The role of red ginseng in men’s reproductive health: a literature review

BACKGROUND: Red ginseng (RG) is a traditional herb commonly used in China, Korea, and other East Asian countries. Recently, it has demonstrated a better clinical value in men’s reproductive health (MRH). The present review aimed to examine the effects of RG treatment on MRH. RESULTS: Overall, 42 articles related to RG application in MRH were reviewed, of which 31 were animal experiments and 11 were clinical studies. Furthermore, this review analyzed the use of RG in some male reproductive diseases in clinical trials and determined the associated mechanisms of action. The mechanism of action of RG in MRH may be related to oxidative stress, regulation of sex hormones and spermatogenesis-related proteins, and anti-inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The application of RG for the treatment of male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and prostate diseases has the potential to contribute to MRH. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12610-023-00203-0.