Pharmacology of Polysaccharides from Ginseng Species

In traditional Chinese medicine, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (PG) invigorates “qi” of kidney, spleen and lung, promotes body fluids production, calms the mind to promote intelligence, while P. quinquefolium L. (PQ) supplies “qi”, nourishes “Yin”, clears fire and promotes body fluid production, both are classified as “restoratives”. P. notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen (PN) removes blood stasis, stops bleeding, promotes blood circulation with analgesic effect, and is classified as “hemostatics”. The major bioactive principles of Panax species, ginseng saponins, are classified into dammarane, oleanane, and ocotillol types. PQ contains all three types of ginseng saponins. PG contains dammarane and oleanane types. PN contains only dammarane type, and a peptide like substance dencichine is the major active component to stop bleeding. PN contains the highest level of ginseng saponins (6.24-10.32%), followed by PQ (4.50-6.45%) and PG (3.50-4.84%). Besides ginseng saponin in which the chemistry and biological effects have been studied in detail, the polysaccharides, polypeptides and fatty acids are also investigated by many scholars. In this paper, the separation and identification of ginseng saccharides, immuno-modifier, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-ulcer or antiadhesive, anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of such saccharides are reviewed, while the causes of succession cropping obstacle and future ways for the development of Panax species are discussed and suggested. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________