Red Ginseng Extract Research Articles

Korean Red Ginseng attenuates ethanol-induced steatosis and oxidative stress via AMPK/Sirt1 activation

BackgroundAlcoholic steatosis is the earliest and most common liver disease, and may precede the onset of more severe forms of liver injury. MethodsThe effect of Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) was tested in two murine models of ethanol (EtOH)-feeding and EtOH-treated hepatocytes. ResultsBlood biochemistry analysis demonstrated that RGE treatment improved liver function. Histopathology and measurement of hepatic triglyceride content verified the ability of RGE to inhibit fat accumulation. Consistent with this, RGE administration downregulated hepatic lipogenic gene induction and restored hepatic lipolytic gene repression by EtOH. The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver diseases is well established. Treatment with RGE attenuated EtOH-induced cytochrome P450 2E1, 4-hydroxynonenal, and nitrotyrosine levels. Alcohol consumption also decreased phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, which was restored by RGE. Moreover, RGE markedly inhibited fat accumulation in EtOH-treated hepatocytes, which correlated with a decrease in sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and a commensurate increase in sirtuin 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α expression. Interestingly, the ginsenosides Rb2 and Rd, but not Rb1, significantly inhibited fat accumulation in hepatocytes. ConclusionThese results demonstrate that RGE and its ginsenoside components inhibit alcoholic steatosis and liver injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/sirtuin 1 activation both in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that RGE may have a potential to treat alcoholic liver disease.

The Bioconversion of Red Ginseng Ethanol Extract into Compound K by Saccharomyces cerevisiae HJ-014

A β-glucosidase producing yeast strain was isolated from Korean traditional rice wine. Based on the sequence of the YCL008c gene and analysis of the fatty acid composition, the isolate was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain HJ-014. S. cerevisiae HJ-014 produced ginsenoside Rd, F2, and compound K from the ethanol extract of red ginseng. The production was increased by shaking culture, where the bioconversion efficiency was increased 2-fold compared to standing culture. The production of ginsenoside F2 and compound K was time-dependent and thought to proceed by the transformation pathway of: red ginseng extract→Rd→F2→compound K. The optimum incubation time and concentration of red ginseng extract for the production of compound K was 96 hr and 4.5% (w/v), respectively.

Comparative study of Korean White Ginseng and Korean Red Ginseng on efficacies of OVA-induced asthma model in mice

BackgroundKorean ginseng is a well-known medicinal herb that has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including asthma. Ginseng can be classified as white ginseng (WG) or red ginseng (RG), according to processing conditions. In this study, the authors compared the efficacies of these two ginseng types in a mouse model of acute asthma. MethodsTo produce the acute asthma model, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum hydroxide, and then challenged with OVA. WG and RG extracts were administered to mice orally. The influences of WG and RG on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), immune cell distributions in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG1, and IgG2a in serum were investigated. Cytokine production by lymphocytes isolated from peribronchial lymph nodes and histopathological changes was also examined. ResultsIn OVA-sensitized mice, both WG and RG reduced AHR and suppressed immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar regions. BALF OVA-specific IgE levels were significantly lower in RG-treated OVA-sensitized mice than in the OVA-sensitized control group. WG and RG also suppressed inflammatory cytokine production by peribronchial lymphocytes. Histopathological findings showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remodeling (e.g., epithelial hyperplasia) in WG- and RG-treated OVA mice compared with OVA controls. ConclusionIn this study, WG and RG showed antiasthmatic effects in an OVA-sensitized mouse model, and the efficacies of RG were found to be better than those of WG.

Ginseng treatment attenuates autophagic cell death in chronic cyclosporine nephropathy

