Ginseng Polysaccharide Research Articles

Effects of fermented feeds and ginseng polysaccharides on the intestinal morphology and microbiota composition of Xuefeng black-bone chicken.

Fermented feeds contain abundant organic acids, amino acids, and small peptides, which improve the nutritional status as well as the morphology and microbiota composition of the intestine. Ginseng polysaccharides exhibit several biological activities and contribute to improving intestinal development. Here, Xuefeng black-bone chickens were fed a basal diet fermented by Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Enterococcus faecium, with or without ginseng polysaccharides. The 100% microbially fermented feed (Fe) and 100% microbially fermented feed and ginseng polysaccharide (FP) groups showed significantly increased villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio, and decreased crypt depth in the jejunum. In the 100% complete feed and ginseng polysaccharide (Po) group, the villus height to crypt depth ratio was significantly increased, crypt depth was reduced, and villus height remained unaffected. Next, we studied the intestinal microbial composition of 32 Xuefeng black-bone chickens. A total of 10 phyla and 442 genera were identified, among which Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the most dominant phyla. At the genus level, Sutterella and Asteroleplasma abundance increased and decreased, respectively, in the FP and Po groups. Sutterella abundance was positively correlated to villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio, and negatively correlated to crypt depth, and Asteroleplasma abundance was positively correlated to crypt depth and negatively correlated to villus height to crypt depth ratio. At the species level, the FP group showed significantly increased Bacteroides_vulgatus and Eubacterium_tortuosum and decreased Mycoplasma_gallinarum and Asteroleplasma_anaerobium abundance, and the Po group showed significantly increased Mycoplasma_gallinarum and Asteroleplasma_anaerobium abundance. Moreover, bacterial abundance was closely related to the jejunum histomorphology. Asteroleplasma_anaerobium abundance was positively correlated with crypt depth and negatively correlated with villus height to crypt depth ratio. Mycoplasma_gallinarum abundance was positively correlated to villus height, and Bacteroides_vulgatus and Eubacterium_tortuosum abundance was positively correlated with villus height to crypt depth ratio and negatively correlated with crypt depth. Therefore, fermented feeds with ginseng polysaccharides may be used as effective alternatives to antibiotics for improving intestinal morphology and microbial composition.

Biological Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Polysaccharides in Aged Rat Using Global Proteomic Approach.

Much has been written on the physiological benefits of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG). Among its various components, ginsenosides have been widely investigated for their various pharmacological effects. However, polysaccharides are a major KRG component that has not received scrutiny similar to that of ginsenosides. The present study aims to fill that gap in the existing literature and to investigate the possible functions of polysaccharide in KRG. The researchers evaluated proteomic changes in non-saponin fractions with rich polysaccharides (NFP) in KRG. Based on the serum analysis, proteomics analysis of the liver and the spleen was additionally conducted to identify related functions. We validated the suggested functions of NFP with the galactosamine-induced liver injury model and the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model. Then, we evaluated the antimetastatic potential of NFP in the lungs. Further proteomics analysis of the spleen and liver after ingestion confirmed functions related to immunity, cancer, hepatoprotection, and others. Then, we validated the suggested corresponding functions of the NFP in vivo model. NFP showed immune-enhancing effects, inhibited melanoma cell metastasis in the lung, and decreased liver damage. The results show that using the proteomic approach uncovers the potential effects of polysaccharides in KRG, which include enhancing the immune system and protecting the liver.

Structural characterization of ginseng oligopeptides and anti-aging potency evaluation in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The functions of ginseng polysaccharide have been widely explored, yet, the antiaging activity of ginseng oligopeptides (GOPs) has not been well explored. In the current study, seven novel GOPs were isolated, and their antiaging activity was explored in a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Of interest, all the GOPs showed lifespan extending effects in C. elegans models. Out of the GOPs treatments, 0.75 mM GOP-1 (EHGEYE) prolonged the N2 nematodes lifespan by 42.5%. Additionally, GOP-1 had a strong free radical-scavenging activity, and up-regulated the survival of the N2 C. elegans under oxidative and thermal stresses. Further study revealed that GOP-1 up-regulated the transcription factor daf-16 and jnk-1 expressions, thus we inferred that GOP-1 promotes the lifespan and stress resistances through a JNK-1-DAF-16 pathway. The current study revealed that the ginseng oligopeptides are potential antiaging agents.

