Ginsenosides are pharmacologically active natural compounds from ginseng and other plants of the genus Panax. Structurally, they are steroid glycosides derived from the triterpene squalene. They are named according to their migration on thin layer chromatography plates, from the bottom to the top. Ginsenoside Rb1 is a protopanaxadiol, which is more abundant in some Panax species (e.g., P. quinquefolium) than others. This ginsenoside and its metabolites have diverse in vitro and in vivo effects, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity actions. Ginsenoside Rb1 may inhibit apoptosis, while its metabolites can promote this response. Notably, this ginsenoside is converted to other forms in response to steaming or heating plant materials, leading to loss of activity.
