Anti-aging Effects of Ginseng and Ginsenosides on the Nervous System

Senescence is the comprehensive manifestation of human body deterioration induced by various environmental factors. Ginsenosides are the main anti-aging ingredients of ginseng. Ginsenoside Rg1 protects the nervous system from aging by promoting human intelligence, inhibiting the release of LDH and MDA and decreasing intracellular calcium overload. Loss of memory and learning ability resulting from aging can be resisted by ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1 and Rg2. Ginsenoside are effective in inhibiting neuronal cell apoptosis and promoting proliferation of these cells. These molecules also inhibit the aging process regulated by the Rb and p53-dependent pathways and exert their function against Alzheimer's disease. In addition, experimental results from animals demonstrated that ginseng saponins protected the brain cortex and regulated TrkB mRNA expression in the hippocampus. This paper reviewed all recent developments in the study of the anti-aging effects of ginseng and its ginsenosides on neural systems to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of these molecules in the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases related to the neural system aging.