• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.23 no.1 s.53
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• pp.13-20
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• 1999

We previously reported that Korean red ginseng (KRG) has a relaxation effect on the smooth muscles of corpus cavernosum via nitric oxide (NO) pathway and calcium and potassium channels. However, it is suggested that the active ingredients of KRG might be different depending on the sources of preparation, and there might be differences in actions for different compositions. We first investigated the composition of KRG saponins according to the extractions of the various sources of KRG, then with these extractions the relaxation effects were evaluated in vitro and hemodynamical in vivo using New Zealand white rabbit and rat corpus cavernosum. The total compositions of ginsenoside $(G-Rb_1,\;-Rb_2,\;-Rc,\;-Rd,\;G-Re,\;-Rf,\;-Rg_1)$ in fractionated KRG saponin designated as TS-1, TS-2, TS-3 were $41\%,\;40\%,\;and\;62\%,$ respectively, and the ratios of PD saponin and PT saponin (PD/PT) were 1,55, 1.72, 2.25, and 2.61, the values of which were statistically significant. In vitro studies using the rabbit corpus cavernosal muscle strips, the KRG saponin relaxed cavernosal strips in a dose-dependent manner, and same results were observed in in vivo studies, that KRG saponin increased the intracavernosal pressure in the rat. There was difference in the efficacy according to fractionation techniques. The differences in the total contents of ginsenosides did not affect relaxation, rather PT saponin content was statistically related to the degree of cavernosal relaxation, and this action presumed to be mediated by NO pathway and calcium and potassium channels. In conclusion, KRG exerts relaxation which is a key step in erection via combination of effects on NO system or calcium and potassium channels. The efficacy of this action is different to the sources of ginseng, which is affected by the different composition of ginsenosides $(G-Rb_1,\;-Rb_2,\;-Rc,\;-Rd,\;G-Re,\;-Rf,\;-Rg_1).$ Thus the further studies on the active ingredients such as minor ginsenosides and non-saponin components of red ginseng with maximum potency should be sought.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 2009

Red ginseng (RG) and fermented red ginseng (FRG) are produced from ginseng (GS) via certain biological processes. The main difference between three ginsengs is the composition of ginsenosides known as major metabolites having several biological activities. The concentration of the metabolites has been known to be dependent on the methods which make RG and FRG In this study, we investigated the effects of WG, RG and FRG on the productions of inflammatory proteins (NF-${\kappa}B$, iNOS, COX-2) and cytokines (TNF-$\alpha$, INF-$\gamma$) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The levels of NO production and iNOS expression were suppressed by the treatment of white ginseng (WG), RG and FRG in LPS-stimulated cells. Also, the production of TNF-$\alpha$ and INF-$\gamma$ was decreased in the cells by all of them. It was indicated that the inhibition of NF-${\kappa}B$ activation in LPS-stimulated cells treated with three kinds of ginsengs was resulted from the suppression of the level of COX-2 expression and the phosphorylation of IkB by LPS. The present study indicated that RC showed the best biological activity among them and FRG was better than WG. The better activity of RG on the inhibition of NO production is considered to be caused by the difference of ginsenoside composition produced during their preparations. In order to elucidate the mechanism, animal test should be performed with three ginsengs.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.196-202
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• 2007

Skin wrinkles are associated with collagen synthesis and matrix metalloproteinase-I (MMP-1) activity. This study was carried out to select optimum ratio of 3 herbs in skin health food for anti-wrinkle. Human dermal fibroblast cell was incubated with experimental samples, which were Korean red ginseng ethanol extracts (ER), Torilis fructus water extracts (WT), Corni fructus water extracts (WC) and their mixtures (WM1, WM3). And then we determined effects on collagen biosynthesis, MMP-1 activity and SOD activity in human dermal fibroblast cell. In control group, collagen biosynthesis was amounted at 474.8 ng/ml and 533.9 ng/ml, 539.3 ng/ml, 514.1 ng/ml in ER, WT and WC respectively. Furthermore, WM3 (KTNG0345) was increased to 561.45 ng/ml. MMP-1 activity of ER, WT, WC, WM1 were determined to 31.9 ng/ml, 32.85 ng/ml, 32.0 ng/ml, 31.3 ng/ml and WM3 (KTNG0345) was decreased to 28.85 ng/ml. In addition, the experimental samples showed a antioxidative activities. From this results, we conclude that Korean red ginseng ethanol extracts, Torilis fructus water extracts, Corni fructus water extracts and their mixtures have a anti-wrinkle effect and WM3 (KTNG0345) may be regarded as an optimum composition for synergic effect producing. The standardized components of KTNG0345, ginsenoside-$Rb_1$, torilin and loganin were identified at 10.85 mg/g, 0.128 mg/g and 3.92 mg/g respectively.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.230-237
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• 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Chronic gut inflammation is recognized as a risk factor for tumor development, including CRC. American ginseng is a very commonly used ginseng species in the West. Methods: A genetically engineered $Apc^{Min/+}$ mouse model was used in this study. We analyzed the saponin composition of American ginseng used in this project, and evaluated its effects on the progression of high-fat-diet-enhanced CRC carcinogenesis. Results: After oral ginseng administration (10-20 mg/kg/d for up to 32 wk), experimental data showed that, compared with the untreated mice, ginseng very significantly reduced tumor initiation and progression in both the small intestine (including the proximal end, middle end, and distal end) and the colon (all p < 0.01). This tumor number reduction was more obvious in those mice treated with a low dose of ginseng. The tumor multiplicity data were supported by body weight changes and gut tissue histology examinations. In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that compared with the untreated group, ginseng very significantly reduced the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-$1{\alpha}$ (IL-$1{\alpha}$), IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in both the small intestine and the colon (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Further studies are needed to link our observed effects to the actions of the gut microbiome in converting the parent ginsenosides to bioactive ginseng metabolites. Our data suggest that American ginseng may have potential value in CRC chemoprevention.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.319-325
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• 2016

