Effects Of Korean Red Ginseng Research Articles

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Cognitive Function and Quantitative EEG in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Preliminary Study.

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has a nootropic effect. This study assessed the efficacy of KRG on cognitive function and quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Fourteen patients with AD (mean age, 74.93 years; 11 women and 3 men) were recruited and treated with KRG (4.5 g per day) for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed by the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). EEG performed before and after treatment were analyzed with quantitative spectral analysis. The FAB score improved significantly after 12 weeks of treatment. In the relative power spectrum analysis performed according to responsiveness, alpha power increased significantly in the right temporal area of the responders. The increments of relative alpha power in the right temporal, parietal, and occipital areas were significantly higher in the responders than the nonresponders. This study indicates the efficacy of KRG on frontal lobe function in AD, related to increasing relative alpha power.

Blood pressure-lowering effect of Korean red ginseng associated with decreased circulating Lp-PLA2 activity and lysophosphatidylcholines and increased dihydrobiopterin level in prehypertensive subjects.

We evaluated the effects of red ginseng consumption on blood pressure (BP) and the fasting plasma metabolome. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included nonobese, nondiabetic, prehypertensive subjects consuming 10 capsules daily containing 5 g red ginseng (n=31) or placebo (n=31). Fasting plasma metabolome profiles were obtained using ultra performance liquid chromatography-linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap MS. After 12 weeks, participants consuming red ginseng showed reductions of 6.5 and 5.0 mm Hg in systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. Compared with controls, those consuming red ginseng showed greater reductions in changed values of systolic BP, diastolic BP and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity, after adjusting for baseline values. In addition, the red ginseng group showed a greater increase in dihydrobiopterin levels and greater decrease in palmitic amide and lysophosphatidylcholines (lysoPCs). The change in diastolic BP positively correlated with changes in lysoPCs and Lp-PLA2 activity. The BP-lowering effect of red ginseng is associated with decreased Lp-PLA2 and lysoPCs and increased dihydrobiopterin levels in prehypertensive subjects (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02326766).

Effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) on obesity and adipose inflammation in ovariectomized mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKorean red ginseng (ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a famous traditional drug used in Korea for the treatment and prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and liver and cardiovascular diseases. Menopause is strongly associated with many of the aforementioned metabolic diseases and increased visceral obesity. The aims of this study were to investigate whether ginseng inhibits obesity and related disorders in ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J mice, which is a mouse model of postmenopausal women, and to determine the mechanism of action involved in this process. Materials and methodsAfter OVX mice were treated with 5% (w/w) ginseng for 15 weeks, we determined the effects of ginseng on obesity and adipose inflammation, angiogenesis, metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and metabolic parameters. ResultsOVX mice had higher body weight, adipose tissue mass and adipocyte size when fed a high fat diet (HFD) compared with HFD-fed sham-operated mice. All of these parameters were significantly reduced in OVX mice fed a HFD supplemented with ginseng. Ginseng treatment also decreased blood vessel density, MMP activity, and mRNA levels of angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF-A and FGF-2) and MMPs (e.g., MMP-2 and MMP-9) in adipose tissues of OVX mice. Infiltrating inflammatory cells and expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., CD68, TNFα and MCP-1) in adipose tissue were reduced by ginseng. Ginseng not only reduced the circulating levels of free fatty acids and triglycerides, but also normalized hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia in OVX mice. Hepatic lipid droplets were almost completely abolished by ginseng. ConclusionsThese results suggest that ginseng inhibited ovariectomy-induced obesity, adiposity, and adipocyte hypertrophy by modulating angiogenesis and MMP activity. Ginseng also suppressed adipose inflammation, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in OVX mice. Thus, it is likely that ginseng may be a promising drug for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disorders in obese postmenopausal women.

Korean red ginseng protects against doxorubicin-induced testicular damage: An experimental study in rats

The protective effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG; Panax ginseng Meyer) aqueous extract against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. DOX (1 mg⋅mL−1⋅kg−1⋅week−1) was administrated intraperitoneally for 8 weeks and KRG extract was administrated orally for 9 weeks (100 or 200 mg/kg/day). The serum sex hormone levels, sperm kinematic parameters, histopathological parameters and protein expression levels were determined. DOX distinctly damaged the histology of the rat testes and decreased the sex hormonal levels, spermatogenesis, seminiferous tubular diameter, and testes weight. Further, the protein expression levels of peroxiredoxin, glutathione-S-transferase, nectin-2, inhibin-α, and cAMP response element binding protein were suppressed in DOX-treated rats. In contrast, KRG extract ameliorated the changes induced by DOX. Data indicated that KRG ameliorated DOX-induced testicular damage in rats by modulating the antioxidant system and hormonal imbalance. In conclusion, KRG can be used as a functional food and/or adjuvant for the prevention of reproductive damage caused by DOX.

