Black Ginseng Extract Research Articles

Gamma-irradiated black ginseng extract inhibits mast cell degranulation and suppresses atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice

Gamma irradiation is able to affect various structural modification and an increase of the biological properties of biomaterials. This study was conducted to investigate the anti-allergenic effect of γ-irradiated black ginseng extract (BGE) using in vitro and in vivo experiments. IgEantigen complex-induced degranulation was measured in RBL-2H3 mast cells. In addition, an anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) test was carried out by spreading γ-irradiated BGE on the dorsal skin of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced BALB/c mice. The content of arginylfructose (AF) of gamma-irradiated BGE was higher than that of BGE. In RBL-2H3 mast cells, γ-irradiated BGE treatments significantly reduced the IgE-antigen complex-induced release of β-hexosaminidase, histamine, intracellular ROS, and Ca2+ influx. A western blot analysis showed that γ-irradiated BGE had an inhibitory activity on the FcεRI-mediated signaling in mast cells. In the DNCB-induced AD model, γ-irradiated BGE significantly alleviated the ADlike skin symptoms and clinical signs. The suppression of AD by γ-irradiated BGE was accompanied by a decrease in the serum level of IgE and IL-4, as well as the number of leukocyte. Gamma-irradiated BGE also suppressed IL-4 and increased IFN-γ in splenocytes. Our data suggests that γ-irradiated BGE may be effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of AD.

Ameliorative effect of black ginseng extract against oxidative stress-induced cellular damages in mouse hepatocytes

BackgroundOxidative stress induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play important causative roles in various pathological conditions. Black ginseng (BG), a type of steam-processed ginseng, has drawn significant attention due to its biological activity, and is more potent than white ginseng (WG) or red ginseng (RG). MethodsWe evaluated the protective effects of BG extract (BGE) against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, in comparison with WG extract (WGE) and RG extract (RGE) in a cell culture model. Ethanolic extracts of WG, RG, and BG were used to evaluate ginsenoside profiles, total polyphenols, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity. Using AML-12 cells treated with H2O2, the protective effects of WGE, RGE, and BGE on cellular redox status, DNA, protein, lipid damage, and apoptosis levels were investigated. ResultsBGE exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant potential, as well as total flavonoid and polyphenol contents. ATP levels were significantly higher in BGE-treated cells than in control; ROS generation and glutathione disulfide levels were lower but glutathione (GSH) and NADPH levels were higher in BGE-treated cells than in other groups. Pretreatment with BGE inhibited apoptosis and therefore protected cells from oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, probably through ROS scavenging. ConclusionCollectively, our results demonstrate that BGE protects AML-12 cells from oxidative stress-induced cellular damages more effectively than WGE or RGE, through ROS scavenging, maintenance of redox status, and activation of the antioxidant defense system.

Effect of red and black ginseng on cholinergic markers, presynaptic markers, and neurotrophins in the brain of aged mice.

This study investigated the effects of chronic administration of red ginseng extract (RGE) and black ginseng extract (BGE) on memory impairment in aged (18-month-old) mice. RGE and BGE (200mg/kg) were orally administered for 16weeks. Aging induced DNA damage; however, RGE and BGE protected DNA from damage and allowed for DNA recovery in blood lymphocytes. Choline acetyltransferase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, growth-associated protein 43, synaptosomal-associated protein 25, nerve growth factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein expression were significantly increased after treatment with RGE and BGE. These data suggest that chronic administration of red ginseng and black ginseng may decrease the cognitive deficits associated with normal aging.

Anti-diabetic effect of black ginseng extract by augmentation of AMPK protein activity and upregulation of GLUT2 and GLUT4 expression in db/db mice

BackgroundBlack ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), three to nine times-steamed and dried ginseng, has biological and pharmacological activities. In this study, the anti-diabetic effects of the black ginseng ethanol extract (GBG05-FF) in typical type 2 diabetic model db/db mice were investigated.MethodsThe effect of GBG05-FF in Type 2 diabetic mice was investigated by their blood analysis, biological mechanism analysis, and histological analysis.ResultsThe mice group treated with GBG05-FF showed decreased fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance compared to that of the nontreated GBG05-FF group. In the blood analysis, GBG05-FF decreased main plasma parameter such as HbA1c, triglyceride, and total-cholesterol levels related to diabetes and improved the expression of genes and protein related to glucose homeostasis and glucose uptake in the liver and muscle. The histological analysis result shows that GBG05-FF decreased lipid accumulation in the liver and damage in the muscle. Moreover, GBG05-FF increased the phosphorylation of the AMPK in the liver and upregulated the expression of GLUT2 in liver and GLUT4 in muscle. Therefore, the mechanisms of GBG05-FF may be related to suppressing gluconeogenesis by activating AMPK in the liver and affecting glucose uptake in surrounding tissues via the upregulation of GLUT2 and GLUT4 expression.ConclusionThese findings provided a new insight into the anti-diabetic clinical applications of GBG05-FF and it might play an important role in the development of promising functional foods and drugs from the viewpoint of the chemical composition and biological activities.

