Interventional Potential of Panax Genus Chinese Medicinals in Atherosclerosis Progression

Atherosclerosis and its complications significantly affect human health globally. The etiology of atherosclerosis is multifaceted, with current research focusing on abnormalities in lipid metabolism, immune cell activation, inflammation, and epithelial damage. Currently, highly effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis remain lacking. Recent reports have indicated the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of medicinal herbs from the Araliaceae family, including Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., Panax notoginseng , Panax quinquefolius L., and Panax japonicus . The pharmacological effects of these herbs on atherosclerosis include lipid metabolism, immune cell activation, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial function, cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and gut microbiota homeostasis. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate, summarize, and update the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Araliaceae herbs against atherosclerosis.