Search

Background: It was previously found that Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGE) inhibits the histamine-induced itch signaling pathway in peripheral sensory neurons. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether KRGE inhibited another distinctive itch pathway induced by chloroquine (CQ); a representative histamine-independent pathway mediated by MrgprA3 and TRPA1. Methods: Intracellular calcium changes were measured by the calcium imaging technique in the HEK293T cells transfected with both MrgprA3 and TRPA1 (“MrgprA3/TRPA1”), and in primary culture of mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Mouse scratching behavior tests were performed to verify proposed antipruritic effects of KRGE and ginsenoside Rg3. Results: CQ-induced Ca2+ influx was strongly inhibited by KRGE (10 μg/mL) in MrgprA3/TRPA1, and notably ginsenoside Rg3 dose-dependently suppressed CQ-induced Ca2+ influx in MrgprA3/TRPA1. Moreover, both KRGE (10 μg/mL) and Rg3 (100 μM) suppressed CQ-induced Ca2+ influx in primary culture of mouse DRGs, indicating that the inhibitory effect of KRGE was functional in peripheral sensory neurons. In vivo tests revealed that not only KRGE (100 mg) suppressed CQ-induced scratching in mice [bouts of scratching: 274.0 ± 51.47 (control) vs. 104.7 ± 17.39 (KRGE)], but also Rg3 (1.5 mg) oral administration significantly reduced CQ-induced scratching as well [bouts of scratching: 216.8 ± 33.73 (control) vs. 115.7 ± 20.94 (Rg3)]. Conclusion: The present study verified that KRGE and Rg3 have a strong antipruritic effect against CQ-induced itch. Thus, KRGE is as a promising antipruritic agent that blocks both histamine-dependent and -independent itch at peripheral sensory neuronal levels. Keywords: ginsenoside Rg3, itch, Korean Red Ginseng, MrgprA3, TRPA1

Background Red ginseng oil (RGO) is produced by supercritical CO 2 extraction of secondary products derived from Korean Red Ginseng extract. As the use of RGO has increased, product safety concerns have become more important. Methods In the present study, the subacute oral toxicity and bacterial reverse mutagenicity of RGO were evaluated. Sprague–Dawley rats were orally administered with RGO for 28 d by gavage. Daily RGO dose concentrations were 0 mg/kg body weight (bw), 500 mg/kg bw, 1,000 mg/kg bw, or 2,000 mg/kg bw per day. Bacterial reverse mutation tests included five bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli WP2 and Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537), which were used in the presence or absence of metabolic activation. The plated incorporation method for mutation test was used with RGO concentrations ranging from 312.5 μg to 5,000 μg per plate. Results The subacute oral toxicity test results did not reveal any marked changes in clinical characteristics. There were no toxicological changes related to RGO administration in hematological and serum biochemical characteristics in either control or treatment animals. Furthermore, no gross or histopathological changes related to RGO treatment were observed. The bacterial reverse mutation test results did not reveal, at any RGO concentration level and in all bacterial strains, any increase in the number of revertant colonies in the RGO treatment group compared to that in the negative control group. Conclusion The no-observed-adverse-effect level of RGO is greater than 2,000 mg/kg bw and RGO did not induce genotoxicity related to bacterial reverse mutations.

Background In general, after Panax ginseng is administered orally, intestinal microbes play a crucial role in its degradation and metabolization process. Studies on the metabolism of P. ginseng by microflora are important for obtaining a better understanding of their biological effects. Methods In vitro biotransformation of P. ginseng extract by rat intestinal microflora was investigated at 37°C for 24 h, and the simultaneous determination of the metabolites and metabolic profile of P. ginseng saponins by rat intestinal microflora was achieved using LC–MS/MS. Results A total of seven ginsenosides were detected in the P. ginseng extract, including ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rf, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd. In the transformed P. ginseng samples, considerable amounts of deglycosylated metabolite compound K and Rh1 were detected. In addition, minimal amounts of deglycosylated metabolites (ginsenosides Rg2, F1, F2, Rg3, and protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides) and untransformed ginsenosides Re, Rg1, and Rd were detected at 24 h. The results indicated that the primary metabolites are compound K and Rh1, and the protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides were more easily metabolized than protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides. Conclusion This is the first report of the identification and quantification of the metabolism and metabolic profile of P. ginseng extract in rat intestinal microflora using LC–MS/MS. The current study provided new insights for studying the metabolism and active metabolites of P. ginseng .

