Roles and mechanisms of ginsenoside in cardiovascular diseases: progress and perspectives

Ginseng is among the oldest traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely used in China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 50 years, considerable research has focused on the chemical constituents, pharmacological action, and clinical applications of ginseng. In this review, we examine the current state of research on ginseng, including the main active ingredient ginsenoside, its pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system, and mechanisms of action. We focus on what is known of the effects of ginseng against atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, and its inhibition of ventricular remodeling, providing a basis for expanding the clinical applications of ginseng.