Chronic cyclosporine (CsA) treatment induces autophagic cell death characterized by excessive autophagosome formation and decreased autophagic clearance. In this study, we evaluated the influence of ginseng treatment on autophagy in chronic CsA nephropathy. Mice were treated with CsA (30 mg/kg) with or without Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract (0.2, 0.4 g/kg) for 4 weeks. The effect of KRG on CsA-induced autophagosome formation was measured using phospholipid-conjugated form of LC3-II, beclin-1, and autophagic vacuoles were visualized with electron microscopy. Autophagic clearance was evaluated by accumulation of p62/sequestosome 1 (p62) and ubiquitin, then double immunolabeling for p62 and either LC3-II or ubiquitin. To demonstrate the association between the effects of KRG treatment on autophagy and apoptosis, double immunolabelling for LC3-II and active caspase-3 was performed. Multiple autophagy pathways were also examined. KRG co-treatment significantly decreased the expression of LC3-II, beclin-1, and the number of autophagic vacuoles compared with the CsA group, and these changes were accompanied by improvements in renal dysfunction and fibrosis. CsA-induced accumulation of p62 and ubiquitin was also decreased by KRG treatment, and these proteins were colocalized with LC3-II and with each other. KRG treatment simultaneously reduced the expression of both active caspase-3 and LC3-II in the injured area. KRG treatment during chronic CsA nephropathy induced the expression of AKT/mTOR, which is a pathway that inhibits autophagy, and reduced AMPK expression. Ginseng treatment attenuated CsA-induced excessive autophagosome formation and autophagic aggregates. These findings suggest that ginseng has a renoprotective effect against CsA-induced autophagic cell death.

Anti-influenza effect of Cordyceps militaris through immunomodulation in a DBA/2 mouse model.

The immune-modulatory as well as anti-influenza effects of Cordyceps extract were investigated using a DBA/2 mouse model. Three different concentrations of Cordyceps extract, red ginseng extract, or drinking water were orally administered to mice for seven days, and then the mice were intranasally infected with 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus. Body weight changes and survival rate were measured daily post-infection. Plasma IL-12, TNF-α, and the frequency of natural killer (NK) cells were measured on day 4 post-infection. The DBA/2 strain was highly susceptible to H1N1 virus infection. We also found that Cordyceps extract had an anti-influenza effect that was associated with stable body weight and reduced mortality. The anti-viral effect of Cordyceps extract on influenza infection was mediated presumably by increased IL-12 expression and greater number of NK cells. However, high TNF-α expression after infection of H1N1 virus in mice not receiving treatment with Cordyceps extract suggested a two-sided effect of the extract on host immune regulation.

홍삼 추출물 첨가 연두부의 저장 중 항산화 활성 변화

생리적 기능성을 함유하는 두부를 제조하기 위하여 홍삼 추출물을 첨가하여 압착 성형 공정 없는 연두부의 형태로 제조하였으며, 홍삼 추출물 첨가 연두부의 저장기간에 따른 항산화 성분 및 항산화 활성 변화를 측정하였다. 홍삼 추출물을 첨가하지 않은 대조군의 polyphenol 화합물의 함량은 <TEX>$605.25{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>이었으며, 홍삼 추출물을 첨가군의 함량은 <TEX>$598.51{\sim}681.65{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>이었으며, 홍삼 추출물 함량에 비례하였다. 대조군의 ascorbic acid의 함량은 6.42 mg%이었으며, 홍삼 추출물 첨가군은 5.74~7.67 mg%로 대조군보다는 높은 함량을 나타내었다. 저장기간에 따른 polyphenol 화합물 및 ascorbic acid의 변화를 보면 저장기간 내내 대체적으로 대조군보다는 홍삼 추출물 첨가군이 높은 함량을 보였다. 환원력의 경우, 대조군은 O.D.값이 0.2781로 나타났으며, 홍삼 추출물 첨가군은 O.D.값이 각각 0.3260~0.3477로 대조군에 비하여 높은 값을 나타내어 홍삼 첨가가 항산화 활성이 증가하는 것으로 나타났으며, 저장기간 내내 높은 항산화 활성을 유지하였다. ABTS radical cation decolorization은 대조군은 20.54 AEAC이었으나, 홍삼추출물 첨가군은 20.63~20.86 AEAC로 홍삼 추출물의 첨가농도가 높을수록 높은 값을 나타내어 항산화 활성이 있는 것으로 나타났다. To develop tofu with bioactivity, red ginseng extract was added and soft tofu was prepared without pressuring and forming steps. Then, the content of antioxidant components and antioxidative activities were measured using the prepared soft tofu during storage. The contents of polyphenols of the control and the sample added red ginseng extract were <TEX>$605.25{\mu}g/mL$</TEX> and <TEX>$598.51{\sim}681.65{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>. The content of the polyphenols was proportional to the concentration of added red ginseng extract. The content of ascorbic acid of the control was 6.42 mg%, and the ascorbic acid contents of the sample added red ginseng extract were higher than that of the control. The contents of polyphenols and ascorbic acid of control were lower than those of the sample added red ginseng extract during the storage. The addition of red ginseng extract increased reducing power and ABTS radical cation decolorization.