Ginseng saponin is known to have biological activities in maintaining homeostasis and enhancing vital energy. Enzyme-modified ginseng extract (EMGE) was designed to increase the content of its active constituents and to intensify biological activity. The present study investigated the anti-fatigue effects of EMGE in healthy adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Fifty-two healthy subjects met the diagnostic criteria and were randomly allocated into one of two groups: EMGE (2,000 mg/day) or placebo. EMGE or placebo were administered to each group for 4 weeks. Fatigue scores using the Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS) and Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (RPFS) were considered as the primary outcome measure. Life-quality scores were investigated using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The safety and adverse effects of EMGE were also assessed.A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference in the VAFS scores VAFS between the treatment and placebo groups after 4 weeks. The treatment group's score decreased more than that of the placebo group. There was no difference in the RPFS and SF-36 scores between the two groups. There were no fatal adverse effects.EMGE treatment for 4 weeks decreased fatigue severity in a healthy population. Adverse effects were rare, and EMGE was generally well tolerated. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials of EMGE are justified in order to elucidate the underlying mechanism of EMGE in combating fatigue.

Background: Although the anticancer activity of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been known in various cancers, the mechanism of KRG-induced apoptosis is unknown in colorectal cancer (CRC). In our study, we examined whether KRG induces apoptosis in CRC cells. Methods: In the cell viability assay, the concentration of the appropriate KRG extracts was fixed at 2.5 mg/mL in numerous CRC cells. This fixed concentration was in other experiments, and it was confirmed that the KRG extracts induce apoptosis in CRC cells. Results: We found that KRG induced Noxa activation and apoptosis and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress via reactive oxygen species production. This indicated that KRG efficiently enhanced cell death in CRC cells. Conclusion: Our results show that KRG can be used as a possible anticancer drug for patients with CRC

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an anti-neoplastic drug which is used for treatment of many types of tumors; however, its wide range of deleterious effects may limit its medical usage. This study was conducted to assess the possible protective role of Panax ginseng extract (Ginseng) against HU- induced hepato-renal damage in rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (10 rats each). Group I (control) received 1ml purified water. Group II (Ginseng-treated) received 200 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) of Panax ginseng extract. Group III (HU-treated) received HU at a dose of 500 mg/ kg b.wt. Group IV (HU plus ginseng) received HU and Panax ginseng extract in similar doses of group II and III. All the treatments were administrated orally. Treatment with Panax ginseng failed to ameliorate the hematological alterations caused by HU, but, its ability to alleviate hepato-renal cytotoxic effect was proved through significant reduction in plasma level of hepato-renal injury biomarkers (AST, ALT, GGT, urea and creatinine) which were elevated in HU-treated group. Also, this effect was affirmed by decreased level of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-I± and IL-6) and enhanced anti-oxidant state (decreased MDA content and increased GPX activity) of hepato-renal tissues upon Panax ginseng extract administration with HU. Histopathologically, HU induced impairments in both hepatic and renal tissues of the treated rats. Conversely, concurrent administration of ginseng with HU partially improved these alterations. Key words : hydroxyurea; hepato-renal toxicity; Panax ginseng; rats

Red ginseng is well known for its angiogenic effects and its effect of increasing expression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), but little experimental evidence has been published. In this study, we examined the effect of red ginseng using an ischemic flap model. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups of 10. One group drank red ginseng solution from 7 days prior to surgery to 7 days after, whereas the other group drank distilled water. We created a local flap on the back of each rat. We analyzed the surviving area of the flap for 10 days after surgery and measured the blood flow of the flap. Ten days after the operation, CD31-positive vessels and VEGF expression were examined by immunohistochemistry. The percentages of surviving areas of the flap were 76 ± 3% for the experimental group and 39 ± 5% for the control group (P = 0.0002). Blood flow in the experimental group increased for 10 days after the surgery. The number of newly generated capillaries in the experimental group was 14.0 ± 3.5, which was significantly higher than 5.7 ± 1.9 in the control group. The expression of VEGF in the experimental group was significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.0003). Administration of red ginseng extract increases the survival of ischemic flaps via angiogenesis and elevated blood flow. Further clinical studies are warranted to apply the effect shown in this current investigation to various ischemic conditions.

This study was designed to develop a manufacturing process for ginseng concentrate with reduced unpleasant aroma and bitter taste. Two types of ginseng, white and red, were extracted under six different conditions (the 1st to the 6th step) of temperature (65~95℃) and ethanol concentration (0~70%). Six extracts of each ginseng were evaluated by a sensory test, and assayed for crude saponin, ginsenosides, and acidic polysaccharides. The content of crude saponin in the extracts decreased with extraction time. There was no significant difference in the crude saponin content between white and red ginseng extracts. The yield of red ginseng extract was higher (45%) than that of white ginseng. No significant difference was observed in the acidic polysaccharide content between red and white ginseng extracts. Rg3, a specific ginsenoside in red ginseng, was detected in the 1st to 6th extracts of red ginseng. Bitterness, astringency, and sourness of ginseng extracts decreased as the extraction steps proceeded. The composite of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th step extracts decreased bitterness and astringency, and the highest overall acceptance. Compared with commercial beverages, the composition of the three extracts is the desirable method to decrease the bitter and astringent tastes, and the overall unpleasant flavor of ginseng.

