Red Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Meyer) Oil: A Comprehensive Review of Extraction Technologies, Chemical Composition, Health Benefits, Molecular Mechanisms, and Safety

Red Ginseng Oil (RGO), extracted from Panax ginseng, contains compounds like unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, polyphenols, and polyacetylenes, which provide health benefits such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and chemoprevention. RGO has also demonstrated anti-apoptotic and anti-cancer properties. Notably, RGO promotes hair growth by increasing the proliferation of human hair dermal papilla cells and stimulating early progression of hair follicles into the anagen phase. In a mouse model of androgenic alopecia, RGO induced hair regrowth comparable to finasteride. An unpublished study found that RGO increased hair density and thickness in subjects with androgenic alopecia after 8-12 weeks of topical application. RGO also improves skin health, including protection from UV radiation and prevention of collagen degradation. It is considered safe and non-toxic, making it a promising ingredient for nutritional, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. Further studies are needed to fully understand the effects of RGO's bioactive components.