Administration Of Ginseng Research Articles

Metabolic Changes in Serum Metabolome of Beagle Dogs Fed Black Ginseng.

The effects of black ginseng, which has many kinds of biological activities, on dogs was investigated. Serum samples of beagle dogs, which were fed with black ginseng for 8 weeks, were measured using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. Acquired NMR data from the serum of dogs fed for 0, 4, and 8 weeks were analyzed by metabolic profiling and multivariate statistical analysis. In statistical analysis and biomarker analysis results of metabolite profiles, formate, glutamine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, proline, and valine had variable importance in projection (VIP) scores above 1.0 and excellent area under the curve (AUC) values of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves above 0.9. In the result of multivariate statistical analysis, the score plot showed the discrimination between before and after feeding of black ginseng. These differences in metabolic profiles are considered to be due to the involvement of metabolic processes following black ginseng administration, such as enhancing immunity and energy metabolism. Through metabolomics analysis, we confirmed the biological efficacy of black ginseng in dogs and also confirmed that metabolomics can be applied to the pet health industry.

A histological study of the effect of panax ginseng versus finasteride on induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats with potentiality of spontaneous recovery

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common non-malignant overgrowth of human prostate in old age that greatly affects patient’s quality of life. Finasteride, one of the routinely available regimens for BPH, caused several drawbacks. Recently a natural herbal product, ginseng, had shown a promising influence on various disorders through anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and other beneficial effects.Aim of the work: To compare the effect of panax ginseng versus finasteride on BPH. Together with evaluation of the spontaneous improvement of hyperplastic features.Materials and Methods: Fifty five adult albino rats were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental groups. BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone (3 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Then the animals were subdivided equally into 4 subgroups: BPH was sacrificed at end of 4th week, Recovery was left untreated for another 4 weeks, Finasteride & Ginseng treated subgroups received oral administration of finasteride (5 mg/kg/day) & ginseng (200 mg/kg/day) respectively for another 4 weeks. Serum DHT level and weight of prostate glands were measured. Prostatic sections were stained with toluidine blue, H&E, Masson trichrome and immunohistochemical stain for PCNA and α SMA. Additionally, the sections were subjected to morphometric and statistical analysis.Results: BPH subgroup showed signs of hyperplasia of both epithelial and stromal cells while minimal improvement was demonstrated in the recovery subgroup. Finasteride treated subgroup showed apparent incomplete restoration of normal prostatic histological structure. While nearly normal histological architecture, biochemical & morphometric parameters were recorded in ginseng treated subgroup.Conclusion: Ginseng proved to have a therapeutic effect superior to finasteride through its anti-mitotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Discontinuation of testosterone administration resulted in inconsiderable regression of BPH.

Effects of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) on the steady state visually evoked potential during cognitive performance.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of acute Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) administration on steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) during completion of working memory and continuous performance tasks.MethodsA randomised, double‐blind, placebo controlled, balanced, cross‐over trial was conducted in middle‐aged volunteers aged between 40 and 60 years. Participants were administered 200 mg P. quinquefolius and placebo on two separate testing sessions. Six‐h post‐dose participants completed spatial working memory (SWM) and continuous performance (CP) tasks while SSVEP from a diffuse task‐irrelevant 13 Hz flicker was recorded.ResultsDuring SWM retrieval, P. quinquefolius was associated with significantly reduced prefrontal SSVEP latency. There were no significant treatment effects on CP nor behavioural performance of either task.ConclusionsThese findings provide preliminary evidence of increased recruitment of prefrontal brain regions during working memory processing following a single acute dose of P. quinquefolius.

