• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.465-472
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• 2021

Background: Ginseng can help regulate brain excitability, promote learning and memory, and resist cerebral ischemia in the central nervous system. Ginsenosides are the major effective compounds of Ginseng, but their protein targets in the brain have not been determined. Methods: We screened proteins that interact with the main components of ginseng (ginsenosides) by affinity chromatography and identified the 14-3-3 ζ protein as a potential target of ginsenosides in brain tissues. Results: Biolayer interferometry (BLI) analysis showed that 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a ginseng saponin metabolite, exhibited the highest direct interaction to the 14-3-3 ζ protein. Subsequently, BLI kinetics analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay showed that PPD specifically bound to the 14-3-3 ζ protein. The cocrystal structure of the 14-3-3 ζ protein-PPD complex showed that the main interactions occurred between the residues R56, R127, and Y128 of the 14-3-3 ζ protein and a portion of PPD. Moreover, mutating any of the above residues resulted in a significant decrease of affinity between PPD and the 14-3-3 ζ protein. Conclusion: Our results indicate the 14-3-3 ζ protein is the target of PPD, a ginsenoside metabolite. Crystallographic and mutagenesis studies suggest a direct interaction between PPD and the 14-3-3 ζ protein. This finding can help in the development of small-molecular compounds that bind to the 14-3-3 ζ protein on the basis of the structure of dammarane-type triterpenoid.

• 한국환경농학회지
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.43-47
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• 1986

온산(溫山)공업단지 조성(造成)에 따른 농작물(農作物)의 오염(汚染)가능성을 조사하기 위하여 1978년 3월부터 12월에 걸쳐 주변 농경지에서 재배된 농작물(農作物)(수도, 보리, 대두, 채소, 과일)중의 중금속 농도를 분석한 결과는 다음과 같다. 중금속 함량은 농작물의 종류, 부위, 재배지역에 따라 약간의 차이가 있었으나 일정한 경향은 찾아 볼 수 없었다. 분석한 농작물 시료의 평균치(平均値)를 보면(풍건물(風乾物)기준) As 0.23 ppm, Cd 0.46 ppm, Cu 4.88 ppm, Hg 0.09 ppm, Pb 3.86 ppm, Zn 41.3 ppm으로서 이 지역에 대한 자연함유량(自然含有量) 기준(基準)으로 이용할 수 있을 것이다.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제9권3호통권21호
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• pp.79-88
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• 2006

Objectives : This systematic review summarizes the existing evidence on anti-tumor herbal acupuncture in South Korea. Methods : Literature searches were conducted in four databases. All studies of anti-tumor herbal acupuncture which has been published in South Korea until May, 2006 were included. Data were extracted according to pre-defined criteria by two independent reviewers. Results : We found 73 papers related to anti-tumor herbal acupuncture in South Korea. Seventy of seventy-three papers are trial research and only three papers are clinical research. Herb materials which were used in those papers are Bee-venom, Wild-ginseng, Ginseng, Houttuynia cordata Thunb, Lonicerae Flos, Carthami Tinctorii Juglans sinensis, Euphorbiae Radix, Ecliptae Herba, Crotonis Semen, Juglans sinensis, Armeniaceae Amarum, so on. From those papers, Anti-tumor herbal acupunctures are effective to tumor cell line and tumor in vivo. Clinical research papers reported that Anti-tumor herbal acupunctures are useful to improve cancer related symptoms and quality of life(QOL) of cancer patients. Conclusions : From the above results, we make sure of that anti-tumor herbal acupuncture is useful therapeutics for cancer patients. If we conceive complex-herb materials and carry out more advanced research, Anti-tumor Herbal Acupuncture is one of those major therapeutics to improve clinical symptoms and quality of life(QOL) of cancer patients.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.11-18
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• 2023

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the effect of face washing on pore changes in a controlled environment without external condition changes. The research compared the results of water washing, foam cleanser (F/C) washing, and herb cp (cold process) soap washing on pore reduction. Methods : The experiment was conducted using the same water and towel, in the same place, before and 10 minutes after washing. The skin test was performed before and after washing, and three cases of herb cp soap were tested: Ginseng, Liriope platyphylla (LP), and Castanea crenata inner shell (CCIS). A control group was established using water and F/C washing. Results : Water washing and F/C washing showed a similar degree of pore reduction. Men and individuals with complex skin types showed significantly larger pores. LP cp soap showed the greatest significance in pore reduction. Conclusion : This study found that pore shrinking effects were observed regardless of the use of facial cleansers. LP cp soap was found to be the most effective in reducing pore size. It is important to emphasize the importance of face washing for individuals with large pores and combination skin types, especially men.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.619-627
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• 1997

