Ginseng Extract Research Articles

Panax ginseng and aging related disorders: A systematic review.

The aging process predisposes numerous homeostatic disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Changes in diet and lifestyle and therapeutic adjuvants are essential to minimize the effects of comorbidities associated with aging. Natural products such as Panax ginseng have been used to treat and prevent diseases related to aging. This review aims to investigate the effects of Panax ginseng in various conditions associated with aging, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The ginsenosides, chemical constituents found in Panax ginseng, can inhibit the effects of inflammatory cytokines, inhibit signaling pathways that induce inflammation, and inhibit cells that participate in inflammatory processes. Besides, ginsenosides are involved in neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system due to anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The use of ginseng extract showed actions on lipid homeostasis, positively regulating high-density lipoprotein, down-regulating low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels, and producing beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function. The use of this plant in cancer resulted in improved quality of life and mood. It decreased symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea, reducing anxiety. Panax ginseng has been shown to exert potent therapeutic benefits that can act as a complementary treatment in managing patients with chronic diseases related to aging.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the renal protective effect of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey in type 1 diabetic rats.

The dry root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey has garnered much interest owing to its medicinal properties against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based metabolomics approach was used to illustrate the therapeutic mechanisms of ginseng extract on the serum and urinary metabolic profiles in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rats. Pharmacological and renal parameters in response to the administration of ginseng were also evaluated. In total, 16 serum endogenous metabolites and 14 urine endogenous metabolites, including pyruvic acid, indoleacetic acid, and phenylacetylglycine, were identified as potential biomarkers for diabetes. Pathway enrichment and network analysis revealed that the biomarkers modulated by ginseng were primarily involved in phenylalanine and pyruvate metabolism, as well as in arginine biosynthesis. Moreover, the levels of several renal injury-related biomarkers in T1DM rats were significantly restored following treatment with ginseng. The administration of the extract helped maintain tissue structure integrity and ameliorated renal injury. The findings suggest that the regulatory effect of ginseng extract on T1DM involves metabolic management of diabetic rats, which subsequently attenuates T1DM-induced early renal dysfunction.

Anti‐hyperglycemic Activities of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) and Arginyl‐fructose‐enriched Red Ginseng Extracts In‐vitro and In‐vivo Animal Models

Maillard reaction that occurs during the manufacturing processes of red ginseng produces a large amount of Amadori rearrangement compounds (ARCs), such as arginyl‐fructose (AF). The antioxidant, anti‐hyperglycemic immune enhancing effects of AF have been reported. Amino acid derivatives such as AF are formed through amadori rearrangement, the early step of maillard reaction from arginine and glucose in heat processed foods. Heat processed red ginseng have high content of AF and saponins. In this study inhibitory activities of red ginseng extract (RG) and AF‐enriched red ginseng extract (ARG) against rat intestinal α‐glucosidases (sucrase, maltase, and glucoamylase) and α‐amylase were evaluated using in‐vitro and Sprague Dawley (SD) rat models. The in‐vitro results showed that ARG have higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities than those of RG in a dose‐dependent manner. In SD rat model, postprandial blood glucose levels were measured for 3 hours after oral administration of 0.1 and 0.5 g/kg‐body weight of ARG or RG along with sucrose or starch. The postprandial blood glucose lowering effects of ARG and RG were compared to a known type 2 diabetes medicine (Acarbose®), a strong α‐glucosidase inhibitor in the SD rat model. In rats fed on sucrose, ARG significantly reduced the blood glucose spike after sucrose loading (p < 0.01). The maximum blood glucose concentration (Cmax) in ARG‐treated SD rats (0.1 g‐ARG/kg) was significantly lower than in RG‐treated SD rats (p < 0.01). These results suggest that AF‐enriched red ginseng could have a beneficial effect for blood glucose management relevant to diabetes prevention in normal and pre‐diabetic individuals via inhibition of the carbohydrate hydrolysis enzymes in the colon. AF, ARCs may have high potential as a material for the development of products, nutritious foods with antidiabetic activity. Our findings provide a pharmacological rationale and the basis for further clinical study for AF‐enriched natural products such as ginseng and red ginseng.

