Ginseng: the dual-purpose herb for health and healing

For over 2,000 years, Panax ginseng has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, renowned for its nourishing and healing properties. In today's world, challenges such as subfertility and an aging population have intensified the need for natural, holistic remedies. Despite extensive research, the full potential of ginseng as both a food and medicinal substance remains largely unexplored. This growing demand for natural solutions calls for deeper investigations into ginseng's nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

In a new review article (DOI: 10.26599/FMH.2025.9420059) published on February 6, 2025, in Food & Medicine Homology, researchers from China Pharmaceutical University and collaborating institutions offer a comprehensive look at the historical and contemporary uses of Panax ginseng. The article delves into the herb’s medicinal and edible properties, showcasing its potential in both health maintenance and disease prevention.

The review provides a thorough analysis of ginseng’s chemical composition and therapeutic benefits. The herb is rich in bioactive compounds, such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, and essential nutrients, which contribute to its remarkable medicinal and nutritional properties. Modern research has identified over 200 different ginsenosides, the primary active compounds in ginseng, with demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic-regulatory effects. The study also examines how various processing techniques, such as steaming and fermentation, can enhance the bioactivity of ginseng. Steaming, for instance, transforms certain ginsenosides into more potent forms, while fermentation can produce rare ginsenosides with distinct health benefits. The review underscores the need for further exploration of these processing methods to unlock ginseng's full potential in both its medicinal and edible forms.

Dr. Bing Yang, a leading researcher on the project, stresses the importance of recognizing ginseng’s dual role. "Ginseng is not only a medicinal herb but also a valuable food with substantial health benefits. Our study aims to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science to fully tap into its potential," says Dr. Yang.

This study highlights the vast potential of Panax ginseng for applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, boost cognitive function, and promote overall well-being positions it as a powerful resource for addressing modern health challenges. The research advocates for optimizing processing methods to maximize ginseng's therapeutic benefits. Looking ahead, the development of innovative products that integrate both medicinal and edible applications of ginseng could lead to new health supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals, advancing health outcomes and enhancing disease prevention strategies.

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82204626, 82230117), Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent (No. 2022ZB317), and Innovation Team for Double First Class Construction of China Pharmaceutical University (No. CPU2018GY11).