Ginseng’s potential to address high-fat-diet–induced obesity

According to the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經), ginseng promotes ‘a lighter body and prolongs life with long-term use’ (久服輕身延年), which suggests a traditional basis for its role in improving metabolic health. A recent study by the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) School of Chinese Medicine synthesises evidence on ginseng’s potential to address high-fat-diet (HFD)–induced obesity. 

 

Led by HKBU health scientists Professor Lyu Aiping and Xu Jun, the team collaborates with Tianjin Medical University and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine to investigate ginseng’s primary chemical constituents and the anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of ginseng polysaccharides (GP) and ginsenosides (GS), with a focus on how they influence the gut microbiota to combat obesity.

They found that both GP and GS modulate the gut microbiota to help curb HFD–induced obesity. The study identifies distinct glycosyl structures in GP and GS that enable their fermentation by gut bacteria, which in turn promotes the growth of specific microbes that produce beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). 

Findings also indicate that GP increased levels of beneficial bacteria from the Bacteroidetes phylum, while GS favoured Proteobacteria. The metabolic pathways activated by the enriched microbes further emphasised the unique functions of GP and GS. For instance, GP treatment resulted in higher levels of acetyl-CoA, a precursor for acetate and butyrate, while GS enriched succinate-producing microbes.  

Both GP and GS were tied to the activation of intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN), a process beneficial for energy homeostasis, which correlated with improved weight management and glucose metabolism.  

Professor Lyu Aiping, Vice-President (Research and Development) (right) and Professor Xu Jun, Assistant Professor of Chinese Medicine - Teaching and Research Division (left).

"We hope this discovery paves the way for new treatments that offer better adherence, fewer side effects, and reduced risks," said Professor Xu. 

“Obesity is a chronic and complex condition, often associated with other health issues like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Xu. “Although current treatment methods, such as medications and bariatric surgery, can be effective, maintaining long-term adherence is challenging."

The researchers draw a conclusion that the diverse glycosyl structures in GP and GS preferentially favour certain gut bacteria, triggering molecular mechanisms that help manage obesity. Additionally, these bacteria support the creation of SCFAs, which activate signals that help fight obesity. This study enhances the academic understanding of how ginseng contributes to weight management, providing a cornerstone for developing ginseng-based obesity treatment. 

Click here to read full research.