Chronic dietary ginseng extract administration ameliorates antioxidant and cholinergic systems in the brains of aged mice

BackgroundBlack ginseng has a more potent biological activity than non-steamed ginseng. We investigated the effects of long-term intake of dietary black ginseng extract (BG) on antioxidant activity in aged mice. We also compared the effects of BG on cognitive deficits with those of white ginseng extract (WG) and red ginseng extract (RG). MethodsTen-month-old mice were fed an AIN-93G-based diet containing 10 g/kg (low dose, L) or 30 g/kg (high dose, H) WG powder, RG powder, or BG powder for 24 wk. We measured serum lipids, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, the protein expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter, which are presynaptic cholinergic markers in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain, were measured by western blotting. ResultsTriglyceride levels were reduced in all the extract-treated mice, except those in the LBG group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the HBG group were higher than those in the control group. Total cholesterol levels were reduced in the LBG group. Additionally, glucose levels in the HBG group were significantly reduced by 41.2%. There were lower levels of malondialdehyde in the LBG group than in the control group. Furthermore, glutathione reductase activity increased in the HWG group and the HRG group. The protein expression levels of choline acetyltransferase and vesicular acetylcholine transporter significantly increased in all the ginseng-treated groups. ConclusionThe results suggest that supplementation with the tested ginseng extracts may suppress the cognitive decline associated with aging, via regulation of the cholinergic and antioxidant defense systems.

Effects of Red or Black Ginseng Extract in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Temporomandibular Joint Pain

Effects of Red or Black Ginseng Extract in a Rat Model of Inflammatory Temporomandibular Joint Pain

Function of Korean black ginseng: Improvement of andropause symptoms by a complex extract of black ginseng and fenugreek in TM3 Leydig cells and aged rats

BackgroundKorean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), the native ginseng of Korea, has traditionally been widely used for thousands of years in Korea. Various biological functions of Korean ginseng have been reported. However, there have not been many studies on its effect on andropause. As women reach menopause, they show a sudden decrease in female hormone levels; men also undergo similar endocrinologic changes. Andropause is also referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, male hormone deficiency syndrome, and male climacteric syndrome. It is linked to increasing age among men and serum testosterone deficiency and specific clinical and biochemical symptoms that accompany it. To improve such andropause symptoms, male hormone supplementation therapy has been attempted. However, owing to various adverse effects, the development of improved therapeutic agents that are safe, both psychologically and physically, is in demand. The present study examined the andropause symptom-alleviating effects of black ginseng and fenugreek complex extract to develop a natural therapeutic agent with minimal adverse effects. MethodsIn the present study, we measured the anti-oxidant effect of black ginseng and fenugreek complex extracts using Cell viability of TM3 mouse leydig cells. The mechanism of apoptosis was assessed Erk and Akt kinase activity. We also investigated whether these complex extracts could affect on male hormone and muscle endurance. After administrating black ginseng and fenugreek complex extracts for 4 weeks. The aged rats were sacrificed and checked the testosterone hormone and forced swimming test. ResultsThe extract increased cell viability, which had been reduced after oxidative stress, confirming the antioxidant effects of the complex, and this effect involved regulation of Erk kinase activation. Moreover, in a hormone-deficient animal model, after oral administration of the complex extract, the group that received 100 mg/kg showed significantly increased total and bioavailable testosterone levels. Besides the levels of sex hormones, those of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone that promote spermatogenesis were also elevated in a forced swimming test for verification of muscle endurance and motor functions, the group that received 100 mg/kg of the complex extract showed improved motor function and increased muscle endurance. ConclusionThus, it is believed that the complex extract of black ginseng and fenugreek may be used in the future as a preventive and therapeutic agent for alleviating the symptoms of andropause.

