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Climate change has led to increased and varying pest infestation patterns, triggering a rise in pesticide usage and exposure. The effects of oxamyl, a widely used nematicide in Egypt, encompasses typical signs of carbamate intoxication; nevertheless, long-term effects of oxamyl exposure, particularly on the nervous system, require further elucidation. This study systematically investigated the mechanism and manifestations of repeated subacute exposure to sublethal doses of oxamyl in male SD rats. Data showed a dose-dependent genotoxic effect, manifested as increased bone marrow micronuclei and decreased brain expression of key genes involved in neurogenesis and neuronal development. Coincidently, brain histopathology showed dose-dependent neurodegeneration in various regions, associated with a significant increase in GFAP immunoreactivity, indicative of neuroinflammation. Biochemical examination revealed a typical pattern of cholinesterase inhibition by carbamates in serum and brain tissue, as well as increased oxidative stress markers in the brain such as SOD activity reduction, alongside an increase in NO and MDA. The ability of Ginseng at a 100 mg/Kg dose to ameliorate the effects of oxamyl exposure was investigated. Ginseng use, either as a protective or therapeutic regimen, attenuated the observed genotoxic, neuroinflammatory, and biochemical alterations. Our results indicate that repeated exposure to oxamyl triggers an integrative neurotoxic response, driven by genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, that could trigger an increase in neurological and cognitive disorders. These findings emphasize the urgent need for confirmatory translational studies in human subjects to assess these changes and inform policy decisions regarding safe levels of usage and appropriate agricultural and public health practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae; Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), a traditional plant commonly utilized in Eastern Asia, has demonstrated efficacy in treating neuro-damaging diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, its precise roles and mechanism in alleviating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need further study. The objective of this study is to explore the pharmacological effects of ginseng extract and elucidate its potential mechanisms in protecting islets and promoting β-cell regeneration. Methods: The T2DM mouse model was induced through streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Two batches of mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 28th days following ginseng extract administration. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and glucose tolerance were detected. Morphological changes in the pancreatic islets were examined via H & E staining. Levels of serum insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, and inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. The ability of ginseng extract to promote pancreatic islet β-cell regeneration was evaluated through insulin & PCNA double immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the mechanism behind β-cells regeneration was explored through insulin & glucagon double immunofluorescence staining, accompanied by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses. Results and Discussion: The present research revealed that ginseng extract alleviates symptoms of T2DM in mice, including decreased blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Serum levels of insulin, GLP-1, and IL10 increased following the administration of ginseng extract, while levels of glucagon, TNF-α, and IL-1β decreased. Ginseng extract preserved normal islet morphology, increased nascent β-cell population, and inhibited inflammatory infiltration within the islets, moreover, it decreased α-cell proportion while increasing β-cell proportion. Mechanistically, ginseng extract might inhibit ARX and MAFB expressions, increase MAFA level to aid in α-cell to β-cell transformation, and activate AKT-FOXM1/cyclin D2 to enhance β-cell proliferation. Our study suggests that ginseng extract may be a promising therapy in treating T2DM, especially in those with islet injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae; Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), a traditional plant commonly utilized in Eastern Asia, has demonstrated efficacy in treating neuro-damaging diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, its precise roles and mechanism in alleviating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need further study. The objective of this study is to explore the pharmacological effects of ginseng extract and elucidate its potential mechanisms in protecting islets and promoting β-cell regeneration. Methods: The T2DM mouse model was induced through streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Two batches of mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 28th days following ginseng extract administration. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and glucose tolerance were detected. Morphological changes in the pancreatic islets were examined via H & E staining. Levels of serum insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, and inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. The ability of ginseng extract to promote pancreatic islet β-cell regeneration was evaluated through insulin & PCNA double immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the mechanism behind β-cells regeneration was explored through insulin & glucagon double immunofluorescence staining, accompanied by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses. Results and Discussion: The present research revealed that ginseng extract alleviates symptoms of T2DM in mice, including decreased blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Serum levels of insulin, GLP-1, and IL10 increased following the administration of ginseng extract, while levels of glucagon, TNF-α, and IL-1β decreased. Ginseng extract preserved normal islet morphology, increased nascent β-cell population, and inhibited inflammatory infiltration within the islets, moreover, it decreased α-cell proportion while increasing β-cell proportion. Mechanistically, ginseng extract might inhibit ARX and MAFB expressions, increase MAFA level to aid in α-cell to β-cell transformation, and activate AKT-FOXM1/cyclin D2 to enhance β-cell proliferation. Our study suggests that ginseng extract may be a promising therapy in treating T2DM, especially in those with islet injury [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng is an ancient medicinal and edible plant with many health benefits, and can serve as a drug and dietary supplement, but there are few relevant studies on its use to ease ultraviolet (UV) irradiation damage. After 0.8 mg/mL ginseng extract (GE) was added to the medium of female Drosophila melanogaster subjected to UV irradiation, the lifespan, climbing ability, sex ratio, developmental cycle, and antioxidant capacity of flies were examined to evaluate the GE function. In addition, the underlying mechanism by which GE enhances the irradiation tolerance of D. melanogaster was explored. With GE supplementation, female flies subjected to UV irradiation exhibited an extension in their lifespan, enhancement in their climbing ability, improvement in their offspring sex ratio, and restoration of the normal development cycle by increasing their antioxidant activity. Finally, further experiments indicated that GE could enhance the irradiation tolerance of female D. melanogaster by upregulating the gene expressions of SOD, GCL, and components of the autophagy signaling pathway. Finally, the performance of r4-Gal4;UAS-AMPKRNAi flies confirmed the regulatory role of the autophagy signaling pathway in mitigating UV irradiation injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiobesity, cardioprotective, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, previous reports lack information on the effects of ginseng extract on the shelf life and quality characteristics of muscle foods. Thus, it is essential to determine the effects of ginseng extract on the meat model system to gain valuable insights to improve the shelf life and quality of muscle foods. Experimental approach. After determining the in vitro antioxidant activity of ginseng extract, the antioxidant effect of ginseng extract on cooked ground beef was investigated. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined using Fe(III) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and total phenolic content (TPC) analyses, while lipid oxidation, chemical, microbiological and textural changes were determined during 30 days of storage. Cooking loss, proximate composition and textural features were measured after thermal processing. The pH, CIE colour parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, yeast and mould counts were determined during refrigerated storage. Results and conclusions. The mean values for FRAP expressed as Fe(II) equivalents ((4.7±0.2) mmol/g), DPPH (IC50=(12.11±0.09) mg/mL) and TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents ((146.0±2.4) mg/g) showed a potential antioxidant capacity of ginseng extract. The addition of ginseng extract increased the cooking loss (p<0.05), but it did not affect the proximate composition of ground beef. It also caused a decrease in pH (p<0.05). Ground beef samples containing 1 % or more ginseng extract had lower TBARS values than control (p<0.05). In addition, LPO values of ground beef with ginseng extract were lower than the control after 30 days of storage (p<0.05). Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, yeast and mould were not found in any of the groups, except in the control, which had 3.35 log CFU/g total aerobic mesophilic bacteria at the end of storage. Novelty and scientific contribution. The results show that ginseng extract has an important activity in controlling lipid oxidation and can be used in the meat industry to extend shelf life and microbial stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiobesity, cardioprotective, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, previous reports lack information on the effects of ginseng extract on the shelf life and quality characteristics of muscle foods. Thus, it is essential to determine the effects of ginseng extract on the meat model system to gain valuable insights to improve the shelf life and quality of muscle foods. Experimental approach. After determining the in vitro antioxidant activity of ginseng extract, the antioxidant effect of ginseng extract on cooked ground beef was investigated. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined using Fe(III) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and total phenolic content (TPC) analyses, while lipid oxidation, chemical, microbiological and textural changes were determined during 30 days of storage. Cooking loss, proximate composition and textural features were measured after thermal processing. The pH, CIE colour parameters, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliform bacteria, yeast and mould counts were determined during refrigerated storage. Results and conclusions. The mean values for FRAP expressed as Fe(II) equivalents ((4.7±0.2) mmol/g), DPPH (IC50=(12.11±0.09) mg/mL) and TPC expressed as gallic acid equivalents ((146.0±2.4) mg/g) showed a potential antioxidant capacity of ginseng extract. The addition of ginseng extract increased the cooking loss (p

Climate change has led to increased and varying pest infestation patterns, triggering a rise in pesticide usage and exposure. The effects of oxamyl, a widely used nematicide in Egypt, encompasses typical signs of carbamate intoxication; nevertheless, long-term effects of oxamyl exposure, particularly on the nervous system, require further elucidation. This study systematically investigated the mechanism and manifestations of repeated subacute exposure to sublethal doses of oxamyl in male SD rats. Data showed a dose-dependent genotoxic effect, manifested as increased bone marrow micronuclei and decreased brain expression of key genes involved in neurogenesis and neuronal development. Coincidently, brain histopathology showed dose-dependent neurodegeneration in various regions, associated with a significant increase in GFAP immunoreactivity, indicative of neuroinflammation. Biochemical examination revealed a typical pattern of cholinesterase inhibition by carbamates in serum and brain tissue, as well as increased oxidative stress markers in the brain such as SOD activity reduction, alongside an increase in NO and MDA. The ability of Ginseng at a 100 mg/Kg dose to ameliorate the effects of oxamyl exposure was investigated. Ginseng use, either as a protective or therapeutic regimen, attenuated the observed genotoxic, neuroinflammatory, and biochemical alterations. Our results indicate that repeated exposure to oxamyl triggers an integrative neurotoxic response, driven by genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, that could trigger an increase in neurological and cognitive disorders. These findings emphasize the urgent need for confirmatory translational studies in human subjects to assess these changes and inform policy decisions regarding safe levels of usage and appropriate agricultural and public health practices.

Ginseng extract was fermented by the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum to investigate the changes in its active ingredients and antioxidant activities before and after fermentation. The contents of total phenols, polysaccharides, total flavonoids and ginsenosides in raw and fermented ginseng extract were determined, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated by determining three free radical scavenging capacities, reducing power and lipid oxidation inhibitory activity. The results showed that the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids increased, while the contents of polysaccharides and total saponins decreased after fermentation. Ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1 and Rc were hydrolyzed into rare ginsenosides such as Ck, Rk1, Rh4, and Rg5 during the fermentation process, and their contents increased by 0.770 6, 0.734 8, 3.392 4 and 1.364 8 mg/g, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of fermented ginseng extract at concentrations of 0.5–20 mg/mL increased compared with that before fermentation, which was inextricably related to the increase in the contents of total phenols and total flavonoids and the generation of rare ginsenosides. This shows that the fermentation process can produce a large amount of rare saponins and increase the contents of phenols and flavonoids, which makes fermented ginseng extract have stronger antioxidant ability.

Single nutrient likes polyphenol or dietary fiber have been exhaustively investigated to validate their positive intervention in health or disease. Meanwhile, the common interaction of inner systems with the nutrient complex has not been well elucidated, which raises the scientific issue of the modulatory effect of the nutrient complex on immunity. The representative prebiotics of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), ginseng extract, and polydextrose (PDX) were selected on behalf of the classification of polyphenol, flavone or polysaccharides, and dietary fiber to generally cover the daily food intake in this study to explore their intervention in inflammation and macrophage polarization. The intervention of selected nutrients on inflammation and macrophage polarization has been evaluated against macrophages to unveil their comprehensive effects. The synergistic effect of selected nutrients was demonstrated by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization. Then, the nutrient formula was set up to verify the intervention effect, and the results revealed the significant inhibition of cell inflammation and the effect on cell proliferation through promoting the cell cycle in the G2 phase. The nutrient complex could inhibit M1 macrophage polarization to inhibit M1-mediated inflammation and promote M2 macrophages for anti-inflammatory effect and enhance cell phagocytosis. Moreover, the varied intervention effects of the nutrient complex with different formulas could be summarized. In general, the formula containing EGCG, ginseng extract, and PDX was demonstrated to possess an enhanced immunomodulatory effect on cell inflammation and macrophage polarization, which could potentially inspire the investigation of complex nutrients in health and diseases.

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Oral decoction is widely applied in traditional Chinese medicines. The polysaccharides of decoction promote the exposure of small molecules and increase their bioavailability. This study mainly compared the component and activities of total ginsenosides (TGS) and ginseng extract (GE) on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide. Thirty‐two mice were randomly divided into control, model, TGS, and GE groups. The mice were orally administered for 28 days and then injected with cyclophosphamide on the last four days. The results of component analysis showed the total content of 12 ginsenosides in TGS (67.21%) was higher than GE (2.04%); the total content of 17 amino acids in TGS (1.41%) was lower than GE (5.36%); the total content of 10 monosaccharides was similar in TGS (74.12%) and GE (76.36%). The animal results showed that both TGS and GE protected the hematopoietic function of bone marrow by inhibiting cell apoptosis, and recovering the normal cell cycle of BM; maintained the dynamic balance between the Th1 and Th2 cells; also protected the spleen, thymus, and liver. Meanwhile, TGS and GE protected the intestinal bacteria of immunosuppressed mice by increasing the abundance of lactobacillus and decreasing the abundance of the odoribacter and clostridia_UCG‐014. The prevention effect of GE was superior to TGS in some parameters. In conclusion, TGS and GE protected the immune function of immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide. Meanwhile, GE showed higher bioavailability and bioactivity compared with TGS, because the synergistic effect of polysaccharides and ginsenosides plays an important role in protecting the immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Based on the model organism of Drosophila melanogaster, the anti-aging effect of ginseng extract and its mechanism on Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. Methods: The composition of ginsenosides in ginseng extract were analyzed by HPLC. Wild Canton-S Drosophila melanogaster were randomly divided into control group and ginseng extract group. The life span test, food intake, triglyceride level, reproductive ability, exercise ability, and the survival time of Drosophila melanogaster under starvation, heat stress and oxidative stress were applied to analyze the anti-aging function of ginseng extract. The transcription levels of genes related to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Ginseng extract contained 13 ginsenosides. Compared with the control group, 7.5 mg/mL ginseng extract could prolong the life span of Drosophila melanogaster by 9.72%, and had no significant effect on the food intake, triglyceride level and fecundity (P>0.05), significantly improved the climbing ability (P