The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized, Open-Label Pilot Study.

Background and ObjectivesThe major mechanism of inner ear cell damage is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Korean red ginseng (KRG) has an anti-ROS effect; thus we hypothesized that KRG may be of use for the treatment of chronic idiopathic tinnitus. The aim of the study is to investigate clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life (QoL) in chronic tinnitus patients after taking KRG.Subjects and MethodsThis study was an open-label randomized controlled trial. Sixty-one patients with chronic tinnitus were enrolled and randomized to three groups. The control group was treated for 4 weeks with 160 mg/day Ginkgo biloba extract, and two other groups receiving 1500 mg/day or 3000 mg/day KRG for 4 weeks. Clinical assessments were performed using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and QoL was assessed by Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire.ResultsFifty-nine patients completed the planned protocol. Significant improvements were observed between initial and post-treatment THI scores in patients receiving 3000 mg/day KRG. There was no statistically significant difference between initial and post-treatment VAS scores in all groups. Treatment with 3000 mg/day KRG for 4 weeks significantly improved role emotional and mental health scores in the SF-36 survey.ConclusionsThese results suggest that KRG may improve tinnitus symptoms and mental wellbeing in chronic tinnitus patients.

Antihypertensive effect of Korean Red Ginseng by enrichment of ginsenoside Rg3 and arginine–fructose

BackgroundGinsenoside Rg3 and arginine–fructose (Arg-Fru) are known as the hypotensive compounds of Panax ginseng; however, their efficacy on antihypertension has not been reported yet to our best knowledge. Thus, hypotensive components-enriched fraction of red ginseng (HCEF-RG) was prepared from fine root concentrate (FR) and their antihypertensive effects were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MethodsMale SHRs were divided into six groups: control (Wistar Kyoto, SHR); FR 500; FR 1,000; HCEF-RG 500; and HCEF-RG 1,000; samples (mg/kg body weight) were orally administered every day for 8 wk. Blood pressure was monitored at 1 wk, 2 wk, 3 wk, 4 wk, 6 wk, and 8 wk by tail cuff method. At 8 wk after samples administration, mice were killed for the measurement of renin activity (RA), angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition, angiotensin II, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in plasma. ResultsHCEF-RG with four-fold more Rg3 and 24-fold more Arg-Fru contents was successfully prepared from reacted mixtures of FR and persimmon vinegar (12 times against FR, v/v) at 80°C for 18 h. Both FR 1,000 and HCEF-RG 1,000 showed lowered systolic blood pressure than SHR control group and HCEF-RG 1,000 group exhibited a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure. RA was significantly lowered in all treated groups, while angiotensin II did not affect by FR and HCEF-RG treatment. However, angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition and NO in FR 1,000 and HCEF-RG 1,000 were significantly increased compared with SHR control group. ConclusionHCEF-RG is more effective and useful for alleviating hypertension than FR, implying the health benefit of Rg3 and Arg-Fru.

Panax ginseng aqueous extract prevents pneumococcal sepsis in vivo by potentiating cell survival and diminishing inflammation

