Chinese Red Ginseng Research Articles

The preventive role of the red gingeng ginsenoside Rg3 in the treatment of lung tumorigenesis induced by benzo(a)pyrene

Red ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for centuries in Asia. In this study, we evaluated four types of red ginseng grown in different areas (Chinese red ginseng, Korean red ginseng A, Korean red ginseng B, and Korean red ginseng C) for their ability to inhibit lung tumor formation and growth induced by the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in A/J mice and found that Korean red ginseng B was the most effective at lowering the tumor load among the four red ginseng varieties. Moreover, we analyzed the levels of various ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rb1, Rh1, Rd, Rg3, Rh2, F1, Rk1, and Rg5) in four kinds of red ginseng extract and found that Korean red ginseng B had the highest level of ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3), which suggested that G-Rg3 may play an important role in its therapeutic efficacy. This work revealed that the bioavailability of G-Rg3 was relatively poor. However, when G-Rg3 was coadministered with verapamil, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, the G-Rg3 efflux in Caco-2 cells was lowered, the small intestinal absorption rate of G-Rg3 in the rat models was increased, the concentration levels of G-Rg3 were elevated in the intestine and plasma, and its tumor-preventive abilities in the tumorigenesis rat model induced by B(a)P were also augmented. We also found that G-Rg3 reduced B(a)P-induced cytotoxicity and DNA adduct formation in human lung cells and rescued phase II enzyme expression and activity through Nrf2 pathways, which may be the potential mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of G-Rg3 on lung tumorigenesis. Our study showed a potentially vital role of G-Rg3 in targeting lung tumors in murine models. The oral bioavailability of this ginsenoside was augmented by targeting P-glycoprotein, which allowed the molecule to exert its anticancer effects.

Recent Progress on Processing Technologies, Chemical Components, and Bioactivities of Chinese Red Ginseng, American Red Ginseng, and Korean Red Ginseng

Recent Progress on Processing Technologies, Chemical Components, and Bioactivities of Chinese Red Ginseng, American Red Ginseng, and Korean Red Ginseng

Herbal preparations for the treatment of hair loss.

Though hair does not serve any crucial physiological function in modern humans, it plays an important role in our self-esteem. Androgenic baldness (androgenic alopecia) and circular/spot baldness (alopecia areata) are the most common forms of hair loss. Many active ingredients of synthetic origin are available for treatment; however, they have a number of limitations. Their effectiveness and safety are questionable and the amount of time needed to achieve the effect is both long and unclear. This has increased interest in finding an alternative approach against hair loss using preparations containing plants and/or their isolated active ingredients. A number of studies (mostly randomized, placebo-controlled) of plants and preparations made of plants have been performed to confirm their effectiveness in treating hair loss. The plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia are Curcuma aeruginosa (pink and blue ginger), Serenoa repens (palmetto), Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Panax ginseng (Chinese red ginseng). The assumed mechanism of action is predominately inhibition of 5α-reductase, with enhanced nutritional support and scalp blood circulation playing a role as well.

Chemical constituents of Chinese red ginseng

The chemical constituents of the Chinese red ginseng were systematically investigated by using various column chromatographic methods including D-101 macroporous adsorptive resins and open silica gel column chromatographies as well as high-performance liquid chromatography.Their chemical structures were identified by physico-chemical properties and spectral analyses.Fifty-two compounds were isolated from Chinese red ginseng decoction and identified as 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh₁ (1), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh₁ (2), ginsenoside Rg₆ (3), 20(22) E-ginsenoside F₄ (4), ginsenoside Rk₃ (5), 20(22) E-ginsenoside Rh₄ (6), ginsenoside Rg₁ (7), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rf-1a(8), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rf(9), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rf(10),20(S)-notoginsenoside R₂ (11),20(R)-notoginsenoside R₂ (12), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg₂ (13), 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg₂ (14), ginsenoside Rs₂ (15),ginsenoside Rs₁ (16),ginsenoside Rd(17),notoginsenoside R₁ (18),ginsenoside Re₂ (19), ginsenoside Re(20), 20-gluco-ginsenoside Rf(21),quinquenoside-R₁ (22),ginsenoside Ro methyl ester(23),ginsenoside Ro(24),ginsenoside Rb₁ (25),ginsenoside Rc(26),ginsenoside Rb₂ (27),ginsenoside Ra₂ (28),ginsenoside Ra₃ (29),ginsenoside Rb₃ (30),20(22)Z-ginsenoside Rh₄ (31),chikusetsusaponin IVa butyl ester(32), 20(22)Z-ginsenoside Rs₄ (33),ginsenoside Rs₅ (34),20(22)E-ginsenoside Rs₄ (35),zingibroside R1-6'-butyl ester(36), chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester(37),20(S)-ginsenoside Rs₃ (38),20(R)-ginsenoside Rs₃ (39),zingibroside R1-6'-methyl ester(40),ginsenoside Rz₁ (41),ginsenoside Rk₁ (42),ginsenoside Rg₅ (43),23-O-methylginsenoside-Rg₁ ₁ (44),12β,25-dihydroxydammar-20(22)E-ene-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(45), 20(22)Z-ginsenoside F₄ (46),3β,12β-dihydroxydammar-20(22)E,24-diene-6-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(47), 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg₃ (48),20(R)-ginsenoside Rg₃ (49),20(22)E-ginsenoside Rg₉ (50),ginsenoside-Ro-6'-butyl ester(51), and polyacetyleneginsenoside Ro(52). Compounds 8, 12, 31-33, 36, 37, 44, 45, 47 and 51 were isolated from the P. ginseng, and compounds 19, 23 and 46 were isolated from Chinese red ginseng for the first time.

Two new dammarane-type triterpene sapogenins from Chinese red ginseng

Two new dammarane-type triterpene sapogenins were isolated from the Chinese red ginseng. The new sapogenins were named as 24,26-dihydroxy-panaxdiol (1) and 24-hydroxy-panaxdiol (2). Their structures were elucidated by the combined analysis of NMR and mass spectrometry as 20(S),25(R)-epoxydammarane-3β,12β,24β,26-tetraol (1) and 20(S),25-epoxydammarane-3β,12β,24α-triol (2). The complete signal assignments of the two compounds were carried out by 2D NMR spectral and NOE differential spectroscopy analysis.

시판 홍삼농축액의 원산지 판별을 위한 LC-MS/MS 분석

국내산과 중국산 시판 홍삼 농축액의 원산지 판별을 위하여 LC-MS/MS의 data를 통계 처리해 보았다. 국내산 시판 홍삼 농축액과 중국산 시판 홍삼 농축액은 LC-MS/MS의 ginsenoside 함량 비교 결과 특정 ginsenoside에서 함량 차이를 크게 보여주었고, 이를 토대로 의심시료를 선정할 수 있었다. 또한, LC-MS/MS data를 정준 판별 분석과 주성분 분석을 통하여 원산지가 의심되는 시료를 검출할 수 있었고, 그 혼합 비율까지 추정할 수 있었다. The geographical origin of commercial red ginseng concentrate was studied using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The ginsenoside content of domestic and Chinese red ginseng concentrates was determined. Four types of suspected origin samples could be selected this technique. The LC-MS/MS data were statistically analyzed on the basis of canonical function analysis and principal component analysis. Domestic and Chinese samples could be discriminated via canonical function analysis using posterior probability. In addition, the mixture ratio (Korean or Chinese origin) of the unknown origin specimen could be predicted based on the relationship between the mixing concentration of red ginseng concentrates and principal component 1.

Discrimination of the origin of commercial red ginseng concentrates using LC-MS/MS and electronic nose analysis based on a mass spectrometer

The geographical origin of commercial red ginseng concentrates was studied using LC-MS/MS and electronic nose analysis based on mass spectrometry. For LC-MS/MS, the Ra1, Rb1, Rg2 ginsenosides showed large differences between Korean and Chinese varieties. Rh2 and F2 were found only in Chinese red ginseng concentrate. Ion fragments were obtained using an electronic nose. Discriminant function analysis of fragment patterns allowed grouping into Korean, Chinese, and suspect origin concentrates. The mixing ratios of suspect origin specimens were predicted based on analysis of different mixing ratios of known specimens of Korean and Chinese origin. LC-MS/MS and electronic nose analysis together allowed method advantages and disadvantages to complement and compensate.

Research and practice about risk control of Shenfu injection

Shenfu injection is developed by improving dosage form of ancient prescription "Shenfu Tang" and is mainly derived from extracts of both traditional Chinese medicine red ginseng and prepared lateral root of monkshood with polysorbate 80 as auxiliary material. Shenfu injection may be administered through intramuscular injection, intravenous drip or intravenous injection. It produces good effects in restoring Yang and rescuing patients from collapse, tonifying Qi and preventing exhaustion. It is mainly used to treat not only syncope and prostration resulting from sudden Yang collapse (infectious, hemorrhagic and water depletion shock etc), but also pavor, palpitation, dyspnea with cough, stomachache, diarrhea and arthralgia etc caused by deficiency of Yang (deficiency of vital energy). Research group has audited the monitored hospitals and has carried out postmarketing study of Shenfu solution from many aspects including literature review, spontaneous reporting system (SRS) and hospital information system (HIS) data analysis etc. A summary is shown below.

Rapid discrimination of Chinese red ginseng and Korean ginseng using an electronic nose coupled with chemometrics

Red ginseng is a precious and widely used traditional Chinese medicine. At present, Chinese red ginseng and Korean ginseng are both commonly found on the market. To rapidly and nondestructively discriminate between Chinese red ginseng and Korean ginseng, an electronic nose coupled with chemometrics was developed. Different red ginseng samples, including Chinese red ginseng (n=30) and Korean ginseng (South Korean red ginseng and North Korean red ginseng n=26), were collected. The metal oxide sensors on an electronic nose were used to measure the red ginseng samples. Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant factorial analysis (DFA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), were employed. All of the samples were analyzed by PCA. Most of the samples were used to set up DFA and SIMCA models, and then the remaining samples (Nos. 9, 10, 17, 18, 29, 30, 34, 43, 44, 50, and 51) were projected onto the DFA and SIMCA models in the form of black dots to validate the models. The results indicated that Chinese red ginseng and Korean ginseng were successfully discriminated using the electronic nose coupled with PCA, DFA and SIMCA. The checking scores of the DFA and SIMCA models were 100. The samples projected onto the DFA and SIMCA models were all correctly discriminated. The DFA and SIMCA models were robust. Electronic nose technology is a rapid, accurate, sensitive and nondestructive method to discriminate between Chinese red ginseng and Korean ginseng.

Chemical constituents of Chinese red ginseng

The chemical constituents of Chinese red ginseng (Panax ginseng) were investigated. The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silca gel, ODS, and Sephedex LH-20, column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties and spectra data. Fourteen compounds were isolated and identified as: notoginsenoside R2 (1), 20(S) -ginsenoside Rg3 (2), 20(R) -ginsenoside Rg3 (3), 20 (S)-ginsenoside Rg2 (4), 20(R) -ginsenosideRg2 (5), 20 (S)-ginsenoside Rh1 (6), 20(R) -ginsenoside Rh1 (7), ginsenoside Rh4 (8), -Ro (9), -Rb1 (10), -Rg1 (11), Re-(12), Rf (13), maltol (14). Compounds 1, 4, 6, were obtained from red ginseng for the first time. Compounds 2 and 3, 4 and 5-7 were enantiomers respectively, enantiomers 6 and 7 were isolated as monomer for the first time.

