• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.254-259
• /
• 1995

The content and composition of saponin compounds of Panax species were analyzed according to their species, region and processing type of red and white ginseng. The species employed were Korean-, Chinese-, Japanese red ginsengs, and Korean white ginseng of Panax ginseng, American- and Canadian ginsengs of Panax quinquefolium, and Panax notoinseng. Twelve main saponin components in the ginseng were identified and quantified using TLC and HPLC. All three species had remarkably different content and composition. However, within each species they were similar. Twelve major ginsenosides were determined in P. ginseng, eight in p. quinquefolium, and six in P. notoginseng. Of the components of P ginseng Rf, $Rh_1$, $Rh_2$ and Ra were not detected in P quinquefolium, and $Rb_2$, Rc, Rf, $Rh_2$, Ra and Ro not detected in P. notoinseam. Crude saponin content and protopanaxadiol/protopanaxatriol saponin ratio were compared. They were 4.81~5.24% and 1.27~ 1.45 in p. ginsengs, 7.01~7.25% and 2.12~ 2.15 in p. quinquefolium, 9.80% and 0.99 in P. notoineng. The prosapogenin and sapogenin content were different among the Panax species.

• Natural Product Sciences
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.317-325
• /
• 2019

Here, we designed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 cells and the immunosuppressive effects by evaluating interleukin-2 (IL-2) production in Jurkat T cells using a MeOH extract of Panax notoginseng roots. The results showed that the MeOH extract inhibited the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ value of 7.08 ㎍/mL) and displayed effects on T cell activation at a concentration of 400 ㎍/mL. In efforts to identify the potent compounds, bioactivity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract and chemical investigation of its active CH₂Cl₂-, EtOAc-, and butanol-soluble fractions led to the successful isolation and identification of eleven compounds, including two polyacetylenes (1, 2), a steroid saponin (3), seven dammarane-type ginsenosides (4 - 10), and an oleanane-type ginsenoside (11). Among them, compound 11 was isolated from this plant for the first time. Compound 2 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on NO synthesis and an immunosuppressive effect with IC₅₀ values of 2.28 and 65.57 μM, respectively.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.8-16
• /
• 2010

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of water extracts of Panax notoginseng (WEPN) in NCI-H460 human lung cancer cell xenografted nude mice. Materials and Methods: We cultured NCI-H460 cell lines and xenografted them to nude mice. The mice were divided into 3 groups; positive control group, NCI-H460+150 mg/kg WEPN-treated group, and NCI-H460+300 mg/kg WEPN-treated group. They had been raised and treated in 28 days. We checked their body weight and tumor weight and volumes twice a week and their absolute organ weight and microhistological observation at the final day. We also calculated their tumor inhibition rate (I.R.), mean survival time and percent increase in life span (% ILS). Results: Body weight of WEPN (300 mg/kg) treated mice tended to slightly greater increase than those of the positive control group, but had no significance. Tumor volume (measurement with a caliper) of WEPN-treated mice tended to be lower than that of the positive control group. Inhibition rate (I.R.) of the WEPN group decreased more than the positive control group, but had no significance. Results of tumor weights and volume (plethysmography) had no significance. Mean survival time and percent increase in life span (% ILS) in the WEPN 300 mg/kg treatment group were higher than those of any other group (p<0.05). In absolute organ weights, the WEPN (150-300 mg/kg) treatment group decreased liver weights (p<0.05). Liver tissue of mice treated with WEPN (300 mg/kg) did not show any specific lesions. Conclusion: We suggest that WEPN may have potential as a growth inhibitor of solid tumors induced by NCI-H460 without any side effects. However, this study has limitations in proving anti-tumor effects of WEPN, so further studies to overcome those limitations will be needed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.1658-1663
• /
• 2006

Panax notoginseng (Buck) F.H chen. root (PNS) is used as a therapeutic agent to stop haemorrhages and a tonic to promote health in Korean and Chinses medicine. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the main PNS are still not accurately investigated. Our preliminary aim is to elucidate the pharmacokinetics features of the PNS in rats. Objective of this study is to determine whether PNS affects hepatic microvascular dysfunction elicited by gut ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), since gut I/R causes hepatic microvascular dysfunction, and to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO). No has been found to be a modulator of the adhesive interactions between platelet and endothelial cells. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 min of gut ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Intravital microscopy was used to monitor the number of non-perfused sinusoids (NPS). In another set of experiments, PNS (1 g/kg pre day intragastrically) was administered to rats for 7 days. In some experiments, dexamethasone (ST) (2 mg/kg per day intravenously) was administered. In control rats, gut I/R elicited increases in the number of NPS, and plasma TNF-${\alpha}$ and ALT activities, and these changes were mitigated by the pretreatment with PNS. Pretreatment with an No synthase inhibitor diminished the protective effects of PNS on the increase in NPS and plasma TNF-${\alpha}$ levels, but not its effect on the increase in plasma ALT activities. Pretreatment with PNS increased plasma nitrite/nitrate levels. The responses caused by gut I/R were attenuated by the pretreatment with ST. Pretreatment with an NO synthase inhibitor did not affect the effect of ST. These results suggest that PNS attenuates the gut I/R-induced hepatic microvascular dysfunction and inflammatory responses such as TNF-${\alpha}$ production in the early phase via enhancement of NO production, and sequential hepatocellular damage via its anti-inflammatory effect like corticosteroid effect.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.105-115
• /
• 2019

