Premium
Anti‐Diabetic Potential of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS): A Review
Author(s) -
Uzayisenga Rosette,
Ayeka Peter Amwoga,
Wang Yi
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.5026
Subject(s) - panax notoginseng , traditional medicine , araliaceae , medicine , traditional chinese medicine , diabetes mellitus , herb , medicinal herbs , pharmacology , alternative medicine , ginseng , endocrinology , pathology
Herbal medicines have traditionally played a major role in the management of diabetes in Asian countries for centuries. Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen (Araliaceae) known as Tiánqī or san qi is a well‐known medicinal herb in Asia for its long history of use in Chinese medicine. Qualified as ‘the miracle root for the preservation of life’, it has been used in China for 600 years, for treatment of various diseases. Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are the key active components. PNS have been widely used in China for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, scientific studies have shown a wide range of other pharmacological applications including anti‐cancer, neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory agents, immunologic adjuvant and prevention of diabetes complications. Recently, hypoglycemic and anti‐obesity properties of PNS have also been demonstrated. The present review highlights the effects of PNS on glucose production and absorption, and on inflammatory processes that seem to play an important role in the development of diabetes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.