Pharmacokinetics of Ginsenoside Rh2, the Major Anticancer Ingredient of Ginsenoside H Dripping Pills, in Healthy Subjects

Ginsenoside H dripping pill (GH) is a novel clinical-stage adjuvant for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rh2, the major anticancer ingredient of GH, was investigated in healthy volunteers. Enrolled volunteers were assigned to 3 cohorts-7.8, 15.6, and 31.2 mg-and received single and/or multiple GH orally. Blood samples were assayed by a validated bioanalytical method, and drug concentrations were analyzed using a noncompartmental methodology. The results showed that ginsenoside Rh2 was absorbed with medium speed and reached C(max)a median of 3 hours after administration. The exposure of ginsenoside Rh2 was approximately dose-dependent in terms of AUC and C-max. The plasma concentration of ginsenoside Rh2 reached steady state after oral administration of GH twice daily for 5 days. There was no obvious accumulation in exposure parameters in the multiple-dose study.

Automated summary

The pharmacokinetics study of ginsenoside Rh2, the major anticancer ingredient of GH, in healthy volunteers showed that Rh2 was absorbed at a moderate speed, with exposure being dose-dependent. Plasma concentration of Rh2 reached steady state after oral administration of GH twice daily for 5 days, with no obvious accumulation in exposure parameters in the multiple-dose study.