Effects Of Korean Red Ginseng Research Articles

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.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng supplementation on dry eye syndrome in glaucoma patients – A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundMany patients with glaucoma have difficulty using antiglaucoma eye drops because of dry eye symptom. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effect of Korean Red Ginseng on dry eye syndrome in patients with glaucoma treated with antiglaucoma eye drops. MethodsForty-nine participants were allocated to the Korean Red Ginseng (3 g/day; n = 24) or placebo (n = 25) groups for 8 weeks. Tear film stability, fluorescein corneal staining, conjunctival hyperemia, tear production, grade of meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index) were evaluated at baseline and on completion of the treatment. ResultsAlmost all patients displayed dry eye symptoms and signs at baseline. After the 8-week intervention, Korean Red Ginseng supplementation significantly improved the tear film stability and total Ocular Surface Disease Index score, as compared to placebo (p < 0.01). ConclusionKorean Red Ginseng supplementation may provide an additional treatment option for dry eye and patients with glaucoma using antiglaucoma eye drops.

Protective effect of Korean Red Ginseng against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundGlucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in many chemotherapeutic protocols and play an important role in the normal regulation of bone remodeling. However, the prolonged use of GCs results in osteoporosis, which is partially due to apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this study, effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on GC-treated murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and a GC-induced osteoporosis mouse model were investigated. MethodsMC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to dexamethasone (Dex) with or without KRG and cell viability was measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the apoptotic gene expression; osteogenic gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were also measured. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins. A GC-induced osteoporosis animal model was used for in vivo study. Results and conclusionThe MTT assay revealed that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) prevents loss of cell viability caused by Dex-induced apoptosis in MC3T3E1 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction data showed that groups treated with both Dex and KRG exhibited lower mRNA levels of caspase-3 and -9, whereas the mRNA levels of Bcl2, IAPs, and XIAP increased. Moreover, groups treated with both Dex and KRG demonstrated increased mRNA levels of ALP, RUNX2, and bone morphogenic proteins as well as increased ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells, compared to cells treated with Dex only. In addition, KRG increased protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Moreover, microcomputed tomography analysis of the femurs showed that GC implantation caused trabecular bone loss. However, a significant reduction of bone loss was observed in the KRG-treated group. These results suggest that the molecular mechanism of KRG in the GC-induced apoptosis may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay osteoporosis.

Red ginseng ameliorates acute cisplatin-induced nephropathy.

Korean red ginseng is one of the traditional herbal medicines most widely used in China, Korea, and Japan. To determine whether Korean red ginseng extract can mitigate acute renal nephropathy, we examined its renoprotective effects in a model of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in Sprague Dawley rats. Korean red ginseng was administered to rats by oral gavage once a day at doses of 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg for 28 days. On day 23, the animals received an intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) to induce acute renal failure. Body weight gain, urine volume, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, and expression of p53 were measured. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling was used to analyze apoptosis. Kidney tissues from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for inflammatory cytokines and histopathological examination. To identify the mechanism responsible for the renoprotective effects of Korean red ginseng, we measured malondialdehyde concentration as an end product of lipid peroxidation and the activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Korean red ginseng significantly decreased the levels of indicators of renal dysfunction, inflammatory cytokine expression, apoptosis, and malondialdehyde content in the kidney and also significantly attenuated the histopathological changes associated with acute renal failure. These findings suggest that Korean red ginseng has renoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Red ginseng delays age-related hearing and vestibular dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice

Since Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been proven to protect against gentamicin-induced vestibular and hearing dysfunction, the effects of KRG on age-related inner ear disorder in C57BL/6 mice were investigated. While age-related hearing loss was detected at the age of 6months (32kHz) and 9months (16kHz) in the control group, it was significantly delayed (p<0.05) in the 150mg/kg KRG-treated group. Vestibular dysfunction was observed in the tail-hanging and swimming tests, with significantly different severity scores and swimming times detected between the control and 150mg/kg KRG-treated group at the age of 12months (p<0.05). Mice treated with 500mg/kg KRG exhibited irritability and aggravated inner ear dysfunction. Histological observation supported the findings of hearing and vestibular function defects. In conclusion, C57BL/6 mice showed early-onset hearing loss and progressive vestibular dysfunction with aging, which were delayed by treatment with 150mg/kg KRG. However, 500mg/kg KRG treatment may induce aggressive behavior.

