Ginsenoside Rg2 from Panax spp.: Diverse Biological Activities, Mechanisms and Prospect

Abstract

As a well-known medicinal and edible traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng is rich in diverse active ingredients and exerts broad pharmacological effects. Among them, ginsenoside Rg2 (Rg2) has become a research hotspot due to its notable biological activities. Rg2 exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, including myocardial protection, nervous system regulation, and anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidative stress effects, by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as AKT, MAPK-ERK, and NF-κB/NLRP3. It also shows favorable biological functions in protecting against pregnancy-related brain injury, intervening in osteoporosis, delaying muscle atrophy, regulating metabolism, and modulating immunity, with preliminary oral safety profiles reported in rodent studies. This paper provides a narrative overview of the research progress on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Rg2, with the aim of offering a theoretical foundation for the development of natural drugs and the utilization of ginseng, as well as a reference for clinical trials and combination therapy strategies.