Category: adaptogen
Aliases: Rg1, 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rg1
Protopanaxatriol-class ginsenoside (sugars at C6 and C20). Of the dominant ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, Rg1 is the lead candidate for cognitive / neuroprotective endpoints: induces hippocampal BDNF, inhibits NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity, and activates the PI3K/AKT survival pathway. Oral bioavailability in rats ~6–18% (P-gp efflux limits absorption; gut microbiota hydrolyses Rg1 to the aglycone F1 / protopanaxatriol, which reaches systemic circulation). Rg1 itself crosses BBB at low ng/mL. NO-mediated vasodilation also Rg1-attributed in some assays.