Ginseng, Tribulus Extracts and Pollen Grains Supplementation Improves Sexual State, Testes Redox Status, and Testicular Histology in Nile Tilapia Males.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of three natural antioxidants on sex hormone levels, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, and histological changes in the testes of male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 210 male Nile tilapia were distributed into seven treatments (three replicates for each) with an initial weight of 3.67 g fish−1. The fish were fed experimental diets (32% crude protein) without supplementation as control or supplemented with ginseng extract (GE; 0.2 and 0.4 g GE kg−1 diet), Tribulus terrestris extract (TT; 0.6 and 1.2 g TT kg−1 diet), and date palm pollen grains (DPPG; 3 and 6 g DPPG kg−1 diet) for 84 days. The results revealed a significant increase in the luteinizing hormone level with TT, DPPG, and GE supplementation increased the levels by 22.9%, 18.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. The testosterone level also increased significantly with TT1.2, GE0.4, TT0.6, and DPPG6 by 86.23%, 64.49%, 57.40%, and 24.62%, respectively. The antioxidant status in the testis homogenate showed a significant decrease in the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances when using different dietary substances. In addition, glutathione reduced contents, glutathione S-transferases, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities significantly increased with different dietary supplementation in a dose-dependent manner. The histological evaluation revealed normal histological features of the testes in all treatments with increasing active seminiferous tubules (%) in GE, TT, and DPPG supplemented groups, especially with the highest levels. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of GE, TT, and DPPG enhanced sex hormones level, redox status, and testis structure and could improve the male reproductive performance of Nile tilapia.

Engineering green and high-flux poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes for membrane distillation via a facile co-casting process

A high-flux and stable poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane that is also produced in a green method is particularly promising for membrane distillation (MD). In this work, a facile co-casting method was employed to fabricate porous PVDF membranes by using green solvent (PolarClean) and green casting fluids, including Acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400). During the co-casting process, ATBC or PEG was functioned as isolation layer to avoid rapid solvent/non-solvent exchange rate that could result in a dense membrane surface. The resulting top PVDF membrane surfaces were both highly porous during the phase inversion process after being cast by ATBC or PEG. In addition, the bottom surfaces were highly porous when using non-woven fabrics (NWFs) as casting supports whatever the PVDF concentrations were. It is worth mentioning that when the PVDF concentrations were below 20 wt%, the NWFs combined with PVDF membrane well that also provided a super-high mechanical strength for PVDF membranes. When the PVDF concentrations were above 25 wt%, the NWFs were detached from the PVDF membrane. Therefore, two kinds of PVDF membranes (with and without NWFs) could be produced. The optimized PVDF membranes with contact angle of above 120° showed above 99.99% and 99.9% rejection for saline water and ginseng extract during the MD process with a highest flux of ∼37 kgm−2h−1. This work provides a green and high-flux PVDF membrane for saline water and food extract in chemical industries.

Analysis of Key Chemical Components in Aqueous Extract Sediments of Panax Ginseng at Different Ages.

Panax ginseng beverages have been some of the most popular plant drinks among consumers in recent years, but they become turbid and sediment are easily formed during production and marketing, these are some of the key issues that affect the quality of the beverages. In this study, we analysed the physicochemical properties of sediments in aqueous extracts of 3- to 6-year-old ginseng, and by tracing the sediment formation process from 0–40 days, we observed that the sediment was gradually beginning on day 10. The solid content of ginseng aged 5 and 6 years was significantly higher than that of ginseng aged 3 and 4 years. There was no significant difference in the sediment amount sediment in the extracts of ginseng of different ages. The light transmittance of the extracts after centrifugation was significantly higher than before centrifugation. Colour-difference analysis found that there was a significant positive correlation between ginseng age and colour-difference value (ΔE). Chemical composition analysis showed that total sugar and proteins were the main components of the sediment. In addition, ginsenosides, amino acids and minerals were also involved in sediment formation to different degrees. A stepwise regression model was established through principal component analysis (PCA), and the regression equation for predicting the sediment amount was obtained as follows: sediment amount (mg/mL) = 2.906 − 0.126 × CTotal saponins − 0.131 × CFree amino acids.