Antioxidative effects of Korean red ginseng in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRed ginseng (RG) has been widely used to treat various diseases in East Asian countries. Previous studies have shown the anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic effects of RG. This study aimed to investigate the effects of RG on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in postmenopausal women. Materials and methodsWe performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 82 postmenopausal women aged 45–60years. Participants were randomized to receive 3g red ginseng daily or placebo for 12weeks. Antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine) were assessed, and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index was calculated at the baseline and at the end of the trial. ResultsA total of 71 postmenopausal women completed the study. Serum superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased after the 12-week RG supplementation (P<0.001), and these changes were statistically significant compared with the placebo group (P=0.004). Serum malondialdehyde levels showed a tendency to decrease after the 12-week RG supplementation (P=0.001), but these changes were not statistically significant compared with the placebo group (P=0.064). No statistically significant changes in serum glutathione peroxidase and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were noted. Further, RG supplementation showed no effects on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance. ConclusionsThe results suggest that RG may reduce oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in postmenopausal women.

Effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng), urushiol (Rhus vernicifera Stokes), and probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and Lactobacillus acidophilus R0052) on the gut–liver axis of alcoholic liver disease

BackgroundRoles of immune reaction and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) have widely been established in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). MethodsWe evaluated the biologic efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG), urushiol, and probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and Lactobacillus acidophilus R0052) in mouse models of ALD. Sixty C57BL/6 mice were equally divided into six feeding groups for 10 weeks: normal diet, alcohol, control, alcohol + KRG, alcohol + urushiol, and alcohol + probiotics. Alcohol was administered via a Lieber–DeCarli liquid diet containing 10% alcohol. TLR-4 expression, proinflammatory cytokines, and histology, as well as the results of liver function tests were evaluated and compared. ResultsNo between-group differences were observed with regard to liver function. TLR-4 levels were significantly lower in the KRG, urushiol, and probiotics groups than in the alcohol group (0.37 ± 0.06 ng/mL, 0.39 ± 0.12 ng/mL, and 0.33 ± 0.07 ng/mL, respectively, vs. 0.88 ± 0.31 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Interleukin-1β levels in liver tissues were decreased among the probiotics and KRG groups. The tumor necrosis factor-α level of liver tissue was decreased in the KRG group. ConclusionThe pathological findings showed that alcohol-induced steatosis was significantly reduced by KRG and urushiol. As these agents improve immunologic capacity, they may be considered in potential anti-ALD treatments.

Protective Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in a Preclinical Rat Model

Numerous studies' attempts to improve radiation-induced oral mucositis have not produced a qualified treatment yet. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on radiation-induced damage in an in vivo rat model. After 20 Gy of irradiation, rats were divided randomly into the following 4 groups: control, KRG only, radiotherapy (RT) only, and RT + KRG group. The rats were monitored in terms of survival rate, activity, mucositis grade, oral intake, and body weight. The tongue, buccal mucosa, and submandibular gland (SMG) were harvested, and the weight of the SMG was analyzed. The samples then underwent hematoxylin and eosin, TUNEL, and immunohistochemical staining. Radiation-induced severe oral mucositis and SMG injury led to poor oral intake and delayed healing, resulting in the death of some rats. We found that survival rate, oral intake, and body weight increased. Moreover, rats treated with KRG showed less severe mucositis and decreased histologic changes of the oral mucosa and SMG. Furthermore, we showed that the protective effects of KRG were caused by inhibition of the apoptotic signal transduction pathway linked to caspase-3. In conclusion, KRG protects the oral mucosa and SMG from radiation-induced damage by inhibiting caspase-mediated apoptosis in rats.

Evaluation of effect of red ginseng on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in C3H/HeN mice

Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng, has long been used as a broad tonic in Oriental medicine to augment vitality, health, and longevity, particularly in older people. This study investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng (RG) on bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. C3H/HeN mice (10-weeks-old) were divided into sham and OVX groups. OVX mice were treated with vehicle, 17β-estradiol (E2), RG (oral administration, 250 mg/kg/day), or RG (intraperitoneal administration, 50 mg/kg/every other day) for 6 weeks. Serum E2 concentration and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were measured. Tibiae were analyzed using microcomputed tomography. Biomechanical properties and osteoclast surface level were measured. There was no significant difference in the degree of grip strength, body weight, uterine weight, mechanical property, tibiae length, or tibiae weight between the OVX and RG-treated groups. Compared with the OVX group, the serum ALP level was significantly lower in the RG-treated groups. Serum E2 levels and osteoclast surface levels did not change between the OVX and RG-treated groups. RG could not preserve trabecular bone volume, trabecular bone number, trabecular separation, trabecular thickness, structure model index, or bone mineral density of the proximal tibiae metaphysic. In conclusion, there was no definite effect of RG on OVX-induced bone loss in C3H/HeN mice.

