Ginsenoside Rk1 bioactivity: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Ginsenoside Rk1 (G-Rk1) is a unique compound derived from heat-processed ginseng, primarily Sung Ginseng (SG).
• Understanding the pharmacological profile of G-Rk1 is crucial for its potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the diverse pharmacological effects of Ginsenoside Rk1 (G-Rk1).
• To consolidate existing research on G-Rk1's biological and pharmaceutical activities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review utilizing eight databases and manual searches.
• Inclusion of in vivo and in vitro studies published up to July 2017, with no language or design restrictions.
• Screening of 156 identified papers, with 28 eligible studies selected.

Main Results:

• G-Rk1 demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity against various cancer cell lines (liver, melanoma, lung, cervical, colon, pancreatic, gastric, breast).
• Observed effects include inhibition of cell viability and proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of cell cycle (G1 phase) and autophagy.
• Additional reported effects include antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, anti-insulin resistance, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, cognitive enhancement, lipid reduction, and osteoporosis prevention.

Conclusions:

• Ginsenoside Rk1 (G-Rk1) shows substantial in vitro anti-tumor efficacy across multiple cancer types.
• Further in vivo investigations are necessary to validate these promising pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential.