Korean Ginseng Extract Research Articles

Biotransformation of Protopanaxadiol-Type Ginsenosides in Korean Ginseng Extract into Food-Available Compound K by an Extracellular Enzyme from Aspergillus niger.

Compound K (C-K) is one of the most pharmaceutically effective ginsenosides, but it is absent in natural ginseng. However, C-K can be obtained through the hydrolysis of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides (PPDGs) in natural ginseng. The aim of this study was to obtain the high concentration of food-available C-K using PPDGs in Korean ginseng extract by an extracellular enzyme from Aspergillus niger KACC 46495. A. niger was cultivated in the culture medium containing the inducer carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for 6 days. The extracellular enzyme extracted from A. niger was prepared from the culture broth by filtration, ammonium sulfate, and dialysis. The extracellular enzyme was used for C-K production using PPDGs. The glycoside-hydrolyzing pathways for converting PPDGs into C-K by the extracellular enzyme were Rb1 → Rd → F2 → C-K, Rb2 → Rd or compound O → F2 or compound Y → C-K, and Rc → Rd or compound Mc1 → F2 or compound Mc → C-K. The extracellular enzyme from A. niger at 8.0 mg/ml, which was obtained by the induction of CMC during the cultivation, converted 6.0 mg/ml (5.6 mM) PPDGs in Korean ginseng extract into 2.8 mg/ml (4.5 mM) food-available C-K in 9 h, with a productivity of 313 mg/l/h and a molar conversion of 80%. To the best of our knowledge, the productivity and concentration of C-K of the extracellular enzyme are the highest among those by crude enzymes from wild-type microorganisms.

Effects of Ginseng Ingestion on Salivary Testosterone and DHEA Levels in Healthy Females: An Exploratory Study.

Ginseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen that has been historically used in China and the Far East. Ginsenosides are the active component of ginseng known to exert several actions by targeting “multi-receptor systems”, both extracellular and intracellular. In humans, ginseng effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ginseng can influence salivary androgen levels (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) in females. The study followed a parallel partially controlled design. Healthy women (n = 24) were recruited and divided into two groups (A = 20–32 and B = 38–50 years). Volunteers were asked to maintain a food diary pre and post ginseng consumption and collected four salivary samples (7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.) before and after ingesting 75 mg red Korean ginseng extract per day for seven days. Testosterone and DHEA were then assayed by ELISA methods. Group A’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion increased from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 98.4 ± 21.1 pg/mL post ginseng (p < 0.01) with significant difference at all time points, and mean daily salivary DHEA increased from 1.53 ± 0.63 to 1.98 ± 0.89 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.02). Group B’s mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion was 61.2 ± 16.9 and post ginseng 68.1 ± 11.5 pg/mL (p = 0.132), and daily salivary DHEA increased from 0.91 ± 0.32 to 1.62 ± 0.49 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.014) with significant difference at all time points. In conclusion, it appears that ginseng intake significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in the younger women group, but only slightly in the older group. However, DHEA levels in the older women showed a marked and significant increase. These results suggest a potential role for ginseng in modulating salivary androgen levels and that such effect may be more evident in older women where the levels of androgens (DHEA) start to decline. However, it has to be stressed that our results are preliminary and further properly controlled trials are justified.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Korean ginseng extract GS-KG9 in a D-galactosamine-induced liver damage animal model.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis study was designed to investigate the improvement effect of white ginseng extract (GS-KG9) on D-galactosamine (Ga1N)-induced oxidative stress and liver injury.SUBJECTS/METHODSSixty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Rats were orally administrated with GS-KG9 (300, 500, or 700 mg/kg) or silymarin (25 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. The rats of the GS-KG9- and silymarin-treated groups and a control group were then intraperitoneally injected Ga1N at a concentration of 650 mg/kg for 4 days. To investigate the protective effect of GS-KG9 against GalN-induced liver injury, blood liver function indicators, anti-oxidative stress indicators, and histopathological features were analyzed.RESULTSSerum biochemical analysis indicated that GS-KG9 ameliorated the elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in GalN-treated rats. The hepatoprotective effects of GS-KG9 involved enhancing components of the hepatic antioxidant defense system, including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). In addition, GS-KG9 treatment inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by GalN treatment in hepatocytes and significantly increased the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins, which are antioxidant proteins. In particular, by histological analyses bases on hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, α-smooth muscle actin, and transforming growth factor-β1 staining, we determined that the administration of 500 mg/kg GS-KG9 inhibited hepatic inflammation and fibrosis due to the excessive accumulation of collagen.CONCLUSIONSThese findings demonstrate that GS-KG9 improves GalN-induced liver inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis by attenuating oxidative stress. Therefore, GS-KG9 may be considered a useful candidate in the development of a natural preventive agent against liver injury.

