American Ginseng Research Articles

Continuous planting American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) caused soil acidification and bacterial and fungal communities' changes.

American ginseng is an important herb crop and is widely cultivated in China. However, continuous cropping seriously affects the production of American ginseng, and the reason is still unclear and needs more research. We analyzed the soil microbial alpha diversity and community composition as well as soil physicochemical properties in bulk soils to assess the changes in soil associated with planting American ginseng. The cultivation of American ginseng resulted in a significant decrease in soil pH value. The alpha diversity of soil bacteria and fungi was significantly reduced with the increase of American ginseng planting years. Planting American ginseng also largely altered the community composition of soil bacteria and fungi, in particularly, increased the relative abundance of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium, and reduced the relative abundance of some beneficial microorganisms, such as KD4-96, RB41 and Sphingomonas. Soil acidification, reduction of beneficial taxa and accumulation of fungal pathogens, therefore, may lead to the replantation problem of American ginseng.

Potential Anti-tumor Effects and Apoptosis-Inducing Mechanisms of Saponins: A Review.

The search for effective cancer therapies highlights saponins, natural plant-derived compounds, as promising anticancer agents. These compounds induce apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspases, essential enzymes for cell death. For example, Soyasapogenol B from Glycine max and Astragaloside IV from Astragalus membranaceus effectively trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. Additionally, saponins, such as Compound K from American ginseng and Saikosaponin from Bupleurum falcatum, affect extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, including mitochondrial release of cytochrome C and activation of caspase-9. Ziyuglycoside II also acts on both pathways and activates the ROS/JNK pathway. Understanding these mechanisms provides promising prospects for developing more specific and safer anticancer therapies. The review utilized the ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. It was found that original articles and reviews from journals indexed in these sources emphasized the antitumor capabilities of saponins and discussed their role in apoptosis induction and caspase activation. The activation of caspases by saponins in the apoptotic pathway involves two main pathways: the extrinsic pathway is initiated by external signals that activate caspase-8, while the intrinsic pathway starts with internal stimuli, causing the release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase-9. These pathways both lead to the activation of effector caspases (caspases 3, 6, and 7), culminating in apoptosis, an essential process for maintaining cellular balance and eliminating damaged cells. Identifying saponins in the context of cancer and their mechanisms of action is an ever-evolving field. Future research may lead to more targeted and personalized therapies, highlighting the collaboration between basic and clinical research in this promising area of medicine.

Variation in ginsenoside content and composition within the American ginseng population.

The contents of 57 ginsenosides were measured in American ginseng roots collected from a single population grown in Jilin. Ginsenoside contents and compositions varied significantly among the population. The most abundant ginsenoside within the American ginseng root and by population was either Rg1 or Re, followed by Rb1, mal-Rb1, Rd, Rc, pseudoginsenoside F11, Ro, and gypenoside XVII. According to the relative contents of Rg1 and Re, the population was grouped into two chemotypes, and there were significant differences in ginsenoside profiles between them. The contents of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides were relatively stable. The rate-limiting enzymes of malonyl ginsenosides biosynthesis were located in front of their corresponding neutral ginsenosides. The regulatory sites of the oleanolic acid-type ginsenosides biosynthetic pathway were in front of the β-amyrin.

Soil metabolic disturbance drives replant disease (intraspecific negative plant–soil feedback): Insights from an experiment examining soil impacts up to 20 years after a ginseng crop

Replant diseases (RDs), intraspecificnegativeplant–soilfeedback, often stem from nutrient deficiency, allelopathy, or pathogen accumulation. However, the RDs of certain crops are long-lasting and their causes remain unknown. We examined Panax quinquefolius RD in a space-for-time soil sequence representing crop rotation restoration over 1, 10, and 20 years using multiomics and bioassays. Compared with the soils with no ginseng cultivation history, we found 110 significant potential factors related to RD, surprisingly, 53 of which remained unrestored after 20 years. Soil pH and the levels of organic nutrients (amino acids, carbohydrates, and alditols), allelopathic-promoting metabolites (phenolic acids, amines, pyridines, etc.), and beneficial bacteria (Sphingomonas, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, and Terrabacter) and fungi (Acremonium, Penicillium, and Naganishia) decreased, while the levels of allelochemicals (pyruvic and fatty acids) increased. The expression of all metabolic pathways was significantly down-regulated, with the exception of the up-regulated fatty acid-related metabolic pathways. We confirmed that decreased organic nutrient levels and increased levels of allelochemicals impaired P. quinquefolius growth. Soil metabolic factors rather than microbial factors were dominant by network analysis. In conclusion, we found that the overall changes in nutrient levels and metabolic and microbial factors contributed to short-term RD (1–10 year) persistence, whereas long-term RD (after 20 years) primarily resulted from disordered soil metabolite levels and pathways. This research will help deepen our understanding of the relationship between RD and potential changes in the factors influencing RD that are caused by soil legacy effects of valuable plants and provide theoretical guidance for effective soil quality improvement.

