Progress in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rg1

Panax ginseng is a highly valuable herb in Asia, containing many constituents, of which the majority are ginsenosides. For the purpose of providing thoughts and methods on the study of ginsenosides, the research progress of ginsenoside Rg1, a representative, in the pharmacology of central nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and immune system are reviewed, and the possible mechanism and application are discussed in this paper. Besides, the advances in pharmacokinetics of Rg1 such as absorption and metabolism are also summarized. On this foundation, the pharmacological characteristics and pharmacokinetic behaviors are compared and correlated for further in-depth research.