Berry Extracts Research Articles

Abstract 4243: Dietary flavonoids prevent colon tumor formation in ApcMin/+ mice in a microbiome- and sex-dependent manner

Abstract Background: A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is effective for the prevention of various inflammation-induced cancer types. Mechanistically, this effect has been attributed to the potent antioxidant properties of flavonoid molecules. However, contrary to observations in mice, the success of flavonoids in human dietary cancer prevention trials is often dampened due to large interpersonal variation. Antioxidant activity alone does not explain this variability, suggesting there is an additional important variable that has not been accounted for. Since flavonoids have a poor bioavailability and predominantly passage into the large intestine, we hypothesize that gut microbial metabolism is essential for flavonoid bioactivity in colon cancer prevention. Goals and Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of microbiota composition on the efficacy of dietary flavonoids in preventing intestinal tumorigenesis. Methods: We used the adenomatous polyposis coli - multiple intestinal neoplasia (ApcMin/+) mouse model, which is genetically predisposed to develop adenomas along its gastrointestinal tract. Development of these adenomas and eventual adenocarcinoma formation is further influenced by factors such as inflammation, dietary input and the gut microbiota. Animals were fed a control high fat diet (HFD) or prevention diets consisting of 1% berry extract, 1% purified flavonoid or 1% microbial catabolite, all on the HFD background. The contribution of the microbiota was modelled by including experimental groups that received an antibiotic cocktail in their drinking water throughout the course of the experiment. For these animals, microbiota community composition was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, plasma was collected for histological profiling and metabolomics analysis and end-point measurements of intestinal tumor numbers and size were performed. Results: Supplementation with berry extract significantly reduced colon tumor numbers and incidence in male, but not in female mice. This effect was negated in mice on antibiotic drinking water, implicating the involvement of the gut microbiota. Community analysis revealed a relative increase in Erysipelotrichaceae, Clostridia and Akkermansia in the berry supplemented versus HFD control mice. In addition, their systemic monocyte counts were reduced. Dietary supplementation with a major gut microbial flavonoid catabolite, did not reduce colon tumor formation, suggesting the functional involvement of different microbial metabolites. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the involvement of the mouse gut microbiota in dietary prevention of colon tumor formation. These effects impact circulating monocytes and are linked to changes in the plasma metabolome. We are currently elucidating the microbial actors and associated molecular pathways involved. Citation Format: Beckey DeLucia, Jan Claesen. Dietary flavonoids prevent colon tumor formation in ApcMin/+ mice in a microbiome- and sex-dependent manner. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4243.

Abstract 3822: Novel evidence for the role of the p53 signaling pathway in mediating the anticancer effects of aronia berry extract in colorectal cancer cells

