Targeting cancer epigenetics with PPD-type ginsenosides: A systematic review of mechanisms and therapeutic potential

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#ginsenosides #humans #epigenesis-genetic #neoplasms #panax

Targeting cancer epigenetics with PPD-type ginsenosides: A systematic review of mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Pu et al., 2025 | Phytomedicine | Systematic Review

Citation

Pu Jianyu, Yang Jiang, ... Li Dapeng. Targeting cancer epigenetics with PPD-type ginsenosides: A systematic review of mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Phytomedicine. 2025-Nov-25;148:157352. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157352

Abstract

BACKGROUND: For centuries, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer has been widely employed in traditional medicine, and its primary therapeutic constituents are a class of compounds known as ginsenosides. In particular, protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenosides exhibit potent anticancer properties, largely mediated through epigenetic mechanisms. PURPOSE: This review systematically examines the anticancer effects of PPD-type ginsenosides, with particular emphasis on their epigenetic mechanisms. To contextualize the structural diversity underlying their pharmacological activities, biotechnological production and transformation strategies are briefly outlined. The review then highlights advances in epigenetics-related pathways and concludes with a prospective outlook on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery, structure-activity prediction, and therapeutic optimization in ginsenoside research. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Literature searches were performed across major academic databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, and PubMed) to identify studies investigating the epigenetic anticancer mechanisms of PPD-type ginsenosides. RESULTS: PPD-type ginsenosides exert significant anticancer activity primarily through epigenetic regulation. Biotechnological advances support improved ginsenoside production and bioavailability, while AI remains an exploratory tool with potential future roles in compound screening and therapeutic optimization. CONCLUSIONS: The epigenetic targeting capabilities of PPD-type ginsenosides represent a promising avenue for cancer therapy. While current evidence supports their potential in precision oncology, further interdisciplinary efforts are essential to translate these mechanisms into clinically viable treatments.

Key Findings

PPD-type ginsenosides exert significant anticancer activity primarily through epigenetic regulation. Biotechnological advances support improved ginsenoside production and bioavailability, while AI remains an exploratory tool with potential future roles in compound screening and therapeutic optimization.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Ginsenosides
  • Humans
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Neoplasms
  • Panax
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Sapogenins
  • Animals
  • Artificial Intelligence

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09