Vascular effects of combined enriched Korean Red ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax Quinquefolius) administration in individuals with hypertension and type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is known to abrogate the vascular response. Combination of two commonly consumed ginseng species, American ginseng (AG) and a Korean Red ginseng (KRG), enriched with ginsensoide Rg3, was shown to concomitantly improve glucemic control and blood pressure. We evaluated the hypothesis that improvements in central hemodynamics, vascular function and stiffness markers are involved in observed benefits of co-administration. MethodsIn this randomized, placebo controlled, two-center trial, patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension were assigned to either 2.25 g ginsenoside Rg3-enriched KRG&AG co-administration or a control 3 times daily for 12-weeks, treated by standard of care. The effects on central hemodynamics, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and endothelial function over the 12-week administration were analyzed. ResultsIn intent-to-treat analysis of 80 individuals, a reduction in central systolic BP (-4.69 ± 2.24 mmHg, p = 0.04) was observed with co-administration of Rg3-KRG + AG relative to control at 12-weeks, which was characterized by a decrease in end-systolic pressure (-6.60 ± 2.5 mmHg, p = 0.01) and area under the systolic/diastolic BP curve (-132.80 ± 65.1, p = 0.04, 220.90 ± 91.1, p = 0.02, respectively). There was no significant change in reactive hyperemia index (0.09 ± 0.11, p = 0.44), PWV (-0.40 ± 0.28 %, p = 0.17), and other related pulse wave analysis components. ConclusionCo-administration of complementary ginseng species improved central systolic BP and components of pulse waveform without a direct effect on endothelial function, when added to background pharmacotherapy in individuals with diabetes. These data support potential utility of ginseng for modest blood pressure benefit to broaden its role in diabetes management.

Role of Panax Ginseng as an Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective after Liver Toxicity caused by Flutamide in Adult Male Rats

Aim: This study was conducted to determine antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti – inflammatory effects of panax ginseng extract against hepatotoxic effect of flutamide, a drug widely used in the treatment of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats (weight 200-300 g) were used and had access to water and food in the animal house for two week. The rats were divided randomly into six equal groups: group (A): received normal saline as control, group(B): received flutamide (25 mg/kg b.wt) orally for 7 days, group (C): injected p. ginseng extract (200 mg / kg b.wt) intraperitonialy daily for 30 days, group (D):injected p. ginseng extract (400mg/kg b.wt) intrapretonialy daily for 30 days, group (E):received flutamide (25mg/kg b.wt) orally for 7 days with p. ginseng extract (200 mg / kg b.wt) intrapretonialy daily for 30 days, group (F): received flutamide (25mg/kg b.wt) orally for 7days with p. ginseng extract (400 mg/kg b.wt) intrapretonialy daily for 30 days. In this study, we assessed the hepatoprotective effect of red ginseng in rats treated with flutamide. Serum concentrations of the hepatic marker enzymes alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and histopathological analysis have been performed for this purpose. The hepatic antioxidant status was assessed using measurement of GSH levels. Results: Administration of flutamide to adult male rats causes severe hepatic injury. Hepatosomatic index, ALT and AST were significantly increased in comparison with control and ginseng treated groups. While a significant decrease in the contents of reduced hepatic glutathione (GSH) was observed Histological examination of liver tissues showed that flutamide caused significant increase in the diameter of central vein, bloody congestion in the central vein with infiltration of Inflammatory cells, swelling of hepatocytes, narrowing of blood sinusoids and vacoules appear inside the hepatocytes. Conclusion: The results of this current study indicate that the administration of ginseng (200,400 mg / kg b.w) to flutamide treated animals resulted in an improvement in the histological picture of the liver as well as biochemical parameters, mainly through down regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Interactions of ginseng with therapeutic drugs.

Ginseng is the most frequently used herbal medicine for immune system stimulation and as an adjuvant with prescribed drugs owing to its numerous pharmacologic activities. It is important to investigate the beneficial effects and interaction of ginseng with therapeutic drugs. This review comprehensively discusses drug metabolizing enzyme- and transporter-mediated ginseng-drug interaction by analyzing in vitro and clinical results with a focus on ginsenoside, a pharmacologically active marker of ginseng. Impact of ginseng therapy or ginseng combination therapy on diabetic patients and of ginseng interaction with antiplatelets and anticoagulants were evaluated based on ginseng origin and ginsenoside content. Daily administration of Korean red ginseng (0.5-3g extract; dried ginseng > 60%) did not cause significant herb-drug interaction with drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Among various therapeutic drugs administered in combination with ginseng, adjuvant chemotherapy, comprising ginseng (1-3g extract) and anticancer drugs, was effective for reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving the quality of life and emotional scores. Limited information regarding ginsenoside content in each ginseng product and plasma ginsenoside concentration among patients necessitates standardization of ginseng product and establishment of pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic correlation to further understand beneficial effects of ginseng-therapeutic drug interactions in future clinical studies.