Effects of astragalus and ginseng polysaccharides on growth performance, immune function and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of astragalus polysaccharides (Aps) and ginseng polysaccharide (Gps) on growth performance, liver function, immune function, TLR4 signalling pathways and intestinal barrier in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In an experiment spanning 28days, 180 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three treatment groups: basal diet (Con), basal diet supplemented with 800mg/kg Gps (Gps) and basal diet supplemented with 800mg/kg Aps (Aps). At the end of the experiment, 12 piglets of each group were selected; half (n=6) were intraperitoneally injected with LPS and half with normal saline. Dietary supplementation with Aps and Gps significantly increased (p<.05) the average daily gain and feed conversion rate. Lipopolysaccharide challenge increased (p<.05) expression of serum urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour inflammatory factor-α (TNF-α), but decreased (p<.05) serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) expression. Lipopolysaccharide-challenged piglets fed with Aps or Gps had lower (p<.05) BUN, ALT, AST, IL-1β and TNF-α levels and greater (p<.05) SOD, T-AOC and IgA levels. Lipopolysaccharide challenge increased (p<.05) the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, and LPS-challenged piglets fed diets supplemented with Aps or Gps increased TLR4 and MyD88 and decreased NF-κB expression. Lipopolysaccharide challenge reduced (p<.05) the jejunal villus height, and piglets fed with Aps or Gps had increased (p<.05) jejunal villus height. Supplementation with Aps or Gps enhanced the expression of occludin and claudin in challenged or unchallenged piglets. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Aps or Gps enhanced piglet growth performance, alleviated liver dysfunction and reduced immunological stress caused by LPS, as well as increased the intestinal barrier function.

Research progress on stability of polysaccharides in traditional Chinese medicine

Polysaccharides are natural polymer compounds composed of monosaccharides,which are widely found in traditional Chinese medicines( TCM) and work as one of the important active ingredients in TCM. Modern pharmacological studies reported that TCM polysaccharides had many functions such as anti-tumor,immunologic enhancement,intestinal microenvironment regulation and anti-oxidation. At present,TCM polysaccharide preparations such as Astragalus polysaccharide injection,Ginseng polysaccharide injection and Poria cocos polysaccharide oral liquid have been widely applied for clinical use. Besides,Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide,Achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide,Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide and some other TCM polysaccharides also have received widespread attention and research because of their good biological activities. Meanwhile,more and more attention has been paid to the TCM polysaccharides and their preparations,illumination of mechanisms,and development of corresponding preparations which meet clinical standards. However,due to the complex structure of TCM polysaccharides,their structure analysis is difficult,with only a few reports on the stability and quality control of polysaccharides and their preparations. As a result,it will impede the development of new polysaccharide drugs and reduce the application value of polysaccharides. In order to provide an effective basis for the formulation development and quality control of TCM polysaccharides,the research progress on the stability of TCM polysaccharides and their preparations were reviewed in this paper from the classification of TCM polysaccharides,the existing application and the analytical method of TCM polysaccharides.

Oral supplementation with ginseng polysaccharide promotes food intake in mice.

IntroductionGinseng polysaccharide (GPS, same as Panax polysaccharide) is a kind of polysaccharide extracted from ginseng. It has been reported that GPS has the ability to activate innate immunity, regulates blood sugar balance, and improves antioxidant capacity, but the effect on feeding behavior and its mechanism remains unclear.MethodTo investigate the possible effect of GPS on feeding behavior of animals, mice were supplied with GPS in water, and food intake, hedonic feeding behavior, anxiety‐like behavior, expression of appetite‐regulation peptides in the central nervous system and glucose‐related hormone levels in the serum of mice were measured.ResultsGinseng polysaccharide significantly increased the average daily food intake in mice and promoted hedonic eating behavior. Meanwhile, the levels of serum glucose and glucagon were significantly reduced by GPS, and GPS promoted hypothalamic neuropeptide Y expression, inhibited proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression, and reduced dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) levels in the midbrain. We also found that the anxiety level of mice was significantly lower after GPS intake. In conclusion, oral supplementation with GPS promoted food intake in mice, most likely through the regulation of circulating glucose levels.

Immunoengineering with Ginseng Polysaccharide Nanobiomaterials through Oral Administration in Mice.

