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Niu Z, Liu Y, Shen R, Jiang X, Wang Y, He Z, Li J, Hu Y, Zhang J, Jiang Y, Hu W, Si C, Wei S, Shen T. Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 127:155474. [PMID: 38471369 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the intestine, which significantly affects patients' quality of life. As a perennial plant with the homology of medicine and food, Panax ginseng is known for its substantial anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory disorders. Ginsenosides, the main bioactive compounds of P. ginseng, are recognized for their efficacy in ameliorating inflammation. PURPOSE Over the past decade, approximately 150 studies have investigated the effects of P. ginseng and ginsenosides on IBD treatment and new issues have arisen. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review assessing the potential roles of ginsenosides in IBD therapy. METHOD This manuscript strictly adheres to the PRISMA guidelines, thereby guaranteeing systematic synthesis of data. The research articles referenced were sourced from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search strategy employed keywords such as "ginsenoside", "IBD", "colitis", "UC", "inflammation", "gut microbiota", and "intestinal barrier". For image creation, Figdraw 2.0 was methodically employed. RESULTS Treatment with various ginsenosides markedly alleviated clinical IBD symptoms. These compounds have been observed to restore intestinal epithelia, modulate cellular immunity, regulate gut microbiota, and suppress inflammatory signaling pathways. CONCLUSION An increasing body of research supports the potential of ginsenosides in treating IBD. Ginsenosides have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for IBD, attributed to their remarkable efficacy, safety, and absence of side effects. Nevertheless, their limited bioavailability presents a substantial challenge. Thus, efforts to enhance the bioavailability of ginsenosides represent a crucial and promising direction for future IBD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Niu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ruyi Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaojian Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ziliang He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Junyao Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yeye Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Yunyao Jiang
- Institute for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Weicheng Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chuanling Si
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Shuai Wei
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Ting Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Morshed MN, Akter R, Karim MR, Iqbal S, Kang SC, Yang DC. Bioconversion, Pharmacokinetics, and Therapeutic Mechanisms of Ginsenoside Compound K and Its Analogues for Treating Metabolic Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2320-2342. [PMID: 38534764 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rare ginsenoside compound K (CK) is an intestinal microbial metabolite with a low natural abundance that is primarily produced by physicochemical processing, side chain modification, or metabolic transformation in the gut. Moreover, CK exhibits potent biological activity compared to primary ginsenosides, which has raised concerns in the field of ginseng research and development, as well as ginsenoside-related dietary supplements and natural products. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, and Rc are generally used as a substrate to generate CK via several bioconversion processes. Current research shows that CK has a wide range of pharmacological actions, including boosting osteogenesis, lipid and glucose metabolism, lipid oxidation, insulin resistance, and anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis properties. Further research on the bioavailability and toxicology of CK can advance its medicinal application. The purpose of this review is to lay the groundwork for future clinical studies and the development of CK as a therapy for metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the toxicology and pharmacology of CK are investigated as well in this review. The findings indicate that CK primarily modulates signaling pathways associated with AMPK, SIRT1, PPARs, WNTs, and NF-kB. It also demonstrates a positive therapeutic effect of CK on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and its complications, as well as osteoporosis. Additionally, the analogues of CK showed more bioavailability, less toxicity, and more efficacy against disease states. Enhancing bioavailability and regulating hazardous variables are crucial for its use in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Niaj Morshed
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Reshmi Akter
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Rezaul Karim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Safia Iqbal
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Chan Kang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Chun Yang
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si 17104, Republic of Korea
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Liu J, Wang Y, Yu Z, Lv G, Huang X, Lin H, Ma C, Lin Z, Qu P. Functional Mechanism of Ginsenoside Compound K on Tumor Growth and Metastasis. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221101203. [PMID: 35615883 PMCID: PMC9152193 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221101203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginsenosides, as the most important constituents of ginseng, have been extensively investigated in cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics. Among the ginsenosides, Compound K (CK), a rare protopanaxadiol type of ginsenoside, has been most broadly used for cancer treatment due to its high anticancer bioactivity. However, the functional mechanism of CK in cancer is not well known. This review describes the structure, transformation and pharmacological activity of CK and discusses the functional mechanisms of CK and its metabolites, which regulate signaling pathways related to tumor growth and metastasis. CK inhibits tumor growth by inducing tumor apoptosis and tumor cell differentiation, regulates the tumor microenvironment by suppressing tumor angiogenesis-related proteins, and downregulates the roles of immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). There is currently much research on the potential development of CK as a new strategy when administered alone or in combination with other compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlong Liu
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhun Yu
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guangfu Lv
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaowei Huang
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - He Lin
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhe Lin
- Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Peng Qu
- National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
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Xu J, Pan Y, Liu Y, Na S, Zhou H, Li L, Chen F, Song H. A review of anti-tumour effects of ginsenoside in gastrointestinal cancer. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:1292-1301. [PMID: 33836068 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gastrointestinal cancer, one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in the world, refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and other organs. Although conventional therapy has been successful to some extent in cancer treatment, drug resistance and cancer recurrence still limit the therapeutic efficacy. There is increasing evidence indicating that ginsenoside, as a kind of high nutritional value and widely used traditional Chinese medicine, could contribute to the promotion of treatment in GI cancer, which deserves further investigation. KEY FINDINGS Based on previous studies, the possible mechanisms mainly include regulation of autophagy, apoptosis, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. However, no studies recently have conducted a more in-depth review of the anti-cancer effects of ginsenoside in GI cancer. SUMMARY Therefore, this review will summarise and analyse the latest developments in the anti-tumour effects of ginsenosides in GI cancer, thus may promote further research of the anti-tumour efficacy of ginsenoside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Pan
