Ginsenoside Rd for acute ischemic stroke: translating from bench to bedside

Numerous studies have identified pathophysiological mechanisms of acute ischemic stroke and have provided proof-of-principle evidence that strategies designed to impede the ischemic cascade, namely neuroprotection, can protect the ischemic brain. However, the translation of these therapeutic agents to the clinic has not been successful. Ginsenoside Rd, a dammarane-type steroid glycoside extracted from ginseng plants, has exhibited an encouraging neuroprotective efficacy in both laboratory and clinical studies. This article attempts to provide a synopsis of the physiochemical profile, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety and putative therapeutic mechanisms of Rd. Finally, the authors discuss the validity of Rd as a neuroprotective agent for acute ischemic stroke.