Plant polysaccharides (PS) such as American ginseng polysaccharide (GPS) have drawn immense interest in the field of immunoengineering, as they offer a way to actively control immune cell behavior and stimulation. These pharmacological activities have been limited by PS's inherent physicochemical properties including large molecular size, heterogeneity, and poor solubility. In this work, we hypothesized that by nanosizing and encapsulating GPSs, we could enhance their immunomodulation by increased penetration and absorption through the GI tract. Herein, GPS nanoparticles (NPs) of average size 20 nm (± 4 nm) were prepared using a microfluidic approach, then encapsulated within porous nanospheres (diameter 180 ± 10 nm) of biodegradable gelatin to enhance their oral delivery. To locate the GPS NPs inside the gelatin, we encapsulated fluorescent-labeled GPS in gelatin and analyzed using confocal microscopy. An in vitro investigation on tumor induced macrophage cell lines showed a concentration dependent enhanced immunostimulation with the encapsulated GPS NPs. The immunomodulation was then studied for different formulations of GPS through oral gavage in Swiss albino mice. The results showed that the production of proinflammatory mediators in blood samples was significantly increased for the encapsulated GPS in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to other GPS treatments. This study shows that GPS and potentially other PS systems' immunomodulation properties can be significantly enhanced for use in simple oral drug delivery.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction, Purification, Partial Characterization, and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides from Panax ginseng.

Polysaccharides are a main active substance in Panax ginseng; however, microwave-assisted extraction used to prepare P. ginseng polysaccharides (MPPG) has rarely been reported, and knowledge of the bactericidal activity of P. ginseng polysaccharides remains low. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the extraction of P. ginseng polysaccharides by using two methods—hot water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction—and compare their chemical composition and structure. In addition, their antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also determined. The data implied that P. ginseng polysaccharides extracted by microwave-assisted extraction possessed a higher extraction yield than hot water extraction (WPPG) under optimized conditions, and the actual yields were 41.6% ± 0.09% and 28.5% ± 1.62%, respectively. Moreover, the preliminary characterization of polysaccharides was identified after purification. The WPPG with the molecular weight (Mw) of 2.07 × 105 Da was composed of Man, Rib, Rha, GalA, Glu, Gal, and Arab, and the typical characteristics of polysaccharides were determined by IR spectra. Compared with WPPG, MPPG had a higher Mw, uronic acid content, and Glu content. More importantly, the antioxidant activity of MPPG was higher than WPPG, which was probably ascribed to its highly Mw and abundant uronic acid content. Besides, both of them exhibited high bactericidal activity. These results demonstrate that microwave-assisted extraction is an effective method for obtaining P. ginseng polysaccharides, and MPPG could be applied as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent.

Astragalus and Ginseng Polysaccharides Improve Developmental, Intestinal Morphological, and Immune Functional Characters of Weaned Piglets.

Antibiotic resistance is a major issue in animal industries and antibiotic-free alternatives are needed to treat infectious diseases and improve performance of pigs. Plant extracts have been suggested as a potential solution. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (Aps) and ginseng polysaccharide (Gps) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune function, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and microfloral community in weaned piglets. A total of 180 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three treatment groups during a 28-days feeding experiment, including a basal diet (Con), basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg Aps (Aps), and basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg Gps (Gps). Results showed that both Aps and Gps increased body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion rate, and reduced the rate of diarrhea. Gps also decreased aspartate aminotransferase compared to the Con piglets after 14 days. No significant effects on alanine aminotransferase were observed. Both Aps and Gps piglets exhibited higher serum immunoglobulin M levels after 14 and 28 days, and also decreased jejunal crypt depth, increased jejunal villus length and villus height/crypt depth ratio, and increased expression of toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, nuclear factor-kappa B proteins in the jejunum. Aps and Gps piglets also had higher concentrations of acetic acid, isobutyric acid, and butyrate in their colon. Data of high-throughput sequencing revealed that Aps and Gps affected bacterial quantity and diversity in the colon. Species richness and evenness were higher in both Aps and Gps piglets than the control piglets. Aps and Gps piglets also had a higher relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Anaerostipes, and the Aps piglets had a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus gasseri and L. amylovorus. Therefore, dietary supplementation with Aps and Gps could be beneficial for optimizing the performance of industry pigs and reducing dependence on antibiotics. Furthermore, Plant polysaccharides play a great role in promoting the sustainable development of animal husbandry.

Natural occurring polysaccharides from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer: A review of isolation, structures, and bioactivities.