Saponin attenuates diesel exhaust particle (DEP)-induced MUC5AC expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine upregulation via TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB signaling pathway in airway epithelium and ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice

BackgroundDiesel exhaust particle (DEP) is a harmful kind of particulate matter known to exacerbate pre-existing respiratory diseases. Although their adverse effects on airway pathologies have been widely studied, the mechanistic analysis of signaling pathways and potential targets in reducing DEP-induced mucin secretion and pro-inflammatory cytokine production remain elusive. We, for the first time, investigated the effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extracts on mucin overproduction and airway inflammation induced by DEP. MethodsThe effects of KRG and saponin on DEP-induced expression of MUC5AC and interleukin (IL)-6/8 were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in human airway epithelial NCI–H292 cells. We conducted Western blotting analysis to analyze the associated signaling pathways. To evaluate the effects of saponin treatment on DEP-induced MUC5AC expression and inflammatory cell infiltrations in ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and real-time PCR were implemented. ResultsThe KRG extracts markedly attenuated DEP-induced MUC5AC expression in vitro by inhibiting the TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, KRG and saponin inhibited DEP-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6/8 production. The in vivo study revealed that saponin blocked DEP-induced inflammation, mucin production and MUC5AC expression. ConclusionOur study revealed that KRG extracts have inhibitory effects on DEP-induced expression of MUC5AC and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanism by which saponin alleviates diesel-susceptible airway inflammation, elucidating its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for inflammatory pathologies of airway.

Black Ginseng Extract Suppresses Airway Inflammation Induced by Cigarette Smoke and Lipopolysaccharides In Vivo.

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a risk factor that can induce airway enlargement, airway obstruction, and airway mucus hypersecretion. Although studies have shown that Korean black ginseng extract (BGE) has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, the CS-induced inflammatory responses and molecular mechanisms are yet to be examined. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of BGE on the airway inflammatory response and its molecular mechanisms, using CS/lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-exposed animals and PMA-stimulated human airway epithelial NCI-H292 cells. The results show that BGE inhibited the recruitment of immune cells and the release of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, elastase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the airways of CS/LPS-exposed animals. BGE inhibited mucus secretion and the expression of Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC). Furthermore, BGE exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating a signaling pathway mediated by transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase (TAK) 1, an important protein that accelerates inflammation by cigarette smoke (CS). Overall, the findings show that BGE inhibits lung inflammation and mucus secretion by decreasing the activation of TAK1 both in human epithelial cells and in CS/LPS-exposed animals, and could be a potential adjuvant in the treatment and prevention of airway inflammatory diseases caused by airway irritants such as CS.

Anti-Allergic Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng Marc on 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis-like Mice Model

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and allergic skin disease; however, there is no cure for the disease. Red ginseng is well known to have anti-AD potential, while red ginseng marc (RGM) remaining after ginseng extraction is regarded as useless and discarded. However, it has recently been reported that RGM, particularly fermented RGM (fRGM), still contains bioactive properties. Thus, the anti-allergic effects of fRGM were examined in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mice model. The model was topically treated with distilled water (control), dexamethasone, or fRGM for six weeks. Treatments of fRGM alleviated skin lesions and reduced serum IgE levels, compared with the control. The fRGM also reduced skin levels of lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion; however, it increased glutathione contents, with downregulated gene expression for inflammatory mediators. Histopathological analyses demonstrated that fRGM suppressed epidermal thickening, collagen deposition, and inflammatory cell and mast cell infiltration, which involved anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Further, fRGM suppressed hypertrophic changes and inflammatory responses in the spleen and lymph nodes. The beneficial effects were observed in the dexamethasone and fRGM groups; however, the antioxidant effects were evident only in the fRGM treatments. These results provide useful information for developing fRGM as a therapeutic source for AD.

Assessing synergistic effect of Jerusalem Artichoke juice and antioxidant compounds on enhanced viability and persistence of Bifidobacterium species, palatability, and shelf life.

