Discussion on correlation between preparation, in vivo conversion process and potential structure-activity relationship of ginsenoside / 中国中药杂志

ABSTRACT

Ginseng is one of traditional Chinese medicines widely used worldwide according to the theory that "food and medicine share the same origin". Its main active ingredients are believed to be ginsenoside. In the past decades, studies on their chemical structure and pharmacological activity have made significant progress. So far, however, there is not a specific describtion on ginseng preparation and in vivo conversion process as well as an explanation on why rare ginsenoside can enhance anticancer activity. Therefore, this essay first describes the diversity of ginsenoside contained in ginseng, including natural ginsenoside, special ginsenoside generated from preparation and bioconversion processes. Subsequently, it summarizes the preparation and in vitro conversion processes, and discusses the potential structure-activity relationship between rare ginsenoside and its pharmacological activity. The study on the correlation between these chemical changes and their pharmacological activity help bring forth new ideas to the enhancement of anticancer activity of ginsenoside, and facilitate the development of new anticancer drugs.