Role of ginsenoside Rh2 in tumor therapy and tumor microenvironment immunomodulation

Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), the major bio-active ginsenoside that originated from the root of Panax ginseng, has become a "hot topic" for playing multifunctional roles in both tumor treatment and tumor microenvironment (TME) immunomodulation. Up to now, emerging experimental research about Rh2 in tumor therapy and immuno-regulation has been published, however, the specific reviews focused on its role in the TME were limited. Hence, in this article, we briefly summarized existing evidence supporting the anticancer effects and potential mechanisms of Rh2 according to the tumor type, including anti-proliferation, anti-invasion, and metastasis, induction of cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenesis, promotion of reactive oxygen species and differentiation. Meanwhile, we shed light on the role of Rh2 in TME, with an emphasis on regulating tumor immunogenicity, immune cells, cytokines, and physicochemical properties of TME. Finally, the current research limitation and prospects of Rh2 were discussed.