The beneficial potential of ginseng for menopause

Ginseng has a wide range of pharmacological activities including immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous system effects. Korean red ginseng (KRG) is produced by repetitions of steaming and drying of ginseng to extend preservation. During this steaming process, the components of ginseng undergoes changes. Especially, ginsenoside-Rg3 is a unique component in KRG. KRG has long been used not only as a food supplement but also as a treatment for various diseases originally in South Korea which later spread to China and Japan. Pandemic Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have affected men and women differentially and women were more vulnerable to COVID-related distress. COVID-19 could aggravate menopause-related disturbances and complementary and alternative medicinal plants could have aided middle-aged women for several menopause-related symptoms during and after the pandemic. This review aimed to review the beneficial effects of KRG on menopausal symptoms and gynecological cancer. Ginseng contains compounds, which possess anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. KRG not only aids middle-aged women but is effective for improving symptoms of andropause.