Biological Activities of Ginseng

a representative of the saponins derived from 20(S)-proto-panaxadiol (26) (Table I) reportedly exhibited central nervous system-depressant and antipsychotic activity, protection of stress ulcer, increase of gastrointestinal motility and weak anti-inflammatory action, while Rgi, the major saponin of 20( S)-protopanaxatriol (36) (Table II) showed weak central nervous system-stimulant action, antifatigue action and aggravation of stress ulcer (757, 752, 755, 164, 165, 166). Kaku etal. 167) on investigating the pharmacology of the major saponins, reported the 

Potentiation of the nerve growth factor (NGF) by Rb, Rd and some other saponins of (26) has been observed 168). Rg, the saponin of (36) showed no activity. 

Effects of saponins on nucleic acid biosynthesis and serum protein metabolism have been extensively studied 169 — 182). The presence in Ginseng of substances with adenosine triphosphate activity has been reported 183). Effects by the saponins on cholesterol metabolism and that of other lipids have been described 184 — 188). 

Stimulation of the pituitary-adrenocortical system by the saponins has been recently observed 189, 190) and the effect of the saponins on the action of adrenalin, ACTH and insulin in lipolysis and lipogenesis were investigated 191). Chemopharmacological studies of the hypoglycemic principles in Ginseng have been carried out 192, 193). 

Haemolytic activities of Ginseng saponins have been reported 194, 195) and cytotoxic activities of dammarane type triterpenes have been investigated 196). Of interest also is a Ginseng abuse syndrome 197) which was commented upon at the third International Ginseng Symposium in Seoul, Korea. 

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