Effects of korean red ginseng on hearing and blood glucose levels in steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

ObjectivesKorean red ginseng (KRG) has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and other beneficial effects in human. The present study evaluate the therapeutic effects of KRG on hearing recovery and glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) undergoing systemic steroid therapy.MethodsThe patients were divided into 2 groups: the steroid, and the combination of steroid and red ginseng. Pure tone averages (PTA) were assessed at the first visit and 2-month follow-up. All patients underwent fasting blood glucose analyses just before and on the fifth day of treatment. Both groups were treated with a 10-day course of oral methylprednisolone at tapering doses starting from a daily dose of 48 mg. To the combination group, KRG extract was administered by mouth at a daily dose of 3 g for 20 days in addition to methylprednisolone. Hearing gain was calculated comparing the initial PTA and PTA at 2 months' follow-up. Treatment responses were classified according to Siegel's criteria.ResultsPretreatment conditions were similar between the steroid (n=37) and combination groups (n=36). At 2 months after the treatment, PTA improved significantly in both groups, but there was no significant difference in the mean hearing gain & recovery rate. The non-diabetic subjects in the steroid group (n=27) exhibited a 24% increase in the mean blood glucose level during the systemic steroid therapy, while those in the combination group (n=34) showed no changes.ConclusionAlthough the KRG did not provide greater therapeutic effects on hearing recovery, we suggest that red ginseng can be a useful adjuvant to the current steroid therapy to normalize glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients during the treatment of SSNHL.

Korean red ginseng extract exhibits neuroprotective effects through inhibition of apoptotic cell death.

Red ginseng has long been used as a traditional medicine in many East Asian countries including Korea. It is known to exhibit various pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-stress and anti-diabetes activities. To further explore its actions, the present study evaluated effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract on neuronal injury induced by various types of insults using primary cultured rat cortical cells. KRG extract inhibited neuronal damage and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by excitatory amino acids, such as glutamate and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), or by Aβ(25-35). To elucidate possible mechanism(s) by which KRG extract exerts neuroprotective action, its effects on apoptosis and apoptosis-related signaling molecules in neurons were assessed. KRG extract markedly increased phosphorylation of Bad at Ser 112 and inhibited Bax expression and caspase 3 activity. It also inhibited DNA fragmentation induced by NMDA or Aβ(25-35). These results indicate that KRG extract protects cultured neurons from excitotoxicity and Aβ(25-35)-induced toxicity through inhibition of ROS generation and apoptotic cell death. In addition, KRG extract inhibited β-secretase activity, implying that it may reduce Aβ peptide formation. Taken together, these findings suggest that KRG extract may be beneficial for the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

Korean Red Ginseng Improves Glucose Control in Subjects with Impaired Fasting Glucose, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, or Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) supplementation on glucose control in subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was a 12-week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled (5 g of KRG [n=21] or placebo [n=20] in tablet form) trial. Glucose-related biomarkers, including serum and whole blood levels of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide, were measured by 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. After the intervention, the test group showed a significant decrease in serum levels of glucose at 30 min (-22.24±10.77 mg/dL) and whole blood levels of glucose at 30 min (-17.52±5.22 mg/dL). In addition, the test group tended to have lower whole blood levels of glucose at 0 min and glucose area under curve (AUC). However, the placebo group did not show any changes in blood glucose-related indices. The changes (difference from baseline) in serum glucose levels at 30 min, whole blood glucose levels at 60 min, and glucose AUC during OGTTs in the test group exhibited a tendency toward a decrease from those in the placebo group. There were significant decreases or trends toward a decrease in both serum insulin and C-peptide concentrations at most time intervals in the test group. In conclusion, KRG supplementation (5 g/day) may be beneficial for controlling serum and whole blood glucose levels compared with placebo among patients with IFG, IGT, or T2DM.