Red ginseng ameliorates acute cisplatin-induced nephropathy.

Korean red ginseng is one of the traditional herbal medicines most widely used in China, Korea, and Japan. To determine whether Korean red ginseng extract can mitigate acute renal nephropathy, we examined its renoprotective effects in a model of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in Sprague Dawley rats. Korean red ginseng was administered to rats by oral gavage once a day at doses of 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg for 28 days. On day 23, the animals received an intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) to induce acute renal failure. Body weight gain, urine volume, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, and expression of p53 were measured. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling was used to analyze apoptosis. Kidney tissues from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for inflammatory cytokines and histopathological examination. To identify the mechanism responsible for the renoprotective effects of Korean red ginseng, we measured malondialdehyde concentration as an end product of lipid peroxidation and the activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Korean red ginseng significantly decreased the levels of indicators of renal dysfunction, inflammatory cytokine expression, apoptosis, and malondialdehyde content in the kidney and also significantly attenuated the histopathological changes associated with acute renal failure. These findings suggest that Korean red ginseng has renoprotective effects against cisplatin-induced acute renal failure by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

In vitro biotransformation of red ginseng extract by human intestinal microflora: Metabolites identification and metabolic profile elucidation using LC–Q-TOF/MS

Ginseng is an important and widely used herbal medicine in Asia and has gained popularity in the western countries. Ginseng products are usually administered orally, after which their complicated components are brought into contact with intestinal microflora in the alimentary tract and metabolized. The metabolic investigation of ginseng in intestinal tract is necessary for elucidating its pharmacological activities. However, most of the reports about the metabolism of ginseng with intestinal microflora are focused on single ginseng saponin with the whole action of ginseng extract ignored. In the present paper, in vitro biotransformation of red ginseng extract by human intestinal microflora was conducted, and a rapid liquid chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–Q-TOF/MS) method was used for rapid identification of the metabolites and metabolic profile of ginseng saponins. A total of 37 ginseng saponins in red ginseng extract were characterized, 17 of which were assessed to be metabolized by human intestinal microflora. Also, 30 metabolites, mostly deglycosylated, were detected and identified in the biotransformed red ginseng extract, including 4 original ingredients of red ginseng, 6 ginsenoside lactate esters, and 2 glycosylated metabolites. The metabolic profile of ginseng saponins biotransformed by human intestinal microflora was elucidated based on the metabolite information. The results indicated that deglycosylation was the major metabolic pathway of saponins in red ginseng. The esterification and glycosylation reaction also occurred during the biotransformation. Our study indicated that there was some differences in the biotransformation of single ginseng saponin and red ginseng extract. It must be noted that the ginsenoside lactate esters were firstly found in the metabolites of ginsenosides.

비만에서의 혈관신생의 역할

혈관신생은 모든 조직의 성장과 발달, 그리고 상처회복 등에 매우 중요하다. 지방조직은 우리 몸에서 가장 혈관이 발달된 조직으로서 각 지방세포들은 모세혈관에 둘러싸여 있으며 신생혈관들은 지방세포에 영양분과 산소를 공급한다. 혈관의 내피세포들은 파라크린 신호경로, 세포외 성분, 세포들 간의 직접적인 작용을 통해 지방세포와 교류한다. 활성화된 지방세포들은 VEGF, FGF-2, leptin, HGF와 같은 혈관신생인자들을 생성하며, 이들은 단독으로 혹은 협력하여 혈관신생을 증가시키고 지방조직의 성장과 대사를 촉진한다. 따라서 혈관신생 억제제들은 비만과 비만관련 질환을 치료하는데 유용할 것으로 생각된다. Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillary blood vessels, is a tightly regulated process. Under normal physiological conditions, angiogenesis only takes place during embryonic development, wound healing, and female menstruation. Dysregulation of angiogenesis is associated with many diseases, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and proliferative retinopathy. The growth and expansion of adipose tissue require the formation of new blood vessels. Adipose tissue is probably the most highly vascularized tissue in the body, as each adipocyte is surrounded by capillaries, and the angiogenic vessels supply nutrients and oxygen to adipocytes. Accumulating evidence shows that capillary endothelial cells communicate with adipocytes via paracrine signaling pathways, extracellular components, and direct cell-cell interactions. Activated adipocytes produce multiple angiogenic factors, including VEGF, FGF-2, leptin, and HGF, which either alone or cooperatively stimulate the expansion and metabolism of adipose tissue by increasing adipose tissue vasculature. Recently, it was demonstrated that antiangiogenic herbal Ob-X extracts and Korean red ginseng extracts reduce adipose tissue mass and suppress obesity by inhibiting angiogenesis in obese mice. Thus, angiogenesis inhibitors provide a promising therapeutic approach for controlling human obesity and related disorders.

