About this ingredient
Ginsenosides are a group of naturally occurring triterpene saponins found predominantly in Panax species. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the best-known sources, with ginseng root commonly used in traditional herbal preparations.
Ginsenosides are not a single compound. Different ginsenosides have different chemical structures and biological properties. Common examples include Rb1, Rg1, Re, Rc, Rd and Rg3. PubChem describes ginsenosides as dammarane-type triterpene saponins based mainly on the aglycones protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT).
For example, Ginsenoside Rb1 has the molecular formula C₅₄H₉₂O₂₃ and molecular weight of approximately 1109.3 g/mol, while Ginsenoside Rg1 has the formula C₄₂H₇₂O₁₄ and molecular weight of approximately 801.0 g/mol.
Ginsenoside-containing extracts are commonly investigated for energy and fatigue, cognitive function, stress response, immune-related activity, metabolic health and exercise performance. However, evidence varies according to the ginseng species, extraction method, ginsenoside profile and health outcome being studied. NCCIH notes that research on Asian ginseng has produced mixed results for many promoted uses.
For a supplement product, it is therefore useful to identify the Panax species, plant part, extraction ratio and total/individual ginsenoside standardization rather than simply listing “ginseng extract.”