BackgroundMore than 50% of sepsis cases are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and hospital mortality related to sepsis comprises 52% of all hospital deaths. Therefore, sepsis is a medical emergency, and any treatment against the agent that produces it, is welcome. PurposeThe role of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae) aqueous extract in bacterial infection in vivo is not well understood. Here, the protective effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract against pneumococcal infection and sepsis was elucidated. Study designIn this study, mice were administrated KRG (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) for 15 days, and then infected with a lethal S. pneumoniae strain. Survival rate, body weight, and colonization were determined. MethodsThe RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were infected with S. pneumoniae and cell viability was assessed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inflammation was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining while gene expression was determined using western blotting. ResultsKRG-pre-treated mice (100 mg/kg of KRG) had significantly higher survival rates and body weights than those of the non-treated controls; KRG-pre-treated mice had lower bacterial number and morbidity than those of the non-treated controls. 100 mg/kg of KRG administration decreased cytokine levels including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (897 and 623 pg/ml, control and KRG groups, respectively, P < 0.05) and interleukin (IL)-1β (175 and 127 pg/ml, control and KRG groups, respectively, P = 0.051), nitric oxide level (149 and 81 nM, control and KRG groups, respectively, P < 0.05), and neutrophil infiltration 48 h post-infection, in vivo. In pneumococcal infection, KRG pre-treatment downregulated toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and TNF-ɑ expressions in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and increased cell survival by activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling. ConclusionTaken together, 100 mg/kg of KRG appeared to protect host cells from lethal pneumococcal sepsis by inhibiting inflammation as well as by enhancing bacterial clearance thereby reinforcing cell survival against pneumococcal infection.

Anti-inflammatory and antifatigue effect of Korean Red Ginseng in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BackgroundKorean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a well-known natural product with anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects. We evaluated the antifatigue effect of KRG in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MethodsEighty patients with NAFLD were prospectively randomized to receive 3 wk of KRG or placebo in addition to counseling on healthy eating and regular exercise. Liver function test, proinflammatory cytokines, adiponectin, antioxidant activity, and fatigue score were measured and compared according to the body mass index between the KRG and placebo groups. ResultsThe liver function tests were significantly improved after 3 wk of treatment in both groups. The mean levels (at baseline and after treatment) of tumor necrosis factor-α were 108.0 pg/mL ± 54.8 pg/mL and 92.7 pg/mL ± 39.0 pg/mL (p = 0.018) in the KRG group and 123.1 pg/mL ± 42.1 pg/mL and 127.5 pg/mL ± 62.2 pg/mL (p = 0.694) in the placebo group, respectively. There was a significant difference in change of adiponectin levels between the KRG (7,751.2 pg/mL ± 3,108.1 pg/mL and 8,197.3 pg/mL ± 2,714.5 pg/mL) and placebo groups (7,711.6 pg/mL ± 3,041.3 pg/mL and 7,286.1 pg/mL ± 5,188.7 pg/mL, p = 0.027). In patients with overweight, the fatigue score was significantly decreased in the KRG group (35.0 ± 13.2 and 24.5 ± 8.9, p = 0.019). ConclusionOur results show that KRG might be effective in reducing proinflammatory cytokine and fatigue in overweight patients with NAFLD, in addition to improvements in adiponectin levels.

Protective effect of Korean Red Ginseng against chemotherapeutic drug-induced premature catagen development assessed with human hair follicle organ culture model

BackgroundChemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most distressing side effects for patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study evaluated the protective effect of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on CIA in a well-established in vitro human hair follicle organ culture model as it occurs in vivo. MethodsWe examined whether KRG can prevent premature hair follicle dystrophy in a human hair follicle organ culture model during treatment with a key cyclophosphamide metabolite, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC). Results4-HC inhibited human hair growth, induced premature catagen development, and inhibited proliferation and stimulated apoptosis of hair matrix keratinocytes. In addition, 4-HC increased p53 and Bax protein expression and decreased Bcl2 protein expression. Pretreatment with KRG protected against 4-HC-induced hair growth inhibition and premature catagen development. KRG also suppressed 4-HC-induced inhibition of matrix keratinocyte proliferation and stimulation of matrix keratinocyte apoptosis. Moreover, KRG restored 4-HC-induced p53 and Bax/Bcl2 expression. ConclusionOverall, our results indicate that KRG may protect against 4-HC-induced premature catagen development through modulation of p53 and Bax/Bcl2 expression.

Protective Effects of Korean Red Ginseng against Alcohol-Induced Fatty Liver in Rats.

The present study tested the hypothesis that Korean red ginseng (KRG) provides a protective effect against alcoholic fatty liver. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed a modified Lieber-DeCarli diet containing 5% (w/v) alcohol or an isocaloric amount of dextrin-maltose for the controls for 6 weeks: normal control (CON), alcohol control (ET), and ET treated with 125 or 250 mg/kg body weight/day of KRG (RGL or RGH, respectively). Compared with the CON group, the ET group exhibited a significant increase in triglycerides, total cholesterol and the presence of lipid droplets in the liver, and a decrease in fat mass, which were all attenuated by KRG supplementation in adose-dependent manner. The mitigation was accompanied by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways in the liver and adipose tissue. In addition, suppression in the alcohol-induced changes of adipose adipokine mRNA expression was also observed in KRG supplementation group. These findings suggest that KRG may have the potential to ameliorate alcoholic fatty liver by suppressing inappropriate lysis of adipose tissue and preventing unnecessary de novo lipogenesis in the liver, which are mediated by AMPK signaling pathways. A mechanism for an interplay between the two organs is still needed to be examined with further assays.

