The use of different methods for the processing of ginseng can result in alterations in its medicinal properties and efficacy. White ginseng (WG), frozen ginseng (FG), and red ginseng (RG) are produced using different methods. WG, FG, and RG possess different pharmacological properties.

Red Ginseng (RG) is widely used to treat complications of diabetes and atherosclerosis due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Ocotillol-type saponins are one kind of tetracyclic triterpenoids, sharing a tetrahydrofuran ring. Natural ocotillol-type saponins have been discovered in Panax. quinquefolius L., Panax japonicus, Hana Mina, and Vietnamese ginseng. In recent years, the semi-synthesis of 20(S/R)-ocotillol-type saponins has been reported. The biological activities of ocotillol-type saponins include neuroprotective effect, anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor etc. Owing to characteristics of their chemical structure, pharmacological actions and the stereoselective activity on anti-myocardial ischemia, ocotillol-type saponins are subjected to extensive consideration.

Korean Red Ginseng has been used for several decades to treat many diseases, enhancing both immunity and physical strength. Previous studies have documented the therapeutic effects of ginseng, including its anti-cancer, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities are mediated by ginsenosides present in the ginseng plant. Ginsenoside Rg3, an effective compound from Red Ginseng, has been shown to have anti-platelet activity in addition to its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities.

Cylindrocarpon destructans/Ilyonectria radicicola is thought to cause both rusty symptom and root-rot disease of American and Korean ginseng. Root-rot disease poses a more serious threat to ginseng roots than rusty symptoms, which we argue result from the plant defense response to pathogen attack. Therefore, strains causing rotten root are characterized as more aggressive than strains causing rusty symptoms. In this review, we describe the molecular evidence indicating that the pathogen strains are genetically polyphyletic and should be divided into several species.

Furosine (ε-N-2-furoylmethyl-L-lysine, FML) is an amino acid derivative, which is considered to be an important indicator of the extent of damage (deteriorating the quality of amino acid and proteins due to a blockage of lysine and a decrease in digestibility of proteins) during the early stages of the Maillard reaction. In addition, FML has been proven to be harmful because it is closely related to a variety of diseases such as diabetes. The qualitative analysis of FML in fresh and processed ginsengs is confirmed using a high performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS).

BIOGF1K, a compound K-rich fraction, has been shown to display anti-inflammatory activity. Although Panax ginseng is widely used for the prevention of photoaging events induced by ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation, the effect of BIOGF1K on photoaging has not yet been examined. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of BIOGF1K on UVB-induced photoaging events.

Although ginseng has been shown to have an anti-obesity effect, anti-obesity-related mechanisms are complex and have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated ginseng’s effects on food intake, the digestion and absorption systems, as well as liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle in order to identify the mechanisms involved. A review of previous in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that ginseng and ginsenosides can increase energy expenditure by stimulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase pathway and can reduce energy intake.

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of Panax ginseng berry have never been explored in humans. The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy and safety of a 12-week treatment with ginseng berry extract in subjects with a fasting glucose level between 100 and 140 mg/dL.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effects of six ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Rg1, and Rg3) isolated from Panax ginseng against tacrolimus (FK506)-induced apoptosis in renal proximal tubular LLC-PK1 cells.