A comprehensive review on the phytochemistry,pharmacokinetics, and antidiabetic effect of Ginseng
Institution:
1. Diabetes Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China;2. Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow 125315, Russia;3. Department of TCM Pharmacology, School of Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China;4. Department of Scientific Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China;1. Jilin Ginseng Academy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China;2. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130024,China;1. College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, Jilin 132013, PR China;2. College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin 130117, PR China;3. College of Basic Medical Sciences, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, PR China;4. Department of Personnel, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, PR China;5. Biological Macromolecular Function Development and Application of Engineering Laboratory, Jilin, Jilin 132013, PR China
Abstract:
BackgroundRadix Ginseng, one of the well-known medicinal herbs, has been used in the management of diabetes and its complications for more than 1000 years.PurposeThe aim of this review is devoted to summarize the phytochemistry and pharmacokinetics of Ginseng, and provide evidence for the antidiabetic effects of Ginseng and its ingredients as well as the underlying mechanisms involved.MethodsFor the purpose of this review, the following databases were consulted: the PubMed Database (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (http://www.cnki.net), National Science and Technology Library (http://www.nstl.gov.cn/), Wanfang Data (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/) and the Web of Science Database (http://apps.webofknowledge.com/).ResultsGinseng exhibits glucose-lowering effects in different diabetic animal models. In addition, Ginseng may prevent the development of diabetic complications, including liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, atherosclerosis and others. The main ingredients of Ginseng include ginsenosides and polysaccharides. The underlying mechanisms whereby this herb exerts antidiabetic activities may be attributed to the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including IRS1/PI3K/AKT, LKB1/AMPK/FoxO1, AGEs/RAGE, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, PPARδ/STAT3, cAMP/PKA/CERB and HIF-1α/VEGF, etc. The pharmacokinetic profiles of ginsenosides provide valuable information on therapeutic efficacy of Ginseng in diabetes. Although Ginseng is well-tolerated, dietary consumption of this herb should follow the doctors’ advice.ConclusionGinseng may offer an alternative strategy in protection against diabetes and its complications through the regulations of the multi-targets via various signaling pathways. Efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms with strictly-controlled animal models, combined with well-designed clinical trials and pharmacokinetic evaluation, will be important subjects of the further investigations and weigh in translational value of this herb in diabetes management.