Panax ginseng is superior to vitamin E as a hepatoprotector against cyclophosphamide-induced liver damage

Background and aimsCyclophosphamide (CPh) is a frequently used drug, in human and animals for its immunosuppressive and anticancer potential. However, it is metabolized by the liver yielding damaging toxicants (to the liver itself and other non-target vital organs) via oxidative stress, apoptosis induction and finally necrosis. Since there is no escaping of using such harmful medications, we focused on alleviating its side-effects. Panax ginseng Meyer is a potent candidate, and we still lack adequate information on its hepatoprotective role against cyclophosphamide-induced liver-damage. MethodsHere, we used P. ginseng (Korean Red Ginseng) compared to vitamin-E (natural antioxidant) in combating CPh-induced liver damage. Forty-eight albino rats were divided into 6 groups, Control, Ginseng, Vitamin E, Cyclophosphamide (CPh), CPh + Ginseng or CPh + Vitamin-E. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses and liver samples were collected for histopathology, oxidative stress evaluation, and gene expression analyses. ResultsIn CPh group, typical CPh-liver damage was evident (higher levels of AST, ALT, ALP; lower albumin and total proteins levels; lower liver tissue concentrations of SOD, GPX and CAT and higher MDA; injured liver histopathological picture; and finally increased TNF-α, IL-1β and Caspase3 and decreased BCL-2 genes expression). All these were abolished with either P. ginseng or vitamin-E administration. However, P. ginseng was overall superior to vitamin-E, especially in restoring blood biochemical findings and damaged histopathological picture. ConclusionsTherefore, P. ginseng is a potent hepatoprotector (vitamin-E to a lesser extent) and should be considered where liver damage is expected secondary to damaging medications; as cyclophosphamide.

Effects of ginseng supplementation on selected markers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of ginseng administration on serum level of inflammatory biomarkers. We performed a systematic search of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted up to June 2018 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. RCTs that investigated the effect ginseng supplementation on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were included for final analysis. A total of seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Results indicated significant reduction in IL-6 (mean difference [MD]: -0.265pg/ml, 95% CI [-0.396, -0.135], p<.001) and TNF-α (MD: -2.471pg/ml, 95% CI [-2.904, -2.039], p<.001) and no significant change in hs-CRP (MD: -0.125mg/L, 95% CI [-0.597, 0.347], p=.604). Although there was publication bias across studies, trim and fill analysis showed that results from unpublished studies could not change the results for CRP. However, removing one study in sensitivity analysis did reveal a significant reduction in CRP. We conclude that ginseng supplementation significantly lowered IL-6 and TNF-α but did not significantly lower CRP. However, these findings were not robust, because they showed sensitivity for CRP and IL-6, and future long-term well-designed dose-escalating trials are required.

Manufacture and characterization of optimized red ginseng drinks containing herbal medicine extracts.

The optimum mixing ratio of red ginseng, herbal medicine extracts, and oligosaccharides for diabetic improvement was investigated and verified through animal experiments. Using the optimum mixing technique, 2% red ginseng extract, 15% oligosaccharides, and 83% herbal medicine extracts were determined to be optimal for red ginseng beverages. The taste was improved as the amount of red ginseng decreased and oligosaccharides increased, whereas antioxidative activity was increased with increased red ginseng. In the animal model in which streptozotocin was administered to BALB-c mice, the red ginseng administration group exhibited lower blood glucose than the diabetic control group, and the blood glucose level was lower in the herbal medicine and red ginseng extract administration group. Insulin concentration was slightly increased by the red ginseng beverage, and hepatotoxicity due to excessive intake of red ginseng beverages was not detected.

POTENTIAL AMELORATIVE EFFECT OF PANAX GINSENG ON HEPATORENAL DAMAGE OCUURED IN HYDROXUREA-TREATED RATS

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an anti-neoplastic drug which is used for treatment of many types of tumors; however, its wide range of deleterious effects may limit its medical usage. This study was conducted to assess the possible protective role of Panax ginseng extract (Ginseng) against HU- induced hepato-renal damage in rats. Forty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups (10 rats each). Group I (control) received 1ml purified water. Group II (Ginseng-treated) received 200 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) of Panax ginseng extract. Group III (HU-treated) received HU at a dose of 500 mg/ kg b.wt. Group IV (HU plus ginseng) received HU and Panax ginseng extract in similar doses of group II and III. All the treatments were administrated orally. Treatment with Panax ginseng failed to ameliorate the hematological alterations caused by HU, but, its ability to alleviate hepato-renal cytotoxic effect was proved through significant reduction in plasma level of hepato-renal injury biomarkers (AST, ALT, GGT, urea and creatinine) which were elevated in HU-treated group. Also, this effect was affirmed by decreased level of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and enhanced anti-oxidant state (decreased MDA content and increased GPX activity) of hepato-renal tissues upon Panax ginseng extract administration with HU. Histopathologically, HU induced impairments in both hepatic and renal tissues of the treated rats. Conversely, concurrent administration of ginseng with HU partially improved these alterations.Key words: hydroxyurea; hepato-renal toxicity; Panax ginseng; rats

Possible Protective Role of Panax Ginseng on Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats (Biochemical and Histological Study).

Background:Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapy antineoplastic drugs. Panax ginseng is a well-known medicinal herb and has a long history of medicinal use as a tonic to promote health.Aim:This work aimed to study the effect of ginseng on the liver damage induced by cisplatin in rats. It included biochemical and histological investigations.Materials and Methods:Twenty adult rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I served as control. Group II received ginseng orally (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Group III animals were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin in three equal doses (each 3.3 mg/kg) daily for 3 consecutive days. Group IV animals received ginseng together with cisplatin by the same previously mentioned methods and doses. Rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks, and blood samples and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histological examinations.Results:Cisplatin-induced liver damage manifested biochemically by an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Histologically, hepatocytes appeared with vacuolated cytoplasm and small dark-stained nuclei with dilatation of blood sinusoids as well as marked accumulation of collagen fibers around enlarged portal tracts. Administration of ginseng together with cisplatin improved the hepatic dysfunctions and damage caused by cisplatin.Conclusion:Ginseng has a protective role in the amelioration of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Cognition enhancing effect of panax ginseng in Korean volunteers with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the cognition-enhancing effect of Panax ginseng. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to address the cognition-enhancing effects of Panax ginseng. A total of 90 Korean volunteers with mild cognitive impairment participated in this study. All subjects were allocated randomly into ‘Ginseng’ group or ‘Placebo’ group. All subjects were administered 3g of Panax ginseng powder or starch (placebo) for 6 months. The Korean version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL), and Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB) were used to assess the changes in cognitive function at the end of the 6 month study period. The subjects of the ‘Ginseng’ group improved significantly on the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) immediate recall (P = 0.0405 and P = 0.0342 in per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, respectively) and on the RCFT 20-min delayed recall (P = 0.0396 and P = 0.0355 in PP and ITT analysis, respectively) compared with ‘placebo’ group throughout the 6 months of Panax ginseng administration. There were no serious adverse events. These results suggest that Panax ginseng has a cognition-enhancing effect.

Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, and compound K after single or multiple administration of red ginseng extract in human beings

BackgroundWe investigated the tolerability and pharmacokinetic properties of various ginsenosides, including Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, and compound K, after single or multiple administrations of red ginseng extract in human beings. MethodsRed ginseng extract (dried ginseng > 60%) was administered once and repeatedly for 15 days to 15 healthy Korean people. After single and repeated administration of red ginsengextract, blood sample collection, measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, and routine laboratory test were conducted over 48-h test periods. ResultsRepeated administration of high-dose red ginseng for 15 days was well tolerated and did not produce significant changes in body temperature or blood pressure. The plasma concentrations of Rb1, Rb2, and Rc were stable and showed similar area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) values after 15 days of repeated administration. Their AUC values after repeated administration of red ginseng extract for 15 days accumulated 4.5- to 6.7-fold compared with single-dose AUC. However, the plasma concentrations of Rd and compound K showed large interindividual variations but correlated well between AUC of Rd and compound K. Compound K did not accumulate after 15 days of repeated administration of red ginseng extract. ConclusionA good correlation between the AUC values of Rd and compound K might be the result of intestinal biotransformation of Rb1, Rb2, and Rc to Rd and subsequently to compound K, rather than the intestinal permeability of these ginsenosides. A strategy to increase biotransformation or reduce metabolic intersubject variability may increase the plasma concentrations of Rd and compound K.

A Systematic Overview of Reviews on the Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Erectile Dysfunction

Background & aim: This systematic overview of reviews on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) was performed to summarize the clinical efficacy of this approach in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and assess methodological quality of the included reviews. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed to find the systematic reviews and meta-analyses on CAM interventions (e.g., acupuncture, saffron, yohimbine, and ginseng) for ED treatment, published until October 2017. To this end, we searched the international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, as well as Iranian databases, such as SID, IranMedex, and Magiran. The assessment of the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was accomplished using the AMSTAR scale. Results: The searching process led to the inclusion of five systematic reviews examining CAM therapies, including acupuncture, saffron, Yohimbine, and ginseng. The methodological quality of the retrieved reviews was at a favorable level. Positive results were found for the administration of yohimbine, saffron, and ginseng as treatment agents for ED. However, there was insufficient evidence regarding the effect of acupuncture on this health problem. Major methodological defects included the use of a grey literature search, likelihood of publication bias, and conflicts of interests. Conclusion: As the findings indicated, CAM appeared to be an effective treatment for ED. However, it is essential to conduct further studies on the safety and value of CAM for the management of this condition.

Panax Ginseng extract modulates cerebral damage caused by gamma irradiation in male albino rats

THIS STUDY is designed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous Panax ginseng extract against acute brain damage induced by gamma irradiation in rats. Animals were sacrificed 24h post-whole body gamma irradiation (6Gy). The results revealed oxidative injury denoted by a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) associated to a significant decrease in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in brain tissues. The administration of Panax ginseng at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days before irradiation has significantly attenuated the severity of oxidative stress. Furthermore, Panax ginseng has significantly improved the decrease recorded in the level of the neurotransmitters serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (Ach) induced by gamma irradiation in brain tissue. The oral administration of ginseng extract prior to irradiation has attenuated also a significant decrease in serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) as well as a significant increase in serum nitric oxide (NO) compared with the irradiated group. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examination substantiate the aforementioned amelioration in the biochemical parameters. In conclusion, the Panax ginseng extract might alleviate the oxidative brain damage and the alteration of neurotransmitters induced by gamma-irradiation in rats.

An Insight into Ginsenoside Metabolite Compound K as a Potential Tool for Skin Disorder.

Ginsenosides are the major bioactive natural compounds derived from Panax ginseng. Several studies report the pharmaceutical benefits of several ginsenosides, including antidementia, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activity. Biotransformations by gut microbiome contribute to the biological function of these ginsenosides. After ingestion ginsenosides are hydrolyzed to Rg2, Rg3, compound K, and others by human gut flora. Compound K is considered the representative active metabolite after oral administration of ginseng or ginsenosides. Various studies report the diverse biological functions of compound K, such as antitumor, antidiabetic, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Recent clinical trial and in vitro studies demonstrate the antiaging activities of ginsenosides in human skin. Ginsenosides have been considered as an important natural dermatological agent. In this review, we will cover the modern tools and techniques to understand biotransformation and delivery of compound K. Also the biological function of compound K on skin disorder and its potential dermatological application will be discussed.

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.

