Exploring the potential of ginseng-derived compounds in treating cancer cachexia

Cancer cachexia is a complex wasting syndrome characterized by significant loss of body weight and muscle mass in patients with advanced cancer. The disease is associated with increased systemic inflammation, altered neurohormonal signaling, and, in particular, an increased catabolic rate in muscle and adipose tissue. Generally, cancer cachexia leads to weakness, reduced quality of life, decreased tolerance to cancer therapies, and poor survival. Despite considerable research effort, effective treatments for cancer cachexia remain limited, highlighting the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Recently, there has been growing interest in plant-derived treatments for cancer cachexia. These natural remedies have shown the potential to attenuate muscle wasting, stimulate food intake, improve energy balance, and alleviate systemic inflammation associated with the condition. This review summarizes the impact of recent studies on ginseng-derived compounds on cancer cachexia, explores their underlying mechanisms, and expands our understanding of potential therapeutic approaches for cachexia.