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a well-characterized medicinal herb listed in the classic oriental herbal dictionary as “Shin-nong-bon-cho-kyung.” Ginseng has diverse pharmacologic and therapeutic properties. Black ginseng (BG, Ginseng Radix nigra) is produced by repeatedly steaming fresh ginseng nine times. Studies of BG have shown that prolonged heat treatment enhances the antioxidant activity with increased radical scavenging activity. Several recent studies have showed the effects of BG on increased lipid profiles in mice. In this study report the effects of water and ethanol extracts of BG on hypercholesterolemia in rats. To our knowledge, this is the first time such an effect has been reported. Methods: Experiments were conducted on male Sprague Dawley rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with the water and ethanol extracts of BG (200 mg/kg). Their blood cholesterol levels, serum white blood cell levels, and cholesterol-metabolizing marker genes messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were determined. Liver and adipose tissues were histologically analyzed. Results: We found that BG extracts efficiently reduced the total serum cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels with increased food efficiency ratio and increased number of neutrophil cells. It also attenuated the key genes responsible for lipogenesis, that is, acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) acetyltransferase 2, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2, at the mRNA level inside liver cells. Furthermore, the BG extract also reduced the accumulation of fat in adipose tissues, and inhibited the neutral fat content in liver cells stained with hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O. Conclusion: Administration of BG extracts to Sprague Dawley rats fed with high-cholesterol diet ameliorated hypercholesterolemia, which was mediated via modulation of cholesterol-metabolizing marker genes. This data throw a light on BG's cardioprotective effects.

Cultivated wild ginseng is a widely used dietary supplement and medicinal herb. The aim of this study was to optimize the ginseng using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)- charged aerosol detection (CAD) for ginsenoside analysis. CAD measures the physical property of an analyte and responds to almost all non-volatile species, independent of their nature, spectral properties, or particle size. It has become widely employed in pharmaceutical analysis. The cultivated wild ginseng extracts were analyzed for compositions of ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, Rg1, Rf, Re, and Rh1. The optimal analysis condition was set up from an experiment using a gradient. Ten grams of cultivated wild ginseng were extracted with 95% EtOH 100 ml for 24 hr at 80℃. The contents of the 6six major ginsenosides in the cultivated wild ginseng extract were Rb1 (5.48±0.12 mg/g), Rd (5.33±0.14 mg/g), Rg1 (12.80± 0.05 mg/g), Rf (19.08±0.68 mg/g), Re (19.87±0.05 mg/g), and Rh1 (16.47±0.16 mg/g), respectively. HPLC showed that the protopanaxatriol group (Rg1, Rf, Re, Rh1) had more content than the protopanaxadiol group (Rb1, Rd) in cultivated wild ginseng extract. In summary, the ginsenosides were identified with HPLC-CAD analysis, and their presence and quantity imply the importance of quality control, as well as the pharmacological activity of the ginseng root.

