Panax ginseng contains various bioactive components, with ginsenosides being the main active compounds responsible for its pharmacological benefits. The types of ginsenosides in the plant extract and their concentration can vary depending on the extraction and preparation method used.[1] Other active ingredients found in Panax ginseng include polysaccharides, peptides, phytosterols, polyacetylenes, polyacetylenic alcohols, and fatty acids, which contribute to its overall therapeutic properties.[1]
The pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng are largely attributed to its ginsenoside content, which interacts with various molecular targets in the body to exert its beneficial effects. For example, certain ginsenosides found in red Panax ginseng, such as Ro and R(3), have been shown to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and by inhibiting this enzyme, Panax ginseng may help increase testosterone levels.[2]