Development of a Spot Test (ST) Based on the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Ginseng Species Authentication

It is very challenging to distinguish between Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius (P. quinquefolius) based on their physical appearances. Therefore, a molecular test that can be performed in commercial settings is needed to address this challenge. We have selected a locus containing a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site in the Dammarendiol-II Synthase (DS) gene to differentiate between P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius. An isothermal nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) developed previously was adapted and used on a spot test (ST) format consisting of a sample pad, a nitrocellulose membrane, and an adsorbent pad. An ST with a colorimetric detection method has been developed with visual detection based on 20-nm gold nanoparticles. The presence of the target DNA will generate a red color signal, which is visible to the naked eye. The assay comprises the capture probes, constructed based on the DS gene of ginseng, and the ends of the probe sequences sit on the SNP site for the P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius sequences; the detection probe employed in the assay is tagged with gold. The NAAT amplifies the extracted plant genomic samples and enhances the detection of specific SNPs. This NAAT technique was used to authenticate two ginseng root samples, showing greater specificity ratios than our previous work.

Global climate change promotes aboveground growth and high-latitude species distribution in medicinal plants: Insights from the genus Panax

Global climate change (GCC) significantly affects the quality and distribution of medicinal plants, with varying impacts across genera, posing a threat to human health. However, an understanding of such influences is unknown. Here, we take the genus Panax as a case study, using meta-analysis and MaxEnt to analyze 710 observation pairs and 588 locations, in order to determine the impact of GCC on the quality and distribution of medicinal plants. Meta-analysis indicates that GCC enhances photosynthesis and physiology, promoting aboveground growth but hindering underground development. Saponin levels in aboveground parts decline without affecting those below ground, correlating closely with biomass. Further examination revealed that the genus Panax's response to GCC is significantly moderated by various factors. MaxEnt results showed a modest range expansion, particularly beneficial for Panax ginseng (Pg) and Panax quinquefolius (Pq) at higher latitudes, but detrimental for Panax notoginseng (Pn) at lower latitudes. Notably, root rot severity peaks in China's principal Panax cultivation areas under the SSP245 scenario. Ultimately, our results propose strategies for agronomic management: "Environment matching species" by adjusting water and nitrogen inputs, and "Species matching environment" by promoting carbon reduction and optimized production for migration to higher latitudes. By integrating meta-analysis with MaxEnt modeling, we provide a novel methodological framework for future research on medicinal plant adaptation to GCC.

Use of a novel combination of multiplex PCR and DNA barcoding in assessing authenticity of ginseng products

Ginseng (Panax sp.) is a medicinal plant used for its purported health benefits, primarily in East Asian countries. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in sales of dietary supplements, including ginseng supplements, to purportedly support immune health and provide other health benefits. However, this heightened demand has subsequently increased the risk of adulteration in these dietary supplements. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a novel combination of DNA barcoding and multiplex PCR to identify species in ginseng supplements. A total of 50 commercial ginseng supplements containing Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, or Panax notoginseng were obtained from an online vendor. Two composite samples per product were subjected to DNA extraction followed by multiplex PCR and DNA barcoding with three genetic targets (i.e., rbcL, matK, and ITS2). Of the three DNA barcoding markers, ITS2 had the highest amplification success at 74%, and matK had the highest sequencing success at 60%. DNA barcoding alone identified species in 68% of products, while multiplex PCR had an overall 60% identification rate. The combination of both methods resulted in a 72% species identification rate. In addition to improving the overall identification rate, the combination of both methods allowed for greater species resolution and the detection of undeclared plant species. Future research should explore combining DNA-based methods with chemical-based approaches to improve ginseng detection capabilities and enable the quantification of undeclared adulterants.

