Korea Ginseng Research Articles

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGC1601 Isolated from Panax ginseng and Its Probiotic Characteristics.

We investigated the potential probiotic properties of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KGC1601 isolated from Panax ginseng. Ginseng cultivated in an experimental field of the Korea Ginseng Research Institute was fermented, followed by single colony selection from MRS agar. We performed 16s-rRNA sequencing and whole-genome analysis to identify L. fermentum and evaluate the biosafety parameters of this strain, respectively. We confirmed this strain was susceptible to six antibiotics, as proposed by the European Food Safety Authority, did not produce biogenic amines, and did not exhibit any hemolytic activity. Acid resistance and bile salt tolerance, which are essential properties of a probiotic agent, were investigated. Notably, distinguishing properties of this strain were that it exhibited excellent bile salt tolerance and anti-inflammatory effects. The excellent bile salt tolerance was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Through qRT-PCR and ELISA studies, it was revealed that L. fermentum KGC1601 pre-treatment up-regulates anti-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. Consequently, we suggested that L. fermentum KGC1601 can be safely used as a potential anti-inflammatory functional probiotic agent.

The Application of Philip Morris' Litigation Prevention Program in South Korea.

This article is aimed to identify the strategies of Philip Morris (PM, before its spin-off in 2003) and its affiliates in the intervention and prevention of tobacco litigation in South Korea. We analyzed 193 documents obtained from the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents. We found that PM organized and operated the "Litigation Prevention Program (LPP)" to create legal environments making tobacco litigation difficult to initiate and legal networks with local lawyers, media, and even competitors to effectively respond to such litigations. PM developed the LPP based on its legal strategies in the United States against tobacco litigation and disseminated them all around the world including South Korea. In 1999, the first joint action against Korea Tobacco and Ginseng Corporate (KTGC, today known as KT&G), a state-owned tobacco company, began. KTGC asked PM to support their litigation, and PM provided its legal strategies, such as sources to counter the plaintiffs' arguments, through the LPP to KTGC. In front of legal threats, tobacco companies, competitors in markets, jointly fought back the litigation in Korea. Any litigation against a single local tobacco company may confront legal networks of tobacco companies. As a result, no litigation against tobacco companies in South Korea has been able to win over tobacco companies. International legal support including the development of guidelines of Article 19 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is vital for an effective legal fight against tobacco companies around the world.

Phenological growth stages of Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) according to the extended BBCH scale

BackgroundPhenological studies are a prerequisite for accomplishing higher productivity and better crop quality in cultivated plants. However, there are no phenological studies on Panax ginseng that improve its production yield. This study aims to redefine the phenological growth stages of P. ginseng based on the existing Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale and proposes a disease control reference. MethodsThis study was conducted at the Korea Ginseng Corporation Experiment Station in Gyeonggi province, South Korea. Phenological observations were performed once weekly or twice monthly, based on the developmental stages. The existing BBCH scale with a three-digit code was used to redefine and update P. ginseng’s phenological growth codes. ResultsThe phenological description is divided into eight principal growth stages: three for vegetative growth (perennating bud, aerial shoot, and root development), four for reproductive growth (reproductive organ development, flowering, fruit development, and fruit maturation), and one for senescence according to the extended BBCH scale. A total of 58 secondary growth stages were described within the eight principal growth stages. Under each secondary growth stage, four mesostages are also taken into account, which contains the distinct patterns of the phenological characteristics in ginseng varieties and the process of transplanting seedlings. A practical management program for disease control was also proposed by using the BBCH code and the phenological data proposed in this work. ConclusionThe study introduces an extended BBCH scale for the phenological research of P. ginseng.

Mitigating Effect of Korea Red Ginseng Against Multi‐Tissue Iipotoxicity Caused by High‐Fat Diet Feeding

BackgroundsExcessive consumption of fat and its aberrant deposit in the body has been linked to the low‐grade inflammation in various susceptible organs and eventually causes tissue toxicity. This study examines the multifaceted suppressive effects of Korean Red ginseng extract (KRG) against high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced lipotoxicity and inflammatory responses occurring in the liver, aorta, and brain.MethodsThe standardized KRG powder was prepared by Korea Ginseng Corporation and was dissolved in phosphate buffered saline as a concentration of 30 mg/mL. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed HFD with or without KRG (10 or 50 mg/kg body weight; orally) for 12 weeks (n = 10 per group). The anti‐inflammatory potential of KRG was determined in the blood and the aorta, liver, and brain.ResultsKRG significantly inhibited HMG‐CoA reductase activity in vitro. In vivo, KRG supplementation suppressed HFD‐associated body weight gain, lipid profile changes, excessive fat deposition in the liver, and increases of leptin, insulin, and ALT levels in the blood. Inflammatory markers of the aorta (ICAM‐1 protein level and wall thickening of the aorta), liver (COX‐2 expression and liver function tests), and brain (APP, BACE1, and Tau protein levels) were also significantly reduced by KRG. In microvascular endothelial cells, 15% cyclic stretch‐mediated upregulation of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression was significantly attenuated in the presence of KRG.ConclusionKRG supplementation attenuates HFD‐mediated body weight gain, lipid profile changes, and multi‐tissue inflammatory responses including the liver, aorta, and brain.

Impact of tax increases on illicit cigarette trade in Mongolia

BackgroundThe Mongolian government increased import tobacco tax by 30% in May 2017 and excise tobacco tax by 10% in January 2018. To assess the impact of these tax increases on...

Health Promoting Effects of Red Ginseng Intake: A Systematic Review (P23-008-19)

ObjectivesAlthough red ginseng is one of the bestselling herbal medicines, little studies have evaluated and summarized the effects of red ginseng intake on human health using a systematic review. MethodsWe systematically searched for epidemiological studies from 1997 to 2018 regarding red ginseng intake and health in the PubMed, DBPIA, and EMBASE databases. A total of 41 related studies were qualitatively reviewed under the four functionalities of red ginseng: immunity enhancement, prevention of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, blood circulation and prevention of hypertension, and menopausal symptom relief. ResultsWe identified thirteen studies for immunity enhancement, ten prevention of metabolic syndrome and diabetes (reduced postprandial blood glucose levels), nine for blood circulation and prevention of hypertension, and five for menopausal symptom relief. Functional effects of red ginseng may be related to antioxidant effects via fermentation, although some studies have reported inconsistent effects such as insulin sensitivity. ConclusionsRed ginseng may have potential health promoting effects based on this systematic review. Further meta-analysis study is needed to identify and evaluate whether these potential effects of red ginseng exist. Funding SourcesThis study was supported by the Korea Ginseng Corp.

Strengthening Market Position through Branding “CheongKwanJang”

Korea Ginseng Corporation is a global ginseng company, owning one of the most leading brands in Korea, CheongKwanJang. Although Korea Ginseng Corporation was an undoubted market leader in the red ginseng market, it faced a new challenge in 2012 due to the changes in market environment. In order to keep its market leadership in a saturated and competitive market, the company decided to extend its product lines alongside the launches of new brands. In this article, the authors demonstrate the development process of the company’s brand portfolio strategy to reveal how the company turned CheongKwanJang into a mega-brand. Also, this paper explores the impact of CheongKwanJang’s reputation on new brands, thereby illustrating how the company successfully managed to introduce new products outside of the red ginseng category, ranging from organic food to a pet food market.

