Ginsenosides Background

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive compounds in ginseng, have a rich history dating back over 5000 years to their discovery in the mountains of Manchuria, China[1].

These remarkable compounds were first isolated in the early 19th century, with their chemical structures identified in 1910[1].

Ginseng developed these stimulating chemical compounds to attract primates, eventually leading to human consumption and cultivation[1].

Over millennia, humans have held ginseng and its ginsenosides in high regard, with references to ginseng found in books dating back more than two millennia[1].

Ginsenosides Systemic Applications

Ginsenosides demonstrate remarkable versatility in systemic applications, ranging from cancer prevention to cardiovascular health[2].

They have shown efficacy in ameliorating cancer insurgences, diabetes mellitus, cardiac complications, and oxidative stress-mediated malfunctions[2].

Ginsenosides exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, making them useful in treating various inflammatory processes[2].

Research has also indicated that ginsenosides can improve intestinal metabolism and absorption, while reinstating the intestinal microbiota[2].

Ginsenosides for Brain and Cognition

Ginsenosides have shown promising effects on cognitive function, particularly in enhancing memory and learning abilities[3].

Studies suggest that these compounds may contribute to cognitive longevity and could be beneficial in treating several neuronal diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression[3].

Research indicates that ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 can improve cognitive functions by protecting against oxidative damage of mitochondrial enzymes and preventing apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease[7].

Ginsenosides for Eye and Vision

Ginsenosides have demonstrated significant benefits for eye health, particularly in preventing and managing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma[4].

Red ginseng, rich in ginsenosides, has been found to improve contrast sensitivity and ocular pain in patients with glaucoma[4].

Studies have revealed that ginsenosides may offer protection against common eye problems, such as cataracts and diabetic retinopathy[8].

The anti-angiogenic activity of ginsenosides has been shown to reduce the proliferation of endothelial cells, their migration, and the formation of new capillaries in vitro, which is particularly relevant for wet AMD[8].

Relevant quotes:

"Ginseng was the most revered of the herbs in ancient times in China, Korea, Japan, America." - From a study published in PMC[1]

"Red ginseng could improve contrast sensitivity and ocular pain in patients with glaucoma." - From a study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research[4]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Ginseng was discovered over 5000 years ago in the mountains of Manchuria, China. References to ginseng are found in books dating back more than two millennia." - From "Ancient herbal therapy: A brief history of Panax ginseng" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10214142/)

"Some botanical compounds, including those extracted from ginseng, have been shown to possess beneficial effects in the treatment or prevention of common ocular diseases." - From "Ginseng for an eye: effects of ginseng on ocular diseases" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7033367/)

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Antioxidant activity[2]

2. Anti-inflammatory effects[2]

3. Immune system modulation[2]

4. Neuroprotection[3]

5. Cardiovascular health improvement[2]

Related benefits:

1. Improved cognitive function and memory[3]

2. Enhanced eye health, particularly for AMD and glaucoma[4][8]

3. Cancer prevention and treatment[2]

4. Diabetes management[2]

5. Improved intestinal metabolism and microbiota[2]

Source Information:

Botanical name: Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, Panax notoginseng[1][8]

Typical content range: Not provided in the search results

Common names:

1. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng)[5]

2. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)[5]

3. South China ginseng (Panax notoginseng)[5]

Citations:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10214142/

[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/srep22474

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9496100/

[4] https://yonsei.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/effect-of-red-ginseng-on-visual-function-and-vision-related-quali

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginseng

[6] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/24/17290

[7] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1167398/full

[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7033367/

[9] https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/fo/d3fo03434h

[10] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.952332/full