ginsenoside compound k

Ginsenoside compound k (人参皂苷C-K) is a rare protopanaxadiol-type saponin metabolite derived from the intestinal microbial transformation of major ginsenosides found in Panax ginseng. It does not naturally occur in raw ginseng but is produced in the human gut after ingestion of other diol-type saponins such as Rb1 and Rd. Ginsenoside compound k exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-aging effects. Mechanistically, it inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), modulates TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathways, suppresses memory T cell proliferation (notably CD4+ and CD8+), enhances collagen expression for skin protection against UV damage, and shows potential to enhance efficacy or reduce toxicity of standard chemotherapeutics. It has good water solubility compared to other related compounds like Rg3 or Rh2[2][3][4]. Clinical studies have explored its use for cancer therapy and rheumatoid arthritis[8].

Other names

人参皂苷C-KGinsenoside K