ginsenoside rk3

**Ginsenoside Rk3** is a rare tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin derived from heat-processed ginseng (*Panax ginseng* or *Panax notoginseng*). It is formed from ginsenoside Rg1 during heat treatment and features a smaller molecular weight compared to the parent compound. Ginsenoside Rk3 exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and organ-protective effects. \nMechanistically, ginsenoside Rk3 induces cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase, promotes autophagy, and triggers apoptosis, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), esophageal cancer, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) models. These effects are primarily mediated by **inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway**, with evidence also implicating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Rk3 has been shown to modulate the expression of G1 phase proteins (p21, cyclin D1, CDK4) and to improve liver inflammation and lipid metabolism by beneficially altering the intestinal microbiota. Extensive preclinical studies support its potential as a therapeutic candidate for several cancer types and liver diseases, but no evidence of clinical approval or marketing authorizations exists for this compound so far[1][3][5].

Other names

20(S)-protopanaxadiol-3,12,20-triol-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside