Red Ginseng Group Research Articles

Non–Organ-Specific Preventive Effect of Long-Term Administration of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Incidence of Human Cancers

Previously, two case-control studies and a cohort study strongly suggested that Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer exerted non-organ-specific preventive effects against cancer. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of red ginseng extract on the incidence of human primary cancer. We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial on 643 chronic atrophic gastritis patients in four hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China. Red ginseng extract powder (1 g) was administered orally to each patient per week for 3 years and followed up for 8 years. The development of various cancers in the red ginseng subjects was compared to that of a placebo group. The red ginseng extract powder was specified in terms of its components. Twenty-four cancers of various organs were diagnosed from these subjects during the 11 years: eight lung cancers, six stomach cancers, two liver cancers, two colorectal cancers, and one cancer each of the nasopharynx, esophagus, pancreas, urinary bladder, prostate, and gallbladder. The red ginseng group, which included both genders, demonstrated a relative cancer risk of 0.54 (95% confidence interval, 0.23-1.28; P = .13) compared to the placebo group, which was not statistically significant. Among the 24 cancer patients, 21 were male. The male red ginseng group showed a relative cancer risk of 0.35 (95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.96; P = .03) compared to the male placebo group, which was highly significant statistically. In the present clinical trial on chronic atrophic gastritis patients, administration of red ginseng extract powder for 3 years exerted significant preventive effects on the incidence of non-organ-specific human cancers in males.

생맥산의 식이가 Streptozocin으로 유도된 당뇨 Rat의 혈당과 혈청 성분 함량에 미치는 영향

이가 식이효율(FER), glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycetide, HDL-cholesterol, 동맥경화지수(AI) 등에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 식이효율은 정상군이 5.94%로 가장 높았고, 당뇨대조군은 0.58%로 정상군에 비해 현격한 감소를 보였다. DA군과 DB군은 각각 3.65%, 3.38%로 다른 투여군보다 상대적으로 높은 수...

여성의 건강관련 삶의 질과 성기능에 대한 홍삼의 효과 및 안전성 연구

홍삼의 여성성기능 장애 개선과 건강관련 삶의 질 개선 효과를 규명하기 위해 성기능 저하를 호소하는 만 30세 이상 45세 미만의 기혼여성을 대상으로 6주간의 기본 투약기간을 두 번 거친 총 20주 동안의 교차 임상시험을 진행한 결과 대상자들 모두에서 성기능 개선과 일반적 건강수준 향상, 삶의 질 개선 효과가 나타났으나 홍삼과 대조약의 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 나타나지 않았다. 특히 대부분의 유효성 평가 항목들이 대상약에 상관없이 1차 투약에서 좀 더 개선되는 양상을 보였고, 홍삼과 대조약의 효과가 크게 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 그러나 성욕 (desire)의 경우는 모든 대상자에서 홍삼을 복용한 경우가 대조약을 복용한 경우보다 좀 더 개선되는 양상을 보였으며, 일반적 건강수준과 삶의 질 개선에 있어서는 특히 신체적 기능 (PF)이 정신적 요소보다 홍삼을 복용한 경우에 좀 더 개선되는 양상을 보였다. 이러한 결과는 정서적 반응에 의해 높은 변동을 보일 수 있는 대상 질환의 특성 상대조약의 높은 위약효과에 의해 홍삼의 유의한 효과가 가려졌음에도 불구하고 홍삼의 보기온양 (補氣溫陽)하는 효과가 실제적으로 발휘된 것으로 생각되었으며, 신체적 건강수준 개선과 더불어 홍삼에 일정한 성기능 개선 효과가 있음을 유추할 수 있게 하였다. 따라서 본 연구 방법을 토대로 향후 성기능장애와 같은 기능성 장애에 대한 강한 위약 효과를 고려한 좀 더 많은 수의 대상자를 포함한 장기간의 추가 임상 시험 연구가 이루어진다면 신체적 건강과 삶의 질, 그리고 성기능 개선에 관한 홍삼의 유의한 효과를 규명할 수 있을 것이라 생각된다. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of red ginseng on women's health-related quality of life (QOL) and sexual function. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study was performed. The main efficacy was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFl) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Twenty-four healthy, married women aged 30-45 years with FSFl scores below 25 were randomly divided into two groups: the red-ginseng group (N=12) and the placebo group (N=12). During the first six-week period (Study 1), each group was given red ginseng or placebo twice a day. Before the start of the second six-week period (Study 2), a crossover design was chosen with a two-week break (washout period). Interchanging the two groups after the washout period, red ginseng and placebo were given to each group. The outcomes were measured before and after each six-week period. Overall, 23 participants completed the study. In Study 1, the changes relative to the baseline in the FSFl total score were 22.50% and 22.99% for red ginseng and placebo, respectively. In Study 2, the relative changes were 8.14% for red ginseng and 6.29% for placebo. The results showed a greater improving trend in Study 1 with respect to all of the participants' sexual functions, but no significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.9567). After taking red ginseng, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the desire domain of FSFl, but no significant difference was shown. In the measurement of SF-36, no significant difference was likewise shown. After taking red ginseng, though, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the physical functioning (PF) domain of SF-36, with no significant difference. Moreover, there was no significant adverse event related to red ginseng. The QOL and sexual function of the study participants in the red-ginseng group were mostly improved, but no statistically significant effect of red ginseng was shown. It is supposed that this result was partly due to the affirmative impression of red ginseng in Korea. Thus, it is anticipated that a long-term clinical trial will show a significant effect of red ginseng on the QOL and sexual function.