Commercial vegetable and fruit juices with probiotics are new functional type of beverages; however, limitations including persistence and impact of probiotic bacteria on palatability and shelf life may prevent their industrial development. This study evaluated the effect of antioxidant compounds (ascorbic acid, astaxanthin, and ginseng) on viability and persistence of Bifidobacterium spp. in Jerusalem Artichoke (JA) juice; and determine the impact of these antioxidants on the sensory (color, texture, flavor, acidity) properties, free reducing sugar (inulin and fructose), and shelf life in the fortified JA juice. Overall, the JA juice fortified with ascorbic acid showed a significant impact on the rate of persistence of two targeted bifidobacterial strains from 1 to 28 days at 5°C. Both strains produced slight acidity in ascorbic acid fortified JA juice as compared to other tested samples. Similarly, the JA juice fortified with ascorbic acid showed a significantly high increase in the total number of bifidobacterial cells of both species, enhanced palatability, and shelf life as compared to astaxanthin and ginseng extract. The quadratic model indicated a strong association between ascorbic acid, ginseng extract, and astaxanthin with a bifidobacterial cell concentration in the fortified JA juices. The Box–Behnken design was considered a feasible analysis for describing fortified JA juice and the rate of viability and persistence of bifidobacteria during 28 days of storage at 5°C in all trials. In conclusion, JA juice fortified with ascorbic acid showed a significant impact on improving the cell viability and persistence of probiotic bacteria, enhanced palatability, and shelf life as compared to other compounds tested.

Transformation of ginsenosides by moderate heat-moisture treatment and their cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells

In the current study, the effects of heat-moisture treatment on the ginsenoside contents and ginsenoside compositions such as Rg3, CK and Rb1 etc. were investigated at different temperatures, relative humidities (RHs) and treatment times. Our findings demonstrated that the highest total ginsenoside content was 7.48% after 12 days treatment at temperature 80 °C and RH 75%. Correspondingly, less polar ginsenosides Rg3 and CK were accumulated increasingly from 0.88 mg/g and 0.84 mg/g to 7.30 mg/g and 15.08 mg/g, respectively, during heat-moisture treatment. Compared to the ginsenoside extracts of untreated ginseng (UGE), the ginsenoside extracts of heat-moisture treated ginseng (HMGE) exerted better scavenging activities of 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation (ABTS+), and hydroxyl (OH) radicals, as well as higher cytotoxicity efficiency against HepG2. In addition, HMGE promoted cell apoptosis by up-regulating the related protein expression, especially the caspase-3, caspase-9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Therefore, the cytotoxicity of HMGE against HepG2 cells may be due to the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway induced by up-regulated caspase. These results strongly proved the promising prospect of HMGE as functional food or ingredient in nourishing or disease chemoprevention.

Identification of nutritional values of the fermentative extract from the mixture of Stereum hirsutum mycelial substrates and ginseng extracts

The present study aimed to investigate the method of preparing extract by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of Stereum hirsutum mycelial substrate mixed with ginseng extracts (GE) and explored the changes of 6 water-soluble nutritional components (WSNC) and antioxidant capacity in the extract using a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. The results showed that the substrates were endowed with numerous WSNC and antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity increased from 0.12 to 0.69 mmol TE/L) during the fermentation process. Compared to undigested samples (UDS), digested samples (DS) contained more WSNC and higher antioxidant activity. Furthermore, significant amounts of free amino acids (FAA) (increased from 844.97 ± 6.56 mg/L to 6715.21 ± 17.63 mg/L), and the minor ginsenoside 20 (S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) were detected in the DS, which was not observed in the UDS. The findings demonstrate that extract prepared by SSF of S. hirsutum mycelial substrate mixed with GE can be used as potential functional food and antioxidant.

Dual Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Astrocytes and Neural Stem Cells in Traumatic Brain Injury: The HO-1-Tom20 Axis as a Putative Target for Mitochondrial Function.