Amore Pacific RD Accepted November 18, 2015)요 약: 본 연구에서는 건강한 성인 여성을 대상으로 인삼 추출물을 함유한 스킨케어 제품의 시료 제시 방법과 여성들의 삶의 질 개선 효과 간의 상관 관계를 분석하였다 . 삶의 질이란 질병이나 건강 상태가 일상생활에 미치는 신체적, 정신적 그리고 사회적 영향에 대한 개인적인 반응을 나타내는 개념이다 . 이에 저자들은 45명의 건강한 성인 여성을 두 그룹으로 나누어 한 그룹(Group A)에는 브랜드 고유의 패키지를 유지한 인삼 크림 시료를 제공하였고, 다른 그룹(Group B)은 브랜드와 제품명을 알 수 없는 하얀색 통에 담은 동일한 시료를 제공하여 8주간 사용하게 하였다. 피부 관련 삶의 질 평가는 Skindex-16 설문지를 사용하여 시험 초기와 4주 후, 8주 후에 걸쳐 시행되었다. 시험 참여를 중지한 2명의 피험자를 제외한 43명의 Skindex-16 초기값의 평균은 22.70 ± 4.82점이었다. 8주 후, 그룹 A의 Skindex-16 지표는 초기값 23.30 ± 5.14에서 20.20 ± 4.83으로, 그룹 B는 22.17 ± 4.58에서 20.52 ± 3.60로 통계적으로 유의한 정도로 개선되었다. 세부 항목에서는 그룹 A의 ‘증상’ 항목이 4주 후, ‘감정’ 항목이 8주 후에 통계적으로 유의하게 개선되었으며, ‘기능’ 항목은 어느 그룹에서도 통계적으로 유의한 변화가 관찰되지 않았다. 또한, 총합과 세부 항목 모두 측정 시기 및 그룹에 따른 교호작용은 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 확인되지 않았다. 본 실험을 통해 인삼 크림이 포함된 스킨케어가 건강한 성인 여성의 삶의 질에 긍정적인 영향을 줄 수 있음을 확인하였으며, 스킨케어 행위 자체가 패키지에 대한 영향보다 삶의 질의 개선에 주는 영향이 큼을 추측할 수 있다. 장기적으로 ‘삶의 질’이란 기존의 피부과학 지표의 개선과 주관적 만족도의 개념을 넘어 신규한 화장품 효능 영역으로 추가적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.Abstract: This study is designed to analyze the effect of skincare using cosmetic containing ginseng extract, on improv-ing quality of life (QOL) of healthy women, with blind testing. QOL is a concept that represents how one’s disease or health condition can physically, psychologically, and socially influence his or her daily life. The study was conducted to assess the effect of a ginseng cosmetic preparation on quality of life (QOL) using the Skindex-16 score, stratified by blind versus non-blinded option. 45 healthy women aged between 30 and 49 years with no skin disease were recruited for this study. Volunteers were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 22) received anti-aging cream with ginseng extract in the original packaging, which included the brand name and logo. Group B (n = 23) received the

Objective : The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Korean Herbal Cosmetic on quality of life (QoL) of Korean Herbal Cosmetics Using Dermatology Life Quality Index (D LQI) stratified by blind versus non-blinded option. Methods : Forty five healthy females aged 30's to 40's were recruited for this study. Volunteers were divided into two groups : Group A (n=22) was provided an anti-aging cream wi th ginseng extract in the original packaging including the brand name and logo. Group B (n=23) were provided same cream in a plain white normal jar without any package decoration or logo. Results : All females except two volunteers in group A completed a DLQI questionnaire, baseline, after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment. The baseline of DLQI scores of all gr oups was 3.23±2.72. There was a significant difference in DLQI scores between before, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after in both groups ; The scores changed from 4.25±3.45 to 0.95±1.15 at 4 weeks, 1.00±1.72 at 8 weeks in grou p A, The scores of group B changed from 2.35±1.47 to 0.83±1.23 at 4 weeks, 0.65±0.98 at 8 weeks. But bo th had no interaction effect between follow up times and groups. Subscale DLQI scores improved after 4weeks we re 'Symptoms and feelings', only in group B Conclusions : Both groups showed significant improvements in QoL quality sco res evaluated by DLQI. However, interaction was not observed for whether the participants knew the brand and content of the cream.Key words : Quality of life; Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); Korea n Herbal Cosmetic

Despite its poor predictability of survival, random pattern skin flap has been the most commonly used reconstructive method until recently. To overcome its shortcomings, there have been numerous pharmacologic trials and research to enhance survivability. The authors tried Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE), a well-known herb remedy for its outstanding angiogenecity and vasculogenic properties. A total of 36 male SD rats weighing 300 to 350 g were used. Rats were divided into three groups, and 12 rats were distributed into each group. Group 1 was the control, where the rats were not given KRGE, group 2 contained rats given 100 mg/kg KRGE for 2 weeks, and group 3 contained rats given 200 mg/kg KRGE over the 2-week period. Skin flap survival was measured after 7 days postoperatively. Also, using micro-SPECT-CT, we evaluated vasculogenesis by direct visualization on the third postoperative day. By immunohistochemistry, we confirmed the increase of new vessel formation, and from polymerase chain reaction studies, we investigated the overproduction of numerous growth factors. Compared to the control group, the experimental groups showed significantly lower necrotic areas of the flap. It was possible to confirm that the oral intake of red ginseng helps flap survival in a random pattern animal model, as demonstrated by the increasing growth factor production and angiogenesis. The results provide a valuable reference for further preclinical studies of KRGE in flap surgery and various reconstructive methods in the plastic surgical field. Level of Evidence: Not ratable.

