title: Chemical and pharmacological studies of saponins with a focus on American ginseng.
abstract: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) are the two most recognized ginseng botanicals. It is believed that the ginseng saponins called ginsenosides are the major active constituents in both ginsengs. Although American ginseng is not as extensively studied as Asian ginseng, it is one of the best selling herbs in the U.S., and has garnered increasing attention from scientists in recent years. In this article, after a brief introduction of the distribution and cultivation of American ginseng, we discuss chemical analysis of saponins from these two ginsengs, i.e., their similarities and differences. Subsequently, we review pharmacological effects of the saponins, including the effects on the cardiovascular system, immune system, and central nervous system as well as the antidiabetes and anti-cancer effects. These investigations were mainly derived from American ginseng studies. We also discuss evidence suggesting that chemical modifications of ginseng saponins would be a valuable approach to develop novel compounds in drug discovery.
authors.affiliation: Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research and Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 4028, Chicago, Illinois 60637, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Chun-Su
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.forename: Chong-Zhi
authors.initials: CZ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Sheila M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Wicks
authors.forename: Lian-Wen
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Qi