Effects of Korean red ginseng on semen parameters in male infertility patients: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study.

To investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on semen parameters in male infertility patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 80 male infertility patients with varicocele were recruited from April 2011 to February 2012. The subjects were then divided into the following four groups: non-varicocelectomy (V)+placebo (P) group, V+P group, non-V+KRG group (1.5-g KRG daily), and V+KGR group (1.5-g KRG daily). Semen analysis was performed and hormonal levels were measured in each treatment arm after 12 weeks. All groups but not the non-V+P group, showed significant improvements in sperm concentrations, motility, morphology, and viability at the end of the study. However, there were no significant differences in serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone among groups. The incidence of adverse events was low, and all events were assumed to be unrelated to the treatments administered. Although the exact mechanism by which KRG improves spermatogenesis remains unclear, KRG may be a useful agent for the treatment of male infertility. Nevertheless, additional studies to evaluate the optimal dose and duration of treatment are needed.

알코올에 의해 유발된 지방변성증에서 홍삼의 보호효과

Alcohol-induced fatty liver (steatosis) results from excessive generation of reducing equivalents by ethanol metabolism. Generally, chronic ethanol treatment causes hepatosteatosis by regulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), which increases the synthesis of hepatic lipids. The effect of ethanol on SREBP-1c is mediated through mammalian sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), a NAD + -dependent protein deacetylase that regulates hepatic lipid metabolism. Ginseng is a widely used herbal medicine that is used in Asia for its anti-diabetes and anti-obesity effects. The pharmacological and therapeutic effects of ginseng are primarily produced by bioactive constituents known as ginsenosides. Here, we examined the regulatory effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on SREBP-1c and SIRT-1 on lipid homeostasis in AML-12 mouse hepatocytes. AML-12 cells were treated with ethanol and/or KRG extracts (0 - 1,000 μg/ml). Lipid droplets were assayed using Oil red O staining, and western blotting was used to measure SIRT-1 and SREBP-1 expression. Treatment with KRG extracts restored SIRT-1 expression and reduced SREBP-1c expression in ethanol-treated cells. We also showed that KRG extract and ginsenosides Rb2 and Rd significantly decreased SREBP-1 acetylation in ethanol-treated cells. These results show that treatment with KRG extract and its active ginsenoside constituents Rb2 and Rd protected against alcohol-related hepatosteatosis via regulation of SIRT-1 and downstream acetylation of SREBP-1c, which altered hepatic lipid metabolism.

Effects of Korean red ginseng on cold- and heat-related symptoms and the autonomic nervous system

IntroductionKorean red ginseng (KRG) is known to alleviate psychological, aging-related, and gynecological problems. These problems are thought to be related to cold and heat imbalance or to autonomic dysfunction. However, few studies have addressed the effects of KRG by using a placebo-controlled study design. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of KRG on pathological cold and heat patterns and cardiovascular autonomic function (CAF) by using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. MethodsNinety subjects were randomly assigned to the KRG group (n=44) or the placebo group (n=46). Subjects were asked to complete a cold–heat questionnaire (CHQ) and to undergo a heart rate variability (HRV) test, both before and 8 weeks after taking KRG or placebo capsules (6g/day). Differences in changes in cold and heat subscale scores and HRV parameters between the 2 groups were examined using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. ResultsThe cold subscale score decreased only in the KRG group, whereas the heat subscale score decreased in the KRG and placebo groups. Among the HRV parameters, high frequency (HF) decreased in the KRG group and low frequency (LF)/HF ratio, a sympathovagal balance indicator, increased. This indicated that KRG alleviated the severity of cold patterns and improved sympathovagal balance in a manner related to the relaxation of physical or mental tension. ConclusionsKRG may alleviate the severity of cold patterns and improve sympathovagal balance.

The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Clinical Trial.