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Sha Na
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Hang Song
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Integrative Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, China
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Ginsenoside compound K- a potential drug for rheumatoid arthritis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 166:105498. [PMID: 33609698 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease, if prescription of effective delayed, the articular disturbances may lead to disability. Ginsenoside compound K (GCK) is the main degradation product of oral ginsenosides in the human intestine. Numerous researches in vitro and in vivo have recorded the anti-arthritic effect of GCK, we discuss the mechanisms from the following three aspects, including anti-inflammatory, immune-regulatory, and bone-protective, respectively, in this review, and the anti-arthritic mechanism of GCK may be related to the effect on TNF-α-TNFR2, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and β-arrestin1/2. We also describe the anti-anemia effect of GCK to open the possibility that GCK can be used as an effective disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
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Chen J, Wang W, Jiang M, Yang M, Wei W. Combination therapy of ginsenoside compound K and methotrexate was efficient in elimination of anaemia and reduction of disease activity in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2020; 58:1131-1139. [PMID: 33198544 PMCID: PMC7671656 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2020.1844761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ginsenoside compound K (CK) has anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, and myelosuppressive protective effects. Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used in combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of combination therapy of CK and MTX on anaemia and anti-arthritis in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS AA was induced in rats by Complete Freund's adjuvant, and divided into five groups (n = 10): normal, AA, CK 80 mg/kg, combination therapy (80 mg/kg CK combined with 0.5 mg/kg MTX), and MTX 0.5 mg/kg. From day 12, CK (once a day for 15 days) or MTX (once every 3 days, five times) were intragastrically administered. RESULTS Combination therapy showed increased haemoglobin to 148.5 ± 10.1 g/L compared with AA (129.8 ± 11.7 g/L) and MTX (128.8 ± 18.4 g/L), and decreased reticulocytes in peripheral blood to 4.9 ± 1.1% compared with MTX (9.3 ± 3.3%). In combination therapy group, paw swelling decreased to 5.6 ± 4.3 mL compared with CK (9.4 ± 3.9 mL) and MTX (13.5 ± 7.4 mL), and swollen joint count decreased to 1.4 ± 0.8 compared with CK (2.1 ± 1.0) and MTX (2.4 ± 1.2) at day 24. Combination therapy showed decreased IL-6 to 25.1 ± 17.2 pg/mL compared with MTX (44.9 ± 4.8 pg/mL), and decreased IL-17 to 5.8 ± 3.9 pg/mL compared with MTX (10.7 ± 4.2 pg/mL). CONCLUSION The anti-anaemia effect of CK deserves further study, and CK can be a candidate effective drug for combined treatment in RA with anaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- Jingyu Chen Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Wu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Mengya Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
- CONTACT Wei Wei
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Lu S, Luo Y, Sun G, Sun X. Ginsenoside Compound K Attenuates Ox-LDL-Mediated Macrophage Inflammation and Foam Cell Formation via Autophagy Induction and Modulating NF-κB, p38, and JNK MAPK Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:567238. [PMID: 33041808 PMCID: PMC7522510 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.567238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a major reason for the high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. Macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation are the key pathological processes of atherosclerosis. Ginsenoside compound K (CK) is a metabolite derived from ginseng. CK has anti atherosclerotic effect, but the molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. We aim to explore the protective effect of CK against ox-LDL-induced inflammatory responses and foam cells formation in vitro and explore its potential mechanisms. Through the results of oil red O staining, Western blot, and qPCR, we found that CK significantly inhibited the foam cell formation, reduced the expression of SR-A1 and increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression. In addition, CK increased the number of autophagosomes and upregulated the LC3II/LC3I ratio and the expressions of ATG5 and Beclin-1 but decreased p62 expression. Moreover, CK significantly inhibited the NF-κB, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling pathway. Altogether, CK attenuated macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation via autophagy induction and by modulating NF-κB, p38, and JNK MAPK signaling. Thus, CK has potential as a therapeutic drug for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glyeolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glyeolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - GuiBo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glyeolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoBo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resource Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficacy Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Against Glyeolipid Metabolism Disorder Disease, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery Based on Classic Chinese Medicine Prescription, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Sharma A, Lee HJ. Ginsenoside Compound K: Insights into Recent Studies on Pharmacokinetics and Health-Promoting Activities. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1028. [PMID: 32664389 PMCID: PMC7407392 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is an herb popular for its medicinal and health properties. Compound K (CK) is a secondary ginsenoside biotransformed from major ginsenosides. Compound K is more bioavailable and soluble than its parent ginsenosides and hence of immense importance. The review summarizes health-promoting in vitro and in vivo studies of CK between 2015 and 2020, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-aging/skin protective, and others. Clinical trial data are minimal and are primarily based on CK-rich fermented ginseng. Besides, numerous preclinical and clinical studies indicating the pharmacokinetic behavior of CK, its parent compound (Rb1), and processed ginseng extracts are also summarized. With the limited evidence available from animal and clinical studies, it can be stated that CK is safe and well-tolerated. However, lower water solubility, membrane permeability, and efflux significantly diminish the efficacy of CK and restrict its clinical application. We found that the use of nanocarriers and cyclodextrin for CK delivery could overcome these limitations as well as improve the health benefits associated with them. However, these derivatives have not been clinically evaluated, thus requiring a safety assessment for human therapy application. Future studies should be aimed at investigating clinical evidence of CK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Sharma
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Korea;
| | - Hae-Jeung Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Bionanotechnology, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Korea;
- Institute for Aging and Clinical Nutrition Research, Gachon University, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Korea
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