Cell-Free Extracts of the Ginseng Soil Bacterium Pseudomonas plecoglossicida Promote Suppression of Resistance of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) to Root Rot Caused by Ilyonectria mors-panacis.

A prior report showed that soil previously planted with American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) contained compound(s) which could reduce ginseng resistance to root infection by Ilyonectria mors-panacis, and this was not found in extracts from ginseng roots or soils not previously planted with ginseng. However, the origin of this ginseng-related factor in ginseng soils is unknown. An isolate of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida obtained from soil where P. quinquefolius had been harvested grew more in culture media when ginseng root extract was included, indicating the use of compounds in the extract as nutrients. Treatment with cell-free extracts from media containing ginseng root extracts where P. plecoglossicida had been cultured resulted in root lesions caused by I. mors-panacis being significantly larger than roots treated with fresh media containing root extract or with cell-free media inoculated with the same bacterial isolate without root extract. Levels of ginsenosides in the media decreased over time with incubation. Genome sequencing revealed that the bacterium had genes homologous to those reported for ginsenoside metabolism, which can release sugars for microbial growth. Thus, a ginseng soil bacterium, P. plecoglossicida, can create compound(s) suppressive to root rot resistance, similar to that found in soils previously planted with ginseng, indicating that the activity suppressing root rot resistance in soil previously planted with ginseng may be of microbial origin, utilizing compounds from ginseng roots.

The geography of wild American ginseng in North Carolina, USA: a comparative study of four capability analysis methods

Wild American ginseng is the root component of a family of plants called Panax, and it grows mainly in the understory of the eastern deciduous forests in North America. The growing market for wild American ginseng in Asia along with the scarcity of this plant in the wild due to rising illegal harvest have been simultaneously pushing up the price of American ginseng in the market, increasing incentives further for illegal harvest of this soon-to-be-extinct species. This paper studies the geography of wild American ginseng to identify the spatial distribution of the suitable habitat of this plant in the wild and provides advice on what conditions are required and what regions are suitable for cultivating it in farms, introducing an alternative to the wild American ginseng to decrease the harvesting pressure on its wild counterpart. By employing four popular geospatial methods, including the Binary Screening method, the Ordinal Ranking method (both Graduated Screening and Addition-of-Factors methods), and the Weighted Linear Combination method, this paper carries out a capability analysis and mapping for wild American ginseng in North Carolina (NC). After building the models, they are validated by using the data of the known locations of wild American ginseng plants in NC. Developing these models helps in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of where the plant naturally grows and sheds light on how government agencies can more effectively and more efficiently plan for law enforcement activities to better protect this plant from illegal harvest. The general pattern of our results suggests that western NC counties such as Jackson, Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Cherokee, and Ash are some of the most suitable geographical areas for wild American ginseng to grow. The results of our model validation analysis, along with the comparison of our models' predictions to the observed occurrences of wild American ginseng in nature, indicate that the Binary Screening method’s predictions align with almost 96% of the reported observations in nature. This suggests that the influential natural factors necessary for wild American ginseng are more of complementary factors to each other than being substitutes, meaning that they all must exist in the environment for it to grow, and it could not be that the lack of one natural factor can be compensated by the abundance of another natural factor.

Mechanism of American Ginseng Against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Network Pharmacology & Molecular Docking

