Ginsenoside Rk1 bioactivity: a systematic review

Abstract

Ginsenoside Rk1 (G-Rk1) is a unique component created by processing the ginseng plant (mainly Sung Ginseng (SG)) at high temperatures. The aim of our study was to systematically review the pharmacological effects of G-Rk1. We utilized and manually searched eight databases to select in vivo and in vitro original studies that provided information about biological, pharmaceutical effects of G-Rk1 and were published up to July 2017 with no restriction on language or study design. Out of the 156 papers identified, we retrieved 28 eligible papers in the first skimming phase of research. Several articles largely described the G-Rk1 anti-cancer activity investigating “cell viability”, “cell proliferation inhibition”, “apoptotic activity”, and “effects of G-Rk1 on G1 phase and autophagy in tumor cells” either alone or in combination with G-Rg5. Others proved that it has antiplatelet aggregation activities, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-insulin resistance, nephroprotective effect, antimicrobial effect, cognitive function enhancement, lipid accumulation reduction and prevents osteoporosis. In conclusion, G-Rk1 has a significant anti-tumor effect on liver cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and breast adenocarcinoma against in vitro cell lines. In vivo experiments are further warranted to confirm these effects.

Ginsenoside Rh2 represses autophagy to promote cervical cancer cell apoptosis during starvation

“…The primary treatment options for cervical cancer include radiation and chemotherapy, both of which can be combined with herbal remedies [8]. Several ginsenosides exert cytotoxic activity in cervical cancer cells [9][10][11][12].…”

Ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1 Enriched Cultured Wild Ginseng Root Extract Bioconversion of Pediococcus pentosaceus HLJG0702: Effect on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Dysfunction in Mice

“…Ginsenosides have the triterpenoid dammarane, with a distinguishing aglycone skeleton structure, which is not found in other plants species except for ginseng [12]. Ginsenosides in the dammarane families are classified as protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol groups based on the number of hydroxyl groups [14]. It is generally believed that ginsenosides occur in wild ginseng more than in common ginseng.…”

“…Rg5 improved cognitive dysfunction in an AD rat model by attenuating Aβ accumulation and increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [38]. Rk1 exhibits anti-oxidant effects [14]. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR) is a major transcriptional factor in adipogenic differentiation, and inhibition of this process is important in controlling adipogenesis.…”

Neuroprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potency of Fermented Cultured Wild Ginseng Root Extracts of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer in Mice

“…Rg3 can reportedly lower blood pressure and exert anti-cancer effects [ 39 , 40 ]. Rg3, Rk1, and Rg5 can prevent dementia [ 41 , 42 , 43 ] and osteoporosis [ 44 ]. Furthermore, Compound K has anti-inflammatory [ 45 ] and hepato-protective effects [ 46 ].…”