ABSTRACT

Ginseng is a medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as for improving immune function and vitality. In this chapter, we review recent studies on the effects of ginseng on various diseases, particularly on diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Ginseng improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. It exerts cytotoxic and antimetastatic activities against various kinds of cancer cell lines, and induces differentiation or apoptosis of several cancer cells. Furthermore, ginseng has been reported to have an antineoplastic effect by enhancing immune function. An antihypertensive effect of ginseng is shown to occur by the enhanced synthesis and release of nitric oxide (NO). In addition, ginseng exerts antiatherosclerotic and antiplatelet effects. This chapter provides useful information on the pharmacological and clinical usage, and also suggests a method to conduct further study on ginseng to identify its potential effects.