Astrocytes display regenerative potential in pathophysiologic conditions. In our previous study, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) promoted astrocytic mitochondrial functions in mice via the peroxisome-proliferator-activating receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway on administering Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, KRGE promoted astrocytic mitochondrial functions, assessed with oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which could be regulated by the translocase of the outer membrane of mitochondria 20 (Tom20) pathway with a PGC-1α-independent pathway. The HO-1–Tom20 axis induced an increase in mitochondrial functions, detected with cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 and cytochrome c. HO-1 crosstalk with nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase was concomitant with the upregulated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)/NADH ratio, thereby upregulating NAD-dependent class I sirtuins. In adult neural stem cells (NSCs), KRGE-treated, astrocyte-conditioned media increased oxygen consumption and Tom20 levels through astrocyte-derived HO-1. HO inactivation by Sn(IV) protoporphyrin IX dichloride in TBI mice administered KRGE decreased neuronal markers, together with Tom20. Thus, astrocytic HO-1 induced astrocytic mitochondrial functions. HO-1-related, astrocyte-derived factors may also induce neuronal differentiation and mitochondrial functions of adult NSCs after TBI. KRGE-mediated astrocytic HO-1 induction may have a key role in repairing neurovascular function post-TBI in peri-injured regions by boosting astrocytic and NSC mitochondrial functions.

Korean Red Ginseng Extract Inhibits IL-8 Expression via Nrf2 Activation in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes gastric diseases by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interleukin (IL)-8 expression in gastric epithelial cells. ROS and inflammatory responses are regulated by the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the expression of Nrf2 target genes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We previously demonstrated that Korean red ginseng extract (RGE) decreases H. pylori-induced increases in ROS and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in gastric epithelial cells. We determined whether RGE suppresses the expression of IL-8 via Nrf2 activation and the expression of SOD and HO-1 in H. pylori-infected gastric epithelial AGS cells. H. pylori-infected cells were treated with RGE with or without ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, or zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a HO-1 inhibitor. Levels of ROS and IL-8 expression; abundance of Keap1, HO-1, and SOD; levels of total, nuclear, and phosphorylated Nrf2; indices of mitochondrial dysfunction (reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level); and SOD activity were determined. As a result, RGE disturbed Nrf2–Keap1 interactions and increased nuclear Nrf2 levels in uninfected cells. H. pylori infection decreased the protein levels of SOD-1 and HO-1, as well as SOD activity, which was reversed by RGE treatment. RGE reduced H. pylori-induced increases in ROS and IL-8 levels as well as mitochondrial dysfunction. ML385 or ZnPP reversed the inhibitory effect of RGE on the alterations caused by H. pylori. In conclusion, RGE suppressed IL-8 expression and mitochondrial dysfunction via Nrf2 activation, induction of SOD-1 and HO-1, and reduction of ROS in H. pylori-infected cells.

Synthesis of green carbon dots as bioimaging agent and drug delivery system for enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial efficacy

Now-a-days, synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from renewable sources has attracted considerable attention due to their wide spread availability, lower cost, higher aqueous solubility and more biocompatibility. Here, we have synthesized water soluble CDs with size between 1 and 4 nm from the root extract of red Korean ginseng via simple microwave irradiation. The CDs showed excitation-dependent fluorescence emission and used as a bioimaging agent. The CDs were further loaded with a natural flavonoid, Rutin to check its efficacy as a drug delivery system. The CDs showed a drug loading content of 12.7 % and a sustained drug release behavior at physiological conditions. CDs showed excellent free radical scavenging activity both in cell free systems and intra-cellular conditions. Besides, loading with the drug further improved the intra-cellular radical scavenging activity. The CDs and the nanohybrids (Rutin-loaded CDs) displayed very little toxicity upto the concentration of 100 μg/mL in normal kidney epithelial cells. The CDs and the nanohybrids also showed a dose-dependent antibacterial effect against both gram negative as well as gram positive bacteria under light exposure as well as dark conditions due to membrane damage. However; under light exposure, the antibacterial activity of CDs and the nanohybrids was further increased due to the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent DNA damage. Overall, our synthesized green CDs can be considered as a promising candidate for the biomedical applications due to its facile synthesis, low cytotoxicity, excellent fluorescent properties and potential as drug delivery systems.