It has been reported that Korean Red Ginseng has been manufactured for 1,123 y as described in the GoRyeoDoGyeong record. The Korean Red Ginseng manufactured by the traditional preparation method has its own chemical component characteristics. The ginsenoside content of the red ginseng is shown as Rg1: 3.3 mg/g, Re: 2.0 mg/g, Rb1: 5.8 mg/g, Rc:1.7 mg/g, Rb2: 2.3 mg/g, and Rd: 0.4 mg/g, respectively. It is known that Korean ginseng generally consists of the main root and the lateral or fine roots at a ratio of about 75:25. Therefore, the red ginseng extract is prepared by using this same ratio of the main root and lateral or fine roots and processed by the historical traditional medicine prescription. The red ginseng extract is prepared through a water extraction (90°C for 14–16 h) and concentration process (until its final concentration is 70–73 Brix at 50–60°C). The ginsenoside contents of the red ginseng extract are shown as Rg1: 1.3 mg/g, Re: 1.3 mg/g, Rb1: 6.4 mg/g, Rc:2.5 mg/g, Rb2: 2.3 mg/g, and Rd: 0.9 mg/g, respectively. Arginine-fructose-glucose (AFG) is a specific amino-sugar that can be produced by chemical reaction of the process when the fresh ginseng is converted to red ginseng. The content of AFG is 1.0–1.5% in red ginseng. Acidic polysaccharide, which has been known as an immune activator, is at levels of 4.5–7.5% in red ginseng. Therefore, we recommended that the chemical profiles of Korean Red Ginseng made through the defined traditional method should be well preserved and it has had its own chemical characteristics since its traditional development.

This study investigates the modulating effect of ginseng against testicular toxicity, oxidative stress and changes in some biochemical parameters induced by doxorubicin. Twenty male rats were divided into four groups. The 1st group received distilled water orally (control group), The 2nd group received doxorubicin (5 mg/kg b.wt. intrapertenoineal) once a week for eight weeks, The 3rd group received ginseng extract (200 mg/kg b.wt.) daily for eight weeks and the 4th group received doxorubicin with ginseng extract by the same doses as in the 2nd and the 3rd groups respectively. At the end of the 8th week, blood and semen samples were taken for biochemical and semen analysis, respectively. The doxorubicin treated group had significantly higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) along with lower levels of total protein, albumin and globulin. In addition, a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSHPx), and glutathione (GSH) associated with higher level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. At the same time, the group that took doxorubicin with ginseng did not differ from control group in terms of these parameters. Male fertility study showed changes in testosterone and semen analysis in both groups treated with doxorubicin, while the group that took doxorubicin with ginseng showed an improvement towards control levels of these parameters. Thus ginseng supplement can reduce the negative effects of doxorubicin- induce.

Purpose The pressure and stress caused by some intense exercises cause changes in histone proteins and gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of one session of intensive exercise with supplementation of ginseng, on the methylation of H3K‐36 histone protein in skeletal muscle of young nonathlete men. Methods After the approval by the ethics committee, 12 untrained male subjects were randomly assigned to either exercise group (six subjects) or exercise and supplement group. First, from both groups, the muscular sample was taken from the broad‐lateral muscle of the subjects. Immediately after the muscle biopsy, exercise and exercise + supplement groups completed the exercise protocol. During this period, the exercise + supplement group consumed ginseng supplementation and took placebo group. Immediately after exercise, all subjects were retested. Results There was no significant increase in histone H3‐k36 protein methylation in the intergroup between exercise + supplementation and exercise. There was a significant difference within the training group but there was no difference in the exercise + supplementation group. Conclusion The methylation caused by intense physical pressure, can be reduced by ginseng extract.

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Panax ginseng and Veratrum nigrum L. is an important incompatible herb pair. Studies on the content variation of main components and the influences on the metabolism in rat intestinal bacteria are useful to understand the mechanism of incompatibility of this herb pairs. In this study, the content variation of ginsenosides and their metaboltic profiles in the extracts of P. ginseng and compatibility of P. ginseng with V. nigrum L. (G-V) were investigated using relative quantitative method of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and UPLC-MSn, respectively. The relative contents of most ginsenosides were reduced in the extract of G-V. Furthermore, ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc and Rd could be metabolized to Rd, F2 and C-K in rat intestinal bacteria. The metabolic speeds of Rb1, Rb2 and Rc in the G-V extracts at ratios of 10:5, 10:7 and 10:10 and the metabolic rates of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2 and Rc to Rd, Rd to F2 in all compatibility extracts were lower than that in the P. ginseng extract. In conclusion, this study illustrated the mechanism of effect-reducing by comparison of the relative contents and metabolic profiles of ginsenosides after compatibility of P. ginseng and V. nigrum L.

