Effects of radix ginseng on microbial infections: a narrative review.
OBJECTIVE
To summarized the antimicrobial-like effects of Radix Ginseng, which provide important information to the relevant researchers and clinicians, and will benefit the clinical treatment of infectious diseases.


METHODS
PubMed and Google were used to search for and collect scientific publications related to Radix Ginseng and microbial infections. The authors read, classified, and discussed the associated scientific results or evidences, and summarized the corresponding results.


RESULTS
In this review, recent studies on the beneficial effects of Radix Ginseng extracts on microbial and biofilm infections were reviewed. The importance and significance of Radix Ginseng's beneficial effects are discussed. Evidence for the favorable effects of Radix Ginseng extracts on viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections and the possible underlying mechanisms are summarized.


CONCLUSIONS
Radix Ginseng might be a promising supplemental remedy for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Hong
H
Wu
Niels
N
Høiby
Liang
L
Yang
Michael
M
Givskov
Zhijun
Z
Song
D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal