• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.370-381
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• 2018

Background: To enhance the taste and physiological characteristics of Lycii fructus (Gugija) extracts, we investigated the changes in the physiological characteristics of Gugija extracts caused by adding white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) Methods and Results: Gugija extracts, including 10G10, 10GW-G8 : 2, -G6 : 4, -G4 : 6, -G2 : 8, and -G0 (mixtures made by replacing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of Gugija with WG), as well as 10G10, 10GR-G8 : 2, -G6 : 4, -G4 : 6, -G2 : 8, and -G0 (mixture made by replacing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of Gugija with RG) were extracted with water at 10 times the respective mixture's volume. The antioxidant activities of Gugija extracts were investigated by assessing their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) activity, nitrite scavenging activity, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. As the amount of WG added increased, the DPPH, and, ABTS radical scavenging activity, and FRAP activity of the Gugija extract decreased. The half maximal inhibitory concentration ($IC_{50}$) value of 10G10, 10GW-G6 : 4, 10GR-G6 : 4, and 10GR-G0 for DPPH radical scavenging activity were $25.50{\pm}1.04$, $52.06{\pm}1.46$, $16.87{\pm}1.24$, and $9.50{\pm}0.16{\mu}{\ell}/m{\ell}$, respectively. On the other hand, the physiological activity of Gugija extract increased with the addition of increasing amounts of RG. However, ACE inhibitory activity was the highest ($50.25{\pm}2.58%$) in the Gugija 10-fold extract without any added RG. Conclusions: From the above results, we suggest that adding RG to Gugija extracts increase their antioxidant, FRAP, and nitrite scavenging activities.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.546-554
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• 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often occur together, amplifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and emphasizing the need for a multitargeted treatment approach. American ginseng (AG) and Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) species could improve glycemic control via complementary mechanisms. Additionally, a KRG-inherent component, ginsenoside Rg3, may moderate blood pressure (BP). Our objective was to investigate the therapeutic potential of coadministration of Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng (Rg3-KRG) and AG, added to standard of care therapy, in the management of hypertension and cardiometabolic risk factors in type-2 diabetes. Methods: Within a randomized controlled, parallel design of 80 participants with type-2 diabetes (HbA1c: 6.5-8%) and hypertension (systolic BP: 140-160 mmHg or treated), supplementation with either 2.25 g/day of combined Rg3-KRG + AG or wheat-bran control was assessed over a 12-wk intervention period. The primary endpoint was ambulatory 24-h systolic BP. Additional endpoints included further hemodynamic assessment, glycemic control, plasma lipids and safety monitoring. Results: Combined ginseng intervention generated a mean ± SE decrease in primary endpoint of 24-h systolic BP (-3.98 ± 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was a greater reduction in HbA1c (-0.35 ± 0.1% [-3.8 ± 1.1 mmol/mol], p = 0.02), and change in blood lipids: total cholesterol (-0.50 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), non-HDL-C (-0.54 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.01), triglycerides (-0.40 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.02) and LDL-C (-0.35 ± 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.06) at 12 wks, relative to control. No adverse safety outcomes were observed. Conclusion: Coadministration of Rg3-KRG + AG is an effective addon for improving BP along with attaining favorable cardiometabolic outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Ginseng derivatives may offer clinical utility when included in the polypharmacy and lifestyle treatment of diabetes. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01578837;

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.928-931
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• 2002