Background: Ginseng is one of the top-selling natural products worldwide and has been shown to have significant effects. Nonetheless, there is limited research on American ginseng when compared to Asian ginseng. A small number of studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of American ginseng, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating activities. Objective: The objective of our research is to predict the molecular mechanism by which American ginseng combats Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking techniques. By doing so, we aim to reveal one of the comprehensive mechanisms through which American ginseng exerts its therapeutic effects. Methods: We conducted a search for related compounds in American ginseng using the TCMSP database, which we then utilized to classify potential targets for the major ingredients. We obtained targets associated with T2DM from various databases, including PharmGKB, OMIM, TTD, GeneCards, and DrugBank. Using STRING and Cytoscape software, we constructed PPI networks. We subsequently performed GO and KEGG analysis on the targets using the R programming language. Ligand and target structures were acquired from PubChem and PDB databases, respectively. Chem3D and AutoDock software was used to process the structures, while PyMoL was employed for molecular docking analysis. Results: Several investigations have indicated that PTGS2, NFKBIA, PRKCA, IL1B, NCOA2, and LPL targets are significantly associated with American ginseng's effectiveness in treating T2DM. Molecular docking analysis further validated these findings. We discovered three active components with highaffinity, namely papaverine, ginsenoside-rh2, and beta-sitosterol. Conclusion: The outcomes of our predictions could contribute to the development of American ginseng or its active constituents as an alternative therapy for T2DM.

Analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Panax quinquefolius reveals shifts from cis-splicing to trans-splicing of intron cox2i373

Panax quinquefolius is a perennial plant with medicinal values. In this study, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of P. quinquefolius using PMAT assembler. The total length of P. quinquefolius mitogenome is 573,154 bp. We annotated a total of 34 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 35 tRNA genes, and 6 rRNA genes in this mitogenome. The analysis of repetitive elements shows that there are 153 SSRs, 24 tandem repeats and 242 pairs of dispersed repeats this mitogenome. Also, we found 24 homologous sequences with a total length of 64,070 bp among its mitogenome and plastome, accounting for 41.05 % of the plastome, and 11.18 % of the mitogenome, showing a remarkable frequent sequence dialogue between plastome and mitogenomes. Besides, a total of 583 C to U RNA editing sites on 34 PCGs of high confidence were predicted by using Deepred-mt. We also inferred the phylogenetic relationships of P. quinquefolius and other angiosperms based on mitochondrial PCGs. Finally, we observed a shift from cis- to trans-splicing in P. quinquefolius for two mitochondrial introns, namely cox2i373 and nad1i728, and a pair of 48 bp short repetitive sequences may be associated with the breaking and rearrangement of the cox2i373 intron. The fragmentation of the cox2i373 intron was further confirmed by our PCR amplification experiments. In summary, our report on the P. quinquefolius mitogenome provides a new perspective on the intron evolution of the mitogenome.

Pseudoginsenoside-F11 reduces cognitive impairment and white matter injury in vascular dementia by alleviating autophagy-lysosomal pathway deficiency

BackgroundVascular dementia (VaD) resulting from chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) induces cognitive impairment and white matter injury (WMI). We previously found that CCH induces dysfunction of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) in white matter (WM) of rats. Enhancing oligodendrocyte autophagy to counteract ALP deficiency is beneficial for cognitive recovery. Pseudogenoside-F11 (PF11), a saponin extracted from Panax quinquefolium l., provides neuroprotective benefits in many animal models of cerebral ischemia and dementia. PurposeTo investigate how PF11 affects cognitive deterioration in rats with VaD induced by two vessel occlusion (2VO), and to determine if PF11 regulates ALP dysfunction in WM. MethodsCCH-related VaD was induced in rats using the 2VO method. PF11 (6, 12, 24 mg/kg, intragastric administration) was given continuously for 4 weeks postoperatively. Behavioral tests related to cognitive function were performed on the 28th day following 2VO. Transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, western blotting and Luxol fast blue staining were used to assess the WMI and the mechanism of action of PF11 in 2VO-induced VaD. ResultsPF11 (12 mg/kg) ameliorated 2VO-induced cognitive impairment. PF11 also alleviated WMI on the 28th day following 2VO, as characterized by reduction of neuronal axonal demyelination and axonal loss. Furthermore, PF11 prevented mature oligodendrocytes death by attenuating ALP deficiency in WM on the 14th day following 2VO, as manifested by enhancement of mechanistic target of rapamycin-mediated autophagy and lysosomal function, thereby reducing the aberrant accumulation of autophagy substrates and increasing the level of autophagosomes in WM. In addition, PF11 also prevented microglia and astrocytes from activating in WM on the 28th day following 2VO. ConclusionPF11 significantly ameliorates cognitive impairment and WMI, and the mechanism is at least partly related to lessening ALP dysfunction in WM by enhancing autophagy and reducing lysosomal defects in oligodendrocytes.