Ginseng Radix et Rhizome, which originated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, has been used as traditional medicine in Asian for >2000 years. It is famous for its healthcare and therapeutic effects. Phytochemistry studies revealed that the major components of P. ginseng are: ginsenosides, polysaccharides, small peptides and essential oil. Modern research has proved that polysaccharide is one of the most important active ingredients in P. ginseng, which also takes up the largest slice of the chemical components. However, the past research was heavily oriented towards the small molecular ginsenosides. Thus, the main purpose of the present review is to summarize the preparation process, structure and biological functions of P. ginseng polysaccharides for further science research and application in medicine.

Effects of ginseng neutral polysaccharide on gut microbiota in antibiotic-associated diarrhea mice

To investigate the effect of ginseng neutral polysaccharide on gut microbiota composition and diversity as well as the therapeutic effect for antibiotic associated diarrhea( AAD) in mice. The water-soluble ginseng neutral polysaccharide( WGPN) was purified from water-soluble ginseng polysaccharides( WGP) by DEAE-sepharose fast flow column,which was obtained from the roots of Panax ginseng. AAD mice were induced by gastric gavage with lincomycin hydrochloride,followed by administration of normal saline( natural recovery group,NR) or WGPN( WGPN group) for one week. Body weight changes,psychosis and diarrhea status were observed and assessed. 12 h after the last administration,histological observation of ileum and 16 S rRNA high throughput sequencing analysis of intestinal contents were conducted to identify the effects of WGPN on AAD mice. The results showed that WGPN could alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea in mice,decrease the inflammation and edema of ileum,and increase the length of intestinal villi. As compared to NR mice,WGPN could increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus,and significantly decrease the relative abundance of Bacteroides,Streptococcus,Ochrobactrum and Pseudomonas at the genus level. In conclusion,WGPN could improve the gut microecology by recovering the ileum structure and improving the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in AAD mice.

Antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from different sources of ginseng

The crude polysaccharides from ginseng roots and stems were extracted by decoction method, acid polysaccharides and neutral polysaccharides were further separated. The content of ginseng polysaccharides was determined by phenol‑sulfuric acid method. The antioxidant activity of ginseng polysaccharides was determined by DPPH method. The results showed that the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from aboveground part was higher than that from underground part. The antioxidant activity of polysaccharides in the aerial part was as follows: neutral polysaccharides > acid polysaccharides. The acid polysaccharides in underground part had little antioxidant activity.

Effects of Panax ginseng polysaccharides on the gut microbiota in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Panax ginseng is a traditional medicinal plant used in most Asian countries to cure many diseases. The benefits of ginseng are due to its primary active component, polysaccharides. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a worldwide problem associating with antibiotic use. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ginseng polysaccharides (WGP) on the diversity of the gut microbiota in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Compared to diarrhea mice, WGP significantly changed the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. Specifically, WGP increased the relative abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and decreased the relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, WGP increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus, but decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides. The key phylotype of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota that responded to WGP was Lactobacillus. In addition, WGP also reversed carbohydrate, amino acid and energy metabolism to normal levels, thereby promoting the recovery of the mucosal structure. Taken collectively, our results indicate that WGP altered the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, restored the gut microbiota, balanced metabolic processes, and promoted the recovery of the mucosa.

The effect of dietary ginseng polysaccharide supplementation on porcine milk-derived esRNAs involved in the host immune responses.

Ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) have been well known as an immune modulator. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplemental GPS on the immune responses involved in sow's milk-derived exosomal shuttle RNAs (esRNAs) using RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq. Of the 213 identified miRNA types, a total of 26 conserved miRNAs were differently expressed in response to GPS supplementation, including 10 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated miRNAs in GPS feeding group. In addition, exosomal transcriptome analysis identified 14,696 protein-coding genes in sow's milk exosomes, and 283 genes with 204 and 79 candidates showing up and down-regulation were significantly responded to GPS supplementation. Integrated analysis of each differently expressed miRNA with significantly expressed genes further revealed the presence of 51 highly conserved miRNA-gene interactions that were annotated to be related to immunoregulatory functions. This work provided an important advance in the functional identification of dietary GPS supplementation and more fundamental information about how GPS promoted the immune response and healthy growth of the infant from mothers at molecular levels.