홍삼이 정상 흰쥐의 혈압 및 대동맥 조직 소견 변화에 미치는 영향

1. 1개월, 2개월, 3개월 투여 시 혈압은 세 군간에 유의한 차이가 나타났으며 한국 홍삼군 및 중국 홍삼군은 대조군에 비해 혈압 감소가 나타났다.(P<0.05) 각 군별로 보면 한국 홍삼군의 경우 0-1개월, 1-2개월 사이에 혈압이 유의하게 감소하였으며, 중국 홍삼 투여군의 경우 0-1개월에만 유의한 감소를 보였다.(P<0.05) 2. 1개월 투여 그룹의 경우, 혈관벽 두께는 세 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났고, 각 군 간의 차이를 비교하였을 때 중국 홍삼군의 경우 다른 두 군에 비해 혈관벽두께 감소가 유의한 차이를 보였다.(P<0.05) 2개월 투여 그룹의 경우, 혈관벽 두께는 세 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났고, 각 군 간의 차이를 비교하였을 때 중국 홍삼군의 경우 다른 두 군에 비해 혈관벽 두께 증가가 유의한 차이를 보였다.(P<0.05) 3개월 투여 그룹의 경우, 혈관벽 두께는 세 군간에 유의한 차이를 보이는 것으로 나타났고, 각군 간의 차이를 비교하였을 때 중국 홍삼군의 경우 한국 홍삼군에 비해 혈관벽 두께의 증가가 유의하였으며 대조군에 비해서는 혈관벽 두께 감소 경향을 나타내었으나 통계적 유의성은 없었다. 한국 홍삼군의 경우 두 군에 비해 혈관벽 두께의 감소가 유의하였다.(P<0.05) 3. 대동맥 조직 병리 검사 변화상 한국 홍삼군은 모두 대동맥 벽이 잘 유지되어 있고 단층 혈관 내피 세포가 잘 유지되어 있으나, 중국 홍삼의 경우 1개월, 2개월, 3개월 투여시 세포핵의 비후가 비교적 뚜렷하게 관찰되며 세포핵의 방향성(Orientation)과 극성(Polarity)의 소실이 특징적으로 관찰되었고 평활근 섬유가 갈라지거나 찢어진(Split or tearing) 양상을 관찰할 수 있었다. 이상으로, 홍삼 투여 시 혈압 강하 효과가 나타남을 알 수 있었고, 한국 홍삼이 중국 홍삼에 비해 혈압 하강 효과를 좀 더 지속시킬 가능성 및 대동맥 조직 병리 소견 상 혈관 보호 효과에 대한 추론을 할 수 있었다. Introduction : Korean red ginseng has been shown to have an preventive effect on atheroma formation and enhancing effect on nitric oxide synthesis in endothelial cell inducing vasodilatation. However, there are few studies showing the effect of Korean red ginseng on blood pressure and vascular(endothelial) pathologic changes together. We designed this study to show changes of blood pressure and vascular pathologic findings with Korean red ginseng administration compared with Chinese red ginseng and control for 3 months in rats. Materials and methods : We studied the in vitro hypotensive effect and effect on vascular pathologic changes of Korean red ginseng compared with Chinese red ginseng and control. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups(Korean red ginseng, Chinese red ginseng and control) and evaluated by blood pressure and aortic vascular(endothelial) pathologic changes monthly during 3-month administration. All results were analyzed by paired T-test, ANOVA and post-hoc. Results : Blood pressure lowering effect was noted on Korean red ginseng and Chinese red ginseng compared to control. Especially, in Korean red ginseng group, hypotensive effect was showed in first and second month, but, in Chinese red ginseng group, it was just noted in first month. In case of vascular(aortic endothelial) pathologic finding, endothelial wall thickening and elastic fiber tearing were noted in Chinese red ginseng group compared with Korean red ginseng group and control with statistical significance.(p<0.05) Discussion : These results suggested Korean red ginseng could have more hypotensive effect and maintenance rather than Chinese red ginseng. And the difference of hypotensive effect between Korean red ginseng and Chinese red ginseng might has some association with difference of vascular pathologic findings in each group. However, further evaluation and research of other mechanism will be needed to convince this hypothesis.