To elucidate the toxic effect of oxygen free radicals on cultured mouse cerebral neurons damaged by hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂)-induced neurotoxicity, we examined the neurotoxicity induced by oxygen radicals by NR assay when cultured cerebral neurons were grown in the media containing various concentrations of H202 for 6 hours. In addition, neuroprotective effects of herb extracts such Rhizoma Gastrodiae(RG) on H202-induced neurotoxicity in cultured cerebral neurons were evaluated after cultured cerebral neurons were preincubated with various concentrations of herb extract, RG for 2 hours before 50uM H₂O₂ for 6 hours. H₂O₂ decreased remarkably cell viability in dose-and time-dependent manner in these cultures, and also herb exract, RG decreased LDH activity of cerebral neurons damaged by H₂O₂. From the above results, it is suggested that H₂O₂ was toxic in cultured cerebral neurons from mouse, and RG was effective in blocking the neurotoxicity induced by oxygen radicals in these cultures.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.284-291
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise (EX) and Korean red ginseng (KRG) on inflammation mechanism in aging model rats with diet-induced atherosclerosis. MATERIALS/METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups: Young control (Y-C), Aging control (A-C), A-C with HFD (AHF), AHF with EX (AHF-EX), AHF-EX with KRG (AHF-EX+RG), and AHF with KRG (AHF-RG). Aging was induced by D-gal (100mg/kg) and atherosclerosis was induced by HFD (60% fat) for 9 weeks. The experimental rats were performed swimming (60 min/day, 5 days/week) and supplied KRG orally (dose of 200 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. All rat aorta samples were harvested for biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. REULTS: The EX and KRG supplementation significantly inhibited body weight and levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and enhance of HDL-C compared with untreated AHF groups. AHF-EX, AHF-EX+RG, and AHF-RG group showed a decreased plasma CRP and increase plasma NO activities compared to AHF group. In addition, these groups revealed reduced 4-HNE, NF-kB, TNF-, ${\alpha}$, IL-6, COX-2, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and enhanced eNOS expression in the aorta. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EX alone, KRG alone, and combined treatment of EX and KRG may be an effective anti-inflammatory therapeutic for the atherosclerosis, possibly acting via the decreased of CRP and pro-inflammation proteins and the increased NO and eNOS.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.132-138
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• 2009

Previous studies suggest that even low-dose irradiation can lead to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits, which implicates, in part, hippocampal dysfunction in both humans and experimental animals. In this study, whether red ginseng (RG) could attenuate memory impairment was investigated through a passive-avoidance and object recognition memory test, as well as the suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis, using the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical detection with markers of neurogenesis (Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX)) in adult mice treated with a relatively low-dose exposure to gamma radiation (0.5 or 2.0 Gy). RG was administered intraperitonially at a dosage of 50 mg/kg of body weight, at 36 and 12 h pre-irradiation and at 30 minutes post-irradiation, or orally at a dosage of 250 mg! kg of body weight/day for seven days before autopsy. In the passive-avoidance and object recognition memory test, the mice that were trained for one day after acute irradiation (2 Gy) showed significant memory deficits compared with the sham controls. The number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei in the dentate gyrus (DG) was increased 12 h after irradiation. In addition, the number of Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells was significantly decreased. RG treatment prior to irradiation attenuated the memory defect and blocked apoptotic death as well as a decrease in the Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells. RG may attenuate memory defect in a relatively low-dose exposure to radiation in adult mice, possibly by inhibiting the detrimental effect of irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis.

• Integrative Medicine Research
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.223-223
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• 2016

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has been shown to exert antihypertensive effects. In particular, ginsenoside Rg3 is thought to be a potent modulator of vascular function. The present study was performed to examine the antihypertensive efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract and Rg3-enriched KRG (REKRG) extract. Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) andWistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) were divided into six groups (WKY control, WKY-KRG, WKY-REKRG, SHR control, SHR-KRG, and SHRREKRG), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at the carotid artery, followed by injection of 3mg/kg KRG or 3mg/kg REKRG. Results: REKRG treatment significantly decreased SBP and DBP 3hours post-treatment in the SHR group compared with SHR control group. However, SBP and DBP were not significantly different in KRG-treated SHRs compared with control SHRs. REKRG treatment did not significantly alter SBP or DBP 3hours post-treatment in the WKY group compared with WKY control group. Similarly, there were no differences in SBP or DBP with KRG treatment in the WKY group and WKY control group. Both KRG and REKRG increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation levels in the aorta, and the increases in endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation levels by REKRG treatment were higher than those with KRG treatment. Similarly, nitric oxide production in plasma from WKYs and SHRs was also increased by both KRG and REKRG. Conclusion: These results suggest that REKRG has a more beneficial effect on blood pressure control than KRG in SHRs.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.473-481
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• 2021