In this paper, the effects of adding ginseng extract with concentrations (w/v) of 0‰, 1‰, 3‰, 5‰, 8‰, and 10‰ to the culture medium on the strain characteristics and tolerance of stress cultured Lactobacillus paracasei JLUs66 were studied. The results showed that after adding different concentrations of ginseng extract, the growth rate, viable count, acid production rate and heat tolerance of Lactobacillus paracasei JLUs66 were negatively correlated with ginseng extract. However, the extracellular polysaccharide production, low temperature tolerance and bile salt tolerance increased with the increase of the ginseng extract concentration in the low concentration range. The low pH tolerance and NaCl tolerance of the strain showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase of ginseng extract concentration. Through comprehensive comparison, it could be concluded that the stress cultured Lactobacillus paracasei JLUs66 by 3‰ concentration of ginseng extrac had the best strain characteristics and the strongest tolerance.

Present study is focused on exploring in vitro antimicrobial activity of ginseng extract (GE) against Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes and their biofilm forming ability, then determining its antimicrobial efficiency during the storage (4 and 10 °C) of cooked ground beef contaminated with these pathogens. Results revealed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for S. aureus , S. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes were 90, 70 and 40 mg/mL, respectively. GE was also able to inhibit biofilm production by S. aureus and L. monocytogenes , whereas S. typhimurium did not produce biofilm with or without GE application. On the other hand, the results of GE aplication in ground beef indicated that GE incorporation at 0.5% or more reduced S. aureus and S. Typhmurium counts in cooked ground beef at the end of 30 d storage at 4 °C (P < 0.05). Using 1% or more GE totally inhibited S. Typhmurium after 15 d storage at 4 °C (P < 0.05). However, GE application did not affect S. aureus or S. Typhmurium counts in cooked ground beef stored at 10 °C. Furthermore, incorporation of 0.5% or more GE generally inhibited L. monocytogenes growth in cooked ground beef at the end of storage at both 4 and 10 °C (P < 0.05). In general, pH was lower in samples with GE than those without GE regardless of differences in the type of tested pathogen, storage time and temperatures (P < 0.05). Although similar a w was generally obtained on processing day, lower a w was observed in GE containing groups at the end of storage for both storage temperatures (P < 0.05). Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in all groups generally increased during storage at both storage temperatures (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that GE has an important role in controlling growth of tested pathogens and may be used as a natural agent by the meat industry to inhibit the growth of food-borne pathogens in cooked processed meat products during storage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to the spinal cord that temporarily or permanently changes its function. There is no definite treatment established for neurological complete injury patients. This study investigated the effect of ginseng extract and ginsenosides on neurological recovery and antioxidant efficacies in rat models following SCI and explore the appropriate dosage. Searches were done on PubMed, Embase, and Chinese databases, and animal studies matches the inclusion criteria were selected. Pair-wise meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Ten studies were included, and the overall methodological qualities were low quality. The result showed ginseng extract and ginsenosides significantly improve neurological function, through the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale (pooled MD = 4.40; 95% CI = 3.92 to 4.88; p

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world. A combination of Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba extracts (CGGE) is an effective treatment for nervous system diseases, but the neuroprotective mechanism underlying CGGE remains unclear. Both network analysis and experimental research were employed to explore the potential mechanism of CGGE in treating ischemic stroke (IS). Network analysis identified a total number of 133 potential targets for 34 active ingredients and 239 IS-related targets. What's more, several processes that might involve the regulation of CGGE against IS were identified, including long-term potentiation, cAMP signaling pathway, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and Nod-like receptor signaling pathway. Our studies in animal models suggested that CGGE could reduce inflammatory response by inhibiting the activity of Nod-like receptor, pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and maintain the balance of glutamate (Glu)/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) via activating calmodulindependent protein kinase type IV (CAMK4)/cyclic AMP-responsive elementbinding protein (CREB) pathway. These findings indicated the neuroprotective effects of CGGE, possibly improving neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and CAMK4/CREB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iranian Journal of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (IJMAPR) is the property of Research Institute of Forests & Rangelands and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the effective recommendation for control of Foot and Mouth disease virus is the proper vaccination by a highly potent vaccine. Such a vaccine should be specific to the circulated field serotype of foot and mouth disease virus inducing rapid, highly protective immunity with a long duration. This research is concerned with using plant extracted oil adjuvants prepared from rapeseed oil mixed with or without Ginseng extracts and from Soybean oil as well with or without Ginseng extracts. Some humoral and cellular immune responses were compared using the different plant-extracted oils and the mineral-based adjuvant called Montanide oil ISA 206 after one dose vaccination of the prepared vaccines at different interval times post vaccinations. Lymphocyte blastogenesis, Interleukin-6, and Interleukin-12 showed higher expression in calves vaccinated by FMDV serotypes (O pan Asia, A Iran O5, and SAT2 / EGY/2012) with plant extract oil containing Ginseng extract comparable to that of plant extracts without Ginseng and Montanide oil ISA 206 adjuvants vaccines. It was found that FMD vaccine adjuvant with ginseng either with rapeseed or Soybean showed a higher post vaccinal cellular immune response than that without ginseng or ISA 206 alone. Estimation of the humoral immune response of vaccinated calves revealed that antibody against FMD virus serotypes O pan Asia, A Iran O5 and SAT2 / EGY/2012 by SNT and ELISA assay induced by the inactivated FMD adjuvant with rapeseed oil and ginseng vaccine and the inactivated FMD adjuvant with soybean oil and ginseng vaccine were higher than those induced by inactivated FMD adjuvant with Montanide oils 206. In contrast, the obtained antibody levels by the inactivated FMD adjuvant with rapeseed oil vaccine and inactivated FMD adjuvant with soybean oil vaccine was lower than those induced by inactivated FMD adjuvant with Montanide oils 206. So, it could be concluded that the use of plant origin oil adjuvant as rapeseed and soybean oil is considered a beneficial and alternative adjuvant to the imported mineral oil as it is much cheaper and induce better post vaccinal immune responses especially when mixed with ginseng extract.