"KGC인삼공사: 홍삼전문기업에서 글로벌 종합건강기업으로의 도약*"

"KGC인삼공사: 홍삼전문기업에서 글로벌 종합건강기업으로의 도약*"

Preventive effect of fermented red ginseng on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mouse

Red ginseng is known to have many beneficial effects. Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic drug, can cause many side effects like irreversible sensorineural hearing loss and serious tinnitus in humans. This study is aimed to reduce a cisplatin's side effect, nephrotoxicity by fermentated korean red ginseng. Korea ginseng was produced by steaming and dring and fermentation. And mice were divided into 4 groups- (A) normal mice, (B) Vehicle treated cisplatin mice, (C) RG0F0-treated cisplatin mice, (D) RG8F3-treated cisplatin mice. C and D groups were feed each material 200 mg/kg/day during 4 days. And cisplatin 20 mg/kg injected to B, C, and D groups as abdominal injection. After 24 h, blood sample was collected. The kidneys were harvested for histological, immuno histochemical and western blot analysis. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl- benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity was depended on steaming hours. RG0F0 and RG8F3 (ginseng-8 h steamed and fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae) were showed antioxidants effect in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Component amounts according to steaming hours. 8 h steamed red ginseng had the most ingredients of ginsenoside. Treatments with RG8F3 reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in the mice resulting in increase of GSH and decrease of ROS, BUN, creatinine, and inflammatory mediators. This result seems to be involved with the restriction of the inflammation in the kidney. Therefore, fermented red ginseng might have therapeutic efficacy in reduce kidney injury induced by cisplatin treatment.

Effects of 7 days Korea Ginseng Drink Supplementation on Fatigue Recovery

Effects of 7 days Korea Ginseng Drink Supplementation on Fatigue Recovery

Developing A RFID-based Food Traceability System in Korea Ginseng Industry: Focused on the Business Process Reengineering

Despite the many concerns and expectations of academia and the practitioner community, a radio frequency identification (RFID)–based food traceability system (FTS) has not yet been successfully developed and implemented in the food industry. Through closer examination of unsuccessful pilot projects of RFID-based traceability systems for the Korean ginseng industry, this study proposes business process reengineering points with RFID and sensor technology and an RFID-based ginseng traceability system architecture according to the Electronic Product Code (EPC) global framework. This approach and system architecture will contribute to the successful development and implementation of an RFID-based FTS for food products. In addition, this study extends the scope of the theoretical discussion of RFID-based FTSs for health foods and medical herbs, like ginseng.

인삼에서 발생하는 수박모자이크바이러스의 감염 특성

인삼은 우리나라에서 가장 대중화된 한약 재료로 사용되고 있다. 최근 인삼 잎에 얼룩덜룩하거나 모자이크 증상이 나타나는 바이러스병으로 인삼을 재배하는 많은 농가들에서 수량 손실을 초래하고 있다. 수박모자이크바이러스(WMV-gin로 명명)가 인삼 바이러스병의 원인으로 동정되었다. 흥미롭게도 인공적 즙액 접종에 의해서, 인삼에서 분리한 WMV-gin은 건전 인삼 식물체와 박과작물을 포함한 알려진 WMV 기주 식물 종들을 감염시킬 수 없었다. 그러나 WMV-gin은 2종의 진딧물들(복숭아혹진딧물과 목화진딧물)의 전반에 의해서 인삼을 성공적으로 감염시킬 수 있었다. 비록 2종의 진딧물들이 인삼에서 먹이를 얻는 것을 기피하지만, 이것은 진딧물들이 먹이 탐색 과정동안 인삼에 WMV-gin을 매개하는 것으로 사료된다. 유사하게 수박에서 분리한 WMV-wm 계통은 2종의 진딧물들에 의하여 인삼으로 매개되지만 인위적 즙액 접종으로 인삼을 감염시키지 못하였다. 복숭아혹진딧물과 목화진딧물을 이용한 전반 실험들에 의해서 WMV-gin과 WMV-wm 계통들 모두 인삼에서 WMV의 증식 기주 식물들인 박과 식물들로 전반되지 못함이 밝혀졌다. 이런 결과들은 인삼에서 발생하는 WMV병이 생태학적 접근법에 의해서 방제될 수 있음을 제시해 준다. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the most popular herb for medical purpose in Korea. Recently, viral diseases from Korean ginseng showing various degrees of severe mottling, variegation and mosaic symptoms have caused quantity losses of Korean ginseng in a large number of farms. Watermelon mosaic virus (named WMV-gin) was identified as a causal agent for the disease of Korean ginseng. Interestingly, WMV-gin failed to infect both Korean ginseng plant and susceptible host species including cucurbitaceous plants by mechanical inoculation. However, WMV-gin could successfully infect Korean ginseng by transmission of two aphid species (Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii). It is likely that transmission of WMV-gin was done by both the aphid species during feeding behavior of the two aphid species on Korean ginseng, though the aphids dislike feeding in Korea ginseng. Similarly, a strain of WMV (WMV-wm) isolated from watermelon was transmitted successfully to Korean ginseng plant by the two aphid species, but not by mechanical inoculations. Transmission assays using M. persicae and A. gossypii clearly showed both WMV-gin and WMV-wm were not transmitted from infected Korean ginseng plant to cucurbit species that are good host species for WMV. These results suggest WMV disease occurring in Korean ginseng plant can be controlled by ecological approaches.