Enzymatic transformation of ginsenosides in Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) extract prepared by Spezyme and Optidex

BackgroundIn this study, we examined the effects of various enzymes on chemical conversions of ginsenosides in ginseng extract prepared by amylases. MethodsRapidase, Econase CE, Viscozyme, Ultraflo L, and Cytolase PCL5 were used for secondary enzymatic hydrolysis after amylase treatment of ginseng extract, and ginsenoside contents, skin permeability, and chemical compositions including total sugar, acidic polysaccharide, and polyphenols were determined on the hydrolyzed ginseng extract. ResultsRapidase treatment significantly elevated total ginsenoside contents compared with the control (p < 0.05). In particular, deglycosylated ginsenosides including Rg3, which are known as bioactive compounds, were significantly increased after Rapidase treatment (p < 0.05). The Rapidase-treated group also increased the skin permeability of polyphenols compared with the control, showing the highest level of total sugar content among the enzyme treatment groups. ConclusionThis result showed that Rapidase induced the conversion of ginsenoside glycosides to aglycones. Meanwhile, Cytolase PCL5 and Econase treatments led to a significant increase of uronic acid (acidic polysaccharide) level. Taken together, our data showed that the treatments of enzymes including Rapidase are useful for the conversion and increase of ginsenosides in ginseng extracts or products.

Morphological Studies on the Inhibitory Effects of Photoaging Skin of Fermented Red Ginseng in Hairless Mice

To investigate the anti-photoaging effect of fermented Red Ginseng(RG) in SKH-1 mice. We examined the effects of extracts of non-fermented RG(NRG group), fermented RG(FRG group) and fortified fermented RG(FFRG group) on skin wrinkles formation, histological changes related to the number of epidermal cell layers, epidermal thickness, neutrophil infiltration into dermis, degradation of collagen fibers, and the number of mast cells, and immunohistochemical changes related to cytokines and enzymes in photoaging skin caused by UVB irradiation of SKH-1 mice. The oral administration(300 ㎎/㎏ B.W./day) and topical application(100 ㎕/mouse/day) of extracts of NRG, FRG and FFRG inhibited increases in epidermal thickness and wrinkle formation compared to control group in dorsal skin induced by UVB irradiation. We observed more increased stainability of acid fuschin and aniline blue in dermis of FFRG group than those of other groups. Furthermore, NRG, FRG and FFRG prevented the disruption of collagen fibers within papillary layer of dermis, and decreased number of mast cells in the dorsal skins induced by UVB irradiation. We observed fine wrinkle formation in FFRG group. Treatment with NRG, FRG and FFRG decreased immunohistochemical density of myeloperoxidase related to inflammation in the photoaging skin. We observed more decreased immunohistochemical density of myeloperoxidase in FFRG group than those of other groups. Immunohistochemical density of PCNA and Ki-67 in FFRG group was more decreased than those of other groups. Our study suggests that fermented red ginseng extracts participates in inhibitory effects in the morphological processes related to photoaging skin on UVB irradiated SKH-1 mice.

