A REVIEW ON THE POTENTIAL PROPERTIES OF GINSENG

Abstract

Ginseng is a traditional herb mostly used in eastern world, namely the countries of Korea and China. It is believed to be a herbal elixir and useful in promotion of long healthy life. It is known to increase strength and vital capacity of the body (1). Ginsenosides are the main active compounds that constitute ginseng. They are considered to be steroidal saponins that act as anti- tumor activists (2). They have been known to show a myriad of pharmacological effects on target tissues, although the type of ginsenoside varies in each species of ginseng. This review study aims to explore the history, mechanisms, targets and effect of ginseng.