Abstract Background Cancer cachexia is a severe condition that leads to the death of advanced cancer patients, and approximately 50~80% of cancer patients have cancer cachexia. Ginseng extract has been reported to have substantial anticancer and immune-enhancing effects; however, no study has reported the use of ginseng alone to treat cancer cachexia. Our study’s purpose was to investigate the therapeutic effects of ginseng-related monomers or mixtures on a cancer cachexia mouse model. Methods We selected BALB/c mice and injected the mice subcutaneously with C26 colon cancer cells to construct a cancer cachexia experimental animal model. The water extract of ginseng (WEG), two types of ginseng extracts (ginsenosides at doses of 5 mg/kg (GE5) and 50 mg/kg (GE50)) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) were used to treat cancer cachexia mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to analyze the inhibitory effects on two key inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results Our experimental results show that GE5, GE50 and Rb1 significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α (P

Introduction: Panax ginseng C. A. Mey . (Araliaceae; Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), a traditional plant commonly utilized in Eastern Asia, has demonstrated efficacy in treating neuro-damaging diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, its precise roles and mechanism in alleviating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need further study. The objective of this study is to explore the pharmacological effects of ginseng extract and elucidate its potential mechanisms in protecting islets and promoting β-cell regeneration., Methods: The T2DM mouse model was induced through streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Two batches of mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 28th days following ginseng extract administration. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and glucose tolerance were detected. Morphological changes in the pancreatic islets were examined via H & E staining. Levels of serum insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, and inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. The ability of ginseng extract to promote pancreatic islet β-cell regeneration was evaluated through insulin & PCNA double immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the mechanism behind β-cells regeneration was explored through insulin & glucagon double immunofluorescence staining, accompanied by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses., Results and Discussion: The present research revealed that ginseng extract alleviates symptoms of T2DM in mice, including decreased blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Serum levels of insulin, GLP-1, and IL-10 increased following the administration of ginseng extract, while levels of glucagon, TNF-α, and IL-1β decreased. Ginseng extract preserved normal islet morphology, increased nascent β-cell population, and inhibited inflammatory infiltration within the islets, moreover, it decreased α-cell proportion while increasing β-cell proportion. Mechanistically, ginseng extract might inhibit ARX and MAFB expressions, increase MAFA level to aid in α-cell to β-cell transformation, and activate AKT-FOXM1/cyclin D2 to enhance β-cell proliferation. Our study suggests that ginseng extract may be a promising therapy in treating T2DM, especially in those with islet injury., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yin, Huang, Wang, Zhong, Liu, Ji, Liao, Ma, Bei and Wang.)

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey) has become widely recognized as a medicinal and food plant. Nevertheless, there has been minimal research on the impact of ginseng extract (GE) on the development of hazardous chemicals during meat preparation. In the present study, red GE (RGE) and white GE (WGE) were prepared and their active components were identified. The effects of RGE and WGE on heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs), precursors and physicochemical properties in roasted chicken were investigated, as well as the interaction among them. In chicken meat, 1% RGE effectively inhibited IQ and PhIP production by 100%, and 1% WGE inhibited harman and norharman by 0.73% and 24.83%, respectively. In chicken skin, 0.5% RGE effectively inhibited PhIP production by 94.52%, and 1% RGE inhibited IQ, harman and norharman by 78.43%, 68.15% and 83.15%, respectively. Therefore, GE can inhibit HAAs in roasted chicken. This could be because GE contains active compounds that scavenge intermediates/free radicals in the synthesis of HAAs or increase the creatine and glucose levels. PCA revealed that GE suppressed HAAs better in roasted chicken. Therefore, GE could be used in the roasted chicken manufacturing process to reduce HAA output while increasing its nutritional characteristics. • A novel route was developed to inhibit HAAs in roasted chicken by adding ginseng extract. • Ginseng extract may improve the nutritional characteristics of roasted chicken. • Variation of precursors revealed the involved HAA inhibition mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality, despite all advanced diagnostic tools and management. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is one of the herbs commonly used in Asia. Ginsenoside is a biologically active saponin compound found in Panax ginseng and plays a role as an immunomodulator, antibacterial, and anti-inflammation. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be used as a bacteremia predictor. Procalcitonin (PCT) level can help to monitor antimicrobial therapy response. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of ginseng extract on procalcitonin level, NLR, and the length of clinical improvement in patients with CAP Methods: Of 32 hospitalized CAP patients with a pretest-posttest quasiexperimental study was conducted in Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia from April to June 2020. Sampling was done by the consecutive sampling technique with ginseng extract with a dose of 2 x 100 mg as the variable. The dependent variables were PCT level, NLR, and the length of clinical improvement. Results: Procalcitonin level and NLR decreased significantly in the treatment group getting p values of <0.001, while in the control group, the p values were 0.14 and 0.27, respectively. There was a significant difference in the length of clinical improvement between control (7.06±0.93) and treatment (5.69±0.95) groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Administering ginseng extract as an adjunct therapy for inpatients with CAP can lower procalcitonin level and NLR and accelerate clinical improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer cachexia is a severe condition that leads to the death of advanced cancer patients, and approximately 50~80% of cancer patients have cancer cachexia. Ginseng extract has been reported to have substantial anticancer and immune-enhancing effects; however, no study has reported the use of ginseng alone to treat cancer cachexia. Our study’s purpose was to investigate the therapeutic effects of ginseng-related monomers or mixtures on a cancer cachexia mouse model. Methods: We selected BALB/c mice and injected the mice subcutaneously with C26 colon cancer cells to construct a cancer cachexia experimental animal model. The water extract of ginseng (WEG), two types of ginseng extracts (ginsenosides at doses of 5 mg/kg (GE5) and 50 mg/kg (GE50)) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) were used to treat cancer cachexia mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to analyze the inhibitory effects on two key inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results: Our experimental results show that GE5, GE50 and Rb1 significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α (P < 0.01) and IL-6 (P < 0.01), which are closely related to cancer cachexia; however, WEG, GE5, GE50 and Rb1 did not significantly improve the gastrocnemius muscle weight or the epididymal fat weight of mice with cancer cachexia. Conclusions: These results indicate that GE5, GE50 and Rb1 may be useful for reducing symptoms due to inflammation by reducing the TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine levels in cancer cachexia mice, thereby ameliorating the symptoms of cancer cachexia. Our results may be beneficial for future studies on the use of Chinese herbal medicines to treat cancer cachexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginsenosides are active compounds that are beneficial to bone metabolism and have anti-osteoporosis properties. However, very few clinical investigations have investigated the effect of ginseng extract (GE) on bone metabolism. This study aims to determine the effect of GE on improving bone metabolism and arthritis symptoms in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 90 subjects were randomly divided into a placebo group, GE 1 g group, and GE 3 g group for 12 weeks based on the random 1:1:1 assignment to these three groups. The primary outcome is represented by bone metabolism indices consisting of serum osteocalcin (OC), urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and DPD/OC measurements. Secondary outcomes were serum CTX, NTX, Ca, P, BsALP, P1NP, OC/CTX ratio, and WOMAC index. The GE 3 g group had a significantly increased serum OC concentration. Similarly, the GE 3 g group showed a significant decrease in the DPD/OC ratio, representing bone resorption and bone formation. Moreover, among all the groups, the GE 3 g group demonstrated appreciable improvements in the WOMAC index scores. In women with osteopenia, intake of 3 g of GE per day over 12 weeks notably improved the knee arthritis symptoms with improvements in the OC concentration and ratios of bone formation indices like DPD/OC.