Saponins of Korean Red Ginseng May Protect Human Skin from Adipokine-Associated Inflammation and Pigmentation Resulting from Particulate Matter Exposure.

Background: Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) is an ever-increasing concern worldwide. Strategies to counter the detrimental effects that follow cutaneous exposure to PM, such as induction of pigmentation, inflammation, and alterations in adipokine profile, need to be investigated further. Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts and individual ingredients have been demonstrated to play an effective role in suppression of ROS, inflammation, and resultant skin aging. In addition, recent investigations revealed that Rg3 and Rf saponins work as antimelanogenic agents. In this study, we investigated whether saponins of KRG can protect against or reverse the PM-induced detrimental effects. Methods: The biological effects of PM and saponins were evaluated both in vitro and ex vivo. Cell viability and intracellular ROS levels were determined in normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHMs), human epidermal keratinocytes (NHKs), and their cocultures. Experiments to demonstrate the protective properties of saponins against consequences of exposure to PM were performed. Melanin assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blotting were carried out to determine the effects on melanogenesis and the implicated molecular signaling pathways. Results: Exposure to PM resulted in decreased keratinocyte viability, which was coupled with augmented oxidative stress. These changes were attenuated by treatment with saponins. PM exposure resulted in increased expression of leptin, which was reduced by saponins. Moreover, PM exposure led to increased melanin production in a coculture model, which was mitigated by treatment with saponins. Treatment with saponins resulted in a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels after exposure to PM. Conclusion: Saponins of KRG can protect the skin from the harmful effects of PM exposure by reducing levels of ROS, leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and melanin.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of black ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) extract (CJ EnerG): broad spectrum cytotoxic activity in human cancer cell lines and 28-day repeated oral toxicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats

BackgroundGinseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) has been used as a valuable ingredient in traditional medicine for thousands of years mostly in Asian countries due to its therapeutic effects in various diseases. Among the processed ginseng products, black ginseng is produced by a repeated steaming and drying process of ginseng roots and has been known for its superior efficacy based on high accumulation of minor ginsenosides as recently discovered. Despite its popularity and increasing use, the toxicity information on black ginseng still remained largely lacking, raising safety concerns. This study was therefore carried out to determine the repeated oral toxicity of black ginseng extract (BGE; CJ EnerG) with evaluation of cytotoxic activity as validation of its pharmacological activity for toxicity testing.MethodsPrior to the toxicity test, we examined the cytotoxicity of BGE in six cancer cell lines derived from distinct human tissues in comparison with red ginseng extract (RGE), ginsenosides Rg5 and 20(S)-Rg3, and then assessed 28-day repeated oral toxicity in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats using daily administration of up to 2000 mg/kg BGE.ResultsBGE showed higher cytotoxicity than RGE in all the cell lines used in this study. Interestingly, the efficacy of BGE closely resembled the cytotoxic pattern of Rg5, suggesting Rg5 as the main effector in the cytotoxic activity of BGE. During the toxicity study, BGE-treated groups showed no noticeable abnormality in clinical signs, body weight gain, food and water consumption and urinalysis. Furthermore, hematological, serum biochemical and histopathological analyses did not find any BGE-related toxicity.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that BGE has broad-spectrum in vitro cytotoxic activity, and that NOAEL of BGE in SD rats is > 2000 mg/kg, providing the essential safety information for human consumption.

Development and Validation of Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) Method for the Quantitative Estimation of Caffeine in Non-Alcoholic Soft and Energy Drinks.

