Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of ginseng and echinacea on the mRNA expression of IL-10, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 in healthy rats. Six-week-old male Fischer 344 rats (n = 48) were used. The animals were divided into three equal groups, as follows: control (C); ginseng (G); echinacea (E). While the C group was fed a standard rat diet (Purina) ad libitum for a period of 40 days, the G and E groups animals received the same diet containing 0.5 g/kg of Panax ginseng root powder and 0.75 g/kg of Echinacea purpurea root powder, respectively. Blood samples were obtained from 8 rats in each group after 20 and 40 days of treatment, and the mRNA expression of IL-10, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 was determined. After 20 days of treatment, the expression of IL-10 mRNA in the G group was different from the C group (P < 0.05); however, after 40 days of treatment, there was no difference between the groups. There was no difference after 20 and 40 days of treatment between the groups with respect to the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA. After 20 days of treatment, the expression of TNF-α mRNA in the E group was higher (P < 0.05) than the C group. After 40 days of treatment, the expression of TNF-α mRNA was similar in all of the groups. Based on the current study, the increase in expression of IL-10 mRNA in the G group and the increase in expression of TNF-α mRNA in the E group support the use of these plants for purposes of modulating the immune system. However, a more detailed study regarding the effects of ginseng and echinacea on these cytokines and other cytokines is needed.
Highlights
Ginseng refers to the root of several species in the plant genus Panax
It was determined that the expression of IL-10 mRNA was not different between the C and E groups (Table 1 and Figure 1); the expression of IL-10 mRNA increased significantly in the G group when compared to the C group (Table 2 and Figure 2, P < 0.05) as a result of feeding 20 days with feeds including ginseng and echinacea
The expression of IL-10 mRNA on day 40 of treatment was not different between the groups (Tables 3 and 4 and Figures 3 and 4)
Summary
Ginseng refers to the root of several species in the plant genus Panax A. Meyer Araliaceae), including P. ginseng, P. japonicas, P. quinquefolium, and P. notoginseng [1]. P. ginseng has been widely used worldwide as an ingredient in dietary health supplements and an additive in foods [2]. The glycosidal saponins (glycosylated steroids) known as ginsenosides are the main active components of ginseng [3]. Tonic, immunomodulatory, antimutagenic, and antiageing activities have been reported among the pharmacologic properties of ginseng [4, 5]. Clinical studies have demonstrated that ginseng may improve immunostimulation, antitumor activity, cardiovascular function, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity, and the pituitary-adrenocortical system [6,7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