Nano-Characterization, Composition Analysis, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of American-Ginseng-Derived Vesicle-like Nanoparticles.

Medicinal plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles can carry chemical components and exert intercellular activity due to the encapsulation of nanostructures. American ginseng is well known as a traditional herb and is commonly used in clinical decoctions. However, the nano-characteristics and chemical composition of American-ginseng-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (AGVNs) in decoctions are unclear. In this study, the gradient centrifugation method was used to extract and isolate AGVNs. A metabolomic method based on high-resolution mass spectrometry was established to analyze small molecules loaded in AGVNs. Zebrafish and RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of AGVNs. The results showed that the particle size of AGVNs was generally 243.6 nm, and the zeta potential was -14.5 mV. AGVNs were found to contain 26 ginsenosides (14 protopanaxadiols, 11 protopanaxatriols, and 1 oleanolic acid). Ginsenoside Rb1 and malonyl-ginsenoside Rb1 tended to be enriched in AGVNs. Moreover, AGVNs were found to exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage migration in zebrafish and regulating inflammatory factor (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) secretion in RAW 264.7 cells. The characterization and analysis of AGVNs provide references and data that support the development of nanoscale anti-inflammatory substances from medicinal plants.

Natural product-based treatment potential for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization and a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The pathogenesis of both diseases shares common risk factors and mechanisms, and both are significant contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Supplements of natural products for T2D mellitus (T2DM) and CVD can be seen as a potential preventive and effective therapeutic strategy. To critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of natural products in T2D and coronary artery disease (CAD). By using specific keywords, we strategically searched the PubMed database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched as the primary focus that examined the effect of natural products on glycemic control, oxidative stress, and antioxidant levels. We focused on outcomes such as low blood glucose levels, adjustment on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidants. After screening full-length papers, we included 9 RCTs in our review that met our inclusion criteria. In the literature search on the database, we found that various natural products like plant secondary metabolites play a diverse role in the management of CAD. American ginseng, sesame oil and cocoa flavanols proved effective in lowering blood glucose levels and controlling blood pressure, which are key factors in managing T2DM and CVD. In diabetic patients Melissa officinalis effectively reduce inflammation and shows diabetes prevention. Both fish oil and flaxseed oil reduced insulin levels and inflammatory markers, suggesting benefits for both conditions. The lipid profile and endothelial function were enhanced by Nigella sativa oil and Terminalia chebula, which is significant for the management of cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM. Additionally Bilberry extract also showed promise for improving glycemic control in patients with T2DM. The high level of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties found in natural products makes them promising therapeutic options for the management of CAD, with the potential benefit of lowering the risk of CAD.

Optimization of saponin extraction from the leaves of Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium and evaluation of their antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities

Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium are important economic plants that utilize dried roots for medicinal and food dual purposes; there is still insufficient research of their stems and leaves, which also contain triterpenoid saponins. The extraction process was developed with a total saponin content of 12.30 ± 0.34% and 12.19 ± 0.64% for P. notoginseng leaves (PNL) and P. quinquefolium leaves (PQL) extracts, respectively. PNL and PQL saponin extracts showed good antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and RAW264.7 cells. A total of 699 metabolites were identified in PNL and PQL saponin extracts, with the majority being triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids and amino acids. Fourteen ginsenosides, 18 flavonoids or alkaloids, and 16 amino acids were enriched in both saponin extracts. Overall, the utilization of saponins from medicinal plants PNL and PQL has been developed to facilitate systematic research in the functional food and natural product industries.

The Soil Microbiomes of American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Cultivated in North America Differ by Location but Not Always by Disease Status