Background: Candidiasis is a prevalent disease which is caused by different species of Candida. Herbal drugs (e.g. ginseng) were traditionally administrated for the treatment of different diseases. This study was carried out to compare the effect of alcoholic extract of ginseng with Itraconazole against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida krusei (C. krusei). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was crried out on 22 and 8 species of C.albicans and 8 C.krusei, respectively which were isolated from vagina, urine and sputum of the patients. Using the CLSI M27 and disk diffusion methods the susceptibility test was done by Itraconazole (10 µg) and ginseng extract (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 mg.ml-1). The standard species of C. albicans (PTCC 5027) and C. Krusei (PTCC 5295) were used for the quality control purposes. Results: The lowest and highest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for C. albicans and C. Kruzei was 0.0625 and 0.5 μg.ml-1, respectively for Itraconazole using the microdilution method. However, the lowest MIC and minimum fungal concentration (MFC) for alcoholic extract was 64 mg.ml-1 .The highest inhibition zone for C. albicans was 14 and 14-32 mm for alcoholic extract and Foritraconazole, respectively. Using the two methods no significant difference was seen between the alcoholic extract of ginseng (64 and 128 mg.ml-1) and the drug. (P

Single nutrient likes polyphenol or dietary fiber have been exhaustively investigated to validate their positive intervention in health or disease. Meanwhile, the common interaction of inner systems with the nutrient complex has not been well elucidated, which raises the scientific issue of the modulatory effect of the nutrient complex on immunity. The representative prebiotics of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), ginseng extract, and polydextrose (PDX) were selected on behalf of the classification of polyphenol, flavone or polysaccharides, and dietary fiber to generally cover the daily food intake in this study to explore their intervention in inflammation and macrophage polarization. The intervention of selected nutrients on inflammation and macrophage polarization has been evaluated against macrophages to unveil their comprehensive effects. The synergistic effect of selected nutrients was demonstrated by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization. Then, the nutrient formula was set up to verify the intervention effect, and the results revealed the significant inhibition of cell inflammation and the effect on cell proliferation through promoting the cell cycle in the G2 phase. The nutrient complex could inhibit M1 macrophage polarization to inhibit M1-mediated inflammation and promote M2 macrophages for anti-inflammatory effect and enhance cell phagocytosis. Moreover, the varied intervention effects of the nutrient complex with different formulas could be summarized. In general, the formula containing EGCG, ginseng extract, and PDX was demonstrated to possess an enhanced immunomodulatory effect on cell inflammation and macrophage polarization, which could potentially inspire the investigation of complex nutrients in health and diseases., Competing Interests: ZN and YZ was employed by Shanghai M-Action Health Technology Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Hu, Niu, Zhang, Fan, Ji, Lv, Wang and Zhao.)

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The present study was initiated at AL-Najaf governorate in Iraq to determine the infection rate with toxoplasmosis serologically in camels resident during the period November 2014 until May 2015. Two hundred and twenty seven camels of which 117 (51.5%) were males and 110 (48.5%) were females, serum samples were taken and all run through a latex agglutination test LAT, to determine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the positive samples to LAT were retested with iELISA to confirm the LAT result. The result showed that out of 227 serum samples 70 (30.8%) were positive to LAT, there was higher infection rate in females (37.2%) than it is in males (24.7%) and the seropositivity percent increased by increasing age of animals. The iELISA test revealed that 16 (22.8%)serum samples were positive for toxoplasmosis, males having a lower percentage of infection 6 (20.6%)in comparison to females10 (24.31%) also showed that the percentage of iELISA positivity increased with increasing age of animals. The current study was conducted on 504(Ros-308) broiler chicks during the period 28/9/2017-9/11/2018 to determine the effect of heat shock in early age and additives such as ginseng in three levels on birds weight and feed consumption. Results showed that the exposure to high temperature (38-400C) lead to significant decrease (p£0.05 (in average body weight at7 day of age and significant decrease in body weight in birds expousured to high temperature in the periods 2, 4 and 6 hours compared with control (Table 1). Significant decrease in live body weight when exposure to 2hr compared with 6hr namely (138.54) and (144.21), respectively while no significant difference between 2 and 4h. Results showed no significant effect in body weight in control group compared with the group that fed on diet contain ginseng extract with or without vitamins and minerals. Interaction between exposure time and ginseng extract on body gain weight all ages, the height body gain was noticed in P0G2 at 24days at age (514.78 gm). While, the lowest value was in P6G0 (275.78) Accumulative body gain was differed significantly P2G2(2514.22 gm) compared with P6G0(2054.45 gm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic changes and heat stress have become a great challenge in the livestock industry, negatively affecting, in particular, poultry feed intake and intestinal barrier malfunction. Recently, phytogenic feed additives were applied to reduce heat stress effects on animal farming. Here, we investigated the effects of ginseng extract using various in vitro and in vivo experiments. Quantitative real-time PCR, transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and survival assays under heat stress conditions were carried out in various model systems, including Caco-2 cells, Caenorhabditis elegans and jejunum samples of broilers. Under heat stress conditions, ginseng treatment lowered the expression of HSPA1A (Caco-2) and the heat shock protein genes hsp-1 and hsp-16.2 (both in C. elegans), while all three of the tested genes encoding tight junction proteins, CLDN3, OCLN and CLDN1 (Caco-2), were upregulated. In addition, we observed prolonged survival under heat stress in Caenorhabditis elegans, and a better performance of growing ginseng-fed broilers by the increased gene expression of selected heat shock and tight junction proteins. The presence of ginseng extract resulted in a reduced decrease in transepithelial resistance under heat shock conditions. Finally, LC-MS analysis was performed to quantitate the most prominent ginsenosides in the extract used for this study, being Re, Rg1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd. In conclusion, ginseng extract was found to be a suitable feed additive in animal nutrition to reduce the negative physiological effects caused by heat stress.