This study investigated whether Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts could improve sexual function in premenopausal women. Forty-one premenopausal women participated in this placebo-controlled, double-blind, and crossover clinical study with administration of either three ginseng capsules (1 g per capsule) or placebo daily. After 8 weeks of medication of KRG or placebo, medication was changed for the subjects to placebo or KRG after 2 weeks of washout period. The efficacy of KRG extracts was measured by using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results. Twenty-three women completed the study. Total FSFI scores increased after KRG treatment (from 20.13 ± 2.87 to 23.98 ± 4.10, p = 0.015) and placebo treatment (from 20.06 ± 2.64 to 23.78 ± 3.28, p = 0.003). However, this change was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.702). KRG treatment significantly improved sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains; however, there was no treatment effect compared with placebo. There was a case of gastric discomfort after taking KRG extracts. Oral administration of KRG extracts improved sexual function in premenopausal women; however, there were no statistical significant changes compared to placebo. It implies that KRG extracts have a substantial placebo effect in premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

Effects of Korean red ginseng as an environmental skin barrier function

Dry skin dermatitis is a common skin disease, associated with aging and environmental changes. Damaged skin from xerosis can be evaluated with several objective methods such as D-squame, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), corneometer, and a pH meter. Forty-two patients with xerosis participated in this study. We assessed the effects of Korean red ginseng after 6 weeks of taking the medicine. Patients who treated with Korean red ginseng were clinically improved but the results were measured by D-squame, TEWL, corneometer, and a pH meter did not show statistical significant. These data indicate that Korean red ginseng may be a useful health supplement. However, further study that include more large patients’ group would be required.

포르말린으로 유도된 안면통증에 대한 홍삼추출물의 항염증 효과

본 연구는 건강보조제 및 약제로서 전신의 염증반응 및 여러 약리적 효능을 가지고 있는 홍삼이 국소적인 안면 통증의 완화에 영향을 끼치는지에 관해 조사하였다. 실험동물은 4그룹으로 대조군(n=6)과 5% 포르말린 주입군(n=6), 5% 포르말린+D.W. 주입군, 홍삼(4.5 ml)(n=6) 복용군으로 나누어 45분간 안면을 긁거나 문지르는 행위를 계수하여 비교하였다. 홍삼 복용군에서 포르말린 주입군에 비해 유의하게 긁거나 문지르는 행위가 줄어들었으며, 15분부터 통증완화효과가 증가되기 시작되어 30분까지 유의한 효과를 보였다. 홍삼투여군에 대한 단백질정량분석 (western blot)으로 통증유발기전에 연관되는 염증과 항산화, NO생성에 관련된 신호전달 단백질 p38 MAPK와 iNOS, Nrf2를 뇌, 연수에서 활성정도를 비교한 결과 감소하는 경향을 확인할 수 있었다. 이상의 결과들은 홍삼이 전신적 약리효과 뿐만 아니라 국소적인 염증, 통증완화에도 효능이 있음 나타낸다. 【The effects of korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on orifacial pain control in terms of the systemic inflammatory response and pharmacological effects as health supplements were investigated. The experimental group were divided into three groups, the control group (n=6), formalin (5%, $50{\mu}{\ell}$ ) injection group (n=6), and formalin (5%, $50{\mu}{\ell}$ ) injection added KRG administrated group (4.5 ml/kg, n=6). The KRG administrated group prior to the formalin injection significantly attenuated the behavioral response compared to that of the control group. Pain reduction was suppressed mainly from 15 min to 30 min. The KRG administrated rats showed significantly reduced p38 MAPK, iNOS and Nrf2 expression in the brain and medulla oblongata according to Western blot analysis. These findings suggest that KRE may have a useful effect on orificial pain control functions by preventing the p38 MAPK pathway.】

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Artificial Sand Dust (ASD) Induced Allergic Lung Inflammation

