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Experimental Evidence for the Anti-Metastatic Action of Ginsenoside Rg3: A Systematic Review
Hyeon-Muk Oh1, Chong-Kwan Cho1,2, Chang-Gue Son1,3
1College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 35235, Korea.
Abstract:
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Due to the limitations of conventional cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, there is a need for novel therapeutics to prevent metastasis. Ginsenoside Rg3, a major active component of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, inhibits tumor growth and has the potential to prevent tumor metastasis. Herein, we systematically reviewed the anti-metastatic effects of Rg3 from experimental studies. We searched for articles in three research databases, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) through March 2022. In total, 14 studies (eight animal and six in vitro) provide data on the anti-metastatic effects of Rg3 and the relevant mechanisms. The major anti-metastatic mechanisms of Rg3 involve cancer stemness, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) behavior, and angiogenesis. Taken together, Rg3 would be one of the herbal resources in anti-metastatic drug developments through further well-designed investigations and clinical studies. Our review provides valuable reference data for Rg3-derived studies targeting tumor metastasis.
Insights
Ginsenoside Rg3, derived from Panax ginseng, shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis by targeting cancer stemness, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. Further research is needed for its development as an anti-metastatic drug.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Cancer metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality.
- Conventional treatments like chemotherapy have limitations in preventing metastasis.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for combating cancer spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the anti-metastatic effects of Ginsenoside Rg3.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of Rg3's anti-metastatic activity.
- To assess Rg3's potential as a therapeutic agent against cancer metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases up to March 2022.
- Inclusion of 14 experimental studies (8 animal, 6 in vitro).
- Analysis of data on anti-metastatic effects and mechanisms of Ginsenoside Rg3.
Main Results:
- Ginsenoside Rg3 demonstrated significant anti-metastatic effects in experimental studies.
- Key mechanisms include inhibition of cancer stemness and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- Rg3 also impacts angiogenesis, a critical process in metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Ginsenoside Rg3 exhibits potent anti-metastatic properties through multiple mechanisms.
- Rg3 represents a potential natural resource for developing novel anti-metastatic drugs.
- Further well-designed investigations and clinical studies are warranted to validate Rg3's therapeutic potential.
