Review on Ginseng's Effects on Neurodegenerative Diseases: Active Ingredients, Mechanisms, Applications, and Delivery Strategies

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a significant global health burden, characterized by high prevalence rates and a scarcity of approved therapeutic interventions. In this context, natural compounds such as ginseng have garnered attention for their potential neuroprotective properties. As both a medicinal herb and food source, ginseng offers a unique opportunity to explore alternative strategies for mitigating neuronal damage associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This review aims to consolidate recent findings regarding the pharmacological potential of ginseng in addressing these complex pathologies.

The authors conducted a systematic review of research published over the past five years specifically focusing on the application of ginseng for NDDs. The analysis was structured around four critical domains: identification of active components, elucidation of mechanisms of action, assessment of clinical applications, and evaluation of novel delivery strategies. This methodological approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the current scientific landscape while highlighting gaps that remain to be addressed in future investigations.

Ginsenosides are identified as the primary bioactive constituents within ginseng, though polysaccharides, essential oils, and peptides also contribute through synergistic effects. The mechanisms of action described include regulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein aggregation, inhibition of microglial activation, reduction of glutamate excitotoxicity, and restoration of mitochondrial function alongside antioxidant balance. In preclinical models of AD, PD, HD, and ALS, these active components have demonstrated improvements in both behavioral outcomes and pathological markers.

Novel delivery strategies such as nanoparticles, exosomes, and engineered cellular carriers are highlighted for their ability to significantly enhance blood–brain barrier permeability and brain-targeting efficiency. These advancements suggest that while the therapeutic potential of ginseng is substantial, current limitations lie primarily in the translation from preclinical models to clinical settings. The authors emphasize that future efforts must focus on advancing safe and effective brain-targeted delivery systems to facilitate meaningful clinical application.

It is important to note that the evidence presented remains largely confined to preclinical studies, with no definitive clinical trials currently available for human use. Consequently, these findings should be interpreted within the context of laboratory research rather than as established medical treatments. Researchers are encouraged to continue investigating the mechanisms underlying ginseng's neuroprotective effects while prioritizing the development of targeted delivery methods that ensure safety and efficacy in therapeutic contexts.