The present study was carried out to maintain the quality of sweet cherry by using the guar gum (GG) and ginseng extract (GSE) coatings during storage at 20 °C and 70–75% RH for 8 days. Coatings with 0.15% (m/v) GG + 0.1% (m/v) calcium chloride + 0.1% (m/v) glycerol + 1% (m/v) GSE presented the best characteristics to uniformly coat sweet cherry surface. Quality (weight loss, decay percentage, firmness), respiration rate, nutrient components (total soluble solids, titratable acid, ascorbic acid, total phenols, anthocyanins) and malondialdehyde evaluations were performed. Coatings with GG-GSE controlled water loss and delayed loss of firmness and of titratable acid, ascorbic acid and total phenols, compared with untreated fruit. Overall, coatings developed in this study extend sweet cherries’ shelf life for about 8 days, demonstrating for the first time that the combination of guar gum and ginseng extract as edible coating materials has great potential in expanding the shelf life of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the Japanese empire annexed Korea, it acquired one of the most lucrative ginseng cultivation regions in the world. However, efforts to profit from ginseng faltered as Japanese expansion into China in the 1920s and 1930s generated anti-Japanese consumer resistance. The colonial state imposed a state monopoly on its most profitable ginseng product hongsam, or "red ginger." However, the association of hongsam with Japanese imperialism hampered sales in China, which was its primary' export market. The far less profitable ginseng products, on the other hand, were left largely unregulated, and this circumstance allowed private companies to expand alternative markets on their own initiative. In particular, various companies developed derivative manufactured products from ginseng such as extracts, pills, powders, and tonics. Further spurring the appetite for ginseng products during the colonial period was the science of empire that committed considerable resources to biomedical facilities that conducted ginseng research. Private producers appropriated Japan's imperial science to give legitimacy to their products. Historians who placed an emphasis on hongsam production have largely overlooked the complex factors behind the mass consumption of ginseng during the colonial period. Yet when assessing ginseng's colonial legacies, we must consider not just the role of the colonial state, but also the role of private producers that pioneered new consumer markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver diseases are major global health problems. Ginseng extract has antioxidant, immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the effect of ginseng extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group, ginseng group, CCl4 group and CCl4 + ginseng group. Liver injury was induced by the intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of 3 ml/kg CCl4 (30% in olive oil) weekly for 8 weeks. The control group was I.P injected with olive oil. The expression of genes encoding transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), type I TGF-β receptor (TβR-1), type II TGF-β receptor (TβR-II), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2), Smad3, Smad4, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Collagen 1a2 (Col1a2), Collagen 3a1 (Col3a1), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin -10 (IL-10) were measured by real-time PCR. Results: Treatment with ginseng extract decreased hepatic fat deposition and lowered hepatic reticular fiber accumulation compared with the CCl4 group. The CCl4 group showed a significant increase in hepatotoxicity biomarkers and up-regulation of the expression of genes encoding TGF-β, TβR-I, TβR-II, MMP2, MMP9, Smad-2,- 3, -4, and IL-8 compared with the control group. However, CCl4 administration resulted in the significant down-regulation of IL-10 mRNA expression compared with the control group. Interestingly, ginseng extract supplementation completely reversed the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced by CCl4. Conclusion: ginseng extract had an anti-fibrosis effect via the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. The major target was the inhibition of the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants as a therapeutic agent with osteogenic properties can enhance fracture-healing process. In this study, the osteo-inductive potential of Asian Panax Ginseng root extract within electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) based nanofibers has been investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that all nanofibers were highly porous and beadles with average diameter ranging from 250 to 650 nm. The incorporation of ginseng extract improved the physical characteristics (i.e., hydrophilicity) of PCL nanofibers, as well as the mechanical properties. Although ginseng extract increased the degradation rate of pure PCL nanofibers, the porous structure and morphology of fibers did not change significantly after 42 days. It was found that nanofibrous scaffolds containing ginseng extract had higher proliferation (up to ~1.5 fold) compared to the pristine PCL. The qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated the addition of ginseng extract into PCL nanofibers induced significant expression of osteogenic genes (Osteocalcin, Runx-2 and Col-1) in MSCs in a concentration dependent manner. Moreover, higher calcium content, alkaline phosphatase activity and higher mineralization of MSCs were observed compared to the pristine PCL fibers. Our results indicated the promising potential of ginseng extract as an additive to enhance osteo-inductivity, mechanical and physical properties of PCL nanofibers for bone tissue engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world. A combination of Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo biloba extracts (CGGE) is an effective treatment for nervous system diseases, but the neuroprotective mechanism underlying CGGE remains unclear. Both network analysis and experimental research were employed to explore the potential mechanism of CGGE in treating ischemic stroke (IS). Network analysis identified a total number of 133 potential targets for 34 active ingredients and 239 IS-related targets. What's more, several processes that might involve the regulation of CGGE against IS were identified, including long-term potentiation, cAMP signaling pathway, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and Nod-like receptor signaling pathway. Our studies in animal models suggested that CGGE could reduce inflammatory response by inhibiting the activity of Nod-like receptor, pyrin containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and maintain the balance of glutamate (Glu)/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) via activating calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type Ⅳ (CAMK4)/cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) pathway. These findings indicated the neuroprotective effects of CGGE, possibly improving neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and CAMK4/CREB pathway., Competing Interests: NL was employed by the company Beijing Increasepharm Safety and Efficacy Co., Ltd. GJ was employed by Shineway Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Zhao, Liu, Jiang, Xu, Yao, Zhang, Xue, Ma, Chang, Feng, Jiang, Liu and Zhou.)

Abstract: In this study, a liposomal nanovesicle was applied as a nanocarrier of ginseng extract (GE) to enhance the intracellular antioxidant activity of GE. The optimal condition of preparing GE liposomal nanovesicle (GELN) was prepared by tagging with 3.0mol% of polyethenyl glycol (PEG3.0) followed by homogenisation at 15,000psi for 5min to reduce its diameter to ∼150nm. PEG3.0-GELN encapsulated the most ginsenosides (234.1±13.9mg/g) with a higher reducing power than GELNs tagged with lower amounts of PEG (0–1.5mol%). After treatment with PEG3.0-GELN (20μg ginsenoside/ml), the % increase in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) of H2O2-damaged cells rose 20.9% and the % decrease in apoptosis increased 12.4%, compared with those treated with GE. Therefore, this investigation proved that utilising liposomal nanovesicles to encapsulate GE can effectively suppress the depolarisation of ΔΨ and thus enhance the survival rate of H2O2-damaged cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