Abstract Background: The development of safe and effective novel agents remains a critical challenge for improving the prognosis of patients with unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC). Natural products containing polyphenols can be a good source of anti-cancer agents for their potential effect on multiple signaling pathways with anti-cancer effect. Due to its rich polyphenols content, Aronia berry extract (ABE) is gaining increased attention as an anti-cancer agent with its protective effect against cancer cells, including CRC, exerting potent antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. Thus, we hypothesized that ABE could be a novel complementary therapeutic option in patients with CRC by virtue of its ability to modulate multiple key cancer-related pathways. Methods: First, an MTT assay was performed to prove the antiproliferative effect of ABE in two CRC cells, SW480 and HCT116, and IC25 and IC50 of ABE in both CRC cells were identified. Next, the anti-cancer effects of ABE were examined by wound healing, colony formation, and invasion assays. Apoptosis studies were performed using the Muse Annexin V & Dead Cell Assay Kit on the muse cell analyzer. RNA-sequencing was performed to clarify the critical regulatory genes and pathways modulated by ABE by comparing genome-wide profiling between CRC cells with and without ABE treatment. Results: Results of the MTT assay revealed that ABE decreased the viability of both CRC cells, and the IC25 and IC50 of ABE were 80.0 µg/mL and 130.0 µg/mL for SW480 and 80.0 µg/mL and 140.0 µg/mL for HCT116. ABE inhibited proliferation, migration, cellular survival, and invasion of CRC cells and induced apoptosis in those cells (SW480 control vs. IC25: p<0.05, control vs. IC50: p<0.01, HCT116 control vs. IC25: p<0.01, control vs. IC50: p<0.01). After ABE treatment, the genome-wide transcriptomic analysis identified 439 differentially expressed genes (p<0.05 and |log2FC|>0.5) in both CRC cells. These differentially expressed genes were used for pathway analysis and some critical cancer-related pathways, including the p53 signaling pathway (p=0.005, fold enrichment 3.8), NF-kappa B signaling pathway (p=0.030, fold enrichment 2.7), Hippo signaling pathway (p=0.037, fold enrichment 2.2), and MAPK signaling pathway (p=0.011, fold enrichment 2.0), were detected as significantly activated or suppressed pathways. Conclusions: We have investigated the anti-cancerous effect of ABE in CRC cells and identified multiple critical cancer-related pathways modulated by ABE, with the p53 signaling pathway as the key mediator for growth suppressive anti-cancer efficacy of this naturally occurring phytochemical. Our findings provide evidence for the use of ABE as a safe and effective complementary and integrative medicine approach against CRC. Citation Format: Yoh Asahi, Keisuke Okuno, Caiming Xu, Aknobu Taketomi, Ajay Goel. Novel evidence for the role of the p53 signaling pathway in mediating the anticancer effects of aronia berry extract in colorectal cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3822.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of the digital environment on the ocular surface

Eye strain when performing tasks reliant on a digital environment can cause discomfort, affecting productivity and quality of life. Digital eye strain (the preferred terminology) was defined as “the development or exacerbation of recurrent ocular symptoms and/or signs related specifically to digital device screen viewing”. Digital eye strain prevalence of up to 97% has been reported, due to no previously agreed definition/diagnostic criteria and limitations of current questionnaires which fail to differentiate such symptoms from those arising from non-digital tasks. Objective signs such as blink rate or critical flicker frequency changes are not ‘diagnostic’ of digital eye strain nor validated as sensitive. The mechanisms attributed to ocular surface disease exacerbation are mainly reduced blink rate and completeness, partial/uncorrected refractive error and/or underlying binocular vision anomalies, together with the cognitive demand of the task and differences in position, size, brightness and glare compared to an equivalent non-digital task. In general, interventions are not well established; patients experiencing digital eye strain should be provided with a full refractive correction for the appropriate working distances. Improving blinking, optimizing the work environment and encouraging regular breaks may help. Based on current, best evidence, blue-light blocking interventions do not appear to be an effective management strategy. More and larger clinical trials are needed to assess artificial tear effectiveness for relieving digital eye strain, particularly comparing different constituents; a systematic review within the report identified use of secretagogues and warm compress/humidity goggles/ambient humidifiers as promising strategies, along with nutritional supplementation (such as omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and berry extracts).

Aging Injury Impairs Structural Properties and Cell Signaling in Human Red Blood Cells; Açaì Berry Is a Keystone.

Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is the ability of cells to modulate their shape to ensure transit through narrow capillaries of the microcirculation. A loss of deformability can occur in several pathological conditions, during natural RBC aging through an increase in membrane protein phosphorylation, and/or through the structural rearrangements of cytoskeletal proteins due to oxidative conditions, with a key role played by band 3. Due to the close relationship between aging and oxidative stress, flavonoid-rich foods are good candidates to counteract age-related alterations. This study aims to verify the beneficial role of Açaì extract in a d-Galactose (d-Gal)-induced model of aging in human RBCs. To this end, band 3 phosphorylation and structural rearrangements in membrane cytoskeleton-associated proteins, namely spectrin, ankyrin, and/or protein 4.1, are analyzed in RBCs treated with 100 mM d-Gal for 24 h, with or without pre-incubation with 10 μg/mL Açaì extract for 1 h. Furthermore, RBC deformability is also measured. Tyrosine phosphorylation of band 3, membrane cytoskeleton-associated proteins, and RBC deformability (elongation index) are analyzed using western blotting analysis, FACScan flow cytometry, and ektacytometry, respectively. The present data show that: (i) Açaì berry extract restores the increase in band 3 tyrosine phosphorylation and Syk kinase levels after exposure to 100 mM d-Gal treatment; and (ii) Açaì berry extract partially restores alterations in the distribution of spectrin, ankyrin, and protein 4.1. Interestingly, the significant decrease in membrane RBC deformability associated with d-Gal treatment is alleviated by pre-treatment with Açaì extract. These findings further contribute to clarify mechanisms of natural aging in human RBCs, and propose flavonoid substances as potential natural antioxidants for the treatment and/or prevention of oxidative-stress-related disease risk.

Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes of New Strawberry Tree Fruit/Apple Smoothies.

In this study, original smoothies obtained with strawberry tree fruit puree and apple juice enriched with Diospyros kaki fruits, Myrtus communis purple berry extract, Acca sellowiana, and Crocus sativus petal juice were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and inhibition of targeted digestive enzymes. Values of CUPRAC, FRAP, ORAC, DPPH•, and ABTS•+ assays generally increased with plant enrichment, particularly for A. sellowiana addition (ABTS•+ 2.51 ± 0.01 mmol Trolox/100 g fw). The same trend was observed regarding the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) tested in Caco-2 cell cultures. Inhibitory activity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase was increased by D. kaki, M. communis, and A. sellowiana. Total polyphenols evaluated by UPLC-PDA analysis ranged between 535.75 ± 3.11 and 635.96 ± 5.21 mg/100 g fw, and A. sellowiana provided the higher amount. Flavan-3-ols accounted for more than 70% of phenolic compounds, and only smoothies enriched with C. sativus showed a high amount of anthocyanins (25.12 ± 0.18 mg/100 g fw). The outcome of this study indicates these original smoothies as a possible ally in counteracting oxidative stress, as established by their favourable antioxidant compound profile, thus suggesting an interesting future application as nutraceuticals.

The Usage OF Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) Extract for Vison Related Problems and Empowerement OF Kidney’s Qi (Energy)

The study revealed that Goji Berry can help improving vision. However, more studies are needed to ensure an increase of the yield of the herb extract and to acquire a better understanding of its safety, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, pathways of disposition, and therapeutic targets.

Encapsulation and antibacterial studies of goji berry and garlic extract in the biodegradable chitosan

As known, the chitosan is a biodegradable biopolymer with antibacterial properties, therefore it is used in the fields of pharmacy, medical, wastewater treatment, biotechnology, cosmetics, textiles, and agriculture. Apart from these, the chitosan has an important place in the food industry with its widespread use. In this research article, the chitosan were encapsulated with the taurine and garlic extracts by the spray dryer. The CSA and CSB compounds synthesized as final products were analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The effect of the encapsulation process on the molecular weight of the polymer structure was investigated using the cryoscopy method. The compound CSA represents 1/2 encapsulation of chitosan with taurine and increased garlic extracts, respectively, while CSB represents 1/1 encapsulation of chitosan with increased taurine and fixed garlic extracts. The % antioxidant activity of the final products was determined by DDPH method. The inhibition zone and surface activity proporties of the CSA and CSB were carried out against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella bacteria. The results obtained as a result of the analyzes were evaluated, and optimum values were determined for use in food packaging.

Change of metformin concentrations in the liver as a pharmacological target site of metformin after long-term combined treatment with ginseng berry extract.