This study was designed to develop a manufacturing process for ginseng concentrate with reduced unpleasant aroma and bitter taste. Two types of ginseng, white and red, were extracted under six different conditions (the 1st to the 6th step) of temperature ($65{\sim}95^{\circ}C$) and ethanol concentration (0~70%). Six extracts of each ginseng were evaluated by a sensory test, and assayed for crude saponin, ginsenosides, and acidic polysaccharides. The content of crude saponin in the extracts decreased with extraction time. There was no significant difference in the crude saponin content between white and red ginseng extracts. The yield of red ginseng extract was higher (45%) than that of white ginseng. No significant difference was observed in the acidic polysaccharide content between red and white ginseng extracts. $Rg_3$, a specific ginsenoside in red ginseng, was detected in the 1st to 6th extracts of red ginseng. Bitterness, astringency, and sourness of ginseng extracts decreased as the extraction steps proceeded. The composite of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th step extracts decreased bitterness and astringency, and the highest overall acceptance. Compared with commercial beverages, the composition of the three extracts is the desirable method to decrease the bitter and astringent tastes, and the overall unpleasant flavor of ginseng.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2013

In this study, we observed optimal conditions and suitable bacteria for the fermentation of steam-dried ginseng berry extracts (SGB) and determined antioxidant effects of the fermented extracts. Five bacteria (Lactobacillus fermentarum, L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. casei, Bacillus subtillis) were examined on their growth activities and viabilities in various culture temperatures ($25-35^{\circ}C$) and concentrations (25-100%). L. plantarum was considered to be the most suitable bacteria for the fermentation in both growth activity and viability. Moreover, the extracts fermented with L. plantarum showed more potent antioxidant efficacy in both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that fermentation with L. plantarum changed the contents and components of ginsenosides. In conclusion, these data suggest that L. plantarum efficiently ferment SGB and the fermented extracts may have therapeutical values against oxidative stress and be a good candidate in adjuvant therapy where ginsenoside would be the main composition.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.35 no.9
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• pp.1245-1250
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• 2006

This study was carried out to develop the method of preparing lecithin-fortified ginseng extract. Firstly, soybean lecithin was mixed with soybean oil (LCS) in varying ratio (2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%). Then, one part volume of LCS was mixed with three parts volume of ginseng extract with 10% solid matter content and the mixture was vortexed vigorously. Finally, the mixture was spinned at the speed of 3,000 rpm for 30 minutes to separate oil and aqueous ginseng extract layer (AG). AG was then subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis of phospholipids and ginsenosides. Fatty acid composition and crude fat content before and after LCS was determined. Stability of lecithin in ginseng extract was determined by analyzing phospholipid content in the one third upper and lower layer of the concentrated AG in Falcon tubes while storing the LCS treated concentrated AG in 4, 25 and 40oC for 6 months. Ratio of lecithin transferred to AG increased with the increase in lecithin content of soybean oil. There was no significant change in fatty acid composition and crude fat content, and ginsenoside content in the ginseng extract before and after LCS treatment. TLC and HPLC pattern of saponin fraction before and after treating the ginseng extract with LCS demonstrated no observable difference. There was no change in lecithin content in the upper and lower one third layer of ginseng extract in the tubes after storing the concentrated AG in 4, 25 and $40^{\circ}C$ for 6 months. Ginsenosides HPLC pattern was not changed when stored the LCS-treated ginseng extract in those conditions for six months, indicating satisfiable stability of the LCS-treated concentrated ginseng extract. From these results, it can be concluded that treatment of the ginseng extract with lecithin containing soybean oil is a labor effective method with satisfiable stability to fortify lecithins to ginseng extract.