Effect of Korean red ginseng on cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is one of the most common complaints among Asians, especially in women. Korean red ginseng (KRG), which is a steamed form of Panax ginseng, has vasodilating action in the peripheral vessels and increases blood flow under cold stress. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of KRG on cold hypersensitivity.Methods/DesignThis trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 CHHF patients. The trial will be implemented at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong in Seoul, Korea. The participants will take KRG or a placebo for eight weeks, after which they will be followed-up for four weeks. During the administration period, six capsules of 500 mg KRG or placebo will be provided twice a day. The primary outcome is change of skin temperature in the hands between baseline and after treatment. The secondary outcomes include the visual analogue scale scores of cold hypersensitivity in the hands, change of skin temperature and the VAS scores of cold hypersensitivity in the feet, the recovery rate of the skin temperature by the cold stress test of the hands, the distal-dorsal difference of the hands, power variables of heart rate variability, and the 36-item short form health survey.DiscussionThis study is the first trial to evaluate the efficacy of KRG on CHHF by using infrared thermography. Our study will provide basic evidence regarding CHHF.Trial registrationCliniacalTrials.gov NCT01664156

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on radiation-induced bone loss in C3H/HeN mice

This study investigated the effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on radiation-induced bone loss in C3H/HeN mice. C3H/HeN mice were divided into sham and irradiation (3 Gy, gamma-ray) groups. The irradiated mice were treated for 12 wk with vehicle, KRG (per os, p.o.) or KRG (intraperitoneal). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, estradiol level, and biomechanical properties were measured. Tibiae were analyzed using micro-computed tomography. Treatment of KRG (p.o., 250 mg/kg of body weight/d) significantly preserved trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, structure model index, and bone mineral density of proximal tibia metaphysic, but did not alter the uterus weight of the mice. Serum ALP level was slightly reduced by KRG treatment. However, grip strength, mechanical property, and cortical bone architecture did not differ among the experimental groups. The results indicate that KRG can prevent radiation-induced bone loss in mice.

Inhibitory effect of Korean Red Ginseng on melanocyte proliferation and its possible implication in GM-CSF mediated signaling

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been reported to exert anticancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there has been no report on the effect of KRG on skin pigmentation. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of KRG on melanocyte proliferation. KRG extract (KRGE) at different concentrations had no effect on melanin synthesis in melan-A melanocytes. Saponin of KRG (SKRG) inhibited melanin content to 80% of the control at 100 ppm. Keratinocyte-derived factors induced by UV-irradiation were reported to stimulate melanogenesis, differentiation, proliferation, and dendrite formation. In this study, treatment of melan-A melanocytes with conditioned media from UV-irradiated SP-1 keratinocytes increased melanocyte proliferation. When UV-irradiated SP-1 keratinocytes were treated with KRGE or SKRG, the increase of melanocyte proliferation by the conditioned media was blocked. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was produced and released from UV-irradiated keratinocytes. This factor has been reported to be involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of epidermal melanocytes. In this study, GM-CSF was significantly increased in SP-1 keratinocytes by UVB irradiation (30 mJ/cm2), and the proliferation of melan-A melanocytes increased significantly by GM-CSF treatment. In addition, the proliferative effect of keratinocyte-conditioned media on melan-A melanocytes was blocked by anti-GM-CSF treatment. KRGE or SKRG treatment decreased the expression of GM-CSF in SP-1 keratinocytes induced by UVB irradiation. These results demonstrate that UV irradiation induced GM-CSF expression in keratinocytes and KRGE or SKRG inhibited its expression. Therefore, KRG could be a good candidate for regulating UV-induced melanocyte proliferation.

Korean red ginseng extract induces proliferation to differentiation transition of human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells via MYC-SKP2-CDKN1B axis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKorean red ginseng has been used as traditional medicine in East Asia. Recent scientific research revealed multiple effects of Korean red ginseng, including anticancer activity. To evaluate the effect of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and elucidate its molecular mechanism. Materials and methodsNB4 cells were treated with 1mg/ml KRGE for 48h and examined for cell proliferation and differentiation. Cell cycle distribution of KRGE-treated cells was analyzed and the expression level of G1 phase regulators was determined. MYC was overexpressed by retroviral transduction and its effect on SKP2 and CDKN1B gene expression, cell proliferation, cell cycle and differentiation was evaluated in KRGE-treated cells. ResultsKRGE alone was sufficient to induce granulocytic differentiation accompanied with growth inhibition. KRGE treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase with augmented Cdkn1b proteins without changes in transcript levels. Cycloheximide treatment revealed reduced degradation of Cdkn1b protein by KRGE. In addition, KRGE treatment reduced expression of MYC and SKP2 genes, both at mRNA and protein levels. Upon ectopic expression of MYC, the effect of KRGE was reversed with lesser reduction and induction of SKP2 gene and Cdkn1b protein, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest a sequential molecular mechanism from MYC reduction, SKP2 reduction, Cdkn1b protein stabilization, G1 phase arrest to granulocytic differentiation by KRGE in human APL. ConclusionsKRGE induces leukemic proliferation to differentiation transition in APL through modulation of the MYC-SKP2-CDKN1B axis.