Metformin as an oral glucose-lowering drug is used to treat type 2 diabetic mellitus. Considering the relatively high incidence of cardiovascular complications and other metabolic diseases in diabetic mellitus patients, a combination of metformin plus herbal supplements is a preferrable way to improve the therapeutic outcomes of metformin. Ginseng berry, the fruit of Panax ginseng Meyer, has investigated as a candidate in metformin combination mainly due to its anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, anti-hepatic steatosis and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic interaction of metformin via OCTs and MATEs leads to changes in the efficacy and/or toxicity of metformin. Thus, we assessed how ginseng berry extract (GB) affects metformin pharmacokinetics in mice, specially focusing on the effect of the treatment period (i.e., 1-day and 28-day) of GB on metformin pharmacokinetics. In 1-day and 28-day co-treatment of metformin and GB, GB did not affect renal excretion as a main elimination route of metformin and GB therefore did not change the systemic exposure of metformin. Interestingly, 28-day co-treatment of GB increased metformin concentration in the livers (i.e., 37.3, 59.3% and 60.9% increases versus 1-day metformin, 1-day metformin plus GB and 28-day metformin groups, respectively). This was probably due to the increased metformin uptake via OCT1 and decreased metformin biliary excretion via MATE1 in the livers. These results suggest that co-treatment of GB for 28days (i.e., long-term combined treatment of GB) enhanced metformin concentration in the liver as a pharmacological target tissue of metformin. However, GB showed a negligible impact on the systemic exposure of metformin in relation to its toxicity (i.e., renal and plasma concentrations of metformin).

Eco-friendly antimicrobial finishing of cotton fabrics using bioactive agents from novel Melia azedarachayan berries extract and their performance after subsequent washings

Eco-friendly antimicrobial finishing of cotton fabrics using bioactive agents from novel Melia azedarachayan berries extract and their performance after subsequent washings

In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant and Protective Potential of Kombucha-Fermented Black Berry Extracts against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Skin Cells and Yeast Model

The fruits of R. nigrum L., A. melanocarpa Michx., and V. myrtillus L. are well-known natural plant materials with proven antioxidant activity. This work attempts to compare the antioxidant properties of extracts of these plants and ferments obtained during their fermentation using a consortium of microorganisms referred to as kombucha. As part of the work, a phytochemical analysis of extracts and ferments was carried out using the UPLC-MS method and the content of the main components was determined. The antioxidant properties of the tested samples and their cytotoxicity were assessed with the use of DPPH and ABTS radicals. The protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was also assessed. The possibility of inhibiting the increase in the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species was carried out on both human skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (wild-type strains and sod1Δ deletion mutants). The conducted analyses showed that the ferments obtained are characterized by a greater variety of biologically active compounds; in most cases they do not cause a cytotoxic effect, show strong antioxidant properties, and can reduce oxidative stress in both human and yeast cells. This effect depends on the concentration used and the fermentation time. The results obtained indicate that the tested ferments can be considered as an extremely valuable raw material protecting cells against the negative effects of oxidative stress.

An integrated strategy for thegeographical origin traceability of Goji berries by antioxidants characteristic fingerprint based online ultra-performance liquid chromatography-2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl- photodiode array detector-mass spectrometry combined with multivariate statistics analysis.

Goji berries are now becoming increasingly popular in the human diet due to their potential health benefits. Unscrupulous traders deliberately mislabel with certain origins to gain illegal profits, which seriously affected the consumers' benefits. In this study, an online ultra-performance liquid chromatography-2,2-diphenyl-1 -picrylhydrazyl-photodiode array detector-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight mass was developed for rapid screening and identification of the antioxidants from Goji berry; then, the antioxidants characteristic fingerprint was established and explored in the origins discrimination of Goji berries from China combined with multivariate statistics analysis. As a result, twenty-eight compounds were screened from Goji berry extract, 19 of which were identified by accurate molecular and ultraviolet information according to references. Principal components analysis and partial least squares discrimination analysis achieved the accurate classification from the four regions, eight compounds were selected as origin-related antioxidant markers with variable importance in projection >1 and one-way analysis of variance (P<0.05), including rutin, rutin di-hexose, P-coumaric acid tri-hexose, dicaffeoylquinic acid isomer, Quercetin-rhamno-di-hexoside, peak14, peak16, and peak27. This study provides a feasible strategy for the geographical origins discrimination of Goji berries based on antioxidant ingredients difference and will be helpful for improving the quality control level of Goji berries.

