Abstract
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is an herb popular for its medicinal and health properties. Compound K (CK) is a secondary ginsenoside biotransformed from major ginsenosides. Compound K is more bioavailable and soluble than its parent ginsenosides and hence of immense importance. The review summarizes health-promoting in vitro and in vivo studies of CK between 2015 and 2020, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-aging/skin protective, and others. Clinical trial data are minimal and are primarily based on CK-rich fermented ginseng. Besides, numerous preclinical and clinical studies indicating the pharmacokinetic behavior of CK, its parent compound (Rb1), and processed ginseng extracts are also summarized. With the limited evidence available from animal and clinical studies, it can be stated that CK is safe and well-tolerated. However, lower water solubility, membrane permeability, and efflux significantly diminish the efficacy of CK and restrict its clinical application. We found that the use of nanocarriers and cyclodextrin for CK delivery could overcome these limitations as well as improve the health benefits associated with them. However, these derivatives have not been clinically evaluated, thus requiring a safety assessment for human therapy application. Future studies should be aimed at investigating clinical evidence of CK.
Highlights
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) of the Araliaceae family is a perennial plant which has been conventionally used as a functional food
Over 120 h of the study, a significant increase in the release of Compound K (CK) was observed. These findings indicate that CK was released slowly, the system could be used for target delivery of CK [41]
The review aimed at providing current information concerning the pharmacokinetics, safety, and health-promoting activities of CK and its derivatives for preventing and managing diseases
Summary
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) of the Araliaceae family is a perennial plant which has been conventionally used as a functional food. Examples of rare ginsenosides are CK, Rg3, F2, and Rh2, which are either absent in unprocessed ginseng or available at low concentrations [7]. It is well-known that compared to ginsenosides, their metabolite CK is absorbed well by the body and in lieu of this property, CK is becoming the fast focus of research [8]. Another review [3] compiled information on the biotransformation and pharmacokinetics of CK, including the positive effects on neuroprotection and cognitive improvement by 2016. This review, differs significantly from previous works, including detailed information on preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic studies and the inclusion of anti-asthmatic and kidney-protective effects among others in vitro and in vivo activities of CK. We briefly discuss the recent reports on the pharmacokinetics and health effects of CK and elucidate on how the modification of CK improves metabolic properties, pharmacokinetics, and bioactivities of CK
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