Ginseng
Panax
Panax, a genus of plants including Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Notoginseng (Panax notoginseng), originates from East Asia. Traditionally, these plants have been used in Chinese medicine for various purposes such as enhancing vitality, improving cognitive function, and managing diabetes. While there are no specific traditional uses recorded, modern scientific research indicates that ginsenosides, the active compounds found in Panax species, may modulate epigenetic processes including histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), potentially offering a multi-targeted strategy for tumor suppression. Additionally, studies have identified key transcription factors like PnMYB38 that regulate saponin biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng, highlighting the complexity of its biochemistry. Notably, there are no major safety concerns or recorded drug interactions associated with these plants.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Ginsenosides showed potential for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease through multiple pathways but lacked human clinical evidence.
- Microscopic examination combined with HPLC-UV analysis effectively authenticated Panax species and detected common adulterants.
- Ginsenosides from Panax modulate epigenetic processes including HDACs, DNMTs, and miRNAs, potentially offering a multi-targeted strategy for tumor suppression.
- The study identified PnMYB38 as a key transcription factor regulating methyl jasmonate-induced saponin biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng.
- A single-point mutation in PnUGT94Q39 enabled efficient biosynthesis of ginsenoside Rf from Rh1 in E. coli.
- G-Rh2 improved coronary heart disease in rats by modulating lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and PI3K/AKT signaling.
- Ginseng bioactive components show promising preclinical therapeutic potential in regulating the gut-brain axis across multiple diseases, though further clinical validation is needed.
- This study found that various plant extracts showed potential as adjunctive therapies for heart failure, with different extracts offering distinct benefits in improving cardiac function and quality of life.
- The study found a significant reduction in Panax notoginseng saponin metabolites, particularly deglycosylated products, in rats with colitis.
- The study found that neutral and acidic polysaccharides from Panax ginseng exhibit different digestive properties and interact with gut microbiota to confer immunomodulatory effects.
- A novel totivirus, Actinidia totivirus 1 (AcToV1), was identified in kiwifruit plants and is closely related to Panax notoginseng virus A.
- Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced fibrotic injury by targeting the TGF-β/Periostin axis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng (Panax) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Ginseng?
12 sourced findings are recorded for Ginseng; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Ginsenosides showed potential for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease through multiple pathways but lacked human clinical evidence.
How strong is the evidence for Ginseng?
The strongest finding for Ginseng carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Ginseng safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Ginseng in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Ginseng interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Ginseng in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Ginseng?
Ginseng is also known as: Женьшень.
Is Ginseng a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Protein Engineering to Change the Sugar Donor and Improve the Activity of PnUGT94Q39 for Efficient Ginsenoside Rf Biosynthesis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The transcription factor PnMYB38 orchestrates methyl jasmonate-induced saponin biosynthesis in Panax notoginseng. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ginsenosides as epigenetic modulators: HDAC, DNMT, and miRNA-targeted mechanisms in tumour suppression. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Microscopy Combined with LC-UV Analysis as a Tool for Authentication of Ginseng Species Used in Traditional Medicine and Detection of Their Adulterants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pills Alleviate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Fibrotic Injury by Inhibiting Fibroblast Activation via the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta/Periostin Pathway. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genomic characterization of Actinidia totivirus 1 (AcToV1), a novel member of the genus Totivirus infecting kiwifruit. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The neutral and acidic polysaccharides from Ginseng are metabolized by specific gut microbial taxa and confer immunomodulatory effects. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Efficacy of plant extracts in heart failure patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ginsenoside Rh2 Regulates PI3K/AKT Signaling, Metabolic Pathways, and the Gut Microbiota for Coronary Heart Disease Therapy. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ginseng Bioactive Components as Gut-Brain Axis-Targeted Modulators: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms in Multifactorial Diseases. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ginsenosides for the Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Research Update. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Metabolic Profiling of Panax notoginseng Saponins in Rat Feces Under Colitis by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. literature abstract metadata