The popularity of beverages such as cold coffee, iced tea, and energy drinks has risen tremendously among athletes and youths. Energy drinks are used to enhance performance due to the presence of a high amount of caffeine (CFN) and sugars, as well as other constituents such as vitamins, amino acids, taurine, extracts of Ginkgo biloba, ginseng, guarana, and other herbal products. Commercial drinks are promoted as being beneficial to health; thus it is an important concern regarding adverse effects linked with these drinks or products. The aim of the study is to develop and validate the ultra performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (UPLC-PDA) method for the estimation of CFN in eight marketed non-alcoholic drinks including two soft drinks and six energy drinks. The chromatographic separation of CFN was achieved on Acquity UPLC® CSHTM C18 1.7 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm column, using isocratic mode, mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and water (30:70, v/v) at a flow rate 0.3 mL/min using injection volume 1 µL. The elution of CFN occurred at 1.06 min, and the calibration curve of the CFN was computed from the peak area ratio detected at 273 nm. All the validation parameters were found within the assay variability limits as per ICH guidelines. The obtained results revealed that the soft drinks SD1 and SD2 have 87.21 ± 1.28 and 101.81 ± 1.52% (w/w), whereas CFN concentration in energy drink brands ED1, ED2, ED3, ED4, ED5, and ED6 was 95.90 ± 1.62, 64.0 ± 1.07, 76.68 ± 1.95, 74.97 ± 2.33, 82.09 ± 2.43, and 88.04 ± 2.94% (w/w) of labeled claims, respectively. The developed UPLC method was found suitable for the quality control of commercial soft and energy drinks containing CFN. The developed chromatographic method is very simple, cost effective and could be utilized for the routine analysis of caffeine in the soft and energy drinks.

Potency of Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) and Turmeric (Curcumin) Extract Compound in Promoting Cerebral Perfusion in Vascular Dementia: A Narrative Review

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a neurodegenerative disease with an ever-growing number of patients in global statistics. World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there were 50 million vascular dementia patients in 2018, with almost of 20% of it are newly diagnosed cases. North America and Europe have a similar prevalence of VaD patients, approximately up 15 to 20 percent of the elderly. Whilst in Asia, the number is higher, which takes up 30 percent of the elderly population. Having limited modalities in treating the condition, novel methods with considerable efficacy and safety are needed in treating dementia. Ginseng, which is the root from plants of genus Panax, contains many types of ginsenosides which have been proven to have a significant effect in alleviating cerebral hypoperfusion, the main cause of vascular dementia. Turmeric, which contains curcumin, has shown to elevate cognition and halts neurodegenerative processes, and could act as a neuroprotector through LXR-Beta/RXR signaling pathway. The combination of Panax ginseng extract and Turmeric extract is a promising new alternative drug to treat cognitive and memory problems, particularly VaD, yet more clinical and experimental studies are required. Keywords: Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Panax ginseng, Curcumin, Hypoperfusion.

Adaptogenic potential of ginsenosides against domoic acid-induced toxicity by regulating neuronal stress and kinate receptors: Ex vivo and in silico studies.

This study is focused on potential effects of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng (PG) against amnesic shell fish poison, that is, domoic acid-induced excitotoxicity. Mice received PG at two different dosages by oral feeding for a period of 28days (50 and 100mgkg-1 bwt.-1 ). Domoic acid was injected to the mice to induce excitotoxicity (DA; 3mgkg-1 bwt.-1 ) and piracetam-injected animals (PIR; 100mgkg-1 bwt.-1 ) were treated as positive control. DA-induced cognitive impairment was reverted by PG supplementation, which was observed in Morris water maze and novel object task. Moreover, PG supplementation restored levels of GABA and antioxidant enzymes. Our results further elucidated ameliorative effects of PG supplementation on DA-induced changes in the expression of synaptic plasticity (BDNF), inflammation (NFkB), and apoptotic (Bcl2, Bax, and Caspase 3) markers. Hence, this study elucidates potential nootropic effects of ginsenosides from P. ginseng extract against DA-induced neuronal impairments via, modulation of behavioral and biochemical mechanisms involved in excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and apoptosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study highlights potential effects of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng against amnesic shell fish poison, that is, domoic acid-induced excitotoxicity for the first time. This study confirms that ginsenosides have the beneficial effects against amelioration of DA-induced toxicity. This study elucidates the potential nootropic effects of P. ginseng extract against DA-induced neuronal impairments via, modulation of synaptic plasticity markers and oxido-inflammatory responses leading to apoptosis. This study will be helpful in offering various mechanisms involved in pharmacological applications of P. ginseng in the management of DA-induced excitotoxicity.