Fabrication of molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for determination of 2-O-(β-d-glucopyranosyl) ascorbic acid

2-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl (AA2βG) is a natural component unique to Lycium barbarum (goji berry). The detection of its content can identify the quality of Goji berry extract and provide a new quality standard for Goji berry extract. Currently, there is only one report of electrochemical detection of AA2βG. Further improvement of electrochemical detection of AA2βG is necessary. Molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) is predetermined, identifiable and practical. The MIP-based electrochemical sensor has the advantages of high selectivity, fast response and easy operation. In this study, AuNPs and graphene composite was synthesized and modified the glassy carbon electrode, and 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) was self-assembled onto the AuNPs/GCE electrode surface by Au-S bonding, and then graphene was modified onto the electrode surface. 4-ATP and AA2βG were selected as the functional monomer and template molecule, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the sensor can achieve linear detection in the range of 100 nM to 10 μM and 10 μM to 100 μM, respectively. The detection limit can reach 27 nM.

Proporties and Synthesis of Biosilver Nanofilms for Antimicrobial Food Packaging.

In this original research, biodegradable corn starch (CS) and wheat gluten (wg)-based silver nanofilms were synthesized and analyzed by using goji berry extract taurine (ta), garlic extract (GC), whey powder (wh), and montmorillonite clay nanoparticles. Antibacterial-corn-starch-based nano films were analyzed by using the methods of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic and mechanical (DMA) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the antibacterial resistances of the corn starch nano films against the bacteria Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Listeria monocytogenes were examined and the migration assays were carried out. The migration analysis results of CS1, CS2, and CS3 nanocomposite films were found as 0.305, 0.297, and 0.297 mg/dm2, respectively. The inhibition zone of CS1, CS2, and CS3 nanocomposite films were found as 1547, 386, and 1884 mm2 against Salmonella bacteria. The results show that silver nanofilms are suitable as packaging films for the production of packaging in milk and dairy products, liquid foods, and acidic foods.

Protective effects of Lycium barbarum L. berry extracts against oxidative stress-induced damage of the retina of aging mouse and ARPE-19 cells.

In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of Lycium barbarum L. berry extract on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the main components responsible for its antioxidant activity. An AMD mouse model was developed by feeding 18-month-old mice with a 1% hydroquinone diet. Meanwhile, the model mice were treated with water extract (LBW) and alcohol extract (LBE) of L. barbarum berries respectively for 3 months. It was found that the retinal structural abnormalities were improved and the oxidation stress and inflammatory imbalance were both attenuated in model mice treated with the extracts of L. barbarum berries. According to the metabolomics analysis of the serum of model mice, LBW regulated the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and sphingolipids, while LBE extracts tended to regulate taurine metabolism. On sodium iodate induced oxidative injury of ARPE-19 cells, water extracts of L. barbarum berries eluted with 95% ethanol (LBW-95E) on AB-8 macroporous resin significantly improved the cell viability and attenuated oxidative stress by increasing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content, decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, promoting the entry of nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus and up-regulating the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. Scopoletin, N-trans-feruloyltyramine and perlolyrine were identified as the main components of LBW-95E. These results demonstrated that L. barbarum berry extracts protected the retina of aging AMD model mice from degeneration and LBW-95E was the vital antioxidant activity fraction of LBW. These findings suggest that L. barbarum berry extracts might be an excellent natural source for the development of retinal protection-related drugs or dietary supplements.

Water extract of goji berries improves neuroinflammation induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet based on the bile acid-mediated gut-brain axis pathway.