Anti-diabetic effects of wild Korean ginseng extracts on multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Rats were administered extracts at rates of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of body weight for 8 weeks. Body weight was significantly (p 0.05) affected; however alanine aminotransaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels were reduced significantly (p

This study was carried out to investigate physicochemical properties of different concentrations (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) of red ginseng hydrolyzates (RGH)- or red ginseng extract (RGE)-added Asiago cheeses (AC) during ripening at 14 degrees C for 4 months. The moisture content significantly increased with increasing concentrations of both RGH- and RGE- added AC (p

Background: Anticancer agents induce a variety of adverse effects when administered to cancer patients. Busulfan is a known antileukemia agent. When administered for treatment of leukemia in young patients, busulfan could cause damage to the male reproductive system as one of its adverse effects, resulting in sterility. Methods: We investigated the effects of Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) on busulfan-induced damage and/or dysfunction of the male reproductive system. Results: We found that administration of busulfan to mice: decreased testis weight; caused testicular histological damage; reduced the total number of sperm, sperm motility, serum testosterone concentration; and eventually, litter size. Preadministration of KRGE partially attenuated various busulfan-induced damages to the male reproductive system. These results indicate that KRGE has a protective effect against busulfan-induced damage to the male reproduction system. Conclusion: The present study shows a possibility that KRGE could be applied as a useful agent to prevent or protect the male reproductive system from the adverse side effects induced by administration of anticancer agents such as busulfan.

Background: To investigate the antidiabetic effects of hydrolyzed ginseng extract (HGE) for Korean participants in an 8-wk, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Methods: Impaired fasting glucose participants [fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥ 5.6mM or

Проведена экспериментальная оценка цитолитического эффекта длительного потребления тонизирующего напитка с экстрактом женьшеня посредством определения активности ферментов маркеров цитолиза: аланинаминотрансферазы, аспартатаминотрансферазы, креатинкиназы и лактатдегидрогеназы (ЛДГ). Исследование выполнено на 15 половозрелых крысах-самцах линии Вистар массой тела 461±23 г, которым с использованием глоточного зонда вводили тонизирующий напиток, содержащий 46 мг/л панаксозидов из расчета 15 мкг на 1 кг массы тела. Введение осуществляли ежедневно троекратно на протяжении 21 сут, после чего в плазме крови определяли активность ферментов маркеров цитолиза. Методом регрессионного анализа построены трехфакторные математические модели прогнозирования изменений активности ЛДГ при длительном употреблении тонизирующего напитка с экстрактом женьшеня. Модели характеризуются тесными связями результативного и факторных признаков с уровнем надежности 95%, адекватны по критерию Фишера, а коэффициенты значимы по критерию Стьюдента. Установлено, что ежедневное трехразовое употребление тонизирующего напитка с экстрактом женьшеня на протяжении 21 сут не приводит к достоверным изменениям активности ферментов маркеров цитолиза. Это совпадает с оценкой прогноза цитолиза с помощью трехфакторных математических моделей. Вместе с тем разработанные математические модели позволили установить, что при изменении режима дозирования и концентрации напитка возможно повышение активности ЛДГ, соответствующее цитолизу., 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.

본 연구는 건강보조제 및 약제로서 전신의 염증반응 및 여러 약리적 효능을 가지고 있는 홍삼이 국소적인 안면 통증의 완화에 영향을 끼치는지에 관해 조사하였다. 실험동물은 4그룹으로 대조군(n=6)과 5% 포르말린 주입군(n=6), 5% 포르말린+D.W. 주입군, 홍삼(4.5 ml)(n=6) 복용군으로 나누어 45분간 안면을 긁거나 문지르는 행위를 계수하여 비교하였다. 홍삼 복용군에서 포르말린 주입군에 비해 유의하게 긁거나 문지르는 행위가 줄어들었으며, 15분부터 통증완화효과가 증가되기 시작되어 30분까지 유의한 효과를 보였다. 홍삼투여군에 대한 단백질정량분석 (western blot)으로 통증유발기전에 연관되는 염증과 항산화, NO생성에 관련된 신호전달 단백질 p38 MAPK와 iNOS, Nrf2를 뇌, 연수에서 활성정도를 비교한 결과 감소하는 경향을 확인할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과들은 홍삼이 전신적 약리효과 뿐만 아니라 국소적인 염증, 통증완화에도 효능이 있음 나타낸다. 【The effects of korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on orifacial pain control in terms of the systemic inflammatory response and pharmacological effects as health supplements were investigated. The experimental group were divided into three groups, the control group (n=6), formalin (5%, $50{\mu}{\ell}$ ) injection group (n=6), and formalin (5%, $50{\mu}{\ell}$ ) injection added KRG administrated group (4.5 ml/kg, n=6). The KRG administrated group prior to the formalin injection significantly attenuated the behavioral response compared to that of the control group. Pain reduction was suppressed mainly from 15 min to 30 min. The KRG administrated rats showed significantly reduced p38 MAPK, iNOS and Nrf2 expression in the brain and medulla oblongata according to Western blot analysis. These findings suggest that KRE may have a useful effect on orificial pain control functions by preventing the p38 MAPK pathway.】

