LS- International Journal of Life Sciences

The Panax genus, encompassing species such as Panax ginseng, Panax japonicus, Panax notoginseng, and Panax pseudoginseng, is renowned for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine across Asia. These species are characterized by their bioactive compounds, predominantly ginsenosides, which are classified into protopanaxadiol (PD), protopanaxatriol (PT), and oleanane types. Ginsenosides demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities through mechanisms involving modulation of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and SIRT1. Panax ginseng is widely recognized for its cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties, while Panax japonicus exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities, particularly in treating arthritis and renal fibrosis. Panax notoginseng is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cardiovascular health and hemostatic functions, demonstrating efficacy in treating ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Panax pseudoginseng, though less studied, is traditionally employed for its aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory properties, with emerging research validating its ginsenoside content and pharmacological potentials. This review explores the phytochemical composition, therapeutic properties, and molecular mechanisms of Panax species, highlighting their pharmacokinetic profiles and clinical applications.