Antihypertensive effects of Korean wild simulated ginseng (Sanyangsam) extracts in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Ginseng possesses a wide spectrum of medicinal effects and has widely been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. In this study, the antihypertensive effect of Korean wild simulated ginseng in spontaneously hypertensive rats was investigated. Three groups of hypertensive rats-a group without wild simulated ginseng treatment; another group treated with 100mg of wild simulated ginseng extract/kg of body weight; and the other group treated with 200mg of wild simulated ginseng extract/kg of body weight were tested over 8weeks. The two wild simulated ginseng-treated groups showed significantly (p < 0.05) reduced systolic blood pressure at 4 and 6weeks of wildsimulated ginseng treatment. However, the wild simulated ginseng treatment did not adversely affect the food intake, serum electrolytes, osmolality, heart weight, heart rate, and the cross-section of the aorta as well as enzyme activities. The results suggested that Korean wild simulatedginseng is effectively used for reducing high systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients without causing adverse health effects.

Anti‐apoptotic effect of Korean ginseng extract on aging‐induced ovary via inhibition of p63 signaling pathway in mouse

BackgroundThe problem of women's subfertility has been steadily increasing worldwide, and many studies are under way to treat it. The ovary is a key element in the problem of subfertility, and it is very important to maintain integrity. Recently, the pregnancy age of women is increasing, and so the function of the ovary is deteriorated with aging. Korean ginseng has been widely used as a herb medicine and it is known to contain many beneficial biological properties. We investigated the effect of Korean ginseng extract (KGE) on ovary function of female.MethodsThe ovaries were harvested from 6‐month‐old female mice and cultured in the KGE‐treated media for 24 hours. After that, RNA was extracted from the control and KGE‐treated groups and microarray was performed. In addition, based on the microarray data, the gene expression was verified by qPCR.ResultsAging dramatically increased expression of apoptosis regulatory factors in ovary, but expression of these factors was significantly reduced in the KGE‐treated groups. Expression levels of apoptosis regulatory factors such as p63, NOXA, BCL2 and BAX were increased in the ovary with aging. KGEs reduced the expression level of these factors. Consequently, KGEs helps to maintain ovary function by suppressing apoptotic damage caused by aging.ConclusionsWe suggest that KGEs protect against aging‐induced ovary damage by inhibiting apoptosis signaling pathway.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Korean ginseng extract ameliorates abnormal immune response through the regulation of inflammatory constituents in Sprague Dawley rat subjected to environmental heat stress

BackgroundIncreases in the average global temperature cause heat stress–induced disorders by disrupting homeostasis. Excessive heat stress triggers an imbalance in the immune system; thus protection against heat stress is important to maintain immune homeostasis. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has been used as a herbal medicine and displays beneficial biological properties. MethodsWe investigated the protective effects of Korean ginseng extracts (KGEs) against heat stress in a rat model. Following acclimatization for 1 week, rats were housed at room temperature for 2 weeks and then exposed to heat stress (40°C/2 h/day) for 4 weeks. Rats were treated with three KGEs from the beginning of the second week to the end of the experiment. ResultsHeat stress dramatically increased secretion of inflammatory factors, and this was significantly reduced in the KGE-treated groups. Levels of inflammatory factors such as heat shock protein 70, interleukin 6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were increased in the spleen and muscle upon heat stress. KGEs inhibited these increases by down-regulating heat shock protein 70 and the associated nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Consequently, KGEs suppressed activation of T-cells and B-cells. ConclusionKGEs suppress the immune response upon heat stress and decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines in muscle and spleen. We suggest that KGEs protect against heat stress by inhibiting inflammation and maintaining immune homeostasis.