Oral administration of red ginseng powder fermented with probiotic alleviates the severity of dextran-sulfate sodium-induced colitis in a mouse model

Red ginseng is a well-known alternative medicine with anti-inflammatory activity. It exerts pharmacological effects through the transformation of saponin into metabolites by intestinal microbiota. Given that intestinal microflora vary among individuals, the pharmacological effects of red ginseng likely vary among individuals. In order to produce homogeneously effective red ginseng, we prepared probiotic-fermented red ginseng and evaluated its activity using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice. Initial analysis of intestinal damage indicated that the administration of probiotic-fermented red ginseng significantly decreased the severity of colitis, compared with the control and the activity was higher than that induced by oral administration of ginseng powder or probiotics only. Subsequent analysis of the levels of serum IL-6 and TNF-α, inflammatory biomarkers that are increased at the initiation stage of colitis, were significantly decreased in probiotic-fermented red ginseng-treated groups in comparison to the control group. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and mRNAs for inflammatory factors in colorectal tissues were also significantly decreased in probiotic-fermented red ginseng-treated groups. Collectively, oral administration of probiotic-fermented red ginseng reduced the severity of colitis in a mouse model, suggesting that it can be used as a uniformly effective red ginseng product.

Synergetic Hepatoprotective Effects of Korean Red Ginseng andPueraria Radixon the Liver Damaged-Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) in Mice

This study was designed to investigate the synergetic hepatoprotective effects from a mixture of Korean Red Ginseng and Pueraria Radix on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Liver toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of CCl 4 (0.6 mg/kg) in 12 groups of ICR mice. The negative control group was given CCl 4 without test samples and the normal group was given no treatment. Among treatment groups, the RGAP treatment (Korean Red ginseng acetic acid extract : Pueraria radix water extract, w/w, 38.4:57.6) decreased CCl 4 -elevated ALT (101.60 IU/L), AST (833.89 IU/L), and LDH (365.02 IU/L) levels in the serum, and increased the SOD (11.03 unit/mg protein) and CAT (0.37 unit/mg protein) levels and the LPO levels (59.09 μM/g tissue) more than that in the mice group with CCl 4 -induced control group hepatotoxicity. These results suggest that administration of a mixture of Korean Red ginseng and Pueraria radix decreases CCl 4 -induced liver damage and enhances antioxidant activity in mice and imply that administration of the mixture in a certain ratio is more effective than single administration of either Korean Red ginseng or Pueraria radix alone.

Red ginseng powder fermented with probiotics exerts antidiabetic effects in the streptozotocin-induced mouse diabetes model

Context: Red ginseng (heat-processed Panax ginseng) is a well-known alternative medicine with pharmacological antidiabetic activity. It exerts pharmacological effects through the transformation of saponin into metabolites by the intestinal microbiota. Given that intestinal conditions and intestinal microflora vary among individuals, the pharmacological effects of orally administered red ginseng likely may vary among individuals.Objective: To overcome this variation and produce homogeneously effective red ginseng, we evaluated the antidiabetic effects of probiotic-fermented red ginseng in a mouse model.Materials and methods: The antidiabetic efficacy of orally administered probiotic-fermented red ginseng was assessed in ICR mice after induction of diabetes using streptozotocin (170 mg/kg body weight). Samples were given orally for 8 weeks, and indicators involved in diabetic disorders such as body weight change, water intake, blood glucose, glucose tolerance and various biochemical parameters were determined.Results: Oral administration of probiotic-fermented red ginseng significantly decreased the level of blood glucose of about 62.5% in the fasting state and induced a significant increase in glucose tolerance of about 10.2% compared to the control diabetic mice. Additionally, various indicators of diabetes and biochemical data (e.g., blood glycosylated haemoglobin level, serum concentrations of insulin, and α-amylase activity) showed a significant improvement in the diabetic conditions of the mice treated with probiotic-fermented red ginseng in comparison with those of control diabetic mice.Discussion and conclusion: Our results demonstrate the antidiabetic effects of probiotic-fermented red ginseng in the streptozotocin-induced mouse diabetes model and suggest that probiotic-fermented red ginseng may be a uniformly effective red ginseng product.