Anti-diabetic Effect and Mechanism of Korean Red Ginseng in C57BL/KsJ db/db Mice

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of Korean red ginseng in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice. The db/db mice were divided into three groups: diabetic control group (DC), Korean red ginseng group (KRG, 100 mg/kg) and metformin group (MET, 300 mg/kg), and treated with drugs once per day for 10 weeks. Compared to the DC group, fasting blood glucose levels were decreased by 19.8% in KRG-, 67.7% in MET-treated group. With decreased plasma glucose and insulin levels, the insulin resistance index of the KRG-treated group was reduced by 27.6% compared to the DC group. The HbA1c levels in KRG and MET-treated groups were also decreased by 11.0% and 18.9% compared to that of DC group, respectively. Plasma triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid levels were decreased by 18.8% and 16.8%, respectively, and plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were increased by 20.6% and 12.1%, respectively, in the KRG-treated group compared to those in DC group. Histological analyses of the liver and fat tissue of mice treated with KRG revealed significantly decreased number of lipid droplets and decreased size of adipocytes compared to the DC group. From the pancreatic islet double-immunofluorescence staining, we observed KRG has increased insulin contents, but decreased glucagon production. To elucidate action mechanism of KRG, effects on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream target proteins responsible for fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis were explored in the liver. KRG activated AMPK and acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylations, resulting in stimulation of fatty acid oxidation. KRG also caused to down regulation of SREBP1a and its target gene expressions such as FAS, SCD1 and GPAT. In summary, our results suggest that KRG exerted the anti-diabetic effect through AMPK activation in the liver of db/db mice.

Streptozotocin 유발 당뇨쥐에서 팽화가공 처리한 홍삼의 항당뇨 효과

Antidiabetic effect of Korean red ginseng (RG) processed by puffing in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic (DM) rats was investigated. Five week-old SD rats were divided into four groups; normal control (NC) group, DM group, red ginseng (RG) group and puffed red ginseng (PG) group. The RG and PG groups were orally provided with RG or PG dissolved in water (500 ㎎/㎏) respectively for seven weeks after single injection of STZ (50 ㎎/㎏, i.v.) followed by identification of DM. NC group received saline vehicle instead of STZ. At the end of feeding of RG or PG, the changes of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and amylase level and serum lipid profiles were evaluated. Also, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), comet assay and histopathological examination were performed. At 7th week, the fasting blood glucose levels of the RG and PG groups were reduced compared to the DM group by 11.54% and 20.22%, respectively. The result of OGTT did not show significant differences among DM and two red ginseng groups. While serum insulin and TG levels were predominantly improved in PG group (p＜0.05), serum amylase level was increased in RG group. Alkaline comet assay for checking the oxidative damage of DNA showed that TL (tail length, ㎛) and TM (tail moment) in the blood lymphocyte of PG group significantly decreased in contrast with DM group. Histopathological results of pancreas showed that destruction of exocrine as well as endocrine might be cured by the administration of RG and PG. These results suggest that PG could exert more protection against STZ-induced toxicity than RG group.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Korean Red Ginseng according to the Processing Methods in Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats

Hypoglycemic effects of Korean red ginseng according to processing methods was investigated in STZ‐induced diabetic rats. Five weeks‐old SD rats were divided into 5 groups; normal control (NC) group, STZ‐induced diabetic (DM) group, red ginseng (RG) group, fermented red ginseng (FG)group and pupped red ginseng (PG) group. RG, PG and FG groups fed the corresponding ginseng powder (500mg/kg) for 7 weeks after single injection of STZ (50mg/kg, i.v.). Body weight gain looked to be more in three ginseng groups compared to DM group. At week 7, the FBS levels of the RG, FG and PG groups were reduced by 12.88%, 11.7% and 21.55% when compared with DM group. The AUC levels in OGTT was not significantly different among the groups Serum insulin and TG levels were most significantly improved in PG group and serum amylase level was increased in RG group(p&lt;0.05). DNA damage of blood lymphocyte deceased in PG group. Histopathological results of pancreas showed that destruction of exocrine as well as endocrine might be prevented by red ginseng administration. Immunohistochemistry of glut2 were improved in the three ginseng treated groups. From this result, it was suggested that pupped ginseng could be a depressant of STZ‐induced toxicity.

Effects of Red Ginseng Intake on Muscle Injury Due to Eccentric Exercise*

Little is known about whether red ginseng intake protects against exercise induced muscle damage in a human study. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of Korean red ginseng (RG) intake on plasma CK levels after eccentric exercise. METHODS: Eighteen college male students were randomly assigned to the RG or placebo group (P). The RG group ingested RG extract 3 times/day (7-grams/time/day, mixed with 200 ml of water) for 7 days prior to performing the downhill treadmill exercise test and for 3 days after the treadmill test, while the placebo group ingested 200 ml of water containing Agastachis Herba. All subjects performed 2 bouts of a downhill treadmill exercise (6 kilometers, −14 degree slope, 12 km/h speed) with a 5 minute resting interval between bouts. Venous blood samples were drawn immediately before and after exercise, and at 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after exercise. The plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels were determined using a spectrophotometer technique. The lactic acid content was analyzed using Hohorst's method, and the plasma insulin and cortisol concentrations were determined using radioimmunoassay kits. RESULTS: Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) documented that the creatine kinase (CK) activity levels in both RG and P groups were significantly elevated until 24 h after the treadmill test, but the CK levels in the RG group were significantly reduced at 24 h after exercise, as compared with the P group (p<0.05), and remained constant until 72 h after exercise. Lactate levels in the RG group were also significantly lower at 24 h after exercise as compared with the P group (p<0.05). There were no statistical differences in cortisol levels between the RG and P groups across the recovery periods. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that supplementation of Korean red ginseng reduces CK levels and may prevent muscle injury induced by eccentric exercise.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-fatigue Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus)

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of LAB (Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus) on detoxication of damaged liver in carbon tetrachloride (<TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX>) and ethanol (25%)-treated rats. Rats had been daily (twice a day) pre-treated with saline (0.5 ml/kg: untreated group), <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> (0.5 ml/kg: other groups) for 6 days. At seventh day, after treating rat with <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> and then, mixture of LAB (<TEX>$10^{11}$</TEX>/0.5 ml: LAB group), saline (0.5 ml/kg: untreated group, <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> group), and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (DDB) (50 mg/kg: DDB group) were treated orally with <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> for 8 days. Ethanol is treated as the same manner instead of <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX>. To investigate the hepatoprotective effect, rats treated with <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> and ethanol were analyzed with serum GOT and GPT level. The GOT and GPT levels of LAB group was lower than the level of <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> and DDB group. Especially, compared with data of <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> group, GPT activity showed statistically significant result in the significance level of p < 0.05. The LAB group treated with ethanol also showed lower level of GOT and GPT than the other control groups treated with ethanol. The triglyceride level of serum decreased more in a group treated special materials (DDB and LAB group) than ethanol group. As well, the effect of LAB on the antifatigue has been investigated. The animals (10/group) were divided into 4 groups (untreated group, Carrier group, Red-ginseng group, LAB group). Each group was given carrier (0.9 mg/0.2 ml), red ginseng extract (200 mg/kg), and mixture of LAB (<TEX>$10^{11}$</TEX>/0.2 ml). Special materials were given for three weeks. After finishing treating through oral, horizontal wire test, rotarod test, and forced swimming test were performed. The time of resistance to fatigue of the group, fed with mixture of LAB, was longer than the time when mice treated with red-ginseng that the effect was already revealed. The result of this study revealed that LAB could decrease hepatocelluar injury compared with rats treated orally with <TEX>$CCl_4$</TEX> and ethanol, and could also decrease fatigue.