The Protective Effects of Korean Ginseng Extracts on the Environmental Heat Stress in Sprague Dawley Rats

Increases in global average temperature cause a heat‐stress‐induced disorders by destroying the homeostasis. Therefore, excessive environmental heat stress disrupt the balance of immune system. Thus, protection of environmental heat stress is important for the regulation of immune homeostasis. Korean ginseng has been used for herbal medicine and has been known the beneficial biological properties. We determined that the Korean ginseng extracts (KGE) had the protective effects on heat stress by using analysis of heat‐stress‐induced rat model. As a results, heat stress dramatically increased water consumption and decreased food intake and body weight. However, KGE treated group was significantly reduced in the heat stress response. We also analyzed the blood contents such as serum cytokine, hormone, immunoglobulin (Ig) family and blood cells. Our results showed excessive heat exposure increased secretion of stress‐related hormone such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol whereas it was significantly reduced stress‐related hormone release on the KGE groups. Therefore, secretion of cytokine were changed in heat stress group. Particularly, Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and Interleukin 2 (IL‐2) were significantly increased in .heat stress group compare with KGE treated groups. The production of Ig family were also showed similar tendency with secretion of cytokine. As a results, we expected that KGE has a protective effects against environmental heat stress by enhancing the immune homeostasis.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Ginseng in Rats Fed Cholesterol Rich Diet

Background: Ginseng species having been used in various traditional herbal therapies for many years in worldwide. In recent years, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and obesity have become serious health problems. These are considered risk factor for metabolic and organic diseases such as atherosclerosis, fatty liver, diabetes. Therefore, prevention and treatment of these disorders are significant for ensuring comfortable and healthy life. It has been also stated that ginseng saponin suppressed liver enzyme increments caused by feeding with high cholesterol or fatty diet. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ginseng on liver enzymes of rats fed cholesterol-rich diet.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: In this study, 24 healthy adult male Wistar Albino rats were equally divided into three groups as control group (K), cholesterol group (C), and cholesterol + ginseng group (CG). The K group had ad libitum access to a standard rat diet for 40 days. The C and CG groups had ad libitum access to the same diet containing 5% cholesterol powder and 5% cholesterol + 1 g/kg Panax ginseng root powder, respectively, for 40 days. On the 40 th day of the study, blood samples were taken from 8 animals in each group. At the end of the study, plasma samples were analyzed for aspartase transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Differences among the groups were determined by Duncan’s multiple range test. In this study, the results showed that AST, ALT, GGT levels in cholesterol group significantly increased compared to control group but these parameters in cholesterol + ginseng group significantly decreased with ginseng administration compared to cholesterol group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference among the groups with regard to ALP level.Discussion: AST, ALT, GGT and ALP are considered to be the markers of organ disfunction, indicator of cellular damage, cell leakage and the loss of cell membrane integritiy in the liver, kidney, heart and other organs. It was investigated effect of ginseng on some hepatic enzymes in rats fed a high cholesterol diet. In this study, feeding with the diet for 40 days resulted in elevation AST, ALT, GGT compared control levels (P &lt; 0.05). In some studies, using high cholesterol diet caused hepatic injury in animal and human models. The harmful effects of high cholesterol on liver have been attributed to hepatic fibrosis, lipid peroxidation, increased endogenous oxidative stress, inducing cellular damage and engendering hyperlipidemia. Increases in ALT, AST, GGT levels are thought to be due to oxidative stress related to hyperlipidemia in present study. In this study, treated with red Korean ginseng extract significantly prevented the elevations in AST, ALT, GGT levels (P &lt; 0.05). The use of ginseng as an unconventional health treatment is gaining remarkable popularity among the people. It has been known that ginseng have assorted beneficial pharmacological effects and hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, antioxidative and immunostimulator effects have been stated among its pharmacological properties. These beneficial effects of ginseng on liver enzymes attributed to its active components known as ginsenosides. In the light of the findings, Panax ginseng root powder may be useful for hepatic damage and fibrosis associated with high cholesterol diet.

