2,7