This study was carried out to develop a functional healthy drink using 60% ethanol of dried Acanthopanax senticosus stem extract (ASE). The preparation, physical activity, anti-oxidant activity, and sensory properties of ASE were investigated. The moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, and ash contents of dried ASE were 6.50±0.12%, 5.89±0.16, 1.18±0.11, and 3.03±0.40, respectively. The 1,1-Diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was 87.42±1.63% at 1/10 folds diluted ASE. In total, 40 male ICR mice were divided into five groups including the control (PBS), positive control (Red ginseng 200 mg/kg/day), and ASE-treated groups at doses of 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg/day for five weeks, respectively. ASE was administrated orally one time per day for five weeks before treadmill exercises, and normal and positive controls were fed PBS and red ginseng extract. In the treadmill test, ASE-treated mice (140 mg/kg/day) could run 1.4 times longer than the control mice. Healthy drinks were prepared with the addition of ASE at levels of 0.97% or 0.49% (A, B, and C type). Among the healthy drinks, the B type (ASE, 0.97%) was revealed to have the highest level of taste and overall acceptability through a sensory evaluation. The brix and pH of the ASE health drink (B type) were 14.9 and 4.51, respectively. These results indicated that the dried stem of Acanthopanax senticosus could be used as a functional material in the health drink industry.

To develop tofu with bioactivity, red ginseng extract was added and soft tofu was prepared without pressuring and forming steps. Then, the content of antioxidant components and antioxidative activities were measured using the prepared soft tofu during storage. The contents of polyphenols of the control and the sample added red ginseng extract were and . The content of the polyphenols was proportional to the concentration of added red ginseng extract. The content of ascorbic acid of the control was 6.42 mg%, and the ascorbic acid contents of the sample added red ginseng extract were higher than that of the control. The contents of polyphenols and ascorbic acid of control were lower than those of the sample added red ginseng extract during the storage. The addition of red ginseng extract increased reducing power and ABTS radical cation decolorization.

ABSTRACT: Aim: This study investigated the protective effect of a standardized extract of Panax ginseng on multiple cisplatin-induced ‘sickness behaviors’ (model of cancer-induced cachexia) in rats. Materials & methods: Cisplatin was administered twice weekly (1–2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 5 consecutive weeks. Panax ginseng extract (0, 25 and 50 mg/kg, intragastric) was administered daily over the 5-week period of cisplatin exposure. Malaise, bodyweight and temperature, pain sensitivity, and endurance running were recorded at baseline and at 5 weekly intervals. Results: Treatment with cisplatin produced severe signs of malaise, marked loss of bodyweight, hypothermia, hyperalgesia and reduction in running time. Treatment with Panax ginseng extract completely prevented all cisplatin-induced alterations. Conclusion: These data indicate that treatment with Panax ginseng extract exerted a protective effect in a rat model of cachexia and suggest that Panax ginseng extract may be a therapeutic promising tool for supportive care in oncology.

Prolonged epileptic seizures during status epilepticus (SE) are known to cause neuronal death and lead to brain damage. Lesions in various brain regions can result in memory and cognitive impairment, thus searching of new neuroprotective drugs is important. We evaluated effects of single and chronic administration of ginseng extract on early and late changes in MRI measurements in the rat brain after lithium-pilocarpine SE. Butanol extract of ginseng root cell culture DAN-25 was administered after termination of SE. MRI study of the rat brain was performed 2, 7, and 30 days after SE. High-resolution T2-weighed images and T2-maps were obtained, and total damaged area, hippocampal volume, and T2 relaxation time in several brain structures were calculated. Single administration of ginseng extract attenuated early changes in brain structures found on day 2 after SE. Both single and chronic treatment with ginseng extract decreased brain damage on day 7 after SE. An increase in T2-relaxation time in the hippocampus on day 2 after SE was less prominent in ginseng-treated rats than in saline-treated rats. 30 days after SE, the reduction of hippocampal volume was found both in saline-treated and ginseng-treated rats; however, it was less pronounced in ginseng-treated rats. We conclude that administration of ginseng extract after SE termination reduced brain damage caused by prolonged seizures. Ginseng extract was effective during early period after SE and had a specific protective effect on the hippocampus.