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the significant reasons for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ginsenosides, natural molecules extracted from Panax ginseng, have been demonstrated to exert essential neuroprotective functions, which can ascribe to its anti-oxidative effect, enhancing central metabolism and improving mitochondrial function. However, a comprehensive analysis of cellular mitochondrial bioenergetics after ginsenoside treatment under Aβ-oxidative stress is missing. Methods: The antioxidant activities of ginsenoside Rb₁, Rd, Re, Rg₁ were compared by measuring the cell survival and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Next, the protective effects of ginsenosides of mitochondrial bioenergetics were examined by measuring oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in PC12 cells under Aβ-oxidative stress with an extracellular flux analyzer. Meanwhile, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial dynamics were evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: Ginsenoside Rg₁ possessed the strongest anti-oxidative property, and which therefore provided the best protective function to PC12 cells under the Aβ oxidative stress by increasing ATP production to 3 folds, spare capacity to 2 folds, maximal respiration to 2 folds and non-mitochondrial respiration to 1.5 folds, as compared to Aβ cell model. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 enhanced MMP and mitochondrial interconnectivity, and simultaneously reduced mitochondrial circularity. Conclusion: In the present study, these results demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg₁ could be the best natural compound, as compared with other ginsenosides, by modulating the OCR of cultured PC12 cells during oxidative phosphorylation, in regulating MMP and in improving mitochondria dynamics under Aβ-induced oxidative stress.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.393-401
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the antioxidant activity of Korean ginseng using an ORAC(Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay. Four fractions each (80% ethanol, ethyl acetate, water saturated 1-butanol, and water) were obtained from different ginseng samples (White Ginseng: ; 6 yrs-., 5 yrs-., ; Cork Ginseng: ; 5 yrs-., 4 yrs-.). The saponin content of each fraction was quantified by LC/MS, and the antioxidant capacity of the ginseng was measured by the ORAC assay. The ORAC method, which was recently validated using automatic liquid handling systems, has been adapted for manual handling with the use of a conventional fluorescence microplate reader. Furthermore, the ORAC assay provides a direct measure of hydrophilic chain-breaking antioxidant capacity against peroxy radical, which is the exiting and emission of 2,2'-Azobis (2-methylpropionamidine)-dihychloride (AAPH). As a result of our experiments, ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 were the two major saponins found in the ginseng samples, and Rc, Rb2, Re, Rd, Rg3, and Rh1 were detected in a small quantities. For the antioxidant capacities of the fractions (80% ethanol, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water), we found that the organic solvent fraction had similar antioxidant capacities, and were higher than the capacity of the water fraction. When determining the similarities in each fraction, only the ethyl acetate fraction showed similarity compared to other fractions (p>0.05). The antioxidant capacity of ginseng may come from phenolic compounds and some nonpolar saponins. However, based on the results of this study, we hypothesize that some acidic polysaccharides and other biological components may contribute to its antioxidant capacity. Additional research is required to determine other possible biological response modifiers that contribute to the antioxidant capacity of ginseng.

• Journal of Convergence Korean Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.5-12
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to fabricate an ultra-fine ginsenoside particle atomizer that can provide a new treatment method by delivering ginsenoside components that have a therapeutic effect on respiratory diseases directly to the lungs. Methods: We fabricated the AAO vibrating mesh by using the micromachining process. The starting substrate of an AAO wafer has a 350nm pore diameter with 50㎛ thickness. A photomask having several 5㎛ opening holes with a 100㎛ pitch was used to separate each nanopore nozzle. The photoresist structure was optimized to pattern the nozzle area during the lift-off process precisely. The commercial vibrating mesh was removed from OMRON's NE-U100 product, and the fabricated AAO vibrating mesh was installed. A diluted sample of 20mL with 30% red ginseng concentrate was prepared to atomize from the device. Results: As a result of liquid chromatography analysis before spraying the ginsenoside solution, ginsenoside components such as 20S-Rg3, 20R-Rg3, and Rg5 were detected. After spraying through the AAO vibrating mesh, ginsenosides of the same component could be detected. Conclusion: A nutrient solution containing ginsenosides was successfully sprayed through the AAO vibrating mesh with 350 nm selective pores. In particular, during the atomizing experiment of ginsenoside drug solution having excellent efficacy in respiratory diseases, it was confirmed that atomizing through the AAO vibrating mesh while maintaining most of the active ingredients was carried out.