Effect of wild Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) extract on blood glucose and serum lipid contents in rats with multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Anti-diabetic effects of wild Korean ginseng extracts on multiple low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were investigated. Rats were administered extracts at rates of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of body weight for 8 weeks. Body weight was significantly (p 0.05) affected; however alanine aminotransaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in higher ginseng dosage rat groups. Anti-diabetic effects were elicited by administration of wild Korean ginseng extracts in multiple low-dose STZ-induced diabetic rats.

마우스 수컷 생식세포에서 비스페놀 A에 대한 인삼 에탄올 추출물의 보호 효과

Department of Herbal Crop Research, NIHHS, RDA, Eumsung 369-873, Korea.ABSTRACT : This study was carried out to evaluate the preventive effect of three forms of Korean ginseng roots (fresh,white and red) against bisphenol A (BPA) toxicity in mouse male germ cells (GC-2spd, TM3, TM4). ROS (reactive oxygenspecies) generation were measured by DCF-DA (2’,7’-dichlorohydrofluorescein diacetate) assay. Also, semi-quantitativereverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to quantify the mRNA expression levels of apop-tosis-related genes, Bax (pro-apoptotic gene) and Bcl2 (anti-apoptotic gene). ROS generation was increased by 50µM BPA,but definitely decreased by treatment with Korean ginseng extracts (fresh, white and red) in mouse male germ cells. In espe-cial, Korean fresh ginseng extract reduced significantly ROS production to normal control. In addition, Korean fresh andwhite ginseng extracts suppressed the apoptosis of mouse male germ cells by fine-tuning mRNA levels of apoptotic geneschanged by BPA. In general, Korean fresh ginseng extract was more effective than white ginseng extract for reducing BPA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mouse male germ cells. Therefore, Korean fresh and white ginseng may help toalleviate biphenol A toxicity in mouse male germ cells.Key Words : Panax ginseng, Bisphenol A, Germ Cell, Apoptosis, Reproductive Toxicity

Anti-Obese Effects of Ginseng/Ginsenosides

Compared to the large numbers of studies on the diabetes, hyperlipidemia and cancer therpeutic effects of ginseng, the anti-obese effect and mechanisms of ginsengs have not been studied as much. To determine the effects of ginseng on obesity, 14 keywords (ginseng, ginsenoside, obesity, weight, fat, diet, overeat, appetite, lipid, 3T3-L1, adipocyte, food intake, adipogenesis and lipolysis) were combined in searching a database. Fifty-six articles published from 1983 to 2012 as well as 656 patents registered until Aug 17<SUP>th</SUP>, 2012, were screened for anti-obese effects of ginseng. In the classification of experimental methods, 16 papers on 3T3-L1 cells, 38 papers on animals and three papers on human were reviewed. In terms of obese mechanisms of action, the most commonly used biomarkers were in order of lipid profiles ＞ weight change ＞ blood glucose ＞ adipocytokine. Most ginseng studies on obesity focused on AMPK, PPARγ, GLUT-4, PI3K and SREBP-1. Korean white ginseng extracts and Re repressed the lipogenesis genes such as PPARc2, SREBP-1c, LPL, FAS and DGAT1. However, ginseng or ginsenosides, PD (Rb1) and PT (Re), showed different or contradictory results. Water and ethanol extraction of ginseng showed contradictory effects on the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, wheras IL-6 was repressed by ethanol extracts and TNF-α repressed by Re in vitro. Based on the literature, further studies on anti-obese mechanisms of ginseng, such as the inflammation-related obesity or cross signals between the adipocytes and the environments, are needed, instead of more studies on its hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects.