Blood pressure lowering effect of Korea ginseng derived ginseol K-g1.

We investigated the effect of Panax ginseng extract, which is rich in the ginsenoside protopanaxatriol (Ginseol K-g1), on blood pressure (BP). Adults over 20 years old with a systolic BP (SBP) between 120 and 159 mm Hg or a diastolic BP (DBP) between 80 and 99 mm Hg were included. At the end of an initial 2-week washout period, the patients were divided into three groups: the control group (placebo), the low-dose Ginseol K-g1 group (100 mg), and the high-dose Ginseol K-g1 (300 mg) group. The primary end point was the difference in seated SBP (seSBP) and seated DBP (seDBP) changes between the placebo and Ginseol K-g1 groups after 8 weeks of treatment. A total of 90 subjects participated in the study (mean age; 55.2 ± 11.8 years, 43 males). At week 8, levels of seSBP and seDBP were significantly decreased from baseline in the high-dose Ginseol K-g1 group (-3.1 mm Hg and -2.3 mm Hg, respectively, p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant decrease in seSBP or seDBP in the control or low-dose Ginseol K-g1 groups. No significant difference of seSBP and seDBP was identified among the three treatment groups at week 8. In patients who had a seSBP ≥ 130 mm Hg or an seDBP ≥ 85 mm Hg, the high dose of Ginseol K-g1 decreased the BP compared with the control group at week 4; however, there was no significant difference at week 8. The proportions of patients who experienced adverse events were comparable among the treatment groups. In conclusion, Ginseol K-g1 has a favorable effect on BP after 4 weeks of treatment, especially at a high dose. However, the effect is not maintained over 8 weeks. (Clinical trial registration information is available at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov , identifier: NCT01483430.).

Red ginseng extract inhibits the expression of MCP-1 and iNOS in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells by suppressing the activation of NADPH oxidase and Jak2/Stat3

Ethnopharmcological relevanceHelicobacter pylori induced oxidative stress represents an important mechanism leading to expression of inflammatory mediators. Korean red ginseng is used in traditional medicine to inhibit inflammation. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of red ginseng is still under investigation. Thus, we investigated whether Korean red ginseng extract (RGE) inhibits NADPH oxidase, a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the Jak2/Stat3 pathway, which mediates the expression of inflammatory mediators, in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. Materials and methodsA standardized RGE was supplied by the Korea Ginseng Corporation. Human gastric epithelial cells (AGS) were treated with RGE and stimulated with Helicobacter pylori. NADPH oxidase activity, ROS levels, activation of Jak2/Stat3, and induction of MCP-1 and iNOS were determined. ResultsHelicobacter pylori infection resulted in an increase in ROS and activation of NADPH oxidase and Jak2/Stat3, which induced the expression of MCP-1 and iNOS in AGS cells. The induction of MCP-1 and iNOS was inhibited by both the Jak2/Stat3 inhibitor AG490 and RGE in Helicobacter pylori-infected cells. RGE suppressed NADPH oxidase activity by inhibiting translocation of cytosolic subunits p67phox and p47phox to the membrane and reduced ROS levels in Helicobacter pylori-infected cells. ConclusionRGE inhibits the expression of MCP-1 and iNOS by suppressing the activation of NADPH oxidase and Jak2/Stat3 in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells.