Asian sand dust is known to promote various respiratory symptoms or disorders. For the prevention of harmful health effects by Asian sand dust, the best strategy is known to avoid or reduce exposure to the Asian sand dust. Several studies have shown that Korean red ginseng (RG) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. The study aimed to clarify the effect of Korean red ginseng intake on lung inflammation responses to artificial sand dust (ASD) similar to Asian sand dust. BALB/c mice were divided into five groups (n=12) of control (saline), ovalbumin (OVA), OVA with ASD, OVA plus RG with ASD, and OVA plus dexamethasone (DEXA) with ASD. Histopathologic evaluation of lung was conducted. Interleukin (IL)-5, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-13, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and eotaxin within bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured by ELISA. OVA+ASD group significantly increased concentrations of IL-5, IL-13, MCP-1, and eotaxin (P<0.01) compared to the control. OVA+ASD+RG group showed significant decreased levels of IL-2, IL-13, MCP-1 and eotaxin (P<0.01) compared with OVA+ASD. Between RG and DEXA treatment groups, there was no significant difference in all cytokines and chemokines. The inflammatory cells were significantly decreased in treatment groups with RG or DEXA compared to OVA+ASD group. This study suggests a beneficial effect of Korean RG administration in preventing inflammation of lung resulting from Asian sand dust.

홍삼과 어유(魚油) 복합식이에 의한 UV-유도 광노화 억제효과

Objective : UV irradiatiion causes skin-aging involving coarse wrinkles, thickning, dyspigmentation, and rough skin surface. This study was aimed to elucidate the anti-winkle activity of complex diet of Korean red ginseng (RG) and fish oil (FO) on UV-induced Photoaging. Methods : To investigated photo-protective effects of Korean red ginseng and fish oil on UV-induced damaged skins, SKH hairless female mice were randomly divided into six groups [control, UV, UV/RG, UV/FO, UV/RG/FO(low), UV/RG/FO(high)]and orally administered three times a week respectively. UV radiation was applied to the backs of the mice three times a week for 8 weeks. Expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13 and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in skin were measured by immunohistochemical staining. Results : In this study, UVB-induced epidermal hypertropy was diminished by RG group or FO group or complex group of RG and FO. Expression levels of MMP-3 and MMP-13 were reduced and expression level of TIMP-1 was increased by RG group or FO group or complex group of RG and FO. Especially MMP-3 and MMP-13 were markedly reduced by diet of FO and complex diet of RG and FO compared with untreated group. Conclusions : This results suggest that complex diet of RG and FO have a anti-wrinkle activity on UV-induced photo-aging and intrinsic aging.

Korean red ginseng extract alleviates atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

This study was to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice. Female ApoE KO mice were divided into 2 groups and were treated via intragastric inoculation for 21 weeks. The body weight increased gradually in both the KRG extract inoculation group and the control group inoculated with saline. Plaque lesion areas in the aortic sinus were reduced largely in the KRG inoculation group than in the control group. Triglyceride and inflammatory cytokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were significantly reduced in the KRG inoculation group. Additionally, the KRG inoculation group showed significantly lower cardiovascular inflammation by 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography compared to that in the control group. Taken together, KRG alleviates atherosclerotic lesions through MCP-1 and TNF-α suppression. These results suggest that KRG could be a valuable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax Ginseng Meyer) on bisphenol A exposure and gynecologic complaints: single blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety.

BackgroundKorean red ginseng (KRG) is a processed ginseng from raw ginseng to enhance safety, preservation and efficacy, known having beneficial effects on women’s health due to its estrogen like function. While estrogen supplementation showed some modulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals, bisphenol A (BPA) has been focused as a potential endocrine disrupting chemical. In this study, we examined the efficacy and safety outcomes of KRG against BPA, focusing on female quality of life (QOL). Individual variations in susceptibility to KRG were also investigated with the Sasang Typology, the personalized medicine used for hundred years in Korea.MethodsWe performed a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Study subjects were young women (N = 22), consumed 2.7 g of KRG or placebo per day for 2 weeks and filled up questionnaires regarding gynecologic complaints at the 4 time spots. We analyzed urinary total BPA and malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker, with GC/MS and HPLC/UVD respectively, and diagnosed their Sasang Typology with the questionnaire for the Sasang constitution Classification (QSCC II).ResultsKRG consumption decreased urinary BPA and MDA levels (ps < 0.05) and alleviated ‘menstrual irregularity’, ‘menstrual pain’, and ‘constipation’ (ps < 0.05). SoEum type (Lesser Yin person) among the Sasang types showed significant alleviation in insomnia, flushing, perspiration and appetite by KRG consumption, rather than other Sasang types. During the intervention, no one experienced any aggravated side effects.ConclusionWe suggest KRG is efficient for protection for female QOL and BPA- exposure and – related oxidative stress. However, individual variation in susceptibility to KRG should be further considered for identifying ideal therapy.Trial registrationKCT0000920.