Black ginseng extract exerts anti-hyperglycemic effect via modulation of glucose metabolism in liver and muscle

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGinseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, including diabetes. Processed ginseng named Black ginseng exhibits more potent biological activities than white and red ginseng. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of black ginseng extract (GBG05-FF) on hyperglycemia and glucose tolerance in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Materials and methodsBlack ginseng was produced by a repeated steaming and drying process, subsequent extraction with 70% ethanol, filtration, and lyophilization. The effect of GBG05-FF on glucose uptake and related protein expression and phosphorylation were determined in C2C12 cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the anti-diabetic effects of GBG05-FF in STZ-induced diabetic mice. ResultsGBG05-FF significantly (p<0.05) increased glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes via AMPK, Sirt1 and PI3-K pathway. In addition, GBG05-FF improved the fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance in STZ-induced diabetic mice. GBG05-FF decreased blood parameters such as glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride and total cholesterol. Quantitative RT-PCR assay revealed that in the STZ-induced diabetic mice treated with GBG05-FF, the expression of hepatic genes involved in gluconeogenesis (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase)), glycogenolysis (liver glycogen phosphorylase (LGP)) and glycogenesis (glycogen synthase (GS)) was suppressed, while the expression of the genes involved in glucose uptake (glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, GLUT4) and β-oxidation (acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a (CPT1a), mitochondrial medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD)) in muscle were increased. GBG05-FF delayed diabetes-associated muscle atrophy by activating mTOR. The major bioactive compounds including ginsenoside Rg1, Rg3(S), Rg3(R), Rg5, Rk1 and Rh4 were evaluated for glucose uptake effect in C2C12 myotubes; the data indicated that Rh4 significantly (p<0.05) increased glucose uptake. ConclusionCollectively, the results suggested that GBG05-FF is a potentially useful agent for treatment of diabetes by increasing glucose uptake.

백삼, 홍삼, 흑삼 추출물의 생리활성 비교 연구

백삼, 홍삼, 흑삼 추출물의 생리활성 비교 연구

The Anti-Diabetic Effects and Nephroprotective Effect of Black Ginseng Prosapogenin Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Mice

Background: This study examined the hypoglycemic and kidney protective effect of black ginseng in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods and Results: Diabetes was induced by treating mice with streptozotocin (STZ) for four weeks. In vivo studies were performed in order to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of the black ginseng prosapogenin (GBG05-FF) extract. The body weight and blood glucose level were measured. Moreover, after the mice were sacrificed, the kidneys were isolated and histological changes were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were also measured. The results showed that administration of black ginseng increased body weight. Compared to blood glucose levels in STZ mice, blood glucose levels were reduced by 48% in STZ mice supplemented with 300 ㎎/㎏ of black ginseng, and by 69% in STZ mice supplemented with 900 ㎎/㎏. Furthermore, histopathological examination of STZ mouse kidneys revealed, changes in the kidneys, epithelial cell damages, inflammatory cell infiltration and glomerulus hypertrophy. However, a significant reduction of glomerular water droplets (indicative of glomerulus hypertrophy) was observed in the kidneys of STZ mice supplemented with black ginseng extract. Conclusions: These results suggest that black prosapogenin (GBG05-FF) ginseng extract has a significant hypoglycemic effect and can be used as an anti-diabetic substance and renal protective agents as part of dietary supplements or novel drugs.

Black Ginseng Extract Counteracts Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Mice.

Black ginseng, a new type of processed ginseng that has a unique ginsenoside profile, has been shown to display potent pharmacological activities in in vitro and in vivo models. Although red ginseng is considered beneficial for the prevention of diabetes, the relationship between black ginseng and diabetes is unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of black ginseng extract (BGE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin-deficient diabetic mice, in comparison with red ginseng extract (RGE). HPLC analyses showed that BGE has a different ginsenoside composition to RGE; BGE contains Rg5 and compound k as the major ginsenosides. BGE at 200 mg/kg reduced hyperglycemia, increased the insulin/glucose ratio and improved islet architecture and β-cell function in STZ-treated mice. The inhibition of β-cell apoptosis by BGE was associated with suppression of the cytokine—induced nuclear factor–κB—mediated signaling pathway in the pancreas. Moreover, these anti-diabetic effects of BGE were more potent than those of RGE. Collectively, our data indicate that BGE, in part by suppressing cytokine—induced apoptotic signaling, protects β-cells from oxidative injury and counteracts diabetes in mice.