The high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) is a common diet in westernized societies, which worsens disturbances in gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of Lycium barbarum fruits (LBE) on gut microbiota and BA metabolism in mice with HFFD-induced neuroinflammation. The results showed that supplementation of LBE for 14 weeks remarkably ameliorated weight gain and insulin resistance and suppressed microglial activation and neural neuroinflammation induced by HFFD. The results of Morris water maze and Y-maze tests demonstrated that LBE attenuated HFFD-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, LBE elevated hepatic BA biosynthesis and excretion of BAs and increased elimination of BAs via the feces. Notably, LBE supplementation resulted in the enrichment of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that LBE could modulate the structure of gut microbiota, and in the meantime decrease the relative abundance of Clostridium_XlVa, which is associated with BA homeostasis. Additionally, LBE exerted neuroprotective effects involving the increment of Lactococcus, known as a potentially beneficial bacterium. These results demonstrated that LBE could ameliorate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in HFFD-induced mice through the gut-liver-brain axis, which might be due to the regulation of BA homeostasis and gut microbiota in mice.

Goji berry effects on hamburger quality during refrigerated display time

Research on natural additives to replace or reduce synthetic ones in meat products is still being highlighted. The effect of goji berry (GB) (extract, powder and incorporated in an edible coating) in hamburgers during 10 days of refrigerated (2 ºC) and illuminated (fluorescent lamp, 1200 lux, 12 h day-1) display were evaluated. Four treatments were studied: control (CONT) - hamburger without GB; GBEX - hamburger with GB extract, GBPW - hamburger with GB powder and GBEC - hamburger with GB edible coating. pH, color, water losses, shear force, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and lipid oxidation (TBARS) were evaluated. The use of GB positively affected the quality of hamburger during display and the coated samples presented better results, with reduced weight and color losses, lower pH, and shear force values. The inclusion of GB in hamburgers increased the antioxidant activity and inhibited lipid oxidation. GB has potential application in hamburgers to maintain or improve their characteristics during the shelf-life.

Anti-aging effects of Mongolian Berry Extract on Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

Anti-aging effects of Mongolian Berry Extract on Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

Brazilian Berry Extract Chemopreventive Action: Hormone Receptors as a Target to Mitigate Aging Prostatic Disorders.

HIGHLIGHTS Brazilian berry mitigate the disorder onset in prostate of senile/high-fat mice. Brazilian berry reduced AR/ERα/IGFR-1 labeling in prostate of senile/high-fat mice. Brazilian berry preventive effect increases according to the prostatic damages rise.

Retracted: Efficacy of Various Types of Berries Extract for the Synthesis of ZnO Nanocomposites and Exploring Their Antimicrobial Potential for Use in Herbal Medicines.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/9914173.].

Korean Ginseng Berry Extract Enhances the Male Steroidogenesis Enzymes In Vitro and In Vivo.

Testosterone hormonal replacement is the most commonly prescribed solution for men with reproductive issues; however, this treatment has various drawbacks. Hence, the identification of a natural product that promotes steroidogenesis is urgently needed. Ginseng is a popular traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate steroidogenic effects of Korean ginseng berry extract (GBE; Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro model, mouse Leydig cells were treated with varying concentrations of GBE, and the levels of steroidogenesis-related genes and proteins and testosterone were measured using western blotting, qRT-PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Similarly, in an in vivo model using lipopolysaccharide-injected C57BL/6J mice, expression of steroidogenesis-related genes and proteins and testosterone levels were analyzed. Additionally, sleep deprivation was used to simulate common life stressors related to late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and the natural effects of aging. Mice were fed sham or GBE before being subjected to paradoxical sleep deprivation. In vitro, GBE induced steroidogenic effects by increasing the levels of enzymes associated with steroidogenesis, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), CYP11A1, and CYP17A1. In vivo, GBE significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes. Furthermore, the synthetic testosterone levels in mouse Leydig cell supernatants and blood sera were increased. In the sleep deprivation study, mice fed GBE showed increased testosterone production and survival under such stressful conditions. GBE increased mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenesis-related enzymes STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1. These key enzymes induced the increased production of testosterone both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, GBE might be a promising therapeutic or additive nutritional agent for improving men's health by increasing steroidogenesis or improving LOH.