Ginsenosides are the primary active compounds found in ginseng (Panax ginseng) and have been investigated for their neuroprotective effects, including in the context of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Preclinical studies, mainly in cellular and animal models, suggest that ginsenosides may exert beneficial effects by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroinflammation, and protecting dopaminergic neurons from degeneration. Mechanistically, ginsenosides such as Rg1, Rb1, and Rg3 have been shown to modulate pathways involved in apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory cytokine production, which are all relevant to PD pathology. For example, animal studies have demonstrated that ginsenosides can attenuate motor deficits and dopaminergic cell loss in toxin-induced models of PD.

However, direct clinical evidence in human patients with Parkinson’s Disease is extremely limited. To date, there are few, if any, well-conducted randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of ginsenosides or ginseng extracts for PD in humans. Most supporting data comes from laboratory or animal research, which, while promising, does not provide a high level of evidence for clinical use. As such, the scientific evidence supporting ginsenosides for Parkinson’s Disease is preliminary, and their use cannot be considered established or standard therapy.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale based on preclinical findings, the evidence level for ginsenosides in the treatment or support of Parkinson’s Disease remains low, pending further clinical research.