홍삼이 정상 흰쥐의 혈압 및 대동맥 조직 소견 변화에 미치는 영향

1. 1개월, 2개월, 3개월 투여 시 혈압은 세 군간에 유의한 차이가 나타났으며 한국 홍삼군 및 중국 홍삼군은 대조군에 비해 혈압 감소가 나타났다.(P<0.05) 각 군별로 보면 한국 홍삼군의 경우 0-1개월, 1-2개월 사이에 혈압이 유의하게 감소하였으며, 중국 홍삼 투여군의 경우 0-1개월에만 유의한 감소를 보였다.(P<0.05) 2. 1개월 투여 그룹의 경우, 혈관벽 두께는 세 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났고, 각 군 간의 차이를 비교하였을 때 중국 홍삼군의 경우 다른 두 군에 비해 혈관벽두께 감소가 유의한 차이를 보였다.(P<0.05) 2개월 투여 그룹의 경우, 혈관벽 두께는 세 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났고, 각 군 간의 차이를 비교하였을 때 중국 홍삼군의 경우 다른 두 군에 비해 혈관벽 두께 증가가 유의한 차이를 보였다.(P<0.05) 3개월 투여 그룹의 경우, 혈관벽 두께는 세 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났고, 각군 간의 차이를 비교하였을 때 중국 홍삼군의 경우 한국 홍삼군에 비해 혈관벽 두께의 증가가 유의하였으며 대조군에 비해서는 혈관벽 두께 감소 경향을 나타내었으나 통계적 유의성은 없었다. 한국 홍삼군의 경우 두 군에 비해 혈관벽 두께의 감소가 유의하였다.(P<0.05) 3. 대동맥 조직 병리 검사 변화상 한국 홍삼군은 모두 대동맥 벽이 잘 유지되어 있고 단층 혈관 내피 세포가 잘 유지되어 있으나, 중국 홍삼의 경우 1개월, 2개월, 3개월 투여시 세포핵의 비후가 비교적 뚜렷하게 관찰되며 세포핵의 방향성(Orientation)과 극성(Polarity)의 소실이 특징적으로 관찰되었고 평활근 섬유가 갈라지거나 찢어진(Split or tearing) 양상을 관찰할 수 있었다. 이상으로, 홍삼 투여 시 혈압 강하 효과가 나타남을 알 수 있었고, 한국 홍삼이 중국 홍삼에 비해 혈압 하강 효과를 좀 더 지속시킬 가능성 및 대동맥 조직 병리 소견 상 혈관 보호 효과에 대한 추론을 할 수 있었다. Introduction : Korean red ginseng has been shown to have an preventive effect on atheroma formation and enhancing effect on nitric oxide synthesis in endothelial cell inducing vasodilatation. However, there are few studies showing the effect of Korean red ginseng on blood pressure and vascular(endothelial) pathologic changes together. We designed this study to show changes of blood pressure and vascular pathologic findings with Korean red ginseng administration compared with Chinese red ginseng and control for 3 months in rats. Materials and methods : We studied the in vitro hypotensive effect and effect on vascular pathologic changes of Korean red ginseng compared with Chinese red ginseng and control. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups(Korean red ginseng, Chinese red ginseng and control) and evaluated by blood pressure and aortic vascular(endothelial) pathologic changes monthly during 3-month administration. All results were analyzed by paired T-test, ANOVA and post-hoc. Results : Blood pressure lowering effect was noted on Korean red ginseng and Chinese red ginseng compared to control. Especially, in Korean red ginseng group, hypotensive effect was showed in first and second month, but, in Chinese red ginseng group, it was just noted in first month. In case of vascular(aortic endothelial) pathologic finding, endothelial wall thickening and elastic fiber tearing were noted in Chinese red ginseng group compared with Korean red ginseng group and control with statistical significance.(p<0.05) Discussion : These results suggested Korean red ginseng could have more hypotensive effect and maintenance rather than Chinese red ginseng. And the difference of hypotensive effect between Korean red ginseng and Chinese red ginseng might has some association with difference of vascular pathologic findings in each group. However, further evaluation and research of other mechanism will be needed to convince this hypothesis.

한국 홍삼과 중국 홍삼의 경구 투여가 흰쥐의 림프구 증식과 Cytokine에 미치는 영향에 대한 비교 연구

Red ginseng is a medicinal herb widely used in East-Asia for a long time. Recently there have been a lot of studies about the effect of red ginseng on the immune responses. We investigated the differences between Korean red ginseng and Chinese red ginseng in the lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. The rats were divided into 3 groups, KRG(Korean Red Ginseng) group, CRG(Chinese Red Ginseng) group, and the Control group. Experimental groups were administered with Korean and Chinese red ginsengs for three months respectively. Then we obtained the lymphatic cells from spleen and compared the ability of KRG on the lymphocyte proliferation and the cytokine production after mitogen-stimulated culture to CRG. The proliferation of lymphocyte and level of <TEX>$IL-1{\alpha}$</TEX> were significantly increased only in KRG group. There were significant increases in the level of <TEX>$INF-{\gamma}$</TEX> in both KRG and CRG groups. There were no significant differences in the level of IL-2 and <TEX>$TNF-{\alpha}$</TEX>. These results indicate that KRG can induce infection-relevant immune responses much faster and higher than CRG. Furthermore, functional activation of CD8+ T-cell may be activated by red ginsengs.