흑삼의 열수 및 에탄올 추출물의 항비만 효과

Black ginseng was made by steaming raw white ginseng nine times at 100°C for 2 h and drying. We then performed pilot experiments using the nine black ginseng extracts for different steaming and drying times to determine their anti-obesity effects. Two ginseng extracts, steaming and drying five times (FSFD) and steaming and drying nine times (NSND), prepared in water or ethanol solution decreased lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 cells. FSFD in water and ethanol extracts showed higher levels of ginsenosides, in particular, Rh1, Rg2, and Rb1 than NSND, and levels of the three ginsenosides were higher in ethanol extracts than in water extracts. Treatment with FSFD and/or NSND in ethanol extracts significantly regulated PPARγ, C/EBPα and AMPK phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 cells. We verified doubling time of stem cells from both abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat after FSFD and NSND in ethanol and water extracts were added. Although addition of FSFD and NSFD in water extracts had no effects on proliferation, ethanol extracts with FSFD and NSND increased doubling time of stem cells in subcutaneous fat. FSFD and NSND in ethanol extracts more effectively reduced adipogenesis compared to those in water extracts. FSFD in ethanol extracts promoted secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-10 and depressed MCP-1 infiltration in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells. We concluded that FSFD and NSND ethanol extracts may be developed as a functional food for its anti-obesity effect, but anti-inflammatory effect was shown in ethanol extracted FSFD rather than in NSND.

Anti-obesity effects of black ginseng extract in high fat diet-fed mice

Black ginseng is produced by a repeated steaming process. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of black ginseng ethanol extract (BG-EE) in high fat (HF) diet-fed mice. Two groups were fed either a normal control (NC) diet or a HF diet (45% kcal fat). The other three groups were given a HF diet supplemented with 1% BG-EE, 3% BG-EE, and 5% BG-EE for 12 wk. The anti-obesity effects of the BG-EE supplement on body weight, the development of fat mass, and lipid mechanisms were assessed in obese mice. HF-induced hyperlipidemia, fat accumulation in the liver, and white adipose tissues were reduced after BG-EE supplementation. Total fecal weight and the amount of fecal fat excretion also were increased after BG-EE supplementation. These results suggest that BG-EE may be useful to ameliorate HF-induced obesity through the strong inhibition of fat digestion.

Comparative study of korean white, red, and black ginseng extract on cholinesterase inhibitory activity and cholinergic function.

This study evaluated cholineresterase inhibitory activity of Korean white ginseng extract (WGE), red ginseng extract (RGE), and black ginseng extract (BGE) and the cholinergic effect on scopolamine (SCOP)-induced amnesic mice. WGE, RGE, and BGE inhibited acetylcholineserase (AChE), as well as butyrylcholineserase (BuChE) in a concentration-dependent manner. BGE presented strong inhibition of AChE with an IC50 value of 1.72 mg/mL, followed by WGE (5.89 mg/mL), RGE (6.30 mg/mL), respectively. The inhibitory activity of the three ginseng extracts on BuChE showed similar values among the groups. To better understand the mechanisms of the possible effect of ginseng extract on the cholinergic function, this study assessed the expression of the cholinergic markers of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and AChE using western blot and RT-PCR analysis in the brains of amnesic mice. Treatment with ginseng extracts led to inhibition of AChE expression and, the activation of ChAT expression in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex of amnesic mice as induced by SCOP. The results suggest that ginseng extracts including BGE, appear to modulate the metabolism of acetylchoine (ACh), which would greatly increase synaptic ACh levels and most potently revert SCOP-induced amnesia.

