Ginsenoside Rb1: From basic mechanisms to therapeutic applications in diabetic complications

Diabetes is a globally prevalent chronic metabolic disorder characterized by defective insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance, often leading to various severe complications. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Panax ginseng has a long-standing history in the adjunctive treatment of diabetes, with ginsenoside Rb1 being one of its most important active constituents. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in basic and clinical research concerning ginsenoside Rb1 in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, with a focus on its pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms in improving insulin resistance, protecting pancreatic β-cell function, and delaying diabetic complications. Accumulated evidence demonstrates that ginsenoside Rb1 exerts anti-diabetic effects through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms, specifically involving the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and modulation of autophagy, exhibiting significant therapeutic potential. Based on its favorable pharmacological activities, ginsenoside Rb1 holds promise as a lead compound for diabetes drug development. Future research should further focus on the validation of its molecular targets and the exploration of pathways for clinical translation.