It is known that 2-methyl-1,4-naphtoquinone(menadione, MD) induces hepatotoxicities both in vivo and in vitro. These toxic effects are believed to result from oxidative damages to hepatocytes by "active oxygen" species via one-electron reduction of the naphtoquinone. The ginsenoside(GS) is a complex mixture of individual ginsenosides which is known to produce a range of effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In particular, GS has an antioxidant effect. In this experiment we studied the effect of GS from red panax ginseng(red ginseng total saponin, RGTS) on free radical-induced liver injuries by MD. Administration of MD($150{\mu}M$) caused an increase in aspartate aminotransferase(AST) activities and lipid peroxidation, decrease in alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities and total bilirubin levels in blood, caused depletion of GSH and changes of antioxidant enzyme(superoxide dismutase, catalase) activities are shown in liver tissue. Administration of RGTS restored the AST levels that increased by MD, but catalase showed no significant changes. RGTS also had an effect of restoring the GSH level and had some synergistic effects with SOD. These data suggest that RGTS may have some protective effects on liver injury which is related with the oxygen free radical.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제33권2호
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• pp.93-98
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• 2009

To understand the anti-allergic mechanism of compound K, which is a metabolite of ginsenoside Rb1, a main constituent of the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (family Araliaceae), its inhibitory effect against IgE-antigen complex IAC)-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction in mice and mRNA and protein expressions of allergic cytokines in lAC-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells were investigated. Orally administered ginsenoside Rb1 more potently inhibited PCA reaction when administered at 5 h prior to the lAC treatment than when administered at I h before. However, compound K orally administered 1 h before lAC treatment showed a more potent anti-PCA reaction effect than when treated at 5 h before. Orally administered ginsenoside Rb1 more potently inhibited PCA reaction induced by lAC in mice than intraperitoneally treated one, apart from orally administered its metabolite, compound K, which was more potent than the orally administered one. The compound K, a metabolite of ginsenoside Rb1, inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ and the activation of their transcription factor NF-$\kappa$B and MAPK in lAC-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. These findings suggest that orally administered ginsenoside Rb1 may be dependent on its metabolism by intestinal microflora in the intestine and the compound K may improve allergic diseases by the inhibition of IL-4 and TNF-${\alpha}$ expresseion.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제45권5호
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• pp.575-582
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• 2021

Background: In ginseng, there exists a glycolipoprotein complex with a special form of lipid LPAs called Gintonin. The purpose of this study is to show that Gintonin has a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis through LPA2 receptors. Methods: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with Gintonin and stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β. The antioxidant effect of Gintonin was measured using MitoSOX and H₂DCFDA experiments. The anti-arthritic efficacy of Gintonin was examined by analyzing the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 into the nucleus through western blot. Next, after treatment with LPAR2 antagonist, western blot analysis was performed to measure inflammatory mediator expression levels, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Carrageenan/kaolin-induced arthritis rat model was used. Rats were orally administered with Gintonin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) every day for 6 days. The knee joint thickness, squeaking score, and weight distribution ratio (WDR) were measured as the behavioral parameters. After sacrifice, H&E staining was performed for histological analysis. Results: Gintonin significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2. Gintonin prevented NF-κB/p65 from moving into the nucleus through the JNK and ERK MAPK phosphorylation in FLS cells. However, pretreatment with an LPA2 antagonist significantly reversed these effects of Gintonin. In the arthritis rat model, Gintonin suppressed all parameters that were measured. Conclusion: This study suggests that LPA2 receptor plays a key role in mediating the anti-arthritic effects of Gintonin by modulating inflammatory mediators, the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.190-201
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• 2024

Background: Deposition of immune complexes drives podocyte injury acting in the initial phase of lupus nephritis (LN), a process mediated by B cell involvement. Accordingly, targeting B cell subsets represents a potential therapeutic approach for LN. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a bioavailable component of ginseng, possesses nephritis benefits in lupus-prone mice; however, the underlying mechanisms involving B cell subpopulations remain elusive. Methods: Female MRL/lpr mice were administered CK (40 mg/kg) intragastrically for 10 weeks, followed by measurements of anti-dsDNA antibodies, inflammatory chemokines, and metabolite profiles on renal samples. Podocyte function and ultrastructure were detected. Publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data and flow cytometry analysis were employed to investigate B cell subpopulations. Metabolomics analysis was adopted. SIRT1 and AMPK expression were analyzed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. Results: CK reduced proteinuria and protected podocyte ultrastructure in MRL/lpr mice by suppressing circulating anti-dsDNA antibodies and mitigating systemic inflammation. It activated B cell-specific SIRT1 and AMPK with Rhamnose accumulation, hindering the conversion of renal B cells into plasma cells. This cascade facilitated the resolution of local renal inflammation. CK facilitated the clearance of deposited immune complexes, thus reinstating podocyte morphology and mobility by normalizing the expression of nephrin and SYNPO. Conclusions: Our study reveals the synergistic interplay between SIRT1 and AMPK, orchestrating the restoration of renal B cell subsets. This process effectively mitigates immune complex deposition and preserves podocyte function. Accordingly, CK emerges as a promising therapeutic agent, potentially alleviating the hyperactivity of renal B cell subsets during LN.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.115-121
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• 1999

