MicroRNAs in the anti-cancer effects of Ginsenosides: A Systematic Review

This systematic review highlights the pivotal functions of ginsenosides in cancer treatment through miRNA regulation. Ginsenosides, bioactive herbal compounds derived from ginseng, exhibit significant anti-cancer properties through mechanisms including inhibition of cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, invasion, and induction of autophagy and apoptosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, play critical roles in gene regulation and have emerged as potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in various cancers. Ginsenosides influence miRNA expression, underexpressing oncogenic miRNAs and overexpressing tumor suppressor miRNAs, thereby exerting their anti-cancer effects. The literature review covered studies from 2011 to 2021 sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were screened, resulting in the selection of 26 preclinical studies. These studies demonstrate that ginsenosides modulate the expression of various miRNAs, contributing to anti-tumorigenic activities across different cancer types, including glioma, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, acute leukemia, hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, medulloblastoma, prostate cancer, liver cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, retinoblastoma, and gallbladder cancer. By influencing miRNA pathways, ginsenosides can inhibit tumor growth, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis, highlighting their therapeutic potential in oncology.