The Bidirectional Interaction between Ginsenosides and Intestinal Flora and Its Regulatory Mechanism of Antiobesity Effects

Abstract Obesity, a major global health challenge, is closely linked to energy imbalance and gut microbiota disorders, and the key bioactive compounds in ginseng─ginsenosides─have drawn increasing attention for their antiobesity potential. This review outlines the role of the gut microbiota in obesity, describes ginsenosides’ direct antiobesity mechanisms (including appetite suppression, inhibition of fat synthesis, and promotion of energy expenditure), and highlights the bidirectional interaction between ginsenosides and gut microbiota. The gut microbiota metabolizes ginsenosides into more bioactive secondary saponins, which activate key signaling pathways, while conversely, ginsenosides reshape gut microbiota composition by enriching beneficial bacteria and promoting short-chain fatty acid production. This reciprocal interaction improves obesity and related metabolic disorders. Animal studies provide most current evidence, whereas human clinical trials remain limited. Future research should prioritize clinical translation and explore ginsenosides’ combined effects with probiotics.