Chemical structure and beneficial roles of active biomacromolecules from Ginseng: a narrative review
S. Li, Shuai Zhang, Lu Fu, Chen Chen, Wen-hui Zhang, Wei Li
Abstract
Biomacromolecules derived from plant-based traditional Chinese medicines play a pivotal role in natural drug research. Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, has attracted significant attention due to its diverse pharmacological activities and broad therapeutic applications. This review focuses on specific active macromolecules obtained from ginseng, including pectin, exosomes, proteins, and dietary fibers. These components possess unique structural characteristics and biological activities that offer novel insights into the multifaceted applications of ginseng. To systematically assess this field, we reviewed literature published over the past 60 years and identified 119 relevant studies investigating the structural composition, pharmacological activity, and potential applications of P. ginseng biomacromolecules. By highlighting their crucial role in promoting health and enhancing disease resistance, this review synthesizes the latest research findings on ginseng’s pharmacological effects, providing new perspectives and strong theoretical support for clinical drug development.