Ginsenoside-Rb1 as an anti-cancer therapeutic: abridged secondary publication

Recurrence of cancer despite chemotherapy is associated with high mortality. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been reported to possess properties of self-renewal, differentiation, and drug resistance that lead to tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. They are not eliminated by conventional chemotherapy owing to their distinct molecular signatures. Thus, understanding CSCs’ biology and targeting them are important.

Saponins have been shown to exhibit potent cytotoxic effects as chemotherapeutics. Ginsenoside-Rb1 isolated from ginseng (0.37%-0.5%) is a notable saponin. After being taken orally, about 70% of Rb1 is metabolised to 20-O-β-Dglucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (compound K) by gut microbes. This metabolite can be readily absorbed into the blood and retained in the body.