Ginsenosides from Panax plants have long been studied as potential anticancer agents. In earlier years, most research focused on a few well-known ginsenosides that showed strong direct cytotoxicity, such as Rg3 and Rh2. As a result, many other ginsenosides were considered less active and received limited attention. However, studies published between 2020 and 2025 indicate that several previously underexplored ginsenosides also exhibit meaningful anticancer activity. These compounds often do not function as strongly cytotoxic agents. Instead, they act through broader and more indirect mechanisms. Many regulate tumor metabolism, oxidative stress, immune responses, and drug resistance. Others enhance drug delivery or protect normal tissues from chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related toxicity. This review focuses on these emerging and underexplored ginsenosides, including protopanaxatriol (PPT)-type compounds (Rg1, Rg2, Rh1, Rh4, Re, Rf, and F1) and protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type compounds (Rg5, Rk1, F2, Rc, Rg6, Rb3, Rb2, and Rp1). We summarize recent studies according to cancer type, treatment setting, and therapeutic role. Across these compounds, a consistent pattern emerges: their benefits arise mainly from supportive and regulatory functions rather than from direct cytotoxic effects. Overall, many ginsenosides appear more effective as combination partners or therapeutic adjuvants than as standalone anticancer drugs. Understanding these broader roles may help guide future research and clinical development of ginsenoside-based cancer therapies.
Yoon et al. (Fri,) studied this question.