Pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of protopanaxatriol

Protopanaxatriol (PPT) is an active metabolite derived from protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, displaying broad range of pharmacological activities against various diseases with higher efficacy. Since ginsenosides are known to be active components from ginseng, exploring biological activities and functions of the components could be important in terms of understanding ginseng's pharmacological roles. In this review, we aimed to report biological role of PPT by analyzing published literatures and databases. For this purpose, pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities of PPT, including cardiovascular protection; neuroprotection; skin protection; immunomodulation; and anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetes effects were focused. In addition, we also discuss the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of action. This review highlights the importance of PPT for its overall efficacy and aims to inspire further exploration of its diverse potential applications.