Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
08:58

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Published on: January 5, 2017

Therapeutic potential of ginseng and its bioactive compounds in inflammatory bowel disease: current evidence and

Md Minarul Islam1, Il-Ho Park2, Ki Sung Kang3

  • 1Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.

Frontiers in Immunology
|August 28, 2026
PubMed

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterize by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that can substantially impact quality of life. Due to the inconsistencies and adverse effects associated with conventional therapies, there is an increasing demand for safer and more reliable treatment alternatives for IBD. The pathogenesis of IBD involves multiple factors, including the overactivation of signaling pathways, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and activation of immune cells. Traditionally, ginseng has been used as both a dietary component and a therapeutic agent, its bioactive constituents (ginsenosides and their derivatives) have demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in preclinical IBD models. Numerous studies have shown that ginsenosides may ameliorate experimental colitis through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways, regulation of cytokine production, modulation of immune cell activity, and alteration of the gut microbiota. However, clinical studies investigating the use of ginsenosides in the treatment of IBD are extremely limited. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of IBD pathology and highlight the therapeutic potential of ginseng and its derivatives, particularly ginsenosides, as emerging therapeutic option, along with their current challenges and prospects.

Keywords:
cytokinesginsenosidesimmune cellsinflammationinflammatory bowel diseasessignaling pathways

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...