Dietary supplementation with whey protein and ginseng extract counteracts oxidative stress and DNA damage in rats fed an aflatoxin-contaminated diet

Aflatoxins (AF) are among the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens and aflatoxin-B1 (AFB 1) is classified as a group-1 carcinogen. Since the ingestion of aflatoxins-contaminated food is associated with several liver diseases, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether AF-induced damage in rats can be counteracted by feeding with whey-protein concentrates (WPC) and Korean ginseng extract (KGE). Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight equal groups and treated daily for 30 days as follows: a control group (fed an AF-free diet), a group fed ad libitum an AF-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet), a group treated orally with WPC (0.5 ml/rat/day), a group treated orally with KGE (20 mg/kg body weight), a group treated orally with WPC + KGE, and three groups that were fed the AF-contaminated diet and were treated orally with WPC, KGE or WPC + KGE, respectively. Throughout the experimental period, animals received WPC or KGE during the consumption of their respective diet. Bone-marrow micronucleus formation, DNA fragmentation, fatty-acid synthesis (FAS) and phospholipid-hydroperoxide-glutathione-peroxidase ( PHGPx) mRNA expression, and oxidative stress were assayed in liver and testis. The results indicated that ingestion of aflatoxin resulted in a significant increase in micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes (Mn-NCE) in bone marrow, DNA fragmentation, FAS mRNA expression and lipid peroxidation in both organs, and a significant decrease in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes/micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes (PCE/NCE) ratio in bone marrow, PHGPx gene expression and GSH in liver and testis. Treatments with WPC and/or KGE had a significant effect on Mn-NCE or the PCE/NCE ratio in bone marrow. However, KGE or KGE + WPC increased PHGPx gene expression and GSH in testis accompanied with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in liver and testis and FAS-mRNA expression in liver. WPC, KGE or WPC + KGE treatments combined with exposure to an AF-contaminated diet restored all the test parameters towards control values, although they did not fully reverse the effects of the aflatoxins. It is suggested that the genotoxicity of aflatoxins can be in part prevented by dietary supplementation with WPC, KGE or their combination.

Dietary honey and ginseng protect against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatonephrotoxicity in rats

Liver diseases are amongst the most serious health problems in the world today and hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the world's deadliest cancers. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effect of sider honey and/or Korean ginseng extract (KGE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rat. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were allocated into different groups and over a 4-week period, they orally received honey and/or KGE or were treated either with CCl(4) alone (100 mg/kg b.w) or with CCl(4) after a pretreatment period with honey, KGE or a combination of both. Clinical, clinico-pathological and histopathological evaluations were done and CCl(4)-treated groups were compared with rats receiving no treatment and with rats given honey, KGE or a combination of these substances. The results indicated that oral administration of CCl(4) induced severe hepatic and kidney injury associated with oxidative stress. The combined treatment with CCl(4) plus honey and/or KGE resulted in a significant improvement in all evaluated parameters. This improvement was prominent in the group receiving CCl(4) after combined pretreatment with honey and KGE. Animals receiving honey and/or KGE (without CCl(4)-treatment) were comparable to the control untreated group. It could be concluded that honey and KGE protect SD rats against the severe CCl(4)-induced hepatic and renal toxic effects. Our results suggest that the protective activity of honey and KGE may have been related to their antioxidant properties.

