Therapeutic potential of ginseng and ginsenosides on muscle wasting disorders: Cachexia, sarcopenia, anorexia, and aging

J Ginseng Res. 2026 Sep;50(5):101021. doi: 10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101021. Epub 2026 Mar 17.

ABSTRACT

Muscle wasting disorders mainly arise from appetite loss, chronic diseases, prolonged immobilization, and aging. Chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke, neurological diseases, heart and kidney dysfunction are the primary reasons for muscle mass loss. Muscle atrophy caused by an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation in myocytes and the severe muscle-wasting conditions include cachexia, sarcopenia, anorexia, and fatigue. Cachexia is characterized by loss of >5% of body weight or a body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg/m². Sarcopenia is characterized by age-associated declines in muscle mass, strength, and gait speed, while anorexia refers to weight loss associated with dietary restriction. Recent evidence suggests that the HIF-1 pathway plays an important role in muscle wasting disorders. Given the significant health burden caused by muscle wasting, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. In this context, plant-derived compounds, particularly ginseng and its bioactive constituent, ginsenosides, have recently been explored for their potential in mitigating muscle wasting conditions. This review provides an updated overview of current research on the therapeutic applications of ginseng and ginsenosides in mitigating muscle atrophy-related conditions, including cachexia, sarcopenia, fatigue, anorexia, aging, and obesity.

PMID:42718943 | PMC:PMC13554451 | DOI:10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101021