A Review of the Therapeutic Potential of Ginseng and Its Bioactive Components in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

作者：Liyuan Hao, Shenghao Li, Caige Li, Zhiqin Zhang, Xiaoyu Hu, Huimin Yan · 发表于：Drug Design Development and Therapy · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.2147/dddt.s500719 · 被引用次数：12 · 研究领域：Ginseng Biological Effects and Applications、Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment、Pharmacological Effects of Natural Compounds

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, with no universally recognized effective treatments currently available. In recent years, ginseng and its principal active components, such as ginsenosides, have shown potential protective effects in the treatment of these liver diseases. In NAFLD, studies have demonstrated that ginseng can improve hepatic lipid metabolism, reduce inflammatory responses, and inhibit oxidative stress and fibrosis, thereby attenuating the progression of NAFLD. Additionally, ginseng inhibits oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, and it can impede fibrosis by interfering with the fibrotic signaling pathways. These combined effects contribute to attenuating the progression of NAFLD. These findings highlight the promise of ginseng as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of NAFLD. However, despite the significant efficacy of ginseng in human NAFLD treatment, the number and quality of clinical studies remain limited, with a lack of large-scale, multicenter clinical trials to confirm these effects. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic properties of different ginsenosides, optimal therapeutic dosages, and the safety of long-term use require further investigation. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the mechanisms of action of ginseng and its active components in human NAFLD, assesses their potential as therapeutic options, and proposes ...