fter bearded tooth mushroom ( Hericium erinaceum) mycelia were cultivated in mushroom complete medium (MCM) supplemented with ginseng extract (GE, 65°Bx) to enhance immunostimulation and anti-metastasis, the submerged culture containing culture broth and mycelia was lyophilized (SC). Hot-water extract from SC cultivated in MCM supplemented with GE-5% (v/v, a ratio of MCM volume to GE, HE-GE-5-HW) showed significantly higher mitogenic activity (1.74 fold of the control) and IL-2 production (2.10 fold) than those of SC without GE (HEHW) at 100 μg/mL. The intestinal immune modulating activity was also obtained in HE-GE-5-HW (1.82 fold) whereas HE-GE-3-HW (GE-3%) had the most effective macrophage stimulation (1.88 fold) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production (3.59 fold). In addition, intravenous administration of HE-GE-3- and 5-HW significantly inhibited the experimental lung metastasis of colon 26-M3.1 cells (61.2 and 67.2%). HE-GE-5-HW mainly contained neutral sugar (72.0%) in addition to small amounts of protein (9.2%) and uronic acid (3.9%). Furthermore, the activities of the GE culture were high compared with the culture without GE, indicating that GE helped enhance the physiological activities of bearded tooth mushroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A rapid method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was developed for the determination of pentachloronitrobenzene, pentachloroaniline, methylpentachloro-phenylsulphide and procymidone in ginseng extract using gas chromatography. The optimal conditions selected for MSPD extraction were as follows: after blending 5mL of aqueous ginseng extract (10%, w/v) with Florisil (10g), the mixture was passed into a small chromatographic column and extracted twice with 10mL ethyl acetate–hexane solvent mixture (70:30, v/v) for 15min in an ultrasonic bath at room temperature. The analytical performance of this method showed MSPD to be efficient, fast, simple and had little or no matrix effect. The method detection limits varied from 0.1 to 0.4μg/L. Mean recoveries were found in the range of 83.5–97.4% and had a good linear relationship (r 2 ⩾0.9987) with relative standard deviations less than 10%. The proposed method has proved to be a feasible one for the analysis of fungicide residues in ginseng extract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Experimental induction of polycystic ovary (PCO) in rodent resembling some aspects of human PCO syndrome was produced using the long-acting compound estradiol valerate (EV). Our previous study on the role of Korean red ginseng total saponins in a steroid-induced PCO rat model demonstrated that electro-acupuncture modulates nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in the ovaries. In fact, the involvement of a neurogenic component in the pathology of PCO-related ovarian dysfunction is preceded by an increase in sympathetic outflow to the ovaries. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) administration modulates sympathetic nerve activity in PCO-induced rats. This was done by analyzing NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression involved in the pathophysiological process underlying steroid-induced PCO. EV injection resulted in significantly higher ovarian NGF protein and NGF mRNA expression in PCO-induced rats compared to control rats, and PCO ovaries were counteracted by KRGE administration with significantly lower expression of NGF protein and NGF mRNA compared to EV treated ovaries. These results indicate that EV modulates the neurotrophic state of the ovaries, which may be a component of the pathological process by which EV induces cyst formation and anovulation in rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to develop a cost-, labor- and efficiency-effective elimination method of pesticide residues in ginseng extract. A two-phase partition method between soybean oil and distilled water or aqueous ginseng extract was employed for the elimination of pesticide residues. Content of the pesticides was determined by gas chromatography with electron capture or nitrogen phosphorus detector. A total of 15 pesticides representing four categories (organochlorine, organophosphorus, carbamate, pyrethroid) were spiked (ca. 2 ppm) to 2 ml soybean oil in a test tube and the oil was mixed with 6 ml distilled water or 10% aqueous ginseng extract. The test tubes were then vortexed (2 min) and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min to separate the oil and aqueous layers. Each layer was harvested and subjected to quantitative analysis of pesticides. The average distribution ratio of the pesticides to the oil layer was 94.4±6.7% in the mixture of the oil and distilled water, and 105.5±6.6% in the mixture of the oil and ginseng extract. No significant qualitative and quantitative change of ginsenosides, the active ingredients of Panax ginseng, was observed in the ginseng extract before and after the oil treatment. These results suggest that two-phase partition chromatography between soybean oil and the aqueous phase is a cost-, labor- and efficiency-effective reliable method for the elimination of pesticide residues in ginseng extract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ginsenosides are active compounds that are beneficial to bone metabolism and have anti-osteoporosis properties. However, very few clinical investigations have investigated the effect of ginseng extract (GE) on bone metabolism. This study aims to determine the effect of GE on improving bone metabolism and arthritis symptoms in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 90 subjects were randomly divided into a placebo group, GE 1 g group, and GE 3 g group for 12 weeks based on the random 1:1:1 assignment to these three groups. The primary outcome is represented by bone metabolism indices consisting of serum osteocalcin (OC), urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and DPD/OC measurements. Secondary outcomes were serum CTX, NTX, Ca, P, BsALP, P1NP, OC/CTX ratio, and WOMAC index. The GE 3 g group had a significantly increased serum OC concentration. Similarly, the GE 3 g group showed a significant decrease in the DPD/OC ratio, representing bone resorption and bone formation. Moreover, among all the groups, the GE 3 g group demonstrated appreciable improvements in the WOMAC index scores. In women with osteopenia, intake of 3 g of GE per day over 12 weeks notably improved the knee arthritis symptoms with improvements in the OC concentration and ratios of bone formation indices like DPD/OC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to the spinal cord that temporarily or permanently changes its function. There is no definite treatment established for neurological complete injury patients. This study investigated the effect of ginseng extract and ginsenosides on neurological recovery and antioxidant efficacies in rat models following SCI and explore the appropriate dosage. Searches were done on PubMed, Embase, and Chinese databases, and animal studies matches the inclusion criteria were selected. Pair-wise meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Ten studies were included, and the overall methodological qualities were low quality. The result showed ginseng extract and ginsenosides significantly improve neurological function, through the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale (pooled MD = 4.40; 95% CI = 3.92 to 4.88; p < 0.00001), significantly decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) (n = 290; pooled MD = -2.19; 95% CI = -3.16 to -1.22; p < 0.0001) and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (n = 290; pooled MD = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.45 to 2.83; p < 0.00001). Both low (<25 mg/kg) and high dosage (≥25 mg/kg) showed significant improvement in the motor function recovery in SCI rats. Collectively, this review suggests ginseng extract and ginsenosides has a protective effect on SCI, with good safety and a clear mechanism of action and may be suitable for future clinical trials and applications., Competing Interests: No competing financial interests exist., (© 2021 The Korean Society of Ginseng. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V.)

