Juewon Kim, Si Young Cho, Su Hwan Kim, Sunmi Kim, Chan-Woong Park, Donghyun Cho, Dae Bang Seo and Song Seok Shin
A recent trial in the development of new medications and immune-modulatory agents is to search for candidates among natural products because they have relatively low toxicities in clinical applications. Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine in Asia and has demonstrated efficacy against various human diseases, such as viral infectious diseases, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Recent studies and clinical cases have enhanced the interest in the potential biological effects of the ginseng berry, an association that appears to be due to the phytochemical content of this fruit. The ginseng berry has various bioactivities, such as anti-diabetic, anti-oxidation, anti-neuro degeneration, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, and enhancement of sexual function bioactivities. Moreover, syringaresinol, the effective anti-aging component of the ginseng berry, has the ability to stimulate longevity via gene activation. Further molecular and clinical studies are necessary to uncover the numerous bioactive substances in the ginseng berry that contribute to public health.