Expression of antiviral cytokines in Crandell-Reese feline kidney cells pretreated with Korean red ginseng extract or ginsenosides

The antiviral activity and protective mechanism of Korean red ginseng (KRG) is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of KRG extract and ginsenosides against feline calicivirus (FCV), a human norovirus surrogate. CRFK cells that were pretreated for 48h with 10μg/mL of KRG extract or purified ginsenoside Rb1 or Rg1, were inoculated with FCV. RNA extracted from each treated group was examined for the expression of antiviral cytokines, including interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), interferon-ω (IFN-ω), Mx, and zinc finger antiviral protein shorter isoform (ZAPS), by relative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. mRNA expression of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-ω, Mx, and ZAPS was significantly induced in the FCV-challenged group pretreated with the KRG extract or ginsenosides, and it was higher than the group treated with FCV alone. Mx protein expression was confirmed by western blotting of CRFK cells pretreated with the ginsenoside Rb1 or with Rg1. Induction of antiviral cytokines contributes to the reduction of the viral titer in CRFK cells pretreated with the KRG extract and purified ginsenosides. In future studies, the antiviral protective mechanism of KRG should be demonstrated using other viruses such as human norovirus.

Antiviral activity of ginseng extract against respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Panax ginseng has been known to have a number of immuno-modulatory effects. In this study, we investigated whether Panax Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) has in vitro and in vivo antiviral effects on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. KRGE improved the survival of human lung epithelial cells against RSV infection and inhibited RSV replication. In addition, KRGE treatment suppressed the expression of RSV-induced inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-6 and IL-8) and the formation of reactive oxygen species in epithelial cell cultures. Oral administration of mice with KRGE resulted in lowering lung viral loads after RSV infection. Additionally, the in vivo effects of KRGE showed an enhanced level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) producing dendritic cells subsequent to RSV infection. Taken together, these results suggested that KRGE has antiviral activity against RSV infection.

Panax red ginseng extract regulates energy expenditures by modulating PKA dependent lipid mobilization in adipose tissue

Regulation of balance between lipid accumulation and energy consumption is a critical step for the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Here, we show that Panax red ginseng extract treatments increased energy expenditures and prevented mice from diet induced obesity. Panax red ginseng extracts strongly activated Hormone Specific Lipase (HSL) via Protein Kinase A (PKA). Since activation of HSL induces lipolysis in WAT and fatty acid oxidation in brown adipose tissue (BAT), these results suggest that Panax red ginseng extracts reduce HFD induced obesity by regulating lipid mobilization.

Effect of high hydrostatic pressure extract of Korean ginseng on adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes (1045.4)

Ginseng, especially steam‐and‐dry processed red ginseng, has been shown to decrease adipogenesis in adipose tissue. In the food processing industry, high hydrostatic pressure extraction technique has become an alternative to heat processing. The aim of this study was to comparatively investigate the anti‐adipogenic effects of water extract of red ginseng (WRG) and high hydrostatic pressure extract of fresh ginseng (HPG) in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Intracellular lipid and triglyceride were decreased in both WRG and HPG treated cells, while the cell viability remained unaffected. This observed decrease was consistent with the reduction of GPDH activity, a key enzyme in triglyceride biosynthesis. The mRNA expressions of adipogenic genes, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐α, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c, and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein, were significantly decreased in both WEG and HPG treated cells. The activity of AMPK, a key regulator of energy metabolism, was significantly increased in the HPG treated cells compared to the WRG. From these results, it is assumed that anti‐adipogenic mechanisms of the WRG and HPG in adipocytes might be associated with inhibition of GPDH activity and adipogenic gene expression as well as AMPK activation. Moreover, efficiency of the HPG might be comparable to that of the WRG.Grant Funding Source: This work was supported by the Brain Korea 21 plus project funding (No. 22A20130012143)

Red ginseng supplementation effects on the liver inflammation in whole‐body gamma irradiated mice (1034.3)

Exposure to ionizing radiation induces oxidative damage to liver, leading to liver inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to identify the radioprotective effect of Korean red ginseng extract (RG) on the liver inflammation against whole‐body gamma‐irradiation (γIR) in mice. RG was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) or orally (p.o.) to C57BL/6 mice for five days, which were then exposed to 6.5 Gy of 137Cs‐γIR. Liver was harvested three days afterwards, and liver inflammatory markers, cyclooxygenase‐2(COX‐2), TGF‐beta1, and iNOS expression were examined as well as intracellular signal‐related markers, MAPKs and NF‐κB activation using Western blotting. The exposure of gamma ray increased COX‐2, TGF‐beta1, and iNOS, and these were significantly restored by the RG supplementation. In addition, RG decreased the radiation‐induced p‐ERK and NF‐κB activation. These results suggest that the RG supplementation provides protective effects against radiation‐induced liver inflammation, and the potential to be utilized in clinical trials and functional foods.Grant Funding Source: This work was partially supported by research fund from Korea Sanhak Foundation in 2013