한국산 및 외국산 홍삼의 사포닌 및 무기물 성분 비교

본 연구는 각국 홍삼의 성분비교 연구로서 한국홍삼(찬삼, 지삼, 양삼), 북한홍삼(천삼, 지삼, 양삼), 중국석주홍삼(1등, 2등, 3등), 중국길림홍삼(1등, 2등, 3등), 일본운주홍삼(1등, 2등, 3등) 및 일본신주홍삼(1등, 2등, 3등) 등을 대상으로 사포닌 및 무기물 함량에 대해서 비교 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 조사포닌 함량은 한국홍삼의 경우 3.05~3.76%, 북한홍삼은 2.09~3.21% 중국석주홍삼은 2.82~3.71%, 중국길림홍삼은 2.72~3.62%, 일본주홍삼은 2.11~2.44% 그리고 일본신주홍삼은 2.18~2.87%로 전반적으로 한국홍삼이 높게 나타났다. Ginsenoside중에 Rb1, Bb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg<TEX>$_{1}$</TEX> 함량을 분석한 결과, 한국홍삼의 경우 약 1.43%로 북한홍삼 1.14%, 중국석주 1.13%, 중국길림 1.07%, 일본운주 0.95%, 일본신주 1.10% 보다 한국홍삼이 약 0.52~0.33% 더 많이 함유하고 있다. 특히 ginsenoside 중에서 Rb<TEX>$_{1}$</TEX>, Re, Rg<TEX>$_{1}$</TEX> 성분이 대체적으로 한국홍삼에 많이 함유하고 있었으며, 그 외 성분은 비슷한 경향으로 나타났다. 26종의 무기물함량을 한국홍삼과 타국홍삼과 비교 조사한 결과, 차이는 큰 원소는 As, Ce, Sb, Sm, Sr, K, La, Na 등이었으며, 특히 La성분이 한국홍삼은 0.64~0.88% ppm, 북한홍삼은 0.43~0.67 ppmdldjTdmsk 중국홍삼(석주삼, 길림삼)은 0.09~0.21 ppm 정도이고, 일본홍삼은 0.04~0.14 ppm이었다. 그리고 Na함량에 있어서 한국홍삼은 286~350 ppm인데 비해서 중국홍삼은 59~180 ppm으로 상당히 낮았으며, Sn함량도 한국홍삼은 10.00~72.65 ppm이었으나 중국홍삼은 3.75~9.71 ppm이었다. Brgkafid에 있어서는 일본홍삼이 2.10~3.56 ppm으로 나타났으나 한국홍삼은 0.89~2.77 ppm, 중국홍삼은 0.42~1.04 ppm이었고 Ce함량은 일본홍삼이 가장 낮았다. This study was carried out to compare the contents of saponins and minerals component in Korean Red Ginseng (Heaven, Earth, Good grade), North Korean Red Ginseng (Heaven, Earth, Good grade), Japanese Red Ginseng (Oonju, Sinju 1, 2, 3 grade, respectively) and Chinese Red Ginseng (Seokju, Gilim, 1, 2, 3 grade, respectively). Crude saponin contents were different on according to the grade and cultivation area, and was 3.05-3.76% in Korean Red Ginseng, 2.09-3.21% in North Korean Red Ginseng, 2.82-3.71% in Chinese Seokju Red Ginseng, 2.72-3.62% in Chinese Gilim Red Ginseng, 2.11-2.44% in Japanese Oonju Red Ginseng, 2.18-2.87% in Japanese Sinju Red Ginseng, and the amount of ginsenoside-Rb1, -Re, -Rg<TEX>$\_$</TEX>1/ in Korean Red Ginseng were higher than those of North Korean, Chinese and Japanese Red Gingsen. The contents of mineral components were similar, but La, Na and Sn component in Korean Red Ginseng showed the higher amount than those of other Red Ginsengs.

Suppression of cholesterogenesis and reduction of LDL cholesterol by dietary ginseng and its fractions in chicken liver

The effects of ginseng root powder and of serially extracted solvent fractions of ginseng on avian hepatic cholesterol metabolism and lipogenesis and on avian serum lipoprotein cholesterol levels were examined. In one study, White Leghorn females were fed for 4 weeks a corn-based diet (control) or an experimental diet in which was incorporated 0.25% Wisconsin ginseng or an equivalent quantity of a serial solvent fraction [petroleum ether (PESF), methyl alcohol (MESF), water (WASF)] or of the residue. β-Hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMGCoA) reductase activity was significantly lower ( P < 0.01) in each of the treatment groups (31–37% of control activity) except that fed the extracted residue (90% of control, N.S.). Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activity was lowered in parallel (45–64% of control, P < 0.01) by all treatments except the residue (100% of control). Also with the exception of the residue treatment, each ginseng treatment effected a lowering of the serum total cholesterol level (67–83% of control, P < 0.01) and of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol level (53–81% of control, P < 0.01). Lipogenic activities and serum triglycerides levels were lowered ( P < 0.01) by two of the ginseng treatments. The PESF treatment was the most effective suppressor of each parameter, 74% and 68% respectively, of the control values. The WASF also had significant impact. Not one of the experimental diets influenced the serum high density lipoprotein level. The PESF, the potent source of suppressors, effected a change in the ratio of low to high density lipoprotein cholesterol from 1.46 (control) to 0.88. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in liver under these conditions showed a similar pattern as that of serum. In companion studies, broiler females were fed 0.28% Chinese red ginseng root powder or its various fractions. The results confirmed those recorded above. The factor(s) responsible for lowering the serum total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were generally more concentrated in the PESF and WASF of ginseng and each was significantly more effective than was ginseng root powder. Ginsenosides (saponins) are considered to be the active agents for the suppression of cholesterogenesis and lipogenesis.