발기부전환자에서 홍삼 복용후의 음경혈류와 발기력 변화

발기부전 환자에서 홍삼의 효능을 객관적으로 확인하기 위하여 홍삼 복용 전후의 음경혈류 변화를 AVS-Penogram을 이용하여 홍삼이 음경발기 및 음경혈류에 미치는 영향을 활성도 곡선의 유형 변화와 최대활성도치를 분석하여 평가하고, 동시에 주관적인 발기부전의 증상호전 정도를 비교하였다. 활성도 곡선유형은 홍삼 투여군에서 위약 투여군에 비하여 전반적으로 호전 양상을 보였으나 통계학적 유의성은 없었고, 최대활성도치의 증가에서는 홍삼 투여군이 57.9%(l1/19)로 위약 투여군의 22.2%(2/9)에 비하여 유의하게 높은 호전을 보였으며, 주관적인 증상호전에서도 홍삼 투여군이 63.2％(12/19)로 위약 투여군의 33.3%(3/9)에 비하여 유의한 호전을 나타냈다. 약물의 안정성 평가에서는 약물 관련 특이 반응이나 특별한 부작용은 없는 것으로 나타났다. 이상으로 발기부전 환자에서 홍삼의 투여가 특별한 독성이나 부작용 없이 위약군에 비하여 좋은 치료효과를 보이며, 음경발기와 음경혈류 증가에 양성적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났으며, 단독 투여뿐만 아니라 다른 발기부전 치료제와의 병용 요법에 따른 상승효과(synergic effect) 등에 대하여도 인상 연구가 필요하리라 생각된다. The clinical efficacies of Korean Red Ginseng for improving sexual function has been reported only by self-reporting questionnaires.AVS-Penogram is a method evaluating natural penile blood flow changes by Gamma-camera after intravenous injection of Techmetium 99<TEX>$\^$</TEX>m/-RBC and also stimulating by erotic video tape. To more objectively evaluate the efficacies of Korean Red Ginseng for erectile function, we applied AVS-Penogram as a objective diagnostic tool. AVS-Penogram studies were done in 28 patients with erectile dysfunction after administration of Red Ginseng(19) or placebo(9) group. The pattern of AVS-Penogram before medication were normal type in 4, impossible in 2, unstable in 20, delayed in 1, and mixed in 1. The unstable type were the most prevalent observed in 71.4% of all patients. The patterns of AVS-penogram were 2.2. 13.1 in Red Ginseng group, while in placebo group normal 2, unstable 7. After 4 weeks in Red Ginseng group, there were 3 cases of improved penogram findings, while only 1 in placebo group. There were no statistical significancies in the type of penogram changes on both group. But the maximum radioactivity were improved in 11 patients(57.9%) in Red Ginseng group, while 2(22.2%) in placebo group. There were statistical significancies in comparing the maximal radioactivity of penogram on both group. These AVS-Penogram findings shows, encouraging results of by increased penile blood flow Korean Red Ginseng our medication. Further study is more needed to reconfirm these results by more concentrated active formulations of sapanonin St other active ginsenosides. These promising results will lead to develop a new remedy for erectile dysfunction by Korean Red Ginseng

Effects of red Ginseng on the congestive heart failure and its mechanism

Forty-five patients with class IV cardiac function were divided into three groups: group I (digoxin group), group II (Red Ginseng group) and group III (Red Ginseng plus digoxin group). Each group consisted of 15 cases. After treatment, the improvement of the hemodynamical and biochemical indexes of group II and group III were greater than those of group I, and group III was the most significant amongst all. The results suggested that Red Ginseng and digoxin had synergism for treatment of congestive heart failure, and Red Ginseng was an effective and safe adjuvant without any side effects.