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. Ginsenoside Rg2 is a protopanaxatriol that is more abundant in some Panax species (e.g., white and red P. ginseng) than others. This ginsenoside and its metabolites have diverse in vitro and in vivo effects, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic actions. It also protects against DNA damage and apoptosis induced by ultraviolet light. Notably, this ginsenoside is increased by the metabolism of other bioactive ginsenosides during the steaming or heating of plant materials, particularly in P. quinquefolium.
