Ginsenoside Rg1 as a Multifunctional Therapeutic Agent: Pharmacological Properties, Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives in Complementary Medicine

Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), a major bioactive component of Panax ginseng, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, positioning it as a promising therapeutic agent in neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. This review critically examines the current literature on GRg1, emphasizing its molecular mechanisms, pharmacological pathways, and clinical translation in complementary medicine. GRg1 demonstrates protective effects in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), ischemic stroke, cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetes, and aging, acting primarily through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/heme oxygenase-1 (PPARγ/HO-1) signaling pathways. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies indicates that GRg1 enhances cellular resilience, reduces oxidative damage, and regulates apoptosis. Despite its broad therapeutic potential, low bioavailability remains a major limitation, warranting the development of advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticles and liposomes. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive assessment of GRg1's pharmacological actions and highlights its growing relevance as a multifunctional therapeutic agent in complementary and integrative medicine.