Korean ginseng extract attenuates reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia and improves cognitive dysfunction in rats

Reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats is an animal model of tardive dyskinesia that has been linked with free radical generation and oxidative stress. In the present study, reserpine (1 mg kg−1, s.c.) was given to rats on days 1, 3 and 5 to induce orofacial dyskinesia, which is characterised by increased vacuous chewing and tongue protrusion. Sub-chronic treatment with Korean ginseng extract from day 1 to day 21 along with reserpine on days 1, 3 and 5 significantly and dose-dependently (100 and 200 mg kg−1) reduced reserpine-induced vacuous chewing movements and tongue protrusions. Reserpine-treated animals also showed poor retention of memory in the elevated plus maze paradigm. The sub-chronic Korean ginseng extract administration significantly reversed reserpine-induced retention deficits. Biochemical analysis revealed that repeated reserpine treatment significantly induced lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in the brains of rats. Reserpine-treated rats also showed decreased levels of antioxidant defence enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Sub-chronic administration of Korean ginseng extract dose-dependently and significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and restored decreased GSH levels by repeated reserpine treatment. It also significantly reversed the reserpine-induced decrease in brain SOD and catalase levels in rats. The present study concludes that oxidative stress might play an important role in reserpine-induced abnormal oral movements, and Korean ginseng extract could be useful in the treatment of drug-induced dyskinesia and amnesia.

MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE IN FORMULA BY SUPPLEMENTATION GINSENG EXTRACT

Whey protein is a potent ally to the general immune system. Supplementation whey protein with a combination of another source of antioxidant may be more effective than supplementation with single nutrient to strengthen the antioxidant defense.Ginseng is well known to have antioxidant activity. The aim of thisresearch was study the role of ginseng to support the antioxidant properties of whey protein and increase its benefits. The antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and/or Korean ginseng extract (KGE) were evaluated in vitro in in vivo. In the in vitro study we tested five concentrations (e.g. 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/100 ml) of WPC and/or KGE for their antioxidant activity using ABTS and TBARS assays. In vivo study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups including the control group, the group fed AFs-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet) and the groups treated with WPC (500 mg/kg b.w) and/or KGE (20 mg/kg b.w) with or without aflatoxins for 30 days. The results indicated that both WPC and KGE exhibit antioxidant activity in vitro and the combined treatment showed the potential effect. Both agents showed a potential hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxins-induced liver damage and oxidative stress. They succeeded to restore the biochemical parameters and improve the histological and histochemical picture of the liver. This improvement was pronounced in the group received the combined treatment of WPC and KGE. It could be concluded that WPC can maximize its potential benefits by supplementation ginseng extract as a healthy ingredient and can be used in formulating the functional foods. Whey protein is a potent ally to the general immune system. Supplementation whey protein with a combination of another source of antioxidant may be more effective than supplementation with single nutrient to strengthen the antioxidant defense.Ginseng is well known to have antioxidant activity. The aim of thisresearch was study the role of ginseng to support the antioxidant properties of whey protein and increase its benefits. The antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and/or Korean ginseng extract (KGE) were evaluated in vitro in in vivo. In the in vitro study we tested five concentrations (e.g. 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/100 ml) of WPC and/or KGE for their antioxidant activity using ABTS and TBARS assays. In vivo study, male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups including the control group, the group fed AFs-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet) and the groups treated with WPC (500 mg/kg b.w) and/or KGE (20 mg/kg b.w) with or without aflatoxins for 30 days. The results indicated that both WPC and KGE exhibit antioxidant activity in vitro and the combined treatment showed the potential effect. Both agents showed a potential hepatoprotective effects against aflatoxins-induced liver damage and oxidative stress. They succeeded to restore the biochemical parameters and improve the histological and histochemical picture of the liver. This improvement was pronounced in the group received the combined treatment of WPC and KGE. It could be concluded that WPC can maximize its potential benefits by supplementation ginseng extract as a healthy ingredient and can be used in formulating the functional foods.

