Pharmacological effects of Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv)

Abstract

Ngoc Linh ginseng or Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha & Grushv.) is an endemic plant in Ngoc Linh Mountain, Vietnam, belonging to the Ginseng family (Araliaceae). Ngoc Linh ginseng is a precious medicinal herb that plays an important role in history, culture and economy. Ngoc Linh ginseng has the effect of treating diseases and promoting health in traditional medicine. There are many recent studies showing that Ngoc Linh ginseng has had many effects such as anti-fatigue, neuroprotection, anti-stress, anti-depressant, preventing atherosclerosis, regulating cardiovascular activity, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulation, renal protection, etc. The extracts and isolated chemical constituents exhibited great potential for biological applications. Saponins, a major second metabolite derived from Ngoc Linh ginseng, has proven to have many biological activities. In particular, the component ginsenosides is considered the main ingredient contributing to the biological effects of Ngoc Linh ginseng. This review aimed to provide information on pharmacological research results for some typical effects of Ngoc Linh ginseng, which is the basis for in-depth research and product development to support disease treatment as well as health care in the future.