Purification, compositional analysis and antioxidant properties of polysaccharides from black ginseng

Purpose: To extract, purify black ginseng polysaccharides, and study their compositional analysis and antioxidant properties.Methods: Crude polysaccharides from black ginseng were prepared by hot water extraction and subjected to chromatographic purification on Sephadex G-75 and DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-75 columns to yield 4 polysaccharide components: BGP-60, BGP-65, BGP-70 and BGP-80. The BGPs were characterized by chemical analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Finally, the in vitro antioxidant activities of the BGPs were determined through their capacities to scavenge superoxide anion, as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals.Results: The four fractions designated BGP-60, BGP-65, BGP-70 and BGP-80 were polysaccharides with glucose as the main component. They were acidic in nature, with estimated molecular weights (MWs) of 28.6, 26.7, 11.4 and 3.05 kDa, respectively. Fractions BGP-60, BGP-65 and BGP-80 had α- type glycosidic linkage, whereas BGP-70 had β-type glycosidic linkage. Compared with vitamin C (vit C), it was found that BGP-60, BGP-65, BGP-70 and BGP-80 had strong potential antioxidant activities; BGP-60 exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity than BGP-65, BGP-70 or BGP-80 against DPPH and superoxide anion radicals, while BGP-65 had the highest antioxidant activity against hydroxyl radical.Conclusion: These results suggest that BGPs may be beneficial in the development and manufacture as potential therapeutic agents and functional foods.Keywords: Black ginseng, Polysaccharides, Purification, Antioxidant activity, Functional foods

Mechanism of antidiabetic and synergistic effects of ginseng polysaccharide and ginsenoside Rb1 on diabetic rat model

Ginseng polysaccharides (GP) have been reported to modulate gut microbiota, and ginsenoside Rb1 is known to display significant hypoglycemic activity. However, the synergistic effect of Rb1 and GP when applied to diabetic treatment remains largely unknown. Male rats were divided into ten groups: blank group (B-Group), model group (D-Group), Rb1 group (Rb1-Group), CK group (CK-Group), GP groups and GP + Rb1 groups in dosage of high, middle and low (H-Group, M-Group, L-Group, H-Rb1-Group, M-Rb1-Group, and L-Rb1-Group). CK-Group, GP groups and Rb1 group were fed CK, GP and Rb1 for 30 days, respectively. GP + Rb1 groups were fed GP on the initial 15 days and GP and Rb1 on the final 15 days. The fasting glucose of all groups was measured every five days. The transformation of Rb1 in vitro by rat intestinal microflora, which was collected from the B-Group, D-Group and GP groups on the 15th day, was investigated using HPLC and RRLC-Q-TOF/MS. Analyses the of 16S rRNA gene of the fecal bacterial population and fecal β-glucosidase activity were conducted among the B-Group, D-Group and H-Group. Compared with those of rats in the D-Group, the fasting glucose levels of rats in the CK-Group and H-Rb1-Group decreased highest. During transformation of Rb1 by diabetic rat intestinal microflora, five transformed products, including ginsenoside Rd, F2, CK, gypenoside XVII (G-XVII), and LXXV (G-LXXV), as well as three transformation pathways, were identified. When a high dose of GP was fed to diabetic rats for 15 days, the formation of intermediates, including G-XVII and G-LXXV was inhibited, and only one pathway (Rb1→Rd→F2→CK) was identified. Moreover, the biotransformation rate of CK increased from 14.0% to 86.7% after 8 h of cultivation. GP reinstated the perturbed holistic gut microbiota and promoted fecal β-d-glucosidase activity. Ginsenoside Rb1 and GP shows synergistic effects when applied to diabetic treatment and may be developed as a potential antidiabetic drug.

Effects of 60Co-γ and Electron Beam Irradiation on Storage Quality of Panax ginseng

Fresh ginseng was irradiated with 60Co-γ or an electron beam at the dose of 2 and 4 kGy and stored at 2 °C. The quality of ginseng was evaluated after 60 and 120 days. Results suggest that when the storage time was 120 days, 2 kGy EI-treated ginseng had the lowest decay rate. During the 2 storage periods, the amounts of most of 9 ginsenosides decreased with an increase in the irradiation dose. The total saponin content of both 60Co-γ-irradiated and EI-treated samples decreased with an increase in the irradiation dose. Significant (P < 0.05) upregulation of total polysaccharide content was observed in the 4 kGy EI samples after storage. Samples irradiated at 2 or 4 kGy by electron beam irradiation had the highest concentration of total saponin and ginseng polysaccharides, respectively. Levels of most of 17 amino acids decreased with the increasing irradiation dose. Exposure to irradiation doses up to 4 kGy affected the amino acid content of fresh ginseng. Ginseng irradiated at 4 kGy by 60Co-γ irradiation and stored for 120 days had a significantly higher activity of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the total concentration of nucleosides and nucleobases between irradiated and un-irradiated ginseng samples (P < 0.05). These data suggest that the combination of a lower irradiation dose and low temperature is an optimal condition for extending the shelf-life of fresh ginseng without detriment to its ingredients.