Creating demand for foreign brands in a ‘home run’ market: tobacco company tactics in South Korea following market liberalisation

ObjectiveTo analyse the tactics transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) used to increase market share in South Korea after market liberalisation in 1988, and the subsequent impact of TTCs’ activities on the...

인삼 가공품 중 azoxystrobin의 가공계수

This study was carried out to evaluate the residual characteristics of azoxystrobin in fresh ginseng and calculate its processing factors in processed products, such as dried ginseng, red ginseng and their extracts. Azoxystrobin was sprayed annually onto four-year-old ginseng according to its pre-harvest interval (PHI) for two years. Harvested ginsengs were processed according to the commercially well-qualified conventional methods provided by the Korea Ginseng Corporation. Limits of detection (LODs) of azoxystrobin in fresh ginseng and its processed products were 0.001 and 0.002 mg/kg, respectively. Also limits of quantitation (LOQs) in fresh ginseng and its processed products were 0.003 and 0.007 mg/kg, respectively. Recoveries of the analytical methods in fresh ginseng and its processed products ranged from 69.3 to 114.8%. Highest residue amounts in fresh ginseng and its processed products were 0.025 and 0.118 mg/kg, respectively. Processing factors of the processed products ranged from 1.85 to 3.17 in four-year-old ginseng and from 2.48 to 5.84 five-year-old ginseng.

인삼 및 가공품 중 difenoconazole의 잔류특성 및 가공계수

Korea Ginseng Corp., Daejeon 306-712, KoreaThis study was carried out to elucidate the residual characteristics and calculate processing factors of difenoconazole in ginseng and its processed products, such as dried ginseng, red ginseng and their water and alcohol extracts. The pesticide was sprayed onto the ginseng according to its pre-harvest intervals in 2009 (four-year-old ginseng) and 2010 (five-year-old ginseng). Harvested ginseng was processed to dried ginseng, red ginseng and their extracts according to the commercially well-qualified conventional methods provided by the Korea Ginseng Corporation. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of difenoconazole in fresh ginseng were 0.001 and 0.003 mg/kg, respectively. In case of processed ginseng products, their levels were 0.002 and 0.007 mg/kg, respectively. Concentration of difenoconazole in both fresh ginseng and its processed products increased with the experimental period. Processing factors, calculated as a ratio of difenoconazole concentration in processed products to fresh ginseng were found to be 1.71 to 2.17 and 1.62 to 2.03 in case of dried and red ginseng, respectively, while those for their extracts ranged from 1.76 to 2.98. In case of five-year-old dried ginseng and red ginseng as well as their extracts, the ranges of processing factor of difenoconazole were found to be 2.9 to 3.1, 1.9 to 2.2 and 2.4 to 4.7, respectively.Key words ginseng, difenoconazole, pesticide residue, processing factorAbstract

Comparative Root Protein Profiles of Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera)

Ginsenosides and withanolides are the secondary metabolites from Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera, respectively. These compounds have similar biological properties. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis was utilized to reveal the protein profile in the roots of both plants, with the aim of clarifying similarly- and differentially-expressed proteins. Total proteins of Korea ginseng (P. ginseng) and Indian ginseng (W. somnifera) roots were separated by 2-DE using a pH 4-7 immobilized pH gradient strip in the first dimension and 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension. The protein spots were visualized by silver staining. Twenty-one P. ginseng proteins and 35 W. somnifera proteins were chosen for identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry; of these, functions were ascribed to 14 and 22 of the P. ginseng and W. somnifera proteins, respectively. Functions mainly included general cell metabolism, defense and secondary metabolism. ATPase and alcohol dehydrogenase proteins were expressed in both plants. The results of this study, to our knowledge, are the first to provide a reference 2-DE map for the W. somnifera root proteome, and will aid in the understanding of the expression and functions of proteins in the roots of Korean ginseng and Indian ginseng.