Protective effects of Korean red ginseng against radiation-induced apoptosis in human HaCaT keratinocytes

Radiation-induced oral mucositis is a dose-limiting toxic side effect for patients with head and neck cancer. Numerous attempts at improving radiation-induced oral mucositis have not produced a qualified treatment. Ginseng polysaccharide has multiple immunoprotective effects. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on radiation-induced damage in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and in an in vivo zebrafish model. Radiation inhibited HaCaT cell proliferation and migration in a cell viability assay and wound healing assay, respectively. KRG protected against these effects. KRG attenuated the radiation-induced embryotoxicity in the zebrafish model. Irradiation of HaCaT cells caused apoptosis and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). KRG inhibited the radiation-induced apoptosis and intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and stabilized the radiation-induced loss of MMP. Western blots revealed KRG-mediated reduced expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM), p53, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and cleaved caspase-3, compared with their significant increase after radiation treatment. The collective results suggest that KRG protects HaCaT cells by blocking ROS generation, inhibiting changes in MMP, and inhibiting the caspase, ATM, p38 and JNK pathways.

Effects of Korean red ginseng supplementation on muscle glucose uptake in high-fat fed rats

AbstractIt has been recognized that ginseng has anti-diabetic effects in skeletal muscle, but the mechanism has not been intensively investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) supplementation on muscle glucose uptake in high-fat fed rats. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON, n = 8) and a Korean red ginseng group (KRG, n = 8). The KRG group ingested RG extract (1 g·kg−1, 6 days/week) mixed in water for two weeks. After the two-week treatment, plasma lipid profiles, and glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. The triglyceride (TG) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) contents were measured in the skeletal muscle and liver. The rate of glucose transport was determined under a submaximal insulin concentration during muscle incubation. Plasma FFA concentrations were significantly decreased in KRG (P < 0.05). Liver and muscle triglyceride concentrations were also decreased in the KRG treatment group (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In addition, resting plasma insulin and glucose levels were significantly lower after Korean red ginseng treatment (P < 0.05). However, muscle glucose uptake was not affected by Korean red ginseng treatment, as evidenced by the rate of glucose transport in the epitorchealis muscle under submaximal insulin concentrations. These results suggest that while KRG supplementation could improve whole body insulin resistance and plasma lipid profiles, it is unlikely to have an effect on the insulin resistance of skeletal muscle, which is the major tissue responsible for plasma glucose handling.

Red ginseng protects against gentamicin-induced balance dysfunction and hearing loss in rats through antiapoptotic functions of ginsenoside Rb1

The authors evaluated the protective effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) against gentamicin (GM)-induced unilateral vestibular and hearing dysfunction and investigated its effective mechanism using in vitro cell cultures. Vestibular function was comprehensively evaluated by a scoring system that ranged from 0 (normal) to 3 (worst) points, using head tilt, tail hanging, and swimming tests. The GM group showed significantly more deteriorated vestibular function (0 point--5 rats, 1 point--1 rat, 2 points--3 rats, and 3 points--3 rats) than the KRG+GM group (0 point--9 rats and 1 point--1 rat) (p<0.01). The hearing thresholds were better in the KRG+GM group than in the GM group (p<0.05). Quantitative analysis of hair cell damage in the scanning electron microscopy was closely related with vestibular and hearing functional results. In vitro study showed that ginsenoside Rb1 (gRb1) attenuated reactive oxygen species production, suppressed JNK activation, up-regulated Bcl-xL and down-regulated Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 3, and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase in GM-treated VOT-E36 cells. These findings suggest that KRG including gRb1 component protects against vestibular/hearing dysfunction by inhibiting apoptotic pathways when ototoxicity is induced by unilateral intratympanic injection with GM in rats.

Effect of Korean red ginseng on insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic healthy overweight and obese adults.

Korean red ginseng is one of the most popular herbs worldwide due to the belief that it contains ingredients that possess a variety of health enhancing effects including anti-diabetic effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether Korean red ginseng supplement has an effect on insulin sensitivity in healthy overweight or obese adults without overt diabetes and hypertension. In a double-blinded, placebo controlled, randomized trial, a total of 68 participants (BMI >=23 kg/m2) received either 6 g of Korean red ginseng rootlets (n=34) or a placebo each day over a 12 week period. Similar insulin levels and insulin sensitivity index were observed at baseline in the Korean red ginseng and control groups. Korean red ginseng had no significant effect on improving the insulin sensitivity over time. Korean red ginseng does not improve the insulin sensitivity of overweight and obese subjects who do not have diabetes or hypertension.