One of the greatest challenges faced by ginseng producers is control of fungal pathogens that adversely affect harvest yields and are a contributing factor to replant failure syndrome. The goal of this project was to survey the soil microbiome of healthy versus diseased American ginseng grown in North America. Soils associated with healthy and diseased plants were collected from commercial farms in Garett County, Maryland, and Marathon County, Wisconsin. Environmental DNA metabarcoding was used to compare the bacterial and fungal microbiomes of healthy versus diseased plants from both locations. The most common bacteria occurred within the phylum Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota and the most common fungi occurred within Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Glomeromycota. Overall, alpha- and beta-diversities were statistically significant between the two locations. Community analyses (beta-diversity) of the Maryland site revealed a significant difference in the bacterial composition of soils associated with healthy versus diseased plants but not in the fungi. Conversely, there was a significantly different assemblage of fungi in healthy versus diseased associated soils from the Wisconsin site, but not for bacteria. Our results, when compared to previous metabarcoding studies, suggest that there is little congruence between the soil microbiomes associated with cultivated ginseng and that we are still in the early stages of ginseng soil rhizosphere exploration. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Identification and mechanistic exploration of key anti-inflammatory molecules in American ginseng: Impacts on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 STAT3 phosphorylation and macrophage polarization.

American ginseng (AG) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects in many diseases, but the key molecules and mechanisms are unclear. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of AG and identify the key molecules by in vivo and in vitro models. Zebrafish was employed to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of AG and the compounds. Metabolomics was utilized to identify potential anti-inflammatory molecules in AG, while molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to forecast the interaction capabilities of these compounds with inflammatory targets. Additionally, macrophage cell was employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of the key molecules in AG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Seven potential anti-inflammatory molecules were discovered in AG, with ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rs3 (G-Rs3), and oleanolic acid exhibiting the strongest affinity for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. These compounds demonstrated inhibitory effects on macrophage migration in zebrafish models and the ability to regulate ROS levels in both zebrafish and macrophages. The cell experiments found that ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rs3, and oleanolic acid could promote macrophage M2/M1 polarization ratio and inhibit phosphorylation overexpression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. This study revealed the key anti-inflammatory molecules and mechanisms of AG, and provided new evidence of anti-inflammatory for the scientific use of AG.

Traditional and complementary medicines in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a narrative review

Many individuals with diabetes often explore traditional and complementary medicines (TCM) as an alternative, believing in their perceived minimal side effects and enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional treatments for diabetes mellitus. This review aims to conduct a narrative review of TCM approaches for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, focusing on diabetic parameters such as glycemic, lipid profiles, weight, and blood pressure. We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect using terms such as "traditional and complementary medicine," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus," "management," and "herbal" over a period of 5 years (2017–2021). The screened articles were based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were then validated and extracted. We included a total of 47 articles that met the criteria in this review and categorized them according to diabetic parameters (adapted from CPG Management of T2DM, 2020). The majority of herbal supplements (e.g., ginger, American ginseng, herbal mixtures), health supplements (e.g., Gingko biloba, zinc, vitamin D), dietary supplements (e.g., wheat germ and camel milk), and practices (e.g., acupuncture and homeopathy) exhibited positive effects, improving diabetic parameters towards their intended targets. This review can serve as a valuable reference for healthcare professionals involved in the management of this condition.

Identification of Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from American Ginseng Processed Products by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS and Molecular Docking

Identification of Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from American Ginseng Processed Products by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap/MS and Molecular Docking

American Ginseng Slice Drying and Optimization: Effect of Different Drying Methods on Drying Kinetics and Physicochemical Properties

This study compared four drying methods, namely hot-air and vacuum combined drying (HAVCD), hot-air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and vacuum freeze-drying (VFD), with the aim to select a high-quality and efficient drying method to dry American ginseng slices. Drying kinetics and various physicochemical properties, such as color, rehydration ratio, total ginsenoside content, total ginsenoside residual rate, hardness, and microstructure were explored. An improved multi-indicator test formula method was used to score the experimental results quantitatively. HAVCD resulted in comprehensive advantages, with the highest product score for the dried American ginseng slices. Therefore, HAVCD was subjected to a response surface methodology (RSM) analysis and process optimization. The interaction of hot-air temperature and vacuum temperature on the comprehensive score of American ginseng drying was highly significant (p < 0.01). The optimized and validated process parameters obtained were a hot-air temperature of 57 °C, a vacuum temperature of 54 °C, and a moisture content at the conversion point of 39% (wet basis). Under these conditions, the best drying time was 170 min; the total ginsenoside content was 2.3 mg/100 g; the L* value was 91.68; the rehydration ratio was 3.10; and the comprehensive score was 96.77. The findings of this work indicated HAVCD as a promising drying method for American ginseng slices, considering the drying time and dried-product quality attributes.