흑삼농축액 첨가수준에 따른 흑삼 청포묵의 품질특성

본 연구는 우리나라 고유의 겔상 식품인 청포묵의 기능성을 높이고자 흑삼 농축액을 0, 1, 2, 3, 4% 수준으로 첨가하여 ginsenoside Rg3가 강화된 흑삼 청포묵을 제조하여 품질특성을 평가하였다. 흑삼농축액 첨가수준에 따른 흑삼 청포묵의 pH는 흑삼농축액을 첨가하지 않은 대조군에 비해 흑삼 농축액의 첨가 수준 증가에 따른 유의적인 차이는 나타나지 않았지만, 감소하는 경향을 보였으며 당도는 유의적으로 증가하였다. 색도는 명도(L값)의 경우 흑삼 농축액 첨가비율이 증가할수록 어두워져서 명도값이 유의적으로 감소되었다. 적색도(a값)는 흑삼 농축액 1% 첨가 시 가장 높았으며 2%, 3%, 4%로 첨가비율이 상승할수록 감소되었고 황색도(b값)는 흑삼농축액 첨가비율이 증가할수록 유의적으로 감소되었다. 물성은 흑삼농축액 첨가량이 증가할수록 경도, 검성 및 씸힘성은 유의적으로 감소한 반면에 부착성은 유의적으로 증가하였고, 탄성과 결합성은 유의적 차이가 없었다. 흑삼 청포묵의 맛, 색, 풍미 및 전체적인 기호도에 있어서 흑삼 농축액 3%가 첨가된 시료가 가장 높은 점수를 보여 가장 바람직한 첨가수준으로 보여진다. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of black ginseng mook prepared with different 5 levels(0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%) of black ginseng extract. We conducted the pH, sugar content, Hunter's color values, the mechanical characteristics and a sensory evaluation analysis of black ginseng mook. The more black ginseng extract was increased, the sugar contents of black ginseng mook were significantly increased. We noted that the luminance and Hunter's b values of black ginseng mook samples were decreased the more black ginseng extract was increased, but in Hunter's a values was reverse. With regard to the mechanical properties of the black ginseng mook samples, the more black ginseng extract was increased, the score of hardness, gumminess and chewiness were significantly decreased, but adhesiveness was increased. In color, taste, flavor and overall quality, the score of 3% black ginseng mook was significantly higher than those of the all.

백삼,홍삼과 흑삼 추출물의 정성적 구별법에 관한 연구

홍삼 추출물(5종)과 흑삼 추출물(2종)과 중국산 인삼 추출물(9종)의 말톨 정성, 지방산 조성비, 페놀성 화합물 함량을 분석하고, 이를 패턴 분석하여 특징적 요인을 정하고, 이를 통해 추출물의 정성 분석에 대한 가능성을 측정하였다. TLC를 이용한 maltol의 분석에서 백삼 추출물은 모두 불검출, 홍삼 흑삼 추출물은 모두 검출되어 말톨의 검출 여부는 정성 분석을 위한 특징적 요인으로 볼 수 있었다. 지방산 조성의 경우 palmitic과 linoleic acid가 인삼 추출물의 주요 지방산이었고, palmitic은 백삼, linoleic 은 홍삼 추출물이 높게 나타났다. 이 두 지방산의 조성을 비교한 비율Pal/Lin)의 경우 백삼 추출물에서 56.7~64.3%, 홍삼 추출물에서 32.0~38.5%로 두 값의 차이가 크게 나타나, 이 수치 역시 분석을 위한 특징적 요인으로 볼 수 있었다. 페놀성 화합물의 경우 추출물 속에서 maltol, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid와 cinnamic acid의 존재를 확인 할 수 있었다. 백삼 추출물은 페놀성 화합물이 비슷한 비율로 존재하는 패턴을 보였지만, 홍삼 추출물은 말톨의 함량비가 크게 높았다. 페놀성 화합물 중 maltol과 cinnamic acid의 비율을 측정한 결과, 백삼 추출물에서는 5이하의 수치가 나온데 비해 홍삼 흑삼 추출물에서는 53~289의 수치를 보여 이 역시 정성 분석을 위한 특징적 요인으로 판단되었다. 실험 결과에 의해 선정된 Pal/Lin 비율과 maltol/cinnamic acid 비율과 같은 특징적 요인을 통해 인삼 추출물에 대한 정성 분석의 가능성을 확인할 수 있었다. This study analyzed the maltol quality, composition ratio of fatty acids, and contents of phenolic compounds in white ginseng extracts(four types), red ginseng extracts(five types), black ginseng extracts(two types), and Chinese ginseng extracts(nine types). By examining patterns in these measurements, we determined the characteristic factors of the extracts and measured the possibility of qualitative analysis. In the analysis of maltol using TLC, white ginseng extracts were not detected while red and black ginseng extracts were detected, so the possibility of detection was considered as a characteristic factor for qualitative analysis. Regarding the composition of fatty acids, palmitic and linoleic acids were the main fatty acids in the ginseng extracts palmitic acid was high in white ginseng extracts while linoleic was low in red ginseng extracts. Regarding the ratio(Pal/Lin) of the two fatty acids, there was a large difference between white ginseng extracts(56.7~64.3%) and red ginseng extracts(32.0~38.5%), and these figures seemed to be characteristic factors for the analysis. For the phenolic compounds, extracts contained maltol, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid. White ginseng extracts contained similar percentages of phenolic compounds while red ginseng extracts had high maltol content. According to the measurement results of the percentages of maltol and cinnamic acid, white ginseng extracts showed values below five, whereas red and black ginseng extracts showed 53~289, which was also a characteristic factor for qualitative analysis. Consequently, we found that we can differentiate between ginseng extracts using characteristic factors that we analyzed in an experiment on white ginseng extracts from China.