Protein-arginine N-methyltransferase (protein methylase I) catalyzes methylation of arginyl residues on substrate protein posttranslationally utilizing S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the methyl donor and yields NG-methylarginine residues. Arginyl-fructose and arginyl-fructosyl-glucose from Korean red ginseng were found to inhibit protein methylase I activity in vitro. This inhibitory activity was shown to be due to arginyl moiety in the molecules, rather than that of carbohydrates. Several basic amino acids as well as polyamines were also found to inhibit protein methylase I activity. Interestingly, the intensity of the inhibitory activity was correlated with the number of amino-group in polyamines, thus, in the order of spermine > spermidine > putrescine > agmatine-sulfate, with IC50 at approximately 15 mM, 25 mM, 35 mM, and 50 mM, respectively. On the other hand, neutral amino acids or NaCI did not inhibit the enzyme activity. Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis of the protein methylase I activity in the presence of arginine and spermidine indicated that the inhibition was competitive in nature in respect to protein substrate, with the K i values of 24.8 mM and 11.5 mM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic changes and heat stress have become a great challenge in the livestock industry, negatively affecting, in particular, poultry feed intake and intestinal barrier malfunction. Recently, phytogenic feed additives were applied to reduce heat stress effects on animal farming. Here, we investigated the effects of ginseng extract using various in vitro and in vivo experiments. Quantitative real-time PCR, transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and survival assays under heat stress conditions were carried out in various model systems, including Caco-2 cells, Caenorhabditis elegans and jejunum samples of broilers. Under heat stress conditions, ginseng treatment lowered the expression of HSPA1A (Caco-2) and the heat shock protein genes hsp-1 and hsp-16.2 (both in C. elegans), while all three of the tested genes encoding tight junction proteins, CLDN3, OCLN and CLDN1 (Caco-2), were upregulated. In addition, we observed prolonged survival under heat stress in Caenorhabditis elegans, and a better performance of growing ginseng-fed broilers by the increased gene expression of selected heat shock and tight junction proteins. The presence of ginseng extract resulted in a reduced decrease in transepithelial resistance under heat shock conditions. Finally, LC-MS analysis was performed to quantitate the most prominent ginsenosides in the extract used for this study, being Re, Rg1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd. In conclusion, ginseng extract was found to be a suitable feed additive in animal nutrition to reduce the negative physiological effects caused by heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of wakefulness and slow wave sleep (SWS) during the 12-h light period slightly but significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in freely behaving rats after continued 1-week intake of Panax ginseng extract through drinking water (15 mg/day). Paradoxical sleep was little affected. No sleep parameters were modulated by the treatment during the dark period. The diurnal SWS enhancement disappeared and recovered to the baseline level after 2 weeks of continued treatment. It is speculated that the well known health-improving effect of the ginseng may be, at least in part, related to an enhancement of sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical and sensory properties, the texture profile, and antioxidant activity of ginseng extract-supplemented quark cheese as a new cheese product intended to improve public health. After addition of less than 1.0% ginseng extract, the moisture content of quark significantly decreased, while fat and protein levels increased, although microbial counts and lactose and ash contents were not affected significantly (p<0.05). In terms of color, L* values decreased significantly with increasing concentration of ginseng extract, while a* values increased significantly (p<0.05). The results of texture profiling showed that cohesiveness and springiness were unaffected, whereas hardness, gumminess, and chewiness increased significantly. The 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical-scavenging activities of the cheese fortified with 0%, 0.5%, or 1.0% of the ginseng extract were 4.22%±0.12%, 20.14%±1.34%, and 56.32%±1.54%, respectively. The results of sensory analysis indicated that bitterness, ginseng odor, and aftertaste significantly improved with increasing concentration of ginseng extract (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the overall quality attributes of quark cheese between the no-supplement control and samples with less than 0.5% of the ginseng extract (p>0.05), suggesting that these products could help to promote public health as functional foods., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Background: Ginseng is believed to have antitumor activity. Autophagy is largely a prosurvival cellular process that is activated in response to cellular stressors, including cytotoxic chemotherapy; therefore, agents that inhibit autophagy can be used as chemosensitizers in cancer treatment. We examined the ability of Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) to prevent autophagic flux and to make hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells become more sensitive to doxorubicin., Methods: The cytotoxic effects of total RGE or its saponin fraction (RGS) on HCC cells were examined by the lactate dehydrogenase assay in a dose- or time-dependent manner. The effect of RGE or RGS on autophagy was measured by analyzing microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain (LC)3-II expression and LC3 puncta formation in HCC cells. Late-stage autophagy suppression was tested using tandem-labeled green fluorescent protein (GFP)-monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)-LC3., Results: RGE markedly increased the amount of LC3-II, but green and red puncta in tandem-labeled GFP-mRFP-LC3 remained colocalized over time, indicating that RGE inhibited autophagy at a late stage. Suppression of autophagy through knockdown of key ATG genes increased doxorubicin-induced cell death, suggesting that autophagy induced by doxorubicin has a protective function in HCC. Finally, RGE and RGS markedly sensitized HCC cells, (but not normal liver cells), to doxorubicin-induced cell death., Conclusion: Our data suggest that inhibition of late-stage autophagic flux by RGE is important for its potentiation of doxorubicin-induced cancer cell death. Therapy combining RGE with doxorubicin could serve as an effective strategy in the treatment of HCC.

Background: Liver diseases are major global health problems. Ginseng extract has antioxidant, immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the effect of ginseng extract on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats., Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group, ginseng group, CCl 4 group and CCl 4  + ginseng group. Liver injury was induced by the intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of 3 ml/kg CCl 4 (30% in olive oil) weekly for 8 weeks. The control group was I.P injected with olive oil. The expression of genes encoding transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), type I TGF-β receptor (TβR-1), type II TGF-β receptor (TβR-II), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2), Smad3, Smad4, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Collagen 1a2 (Col1a2), Collagen 3a1 (Col3a1), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin -10 (IL-10) were measured by real-time PCR., Results: Treatment with ginseng extract decreased hepatic fat deposition and lowered hepatic reticular fiber accumulation compared with the CCl 4 group. The CCl 4 group showed a significant increase in hepatotoxicity biomarkers and up-regulation of the expression of genes encoding TGF-β, TβR-I, TβR-II, MMP2, MMP9, Smad-2,-3, -4, and IL-8 compared with the control group. However, CCl 4 administration resulted in the significant down-regulation of IL-10 mRNA expression compared with the control group. Interestingly, ginseng extract supplementation completely reversed the biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and the gene expression alterations induced by CCl 4 ., Conclusion: ginseng extract had an anti-fibrosis effect via the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in the CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis model. The major target was the inhibition of the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3.

Experimental evaluation of the cytolytic effect of prolonged use of tonic drink with ginseng extract by determining the activity of enzymes, markers of cytolysis (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) has been carried out. The study was performed on male rats Wistar (n=15, body weight of 461±23 g), to which tonic drink (containing 46 mg/L panaxosides) was administered in the dose 15 mg/kg body weight using a pharyngeal tube. The introduction was carried out three times daily for 21 days. Then the activity of enzymes - markers of cytolysis was determined in blood plasma. Three-factor mathematical models predicting changes in LDH activity under prolonged intake of tonic drink with ginseng extract were constructed by regression analysis. The models were characterized by close ties of effective and factorial signs under reliability level of 95%, were adequate by the Fisher test, and the coefficients were significant by Student's test. It was found that a daily intake three-time intake of tonic drink with ginseng extract for 21 days didn't lead to significant changes in the activity of enzymes, markers of cytolysis. This coincided with the forecast estimate of cytolysis using three-factor mathematical models. However, the proposed mathematical models allowed to reveal that changing in the dosage and concentration of the beverage may increase LDH activity corresponding to cytolysis., (Copyright© GEOTAR-Media Publishing Group.)

Shexiang Baoxin pill(SBP) is widely used for treating coronary heart disease in clinic, with ginsenosides as its main effective component. This study was designed to investigate and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of five ginsenosides of five compounds after multiple oral administrations, ginseng extract(GE) and SBP in myocardial infarction rats. After intragastric administration to myocardial infarction rats, the plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem triple-quad mass spectrometry. The results showed that Cmax of five compounds in all groups were less than 200 μg•L⁻¹. Tmax of corresponding analytes between groups revealed that ginsenosides in both SBP and GE were absorbed faster than each of the five compounds, indicating that GE and compounds contain components promoting absorption of ginsenosides. The oral administration doses of ginsenosides in SBP were the least in all groups, but with the greatest AUC0-tand AUCINF, which indicated that ginsenosides in SBP had the best absorption in all groups after oral administration to myocardial infarction rats. This study also demonstrated that compound is the best form of traditional Chinese medicine., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)