Enhancement in the intestinal absorption of ginsenoside Re by ginseng polysaccharides and its mechanisms

Ginseng, a widely used functional food and herbal medicine, contains ginsenosides as its primary active component. However, the low oral bioavailability of ginsenosides limits their therapeutic applications. Recent studies show that ginsenoside polysaccharides (GPSs) promote metabolism and biotransformation. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to investigate whether GPSs could effectively improve the oral absorption of ginsenoside components and to explore the underlying mechanisms of this effect. A GPS–ginsenoside Re complex was prepared and characterized. In vivo and in vitro experiments verified its absorption-enhancing effect. Results showed that the GPS–ginsenoside Re complex enhanced absorption through hydrogen bonding and protected ginsenoside Re from degradation. Mechanistic studies revealed that the GPS–ginsenoside Re complex promoted the absorption of ginsenoside Re by regulating the expression of four efflux proteins and two tight junction proteins. Therefore, GPSs can enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of ginsenosides, particularly for liver-related diseases.