개간 및 답전윤환 인삼재배지에서 유기물처리에 따른 토양생물상 변화

인삼재배에서 논전환밭의 이용이 증가하는 추세이며, 개간밭과 더불어 유기물투입의 효과를 조사할 필요가 있다. 토양생물은 유기물의 분해에 영향을 미치는 중요한 요소이기 때문에 유기물 시용이 토양생태계에 미치는 영향을 조사했다. 유박과 퇴비를 개간밭과 논전환밭에 <TEX>$20Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> 와 <TEX>$40Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX>로 투입하였다. 미생물상 변화는 인지 질지방산을 분석하여 검정하였고, 동물상의 변화는 미소동물의 개체밀도를 측정하였다. 미생물에 대한 PLFA 지수나 미소동물의 밀도는 개간밭보다 논전환밭에서 높았다. 개간밭에서는 유기물 투입에 의한 처리간 차이가 적었다. 논전환밭에서는 퇴비 <TEX>$40Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> 처리구에서 날개응애 밀도가 증가하였고, 이들의 밀도는 곰팡이 PLFA와 양의 상관관계가 나타났다. 위의 결과는 개간밭에서 유기물 함량이나 토양생물의 밀도가 낮은 심토로 개간하면 유기물을 투입하여도 토양생물에 대한 효과가 적을 수 있다는 것을 보여준다. 논전환밭에서는 유기물에 대한 토양생물들의 반응이 다르며 토양의 물리화학성도 토양생태계에 영향을 미칠 수 있다. 논전환밭과 개간밭에서는 유기물에 대한 토양생물의 반응이 다르므로, 투입된 유기물의 분해나 이에 따른 양분의 순환이 다를 수 있기 때문에 두 토양에서 시비방법을 다르게 할 필요성이 있다고 생각된다. Cultivation of Korea ginseng in newly reclaimed and paddy-converted fields has been increasing, and evaluation of organic amendment effectiveness is needed in the two soil types. Soil organisms influence organic matter decomposition, and their responses to applications of organic matter were studied. De-oiled cake and compost were applied at <TEX>$20Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> and <TEX>$40Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> in both soil types. Changes in microflora were assessed by analyzing phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA). The abundance of nematodes and microarthropods was measured. Microbial PLFA indicators for microorganisms and microarthropod abundance were greater in reclaimed upland than in paddy-converted soil. There were few differences in the microflora and fauna of reclaimed uplands, regardless of treatment. In paddy-converted soil, the abundance of Oribatida was increased by the application of compost at <TEX>$20Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> and was correlated with PLFA indicators of fungi. The results suggested a minimal influence of organic amendments in reclaimed upland, because the organic matter content and abundance of soil organisms are low in mineral soils. In paddy-converted soil, the effects of organic amendment differ among different soil organisms, and soil properties are important mediators of the effect.

Increased expression of apoptotic genes in cancer cells by heat-processed crude saponin

Heat treatment of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer at a temperature higher than that applied to the conventional preparation of Korea ginseng has been reported to yield a mixture of saponins with potent cytotoxic properties. In an effort to understand the mechanism of cytotoxicity, we studied the effect of heat-processed crude saponin (H-CS) on the viability, nuclear morphology and apoptotic gene induction of human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-15 cells) and human glioma carcinoma cells (U87MG). Treatment of the carcinoma cells with a final concentration of up to 1 mg/mL of H-CS resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability. In comparison with non-heatprocessed crude saponin (NH-CS), H-CS exhibited increased cytotoxicity. In addition, H-CS induced more apoptotic nuclear fragments in HCT-15 cells than in NH-CS. An analysis of apoptotic gene expression using quantitative real-time PCR revealed high expression levels of the genes encoding caspase 7, caspase 9, cytochrome C, and Bax at RQ values of 26.87, 17.39, 4.55, and 8.51, respectively. Collectively, our results suggest that H-CS has higher anti-proliferative effects on carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis of the mitochondrial pathway.