Available online 27 April 2024

The human gut, which contains a diverse microbiome, plays an important role in maintaining physiological balance and preserving the immune system. The complex interplay between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gut microbiome has gained significant attention due to its profound implications for overall health, particularly for gut and brain disorders. There is emerging evidence that the gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a bidirectional communication system between the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract and plays a pivotal role in regulating many aspects of human health. Ginseng has shown potential to ameliorate conditions associated with dysbiosis, such as gut and CNS disorders by restoring microbial balance and enhancing gut barrier function. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the potential of ginseng as an herbal modulator of GBA via microbiota regulation as a potential target for preventing and treating gut and neurological diseases to ultimately enhance overall health. Furthermore, we emphasize the therapeutic benefits of ginseng, its ability to enhance beneficial probiotics, such as Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia while reducing pathogenic bacteria prevalence, such as Helicobacter, Clostridium, and Proteobacteria. Although the connection between ginseng regulation of microbial communities in response to the gut and neuropsychiatric disorders is lacking, additional investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, optimize dosages, and explore the clinical relevance of ginseng in promoting GBA balance and ultimately overall health.

Ginseng

microbiota

gut

brain

gut-brain axis

central nervous system

Dextran sulfate sodium

ginsenoside compound K

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

inflammatory bowel disease

irritable bowel syndrome

nuclear factor kappaB

short-chain fatty acids

trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid

Water soluble ginseng polysaccharides

Water soluble ginseng polysaccharides acidic fraction

Polysaccharides of P. quinquefolius

© 2024 The Korean Society of Ginseng. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.