수삼추출물 첨가 배지에서 배양된 노루궁뎅이버섯 균사체 심부발효물 조다당획분의 면역 및 암전이 억제활성

To find the new use of Korean ginseng and mushroom, crude polysaccharides were prepared from submerged cultures of Hericium erinaceum in the medium supplemented with Korean ginseng extracts. When we fractionated crude polysaccharides (HE-GE-CP-1, 3, and 5) from hot-water extracts of submerged cultures of H. erinaceum with ginseng extracts (1%, 3%, and 5% addition of total medium), the yields of HE-GE-CP-1, 3, and 5 were identified at 5.7, 5.1, and 4.8%, respectively. Among crude polysaccharide fractions, HE-GE-CP-5 was significantly higher (1.89-fold of the saline control) than those of HE-GE-CP-1 (1.64-fold) or HE-GE-CP-3 (1.76-fold) on mitogenic activity of splenocytes. HE-GE-CP-5 also had the more potent bone marrow cell proliferation (1.83-fold) rather than HE-CP or HE-GE-CP-1 or HE-GE-CP-3 (1.59- or 1.44- or 1.69-fold, respectively), and anti-metastatic activity as anti-cancer effect showed the highest prophylactic value (72.4% inhibition of tumor control) in 5% supplementation of ginseng extract. However, the lysosomal phosphatase of macrophage was significantly stimulated after HE-GE-CP-3 treatment (2.03-fold). In addition, the immunostimulating and anti-metastatic crude polysaccharide, HE-GE-CP-5, contained mainly neutral sugars (63.2%) with considerable amounts of uronic acid (19.3%) and a small amount of proteins (8.8%). HE-GE-CP-5 can stimulate immune system to inhibit tumor metastasis, and its anti-tumor metastasis may be associated with macrophages, splenocytes and Peyer's patch cells activation.

Korean Ginseng-Induced Occupational Asthma and Determination of IgE Binding Components

A number of case reports on occupational asthma caused by herbal medicines have been issued, for example, on Sanyak, Chunkung, Banha, and Brazilian ginseng. Recently, cases of occupational asthma induced by Sanyak and Korean ginseng have been reported, but the pathogenic mechanisms involved are unknown. This study was carried out to evaluate the immunologic mechanism underlying Korean ginseng-induced occupational asthma. A patient engaged in Korean ginseng wholesale was referred for recurrent dyspnea, wheezing, and nasal symptoms, which were aggravated at work. Allergen bronchial provocation testing to Korean ginseng extract showed a typical immediate response, and skin prick testing to Korean ginseng extract also showed a strong positive response. Moreover, serum-specific IgE levels to Korean ginseng extract were significantly higher than in controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition tests showed a dose-dependent inhibition by Korean ginseng, but not by Dermatophagoides farinae, wheat flour, or Chinese balloon flower. Sodium dodecylsulfate-poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting revealed four specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding components at 26, 30, 47, and 60 kDa, which were not bound by control sera. These results strongly suggest that occupation asthma induced by Korean ginseng is induced via an IgE-mediated mechanism.

EFEK EKSTRAK AKAR GINSENG JAWA DAN KOREA TERHADAP LIBIDO MENCIT JANTAN PADA PRAKONDISI TESTOSTERON RENDAH

This research was designed to compare the potency and duration effect of Java ginseng and Korean ginseng root extract administration on sexual behavior of male mice. It was done experimentally on male mice (strain BALB, aged 8–10 weeks, weighed 25–35 g). Thirty eight mice were grouped to 4 (four) groups: First group was treated with solvent (as positive control), 2nd group was treated ethynilestradiol (EE2) (as negative control), 3rd group was treated with Java ginseng root extract, and 4th group was treated with Korean ginseng root extract. All groups were administered with EE2 0.56 mg/20 g bw/day for 9 days as pretreatment to decrease the testosteron level. After pretreatment, each group divided to 3 subgroups (each would receive treatment for 9, 18, and 27 days). Ethynilestradiol 0.56 mg/20 g bw/day was administered along treatment to keep testosterone level low, except to positive control group. Java ginseng and Korean ginseng root extract (equal with 1.4 mg ginseng root powder/ 20 g bw/day) and EE2 were administered orally. The level of testosterone after pretreatment was measured by RIA (radioimmuoassay) and changes in libido were determined by libido test. After the last treatment, 1 male mouse kept singly in individual cage. Libido test was carried out for 20 minutes. All of these activities during test recorded by handycam. The mice were observed for time from the introduction of female into the cage of male upto the first mount (mounting latency/ ML) and for the number of mounts (mounting frequency/MF). The results indicated that at low testosterone level, Java ginseng root extract administration at the dose equal with 1.4 mg ginseng root powder/20 g bw/day shortened mounting latency and increased mounting frequency but Korean ginseng extract root at the same dose gave negative effects. Duration of administration of both Java and Korean ginseng root extract didn’t give effect on libido.

