• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.171-177
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• 1990

Using an ethopharmacological technique, we demonstrated that saponin fraction from red ginseng root possessed a potent psychotropic actions on either intermale or maternal aggression models. A series of experiments clearly indicated that one of psychoactive ingredient is ginsenoside Rbl. Although a drug-induced debilitation of motor performance remains a possible cause of the antiaggressive affect of the drug. ginsenoside Rbl did not alter the locomotor activity of the mice during agonistic confrontations. Thus. one can eliminate the possibility that the psychotropic effect of ginsenoside Rbl might be concealed by a drug-induced impairment of motor performance. More recently, we developed a nevi model for copulatory disorder and introduced into the behavioral analysis of drug action. Male mice which has been housed individually from weaning for 5 weeks failed to manifest copulatory behavior when they encountered with the sexually receptive females. Daily administration of crude ginseng saponin during isolation housing period prevented the development of copulatory disorder, whereas both ginsenoside Rbl and Rgl were ineffective. A further experiment may be needed to explore active ingredient of ginseng saponins.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.327-335
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• 2010

We reported previously that the administration of Korean red ginseng water extract (KRG-WE) protected the guinea pig testis against damage induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (a potent endocrine disruptor). We also found that crude saponin from ginseng was the active ingredient responsible for this protection. Here, we examined the biological role of KRG-WE in an animal model of age-induced dysfunction of spermatogenesis. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (six 2-month-old and eighteen 12-month-old) rats were used. The young and old control groups received only vehicle. The ginseng saponin (GS)- and KRG-WE-treated groups received GS (40 mg/kg body weight/day) and KRG-WE (200 mg/kg body weight/day), respectively, for 4 months. The number of cells, Sertoli cell index, Johnsen's score, and sex hormone levels decreased significantly with age. However, the administration of KRG-WE and GS markedly improved the number of germ cells, seminiferous tubular size, and Johnsen's score in the old rats. Ginseng produced a distinct testicular histological improvement in old rats. KRG-WE and GS elevated testosterone levels, while attenuating the aberrant increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Sperm kinematics evaluated by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer demonstrated improvement in the percentage of motile sperm, progressive sperm motility, and curvilinear velocity associated with sperm quality, supporting the beneficial role of red ginseng in senile spermatogenesis. Overall, the total water extract had a more potent effect than the corresponding saponin fraction. In conclusion, Korean red ginseng rejuvenated age-induced testicular dysfunction. Additionally, the total water extract was more potent than the corresponding saponin fraction.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 1998

The effect of Korean red-ginseng extract on the proliferation and cellular activity of mouse B and T lymphocytes was examined in vitro. Both water and ethanol extract from red-ginseng increased the growth of normal B and T lymphocytes 1.5∼2.5-folds. Saponin and polysaccharide fractions from ginseng extract also stimulated the proliferation of normal lymphocytes much higher than several well-known immunostimulators. B and T lymphoma cell lines responded to the ginseng extract and fractions by growth, too, while non-lymphoid cell lines did not. Immunoglobulin production of unprimed B-lymphocytes was little affected by the ginseng extract and fractions, though the ethanol extract slightly enhanced Ini, production of B-lymphocytes. When cytolytic activity of T lymphocytes against tumor tells was induced in vitro, both of the saponin and polysaccharide fractions and the ginseng ethanol extract increased the cellular activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes 4-5-folds, while the ginseng water extract did not. Especially, the saponin fraction exhibited 10-times higher stimulatory effect on the cytolytlc activity of cytotoxic T cells than the ethanol extract and the pclysaccharide fraction did. These results suggest that Korean red-ginseng contain potent immunomodulating components to stimulate the proliferation of B and T lymphocytes and the cellular activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.187-195
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• 1993

We have examined the functional role of central dopaminergic processes on the behavioral pharmacological effects induced by psychotropics and red ginseng saponins of normal rats and compared with that of brain damaged rats. Desipramine and clomipramine produced, a significant depression of the locomotor activity in normal rats, but in brain damaged rats, they did not have any effect throughout the experimental period of 4 hours. Total saponin (50~200 mg/kg), PT (25~50 mg/kg), PD (25~50 mg/kg), $Rg_1$(12.5~25 mg/kg), $Rb_1$ (12.5~50 mg/kg) did not change, and high concentrations of PT (100 mg/kg), PD (100 mg/kg) and $Rg_1$ (50 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in the locomotor activity of one hour after administration but total saponin (100 mg/kg), PD (25~50 mg/kg), Rgl (12.5 mg/kg), $Rb_1$ (12.5 mg/kg) markedly increased the locomotor activity of four hour after administration in normal rats. On the other hand, total saponin (50 mg/kg), PT (100 mg/kg) and PD (100 mg/kg) Produced a prominent stimulation of the locomotor activity in brain damaged rats. These results suggest that the inhibition of the locomotor activity induced by antidepressants was not affected by the sensitivity of cerebral DA system, whereas red ginseng saponin showed antifatigue effect and also the stimulation of the locomotor activity induced by red ginseng saponin was mediated by the inhibition of cerebral DA system. These psychotropic action of red ginseng saponins could be responsible for the beneficial effects on conditions of fatigue and decreased alertness.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.248-253
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• 1989

The effects of 13-cis-retinoic acid and ginseng saponin iron Korean red ginseng on hyperkeratinization of guinea pig skin were investigated by means of enzymatic analysis and light microscopic observation. To induce hyperkeratinization, hexadevance It was topically applied to the dorsal skin of female guinea Pigs every other day for eight days and 13-cis- retinoic acid or ginseng saponin solution was administered orally or topically applied daily during the experimental period. As a result, both topical application of ginseng saponin and oral administration of 13-cis-retinoic acid showed prepentive effects on hyperkeratinization while topical application of 13-cis-retinoic acid inhibited normal epidermal cell proliferation and reduced epidermal enzyme activities such as LDH. ICD and GSPDH below the levels in a normal epidermis. It is suggested that topical application of ginseng saponin and oral administration of 13-cis-retinoic acid may have beneficial efforts against hyperkeratinization possibly by controlling epidermal proliferation and enzyme activities related to epidermal energy metabolism.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.133-138
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• 2006

In order to enhance the components of bioactive ginsenosides and the manufacturing process of red ginseng, we developed the simplified method for red ginseng production. The red ginseng extract was prepared from red ginseng produced with the simplified method, and the production rate of extract ($62^{\circ}$ brix) was more than 60%. The ginsenosides of red ginseng were purified and analyzed by HPLC using ELSD. Ginsenoside-$Rg_3,\;Rh_2$ and $Rh_1$, specific artifacts found only in red ginseng, were detected by HPLC. Especially, contents of ginsenoside-$Rg_3$ and Rh1 were detected high than two times in red ginseng produced the simplified method compared to commercial products.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.46-50
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• 2000

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of crude saponin from Korean red ginseng on clinical chemical parameters in ovariectomized rats. The crude red ginseng saponin was prepared by Diaion HP-20 adsorption chromatography and spirit. Tota1 of 50 rats were divided into 5 groups: normal control (NC), sham-ovariectomized (SO), ovariectomized (OR), ovariectomized and saponin treated (OS) and normal control treated with saponin (NS). Saponin was intraperitonally administered for 12 weeks since 1 week before ovariectomy: The body weight of ovariectomized rats showed no significant change but that of NS group showed significant increase when compared with NC group. Platelet counts of serum showed significant increase when treated with saponin regardless of ovariectomy. Triglyceride content of serum in NC group was 152.1 mg/㎗, while that of OR group was decreased to 99.9 mg/㎗ However, when saponin was administered, the content was increased to 138.0 mg/㎗. The weight of spleen also showed significant increase when treated with saponin, while the other organs showed no weight changes. On the other hand, ovariectomy in rats induced decrease in femur weight by 10% when compared with NC group. However, administration of crude saponin in ovariectomized rats recovered the weight of the femur to the similar level of NC (e<0.01 0.05). In addition, femur weight of NS group indicated 10 to 16% higher value than that of NC. These results suggest that Korean red ginseng saponin attenuates phyiological disorders induced by malfunction of ovary.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.104-114
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• 2022

Background: Abnormalities of myelin, which increases the efficiency of action potential conduction, are found in neurological disorders. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) demonstrates therapeutic efficacy against some of these conditions, however effects on oligodendrocyte (OL)s are not well known. Here, we examined the effects of KRG-derived components on development and protection of OL-lineage cells. Methods: Primary OL precursor cell (OPC) cultures were prepared from neonatal mouse cortex. The protective efficacies of the KRG components were examined against inhibitors of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. For in vivo function of Rb1 on myelination, after 10 days of oral gavage into adult male mice, forebrains were collected. OPC proliferation were assessed by BrdU incorporation, and differentiation and myelination were examined by qPCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry. Results: The non-saponin promoted OPC proliferation, while the saponin promoted differentiation. Both processes were mediated by AKT and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. KRG extract, the saponin and non-saponin protected OPCs against oxidative stress, and both KRG extract and the saponin significantly increased the expression of the antioxidant enzyme. Among 11 major ginsenosides tested, Rb1 significantly increased OL membrane size in vitro. Moreover, Rb1 significantly increased myelin formation in adult mouse brain. Conclusion: All KRG components prevented OPC deaths under oxidative stress. While non-saponin promoted proliferation, saponin fraction increased differentiation and OL membrane size. Furthermore, among all the tested ginsenosides, Rb1 showed the biggest increase in the membrane size and significantly enhanced myelination in vivo. These results imply therapeutic potentials of KRG and Rb1 for myelin-related disorders.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2009

Objectives: This study was on the pharmaceutical components in purified ginseng total saponin (GTS), coisis semen (CS), the combination of these drugs, and the major component of coicis coixol for the prevention and treatment of obesity. Methods: In this study, to evaluate the effect on the suppression of obesity, high fat diet-induced obese rats were treating with the drugs, the effects on the balance of energy and diet activity were examined, and the change of weight, the change of the intake of diet, body fat rate, etc. were assessed. Results: The results demonstrate that in high fat diet-induced obese white rats, the combination treatment of ginseng total saponin and coicis was effective in suppression of weight gain, reduction of intake of food, and reduction of body fat. Conclusions: The results suggest that a combination treatment with major components of red ginseng total saponin and coicis may be used therapeutically for the suppression and treatment of obesity.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 1978

Total saponins and ether extracts of red and white ginseng were obtained and their effects on blood pressure in cat and their histamine liberating activities in rabbits were measured. 1) Ether extract of red ginseng showed a transient hypotensive effect and subsequently showed a remarkable and persistent hypotensive effect, whereas other three fractions, such as saponin fractions of red and white ginseng and ether extract of white ginseng showed only a initial transient hypotensive effects. 2) Histamine levels liberated into blood after administration of each fractions measured by the bioassay with guinea pig ileum. Ether extract of red ginseng immediately increased histamine contents in plasma but the histamine levels decreased to normal level within 10min in spite of decreased blood pressure was sustained. Although white ginseng saponin lowered blood pressure immediately when it is administered, histamine release was observed after 10min. The results suggest that hypotensive effects of ginseng seems to have no correlation with the histamine liberating activity. Ginseng appears to show hypotensive effect via some other mechanisms.