• KSBB Journal
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• v.19 no.6 s.89
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• pp.433-436
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• 2004

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. There are some evidences that nerve growth factor (NGF) is involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. In this study, we investigated the effect of Korean red ginseng total saponin (GTS) on the ovarian morphology and NGF expressions in the ovaries, pituitary and hippocampus. The oil control animals were injected with 0.2 ml oil/rat. Animals in estradiol valerate (EV) control group were injected i.m. with 4 mg EV in 0.2 ml oil/rat. The GTS was administered (100 mg/kg) i.p. every other day for 60 days, beginning 1 day after the EV injection. PCO was induced by a single injection of EV (4 mg, i.m.). At day 60, the expressions of NGF were examined by immunohistochemistry. The main findings were as follows; PCO was fully developed with a single i.m. injection of EV, and PCO showed the increased expression of NGF, and GTS administration decreased NGF expressions in the ovaries without affecting pituitary and hippocampus significantly. The present results demonstrate that GTS attenuates PCOS by the stimulation of NGF expression.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.106-110
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• 2009

In order to reduce the bitter taste and improve the bioavailability of red ginseng extract(RGE), inclusion complexes (RGE-CD) of the extract with ${\alpha}-,\;{\beta}-,\;{\gamma}$-cyclodextrin were prepared and studied for their sensory quality and bioavailability compared to RGE. By complexation, the bitter taste-reducing efficacies of ${\alpha}$-CD and ${\beta}$-CD were much lower than that of ${\gamma}$-CD. In comparative sensory analysis for the bitter taste, RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10, prepared using 10%(w/w) of ${\gamma}$-CD, showed a score of 1.93(decreased by about 78%) compared to RGE as the control. In addition, in sensory analysis for flavor, RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10showed a score of 5.60. Upon increasing the amount of ${\gamma}$-CD to 15%(w/w) and 20%(w/w), respectively, the bitter taste of RGE-${\gamma}$-CD was removed and the flavor of RGE disappeared(scores of 2.67 and 1.67, respectively). Therefore RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10 was chosen as an optimum. The same dosages of RGE and RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10 were orally administered to SD(Sprague-Dawley) rats on a saponin basis, and the plasma concentrations of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 were measured over time to estimate the average AUC(area under the plasma concentration versus time curve) of the ginsenosides. After the oral administration, there were no significant differences in the AUC values of the RGE and RGE-${\gamma}$-CD 10 groups for ginsenoside Rg1. However, AUC values for ginsenoside Rb1 were $25.8{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/mL$ in the RGE group and $81.5{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/mL$ in the RGE-${\gamma}$-CD 10 group, respectively. Therefore, the bioavailability of ginsenoside Rb1 in the RGE-${\gamma}$-CD 10 group was significantly higher by up to 315% compared with that in the RGE group(p = 0.0029). These results show that the bitter taste of RGE can be simultaneously removed by the complexation of RGE and ${\gamma}$-CD(RGE-${\gamma}$-CD) along with increased bioavailability.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.165-173
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• 2005

The main aim of this study was to investigate stress related activities of ginsenosides and their action mechanism. Control group and ginsenoside supplemented groups were exposed to stress while no-stress group was not done. Animals of each group (n=$8\~10$) were orally administerd 100 mg red ginseng extract (R-G), or 10 mg ginsenosides/kg body weight once a day. Animals were given materials for 5 days without stress, and then were given supplements for 5 days with restraint and electroshock stress. Mice were given materials for 5 days for experiments on anti-fatigue effect. After loading final stress, stress-related behavioral changes of experimental animals were examined and plasma corticosterone levels were measured. R-G and ginsenoside $Rb_{1}$ supplementation partially blocked the stress effects on locomotion and elevated plus-maze test in rats and mice. They also partially blocked stress induced behavioral changes such as freezing, smelling, face-washing, rearing behavior in rats. R-G and $Rb_{1}$ decrease adrenal gland size and plasma corticosterone level, which were increased by stress in rats. R-G increased enduring time on the Rota rod, cold water and horizontal wire, but $Rb_{1}$ didn't. Effects of $Rb_{1}$ on plusmaze test were inhibited by administration of flumazenil. These results suggest that $Rb_{1}$ is the main antistress principle in ginseng and it's effect is modulated by GABAnergic nervous system.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.371-376
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• 1985

We investigated the growth parameters of Candida parapsilosis isolated from spoiled red ginseng extract. The optimum pH range for C. parapsilosis was 6.0, whereas the minimum and maximum pH values that permitted growth were 3.0 and 11.0, respectively. For cells grown in PG medium plus 0 and 60％ sucrose, the optimum water activity(Aw) values were 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. The optimum temperature for C. parapsilosis were 3$0^{\circ}C$ at an Aw of 0.90 in 4.8％ potato dextrose broth with 18％ sucrose (PGS). Cations inhibiting the growth of C parapsilosis were L $i^{+}$ $Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{+2}$, $K^{+}$ in decreasing order, while anions were S $O_4$$^{2-}$, N $O_3$$^{[-10]}$ , C $l^{[-10]}$ .TEX> .

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.294-303
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• 2010

Various types of health functional foods (HFF) are popularly used among middle-aged. We surveyed 946 middle-aged in Korea for HFF use and significant variables for their HFF use including demographic characteristics, health related variables and nutritional beliefs. The use prevalence of HFF was 58.9%, and among all types of HFF, red ginseng products were taken most frequently, followed by nutritional supplements, ginseng products > mushroom products. HFF was taken more frequently in subjects from high monthly family income (p < .001), and in those from families with a high socioeconomic status (p < .001) in comparison to each corresponding group. Mean age of users was higher than nonusers (p < .001). Self concern about health (p < .001) and usage ratio of HFF by family (p < .001) were higher in users than in nonusers of HFF. Total dietary assessment score was not different in two groups, and users had a more positive view concerning the potential health benefit of HFF than nonusers (p < .001). Most users of HFF took HFF when they were healthy (52.8%) and experienced a little effect through the HFF use (51.2%). Most users of HFF obtained the information on HFF through family and relatives (30.5%) and most of them purchased HFF at pharmacy or oriental medicine clinics (44.5%). HFF users preferred multivitamin and Ca-supplements most among the vitamin mineral supplements belonged to HFF. Given the widespread use of HFF and inappropriate usage of HFF among subjects, the proper use of these products for the contribution to their optimal nutrition and overall health is a subject that should be formed through practical nutrition education considering the various variables affecting their HFF use.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 1984

This study was designed to compare the quality characteristics of freeze and spray dried red ginseng extract powders(RGEPs) by drying methods, which have been required to maintain the stability for the quality. Chemical compositions, major ginsenoside contents and color intensities of these Products were compared by drying conditions. The moisture absorption rates and optical densities also were compared during storage under maltreatment conditions of a various relative humidities (75, 86and 92 RH) and two different temperatures (37 and $50^{\circ}C$). It was found that decreases of total major ginsenosides contents in freeze and spray dried RGEPs were 5.4 % to 6.7 % during storage for 6 months at $37^{\circ}C$, 75 % RH. When these products packaged with inner seal of Al-foil laminate paper (Al-foil; 9 ${\mu}m$) were stored for 6 months at $37^{\circ}C$, 75 % RH. the moisture absorption rates of freeze and spray dried RGEPs were ranged 42 % to 82 %, 8 % to 16 %, respectively. In storage for 6 months at $37^{\circ}C$, 86 % RH, spray dried RGEP was higher in brown pigment($400{\sim}490nm$) than freeze dried RGEP while freeze dried was higher in pyrazine (278 nm), HMF and furfural (285 nm) than spray dried RGEP. It was found that RGEPs showed a strong anti-oxidative activity by electron donating ability to DPPPH, but there was no significant difference between freeze and spray dried RGEPs.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.504-510
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• 2024

Background: As a physiological function of body, immunity can maintain health by identifying itself and excluding others. With economic development and increasingly fierce social competition, the number of sub-healthy population is gradually increasing, and the most basic problem exposed is human hypoimmunity. Hypoimmunity can be manifested as often feeling tired, catching colds, mental depression, etc. In order to enhance immunity, eating healthy foods with the effect of enhancing immunity may become an effective choice. KRG has pharmacological effects of enhancing immunity. Because the screening and evaluation method of immune population are not unified, there are relatively few KRG immunity tests for sub-health population. It is of great significance to study the effect of KRG on people with hypoimmunity to improve sub-health status. Methods: This was a 180-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. According to the trial scheme design, 119 qualified subjects were included and randomly divided into the test group taking KRG and the placebo control group. Subjects need to check safety indicators (blood pressure and heart rate, blood routine, liver and kidney function, urine routine and stool routine) and efficacy indicators (main and secondary) inspection at baseline, efficacy indicators inspection during the mid-term of the test (90th days of administration), safety and efficacy indicators inspection after the test (180th days of administration). Results: After the test, the safety indicators of placebo control group and KRG test group were basically within the normal range, and there is no significant difference in fireness score between the two groups. Through follow-up interviews, it was found that the subjects in the test group and the control group had no adverse reactions and allergic reactions such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain during the test period. Self-comparison of the test group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were significantly improved in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) CD3 and CD4/CD8 increased significantly after the test (P < 0.05), (3) IgG, IgA, IgM and WBC increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) TNF-α decreased significantly in the midterm (P < 0.05), IFN-γ decreased significantly in the mid-term (P < 0.01), (2) NK increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), (3) monocyte increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01). Inter-group comparison of the test group and the control group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) IgA of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) WBC of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05); (2) monocytes of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), neutrophils of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taking KRG has no adverse effects on the health of the subjects. According to the standard of clinical trial scheme, the immune related health scores and IgA in the main efficacy indicators were positive, which shows that KRG is helpful in enhancing human immunity.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2017

In this study, we investigated the amino acids content of shiitake mushrooms grown in eight different media and under three different temperature conditions. The sawdust media were supplemented with 4 kinds of nutrients - rice bran, barley, bean curd refuse, and red ginseng refuse in an 8:2 ratio with or without 0.5% calcium chloride, and the fruiting temperature was set to low ($13-15^{\circ}C$), medium ($18-20^{\circ}C$), or high temperatures ($24-26^{\circ}C$). Seventeen amino acids were detected, and the content varied depending on the compositions of the media. The highest total amino acid content (209.7 mg/g) was measured in mushrooms from the media with red ginseng refuse, and the glutamic acid content was the highest (51.3 mg/g) in mushrooms from the media with barley. In terms of fruiting temperature, the amino acid content was the highest (38.2%) at medium temperature followed by the content at low (32.5%) and high temperature (29.3%). The amino acid composition of shiitake mushrooms was similar between the medium and low temperature conditions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 2006

Background: Germanium compounds are increased to use in nutrient foods and medicines in terms of antibiotics to microbes, anticancer, modulation of immune system and neutralizing heavy metal toxins. Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast, containing stable organic germanium and bound to the yeast protein was developed by Geranti Pharm. LTD. and the modulation effect in the immune system was examined in vivo and in vitro. Methods: The compound, Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast, was fed to female Balb/c mice (each group has 10 mice) for 4 weeks and the yeast powder and steamed red ginseng powder were used as control during the same feeding time points. During 4 weeks there was no symptom to be considered, and after 4 weeks feeding all mice were sacrificed to check the changes of related immune cells and subsidiary responses (i.e. cell counting, FACS, MTT, LDH, PFC assay). Results: In pre-post comparison, B cell population was increased in the group of Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast in a dose dependent manner (100 to 800 mg/kg). However, the population of T cell, dendritic cell and macrophage was not comparably changed in all doses. The ability of cytokine production and proliferation was almost same level as shown in control group. In contrast, PFC assay informed that the compound increase the antibody production ability when fed over 200 mg/kg implying that the increase of PFC number might be due to the increase of B cells. Conclusion: Over the entire study, we concluded that the compound, Geranti Bio-Ge Yeast has better potential in immune response in terms of B cell proliferation than that of positive control, red ginseng, and the compound can be one of the future candidates for a new supplementary source improving immune system activity.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.166-176
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate consumption of health functional food (HFF) and dietary habits, nutrient intake, and dietary quality by HFF consumption in college students. The subjects of this study included 283 college students (179 males and 104 females) in Incheon metropolitan city. The cross-sectional study was conducted using self-reported questionnaires, including kinds of HFF consumed, motivation for purchase, reason for consumption, effect after consumption, reason for no consumption, and dietary habits. A three-day recall method was used for dietary assessment. Dietary qualities were assessed using nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and nutrient density (ND) values. The percentage of HFF consumption was 40.2% in males and 50.0% in females. The main kinds of HFF consumed by males were vitamins and minerals, red ginseng, protein, and omega-3 fatty acid, in that order. HFF consumed by females were vitamins and minerals, red ginseng, omega-3 fatty acid, and individually approved functional ingredients, in that order. The main motivation for purchase of HFF was recommendation of family and relatives (males 76.4% and females 78.8%). The main reason for consumption of HFF was health promotion (males 67.7% and females 63.5%) and the main reason for no consumption of HFF was not having a health problem (males 49.5% and females 46.2%). The dietary habit score for 'eat the milk or dairy product everyday' (p < 0.05) in females was significantly higher in HFF consumers, compared to HFF non-consumers. In males, the ND of vitamin B1 (p < 0.05) in HFF consumers was significantly higher compared to HFF non-consumers. In females, HFF consumers showed a significantly higher ND of vitamin B2 (p < 0.05) and Ca (p < 0.01), compared to HFF non-consumers. Regardless of HFF consumption, the NAR of vitamin C, folic acid, and Ca was less than 0.7. These results suggest the need for nutrition education for college students in order to improve dietary habits and for balanced nutritional status, and to provide correct information on HFF.