에탄올 단기 투여로 유발되는 기억획득의 손상에 대한 홍삼 조 사포닌 성분을 비롯한 수종의 뇌기능개선 후보약물의 급성 및 연속 투여 작용을 검토하였다. 에탄올 급성 투여로 유발된 학습획득 손상 흰쥐에 GABA신경 억제 성 약물인 picrotoxin 급성 투여시 에탄올 투여 흰쥐의 학습획득 손상 작용은 유의성 있는 개선효과를 나타내었으나 diazepam, acetyl-L-carnitine 및 apomoiphie투여 군은 현저한 영향을 미치지 않았다. 급성 홍삼 total saponin 투여군은 에탄올 투여 흰쥐의 학습획득 손상을 유의성 있게 억제하였으며 7일간의 연속 투여에 의해 그 효과가 현저하게 증가하였다. 급성 및 연속 deprenyl투여군은 모두 유의성 있는 억제 작용을 나타내었으나 protopanaxatriol, protopanaxadiol 및 centrophenoxine 투여 군은 모두 현저한 억제작용을 나타내지 않았다. 급성 piracetam 투여 및 연속 N-methyl-D-glucamine투여 군은 유의성 있는 억제효과를 나타내었다. 한편, 에탄올 투여 희쥐의 학습획득 손상에 대한 홍삼 total saponin 연속 투여효과는 ${\alpha}-methyl-전 처치에 의해 유의성 있게 차단되었으나 N-methyl-D-glucamine 연속투여에 의한 억제효과는 부분적으로 차단되었으며, 연속 depreny의 효과는 용량에 따라 차단 또는 증강되는 등 전혀 다른 효과를 나타내었다. 이러한 결과는 에탄올 급성 투여 흰쥐의 학습획득 손상은 picrotoxine, 홍삼 조사포닌, N-methyl-D-glucamme및 deprenyl의 급성 또는 연속 투여가 효과적이며 홍삼 조 사포닌과 N-methyl-D-glucamine 및 deprenyl의 연속 투여 효과는 뇌중 도파민 신경활성에 미치는 영향이 상위함을 나타내고 있다. 따라서 에탄올 급성투여 흰쥐의 학습획득 손상은 일차적으로 뇌중 GABA 신경활성의 억제에 기인하며 이차적으로 도파민신경활성과의 균형의 중요성을 시사하고 있다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.103-112
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• 2017

Background: 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol 20-O-D-glucopyranoside, also called compound K (CK), exerts antidiabetic effects that are mediated by insulin secretion through adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium ($K_{ATP}$) channels in pancreatic ${\beta}$-cells. However, the antidiabetic effects of CK may be limited because of its low bioavailability. Methods: In this study, we aimed to enhance the antidiabetic activity and lower the toxicity of CK by including it with ${\beta}$-cyclodextrin (CD) (CD-CK), and to determine whether the CD-CK compound enhanced pancreatic islet recovery, compared to CK alone, in an alloxan-induced diabetic zebrafish model. Furthermore, we confirmed the toxicity of CD-CK relative to CK alone by morphological changes, mitochondrial damage, and TdT-UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, and determined the ratio between the toxic and therapeutic dose for both compounds to verify the relative safety of CK and CD-CK. Results: The CD-CK conjugate ($EC_{50}=2.158{\mu}M$) enhanced the recovery of pancreatic islets, compared to CK alone ($EC_{50}=7.221{\mu}M$), as assessed in alloxan-induced diabetic zebrafish larvae. In addition, CD-CK ($LC_{50} =20.68{\mu}M$) was less toxic than CK alone ($LC_{50}=14.24{\mu}M$). The therapeutic index of CK and CD-CK was 1.98 and 9.58, respectively. Conclusion: The CD-CK inclusion complex enhanced the recovery of damaged pancreatic islets in diabetic zebrafish. The CD-CK inclusion complex has potential as an effective antidiabetic efficacy with lower toxicity.