Panax ginseng Polysaccharide Protected H9c2 Cardiomyocyte From Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury Through Regulating Mitochondrial Metabolism and RISK Pathway.

Background and Objective: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been the major issue of public health. Panax ginseng (ginseng) has been verified as an effective traditional Chinese medicines and exerted cardioprotective effect. This study aimed to investigate the polysaccharide fraction of ginseng on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in cardiomyocytes and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Ginseng was extracted by ethanol and fractionated by high-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC) and column separation. The cardioprotective effect was evaluated in H9c2 cardiomyocytes underwent H/R treatment. The cell viability, apoptosis and mitochondrial respiration were examined.Results: An acid polysaccharides fraction of ginseng (AP1) was identified the most effective fraction in protecting cardiomyocytes from H/R injury. AP1 restored the mitochondrial function by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), blocking the release of cytochrome C, and increasing the ATP generation and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, AP1 induced the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and estrogen receptor (ER) which further activated reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway. Finally, AP1 increased nitric oxide (NO) production and regulated endothelial function by increasing endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression and decreasing inducible NOS (iNOS) expression in H/R injury.Conclusion: The results suggested that AP1 exerted a protective effect in myocardial H/R injury mainly through maintaining myocardial mitochondrial function, thereby inhibiting myocardial H/R caused apoptosis and increasing the expressions of GR and ER, which in turn mediated the activation of RISK pathway and eNOS-dependent mechanism to resist the reperfusion injury.

Enzyme-assisted extraction, chemical characteristics, and immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer)

In this study, enzyme-assisted extraction was used to isolate functional polysaccharides from Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) and the physicochemical and biological properties of the extracted polysaccharides were investigated, comparing with those from traditional hot-water extraction (FGWP). In macrophages, their effects on cytokines production could be ordered as FGEP-CA ≥ FGEP-A > FGEP-C > FGWP, suggesting that FGEP-CA (combined cellulase- and α-amylase-extracted polysaccharide) is a potent immunostimulator. In addition, enzymatic digestion led to differences in the monosaccharide profile of the extract. FGWP mainly consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and glucose in molar percentages of 1.8:10.1:9.2:17.8:60.6, whereas FGEP-CA was 3.2:11.4:16.5:22.3:45.8, respectively, suggesting that enzyme-assisted extraction of ginseng polysaccharides produces a higher proportion of pectin polysaccharides. The HPLC profile of FGEP-CA also showed lower and more heterogeneous molecular weights than FGWP did. In cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice, FGEP-CA administration ameliorated decreased spleen and thymus indices (200 mg/kg), lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, leukocyte counts, and the serum cytokines, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ (100 and 200 mg/kg). These results suggest that enzyme-assisted extraction using cellulase and α-amylase is an effective method for the preparation of functional polysaccharides from fresh Korean ginseng, and FGEP-CA could be utilized as a potential immune-stimulatory agent.

Antitumor and prebiotic activities of novel sulfated acidic polysaccharide from ginseng

Abstract There is a great deal of interest in the use of ginseng in traditional medicine. Polysaccharides acidic and alkaline extracts were extracted using different methods from Panax ginseng. In an attempt to enhance the biological activities of the presently prepared ginseng extracts, they were subjected to structural modification by sulfation process. Ginseng polysaccharides extracts were used for evaluation of different biomedical activity such as prebiotic, fibrinolytic, anticoagulant, antioxidant, antitumor activity and total phenolic content. Polysaccharides acidic and alkaline extracts polysaccharides and their sulfated polysaccharides derivatives were evaluated against human colon cancer cell (HCT-116), human liver cancer cell (HepG-2) and human breast cancer cell (MCF-7). The novel sulfated polysaccharide showed the best cytotoxic activity on all the tested cell lines compared to doxorubicin (as positive control material). The result revealed that novel sulfated polysaccharide has a potent activity on the colon (HCT-116), liver (HepG-2) and breast cancer cell (MCF-7). With IC50 value (