Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.3, 129-141 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 136 6.3 Development of functional foods and health products The research and development as well as commercialization of functional foods and nutritional health products based on ginsenosides are advancing rapidly. To maximize anti-inflammatory efficacy and bioavailability, researchers developed ginsenoside-enriched extracts such as AP-SF and rare ginsenosides of ginseng fruit (GFRS) (Zheng et al., 2024). Microbial and enzymatic conversion techniques are being applied to convert major ginsenosides into secondary ginsenosides, with stronger pharmacological activity, such as compound K and gynostemma pentaphyllum saponin XVII, which exhibit better anti-inflammatory activity (Zhou et al., 2023). Ginsenoside dietary supplements are increasingly being promoted for the prevention and management of inflammation-related diseases. Clinical and preclinical studies support its application in reducing inflammatory markers, improving intestinal health and alleviating symptoms of chronic diseases (Qu et al., 2025). Its safety and efficacy have been generally supported by animal and early human trials, but regulatory approval and standardization remain current challenges (Zheng et al., 2024; Niu et al., 2025). 7 Case Studies 7.1 Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ginsenoside Rb1 Ginsenoside Rb1, plays a prominent role in the protection against cardiovascular inflammation. It can exert its effects by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells in vascular tissues. Rb1 can regulate the dimerization of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), thereby weakening downstream inflammatory signals in cardiovascular and renal models (Gao et al., 2020a; Im, 2020). In animal studies, Rb1 can alleviate acute kidney injury and reduce mortality in sepsis models, highlighting its systemic anti-inflammatory potential (Gao et al., 2020a). The anti-inflammatory mechanism of Rb1 is closely related to its inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. It inhibits the activation of NF-κB and MAPK by preventing TLR4 dimerization, reducing the recruitment of MyD88 and the expression of TAK1 (Gao et al., 2020a). This process leads to a reduction in the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2, which has been verified in both in vivo and in vitro models (Gao et al., 2020a; Im, 2020). 7.2 Applications of rare ginsenosides Rg3 Rare ginsenoside Rg3, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects in cancer-related environments. Rg3 can inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, suppress NF-κB signaling, and reduce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor microenvironment (Im, 2020; Shi et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2022). Rg3 can also promote the polarization of M2-type macrophages, contribute to the resolution of inflammation, and may regulate tumor progression (Yang et al., 2018; Im, 2020). Rg3 has shown therapeutic effects in various inflammatory disease models, including acute lung injury, neuroinflammation and asthma. Its effects are manifested in reducing tissue damage, lowering inflammatory cell infiltration and inhibiting cytokine production (Yang et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2022). Its multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms - such as activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and inhibiting NF-κB - further support its potential as a treatment for chronic inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases (Wang et al., 2022) (Figure 3). Rg3 has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in both preclinical and early clinical studies, highlighting its promising application prospects in future drug development. 8 Conclusions and Perspectives Ginsenosides are the most important active components in ginseng. Their anti-inflammatory effect is mainly achieved by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and inflammation-related enzymes (iNOS, COX-2). These effects involve the regulation of pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/Akt. Meanwhile, ginsenosides can also promote the polarization of macrophages and microglia towards M2 type, which helps to reduce inflammation and maintain tissue homeostasis.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==