Antiulcerogenic and Anticancer Activities of Korean Red Ginseng Extracts Bio-transformed by Paecilomyces tenuipes

In the present study, red ginseng extracts were fermented by Paecilomyces tenuipes and the protopanaxdiol-type ginsenosides in the extracts were bio-transformed to F2, Rg3, Rg5, Rk1, Rh2, and CK determined by a high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis. It indicates that P. tenuipes is a microorganism to biotransform protopanaxdiol-type ginsenosides to their less glucosidic metabolites. Other biotransformed metabolites during fermentation were also analyzed using a GC-MS and identified as 2-methyl-benzaldehyde, 4-vinyl-2-methylphenol, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. Antiulcerogenic activity of the fermented red ginseng extract (FRGE) on gastric mucosal damage induced by 0.15 M HCl in ethanol in rats was evaluated. FRGE was shown to have a potent protective effect on gastritis with 60.5% of inhibition rate at the dose of 40 mg/kg when compared to 54.5% of the inhibition rate at the same dose for stillen, the currently used medicine for treating gastritis. Linoleic acid showed a strong inhibition on gastritis with 79.3% of inhibition rate at the dose of 40.0 mg/kg. FRGE exhibited a distinct anticancer activity including growth inhibition of the two human colon cancer cells HT29 and HCT116. HT29 cells were less susceptible to FRGE in comparison with HCT116 cells. Taken together, fungal fermentation of the red ginseng extract induced hydrolysis of some ginsenosides and FRGE exhibited potent antiulcerogenic and anticancer activities. These results refer to use FRGE as a new source for treating human diseases.

Immunostimulatory effect of fermented red ginseng in the mouse model.

In this study, Woongjin fermented red ginseng extract (WFRG) was evaluated for its potential ability to act as an adjuvant for the immune response of mice. For the in vitro study, macrophages were treated with serial concentrations (1 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL) of WFRG. For in vivo studies, mice were administered different concentrations (10 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day, and 200 mg/kg/day) of WFRG orally for 21 days. In vitro, the production of nitric oxide and TNF-α by RAW 264.7 cells increased in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, WFRG enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes induced by two mitogens (i.e., concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and increased LPS-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6, but not IL-1β. In conclusion, WFRG has the potential to modulate immune function and should be further investigated as an immunostimulatory agent.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Red Ginseng against Influenza A Virus Infection

Ginseng herbal medicine has been known to have beneficial effects on improving human health. We investigated whether red ginseng extract (RGE) has preventive effects on influenza A virus infection in vivo and in vitro. RGE was found to improve survival of human lung epithelial cells upon influenza virus infection. Also, RGE treatment reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-8) probably in part through interference with the formation of reactive oxygen species by influenza A virus infection. Long-term oral administration of mice with RGE showed multiple immunomodulatory effects such as stimulating antiviral cytokine IFN-γ production after influenza A virus infection. In addition, RGE administration in mice inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the bronchial lumens. Therefore, RGE might have the potential beneficial effects on preventing influenza A virus infections via its multiple immunomodulatory functions.

Korean red ginseng extracts inhibit NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation

Korean red ginseng extract (RGE) is one of the most popular natural herbs modulating the immune system. Although the effects of RGE on immunity have been reported, its effects on inflammasomes, multi-protein complexes that activate caspase-1 to induce maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β, have not been studied yet. In this study, we elucidated the effect of RGE on inflammasome activation using mouse and human macrophages. In our results, RGE inhibited IL-1β maturation resulting from NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both in vitro and in vivo models. In addition, RGE strongly attenuated IL-1β secretion as well as pathogen clearance via pyroptotic cell death by macrophages through inhibition of AIM2 inflammasome activation. Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rh3 were suggested as inhibitors of the inflammasome activation. Thus, we demonstrated that RGE inhibits both NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasome activation, with predominant involvement of the AIM2 inflammasome.