Ginseng is a major herbal remedy used in Asian countries for thousands of years and known to restore and enhance vital energy. Korean red ginseng, which is processed by steaming and drying fresh Panax ginseng, is most popular and contains unique ginsenosides, which have anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was carried out to evaluate the repeated oral dose toxicity of Korean red ginseng extract. The test article was administered orally once a day to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats at dose levels of 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg/day for 13 consecutive weeks (15 animals/sex/group in the vehicle control and 2000 mg/kg/day groups, and 10 animals/sex/group in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day groups). Ten animals per group were sacrificed at the end of the 13-week treatment period, and the remaining rats were sacrificed after a 4-week recovery period. Administration of Korean red ginseng extract did not result in any toxicologically significant changes in mortality, body weight, food consumption, ophthalmoscopy, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross pathological findings, absolute/relative organ weights, or histopathology. It was established that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of the test article was 2000 mg/kg/day for both sexes in this study.

To investigate the changes in intestinal absorption of ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re and ginsenosides Rd after combined administration of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma extract and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, in order to confirm whether the combined administration is scientific and rational, and provide experimental basis for pharmaceutical studies of the formula. An in vivo single-pass perfusion method was performed to study the effect of various concentrations of ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re, ginsenosides Rd on the intestinal absorption at duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. The concentrations of ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re, ginsenosides Rd were determined by RP-HPLC.The absorption rate constant (Ka) and the apparent absorption coefficient(Papp) of ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re, ginsenosides Rd were calculated.The result showed that ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re, ginsenosides Rd had a high absorption rate on upper portion of the small intestine. The drug concentration had not significantly impact on the absorption rate, suggesting that ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re, ginsenosides Rd were absorbed via passive diffusion.Volatile oil of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma had obvious effect in enhancing intestinal absorption of ginsenosides Rg₁, ginsenosides Re, ginsenosides Rd, indicating that the combined administration of Ginseng extract and Acorus tatarinowii Schott is scientific and rational.

Red ginseng extract (RGE) and white ginseng extract (WGE) were treated with partially purified β-glucosidase to increase a production of minor ginsenosides. The enzyme produced from Aspergillus usamii KCTC 6954 was precipitated with (NH4)2SO4. Ginseng extracts were treated with a crude extract possessing β-glucosidase activity (1,089.2 μM/mL·min) at 60°C for 72 h. The results of HPLC showed that enzyme-treated RGE and enzymetreated WGE have increased amounts of minor ginsenosides compared to each controls implying that the ginsenoside Rb1 in WGE and RGE is converted enzymatically to Rd, F2, Rg3, and compound K. In cytotoxicity study, 2.5 mg/mL of RGE, 1.25 mg/mL of ERGE, and 5 mg/mL of WGE and EWGE were effective against the HepG2, AGS, and DLD-1, but HeLa and SK-MES-1 were not affected at any concentration. The results suggested that cytotoxicity of ginseng extracts treated with β-glucosidase were greater than that of each control against cancer cells.

This study was performed to maintain the biological activities of fresh ginseng during the drying processes. To obtain this purpose, a balanced low pressure drying process was employed to dry fresh ginseng at low temperature and pressure. This process requires a longer process time than that of hot air drying, but much lower temperature. This system is also economically feasible as it requires lower input energy than freeze drying and maintains similar biological activities such as acidic polysaccharides, because these polysaccharides were known to be heat labile and also resulted in lowering the biological activities of ginseng extract. It was also found that the higher process time and temperature of hot air drying significantly reduced volatile biologically active components such as phenolic compounds, which resulted in lowering the antioxidant activities of ginseng extract. Furthermore, the liquid extracts from ginseng dried by the balanced low pressure drying process increased the growth of human B and T cells, also increased secretion of both IL-6 and TNF-α. These results demonstrate that low pressure drying under balanced air condition could reduce the degradation of ginseng by preventing the breakdown of heat labile biologically active components, not ginsenosides. It could eventually improve the biological activities of fresh ginseng.

In spite of the general concept that herbal supplements are safe, there is a lack of appropriate quality control measures and regulations that often culminates in serious undesirable effects such as allergic reactions and renal and liver damage. Thus, there is a growing need to establish a suitable methodology that enables authentication and quality assurance of herbal products. The root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae), commonly called ginseng, is traditionally recognized as a prominent herbal medicine in Far East Asia. There are two types of processed ginseng, white and red ginseng, based on processing methods, and these play a significant role in modifying ginsenosides, which are the major bioactive metabolites in these products. Herein we purify and characterize a new ginsenoside, 20(R)-ginsenoside Rf, utilizing NMR, UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and validate the metabolite is generated from its epimer, 20(S)-ginsenoside Rf during the steaming process to manufacture red ginseng. We further propose a relevant mechanism for the chemical conversion. This finding updates chemical profiling of ginseng products that can be employed in quality assurance and authentication.