Panax ginseng and aging related disorders: A systematic review

• Published in: Experimental gerontology 2022-05, Vol.161, p.111731-111731, Article 111731
• Main Authors: de Oliveira Zanuso, Bárbara, de Oliveira dos Santos, Ana Rita, Miola, Vitor Fernando Bordin, Guissoni Campos, Leila M., Spilla, Caio Sergio Galina, Barbalho, Sandra Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Cardiovascular diseases; Ginsenosides - pharmacology; Ginsenosides - therapeutic use; Humans; Metabolic diseases; Neurodegenerative diseases; Panax; Panax ginseng; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Quality of Life
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111731

The aging process predisposes numerous homeostatic disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Changes in diet and lifestyle and therapeutic adjuvants are essential to minimize the effects of comorbidities associated with aging. Natural products such as Panax ginseng have been used to treat and prevent diseases related to aging. This review aims to investigate the effects of Panax ginseng in various conditions associated with aging, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The ginsenosides, chemical constituents found in Panax ginseng, can inhibit the effects of inflammatory cytokines, inhibit signaling pathways that induce inflammation, and inhibit cells that participate in inflammatory processes. Besides, ginsenosides are involved in neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system due to anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The use of ginseng extract showed actions on lipid homeostasis, positively regulating high-density lipoprotein, down-regulating low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels, and producing beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function. The use of this plant in cancer resulted in improved quality of life and mood. It decreased symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea, reducing anxiety. Panax ginseng has been shown to exert potent therapeutic benefits that can act as a complementary treatment in managing patients with chronic diseases related to aging. [Display omitted] •Panax ginseng has actions against inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis.•Ginsenosides are involved in neuroprotective effects due to anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.•Ginseng extract improves lipid metabolism and produce beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function.•Ginseng extract can decrease symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea in patients with cancer.•Panax ginseng exert can act as a complementary treatment in managing patients with chronic diseases related to aging.