Antihypertensive activity of Zingiber officinale and Korean ginseng in experimentally induced hypertension in rats

We investigated the antihypertensive effect of Pet ether extract (PE) of ginger rhizome; its toluene fraction (TF) and Korean ginseng extract (KGE) in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) - salt induced and fructose induced hypertensive rats. In DOCA model, DOCA (25 mg/kg, once a week; s.c) was administered in uninephrectomised animals for 4 w. PE (50 mg/kg/day; p.o), TF (10 mg/kg/day; p.o) and KGE (30 mg/kg/day; p.o) were evaluated for their antihypertensive effect. In the fructose model, drinking water was replaced with fructose (10%) for five weeks to induce hypertension. PE (50 mg/kg/day; p.o) and KGE (30 mg/kg/day; p.o) were assessed for its antihypertensive effect in fructose model. After completion of the treatment schedule, vascular reactivity to various agonists like 5-HT, noradrenaline, adrenaline, phenylbiguanide and acetylcholine were recorded in rats of both the models. A cumulative dose response curve (CDRC) of 5-HT was carried out in isolated rat fundus strip of the fructose induced hypertensive rats. Chronic administration of PE (50 mg/kg/day; p.o), TF (10 mg/kg/day; p.o), and KGE (30 mg/kg/day; p.o) significantly reduced the blood pressure in DOCA salt whereas PE (50 mg/kg/day; p.o) and KGE (30 mg/kg/day; p.o) reduced the blood pressure in fructose induced hypertensive rats. Treatment with PE (50 mg/kg/day; p.o) and KGE (30 mg/kg/day; p.o) in fructose model for five weeks shifted the CDRC towards the right on rat fundus. The mechanism of action may partly involve the serotonergic antagonistic property.

EFEK EKSTRAK AKAR GINSENG JAWA DAN KOREA TERHADAP LIBIDO MENCIT JANTAN PADA PRAKONDISI TESTOSTERON RENDAH

This research was designed to compare the potency and duration effect of Java ginseng and Korean ginseng root extract administration on sexual behavior of male mice. It was done experimentally on male mice (strain BALB, aged 8–10 weeks, weighed 25–35 g). Thirty eight mice were grouped to 4 (four) groups: First group was treated with solvent (as positive control), 2nd group was treated ethynilestradiol (EE2) (as negative control), 3rdgroup was treated with Java ginseng root extract, and 4th group was treated with Korean ginseng root extract. All groups were administered with EE2 0.56 mg/20 g bw/day for 9 days as pretreatment to decrease the testosteron level. After pretreatment, each group divided to 3 subgroups (each would receive treatment for 9, 18, and 27 days). Ethynilestradiol 0.56 mg/20 g bw/day was administered along treatment to keep testosterone level low, except to positive control group. Java ginseng and Korean ginseng root extract (equal with 1.4 mg ginseng root powder/ 20 g bw/day) and EE2 were administered orally. The level of testosterone after pretreatment was measured by RIA (radioimmuoassay) and changes in libido were determined by libido test. After the last treatment, 1 male mouse kept singly in individual cage. Libido test was carried out for 20 minutes. All of these activities during test recorded by handycam. The mice were observed for time from the introduction of female into the cage of male upto the first mount (mounting latency/ ML) and for the number of mounts (mounting frequency/MF). The results indicated that at low testosterone level, Java ginseng root extract administration at the dose equal with 1.4 mg ginseng root powder/20 g bw/day shortened mounting latency and increased mounting frequency but Korean ginseng extract root at the same dose gave negative effects. Duration of administration of both Java and Korean ginseng root extract didn’t give effect on libido.