Evaluation of the Oral Acute Toxicity of Black Ginseng in Rats

We studied the acute oral toxicity of black ginseng (BG) produced by heat process in rats. Single acute BG extract doses of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg dissolved in saline were administered by oral gavage and the animals were kept under observation for 14 days. The single administration of BG extract up to 15 g/kg did not produce mortality, behavioral change or abnormal clinical signs in the rats. These results indicated that the oral <TEX>$LD_{50}$</TEX> of the BG extract in the rats is higher than 15 g/kg. Compared to the control group, no treatment-related biologically significant effects of BG extract were noted in the measurements of the body weight or food intake. At the end of the period, the biochemical parameters and hematological parameters were analyzed in the plasma and blood. A histopathological examination of the liver and kidney was also conducted. Only the blood nitrogen urea and potassium levels in the biochemical indices showed significant differences at 10 and 15 g/kg doses of BG extract compared to the control group. These changes were not considered to be due to the toxicity. None of the other clinical chemistry parameters were affected. Therefore, these results indicate that the BG by heat processing is virtually nontoxic.

Characterization of Black Ginseng Extract with Acetyl- and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities

Black ginseng and white ginseng were extracted with 80% ethanol and evaluated for relative ginsenoside composition, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities, and antioxidant properties. As analyzed by HPLC, black ginseng contained a greater proportion of ginsenoside <TEX>$Rg_3$</TEX> compared to white ginseng. White ginseng was characterized by undetectable ginsenoside <TEX>$Rg_3$</TEX> but it contained more total ginsenosides than black ginseng. Black ginseng extract exhibited higher (p<0.05) free radical-scavenging activity, as well as higher antioxidant activities than white ginseng against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, superoxide dismutase, and xanthine oxidase, despite the fact that the total saponin content was higher in white ginseng than black ginseng. In addition, the black ginseng extract displayed greater AChE and BChE inhibitory activities. These results suggest that black ginseng has stronger effects on anti-oxidation and AChE and BChE inhibition than white ginseng.

Effect of Black Ginseng on Memory Improvement in the Amnesic Mice Induced by Scopolamine

This study compared the effects of black, white, and red ginseng extracts (WGE, RGE, BGE, 200 mg/kg, p.o.) on learning and memory deficits associated with scopolamine treatment (SCOP, 2 mg/kg, i.p.). Tacrine (THA, 10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a positive control. Ginseng significantly reversed SCOP-induced memory impairment in the passive-avoidance test and also reduced escape latency in training trials of the Morris water maze test. The increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity produced by SCOP was significantly inhibited by WGE and RGE (p<0.001). SCOP administration had no effect on choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, but RGE and BGE significantly increased ChAT activity (p<0.05). SCOP administration increased oxidative damage in the brain. Treatment of amnesic mice with ginseng extracts decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity to control levels. These results suggest that black ginseng enhances cognitive activity by regulation of cholinergic enzymes and antioxidant systems.

Enhancement of Exercise Capacity by Black Ginseng Extract in Rats

This study was carried out to investigate an enhancing effect of black ginseng extract (BGE) on exercise capacity in an endurance exercising animal model. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 5 experimental groups including non-training control, training control, and 3 treated groups (BGE at doses of 75, 150 and 300 ㎎/㎏). The animals were treated with BGE for 6 weeks and their exercise ability in the maximal running distance test was determined using a treadmill every week. The blood lactic acid (LA) level and the activity of citrate synthase (CS) in the muscle were also measured after the exercise. The levels of glucose and glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) in the liver and muscle were determined using commercial assay kits. BGE treatments at the doses of 150 and 300 ㎎/㎏ significantly increased the exercise capacity compared with the non-training control or training control groups (P＜0.05). The level of blood LA was decreased but the activity of CS was increased by the treatment of BGE at the dose of 300 ㎎/㎏ compared with the training control group. The level of G-6-P in the liver was elevated by the treatment of BGE at the dose of 300 ㎎/㎏, compared to the training group. As compared with nontraining control group, the treatments of BGE increased the levels of glucose and G-6-P in the liver and soleus muscle of rats. These results indicate that BGE have a potential for promoting exercise capacity by increasing CS activity in the muscle and decreasing LA in the serum of rats. These results also suggested that BGE can be used as a candidate supplement of health food products for promoting endurance exercise capacity in human athletes.