Background: Ginsenosides with less sugar moieties may exhibit the better adsorptive capacity and more pharmacological activities. Methods: An efficient method for the separation of four minor saponins, including gypenoside XVII, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, and notoginsenoside Fd, from Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) was established using biotransformation, macroporous resins, and subsequent preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The dried PNL powder was immersed in the distilled water at $50^{\circ}C$ for 30 min for converting the major saponins, ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rb3, to minor saponins, gypenoside XVII, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, and notoginsenoside Fd, respectively, by the enzymes present in PNL. The adsorption characteristics of these minor saponins on five types of macroporous resins, D-101, DA-201, DM-301, X-5, and S-8, were evaluated and compared. Among them, D-101 was selected due to the best adsorption and desorption properties. Under the optimized conditions, the fraction containing the four target saponins was separated by D-101 resin. Subsequently, the target minor saponins were individually separated and purified by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography with a reversed-phase column. Conclusion: Our study provides a simple and efficient method for the preparation of these four minor saponins from PNL, which will be potential for industrial applications.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.385-393
• /
• 2019

Background: The root and rhizome are historically and officially utilized medicinal parts of Panax notoginseng (PN) (Burk.) F. H. Chen, which in raw and steamed forms are used differently in practice. Methods: To investigate the differences in chemical composition and bioactivities of PN root and rhizome between raw and steamed forms, high-performance liquid chromatography analyses and pharmacologic effects evaluated by tests of anticoagulation, antioxidation, hemostasis, antiinflammation, and hematopoiesis were combined. Results: With the duration of steaming time, the contents of ginsenosides $Rg_1$, Re, $Rb_1$, Rd, and notoginsenoside $R_1$ in PN were decreased, while those of ginsenosides $Rh_1$, $20(S)-Rg_3$, $20(R)-Rg_3$, $Rh_4$, and $Rk_3$ were increased gradually. Raw PN samples steamed for 6 h at $120^{\circ}C$ with stable levels of most constituents were used for the subsequent study of bioeffects. Raw PN showed better hemostasis, anticoagulation, and antiinflammation effects, while steamed PN exhibited stronger antioxidation and hematopoiesis activities. For different parts of PN, contents of saponins in PN rhizome were generally higher than those in the root, which could be related to the stronger bioactivities of rhizome compared with the same form of PN root. Conclusion: This study provides basic information about the chemical and bioactive comparison of PN root and rhizome in both raw and steamed forms, indicating that the change of saponins may have a key role in different properties of raw and steamed PN.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.405-412
• /
• 2020

Background: Root rot is a serious destructive disease of Panax notoginseng, a famous cultivated araliaceous herb called Sanqi or Tianqi in Southwest China. Methods: The chemical substances of Sanqi rot roots were explored by chromatographic techniques. MS, 1D/2D-NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction were applied to determine the structures. Murine macrophage RAW264.7 and five human cancer cell lines were used separately for evaluating the antiinflammatory and cytotoxic activities. Results and Conclusion: Thirty dammarane-type triterpenes and saponins were isolated from the rot roots of P. notoginseng. Among them, seven triterpenes, namely, 20(S)-dammar-25-ene-24(S)-hydroperoxyl-3β,6α,12β,20-tetrol (1), 20(S)-dammar-3-oxo-23-ene-25-hydroperoxyl-6α,12β,20-triol (2), 20(S)-dammar-12-oxo-23-ene-25-hydroperoxyl-3β,6α,20-triol (3), 20(S)-dammar-3-oxo-23-ene-25-hydroperoxyl-12β,20-diol (4), 20(S),24(R)-epoxy-3,4-seco-dammar-25-hydroxy-12-one-3-oic acid (5), 20(S),24(R)-epoxy-3,4-seco-dammar-25-hydroxy-12-one-3-oic acid methyl ester (6), and 6α-hydroxy-22,23,24,25,26,27-hexanordammar-3,12,20-trione (7), are new compounds. In addition, 12 known ones (12-16 and 19-25) were reported in Sanqi for the first time. The new Compound 1 showed comparable antiinflammatory activity on inhibition of NO production to the positive control, whereas the known compounds 9, 12, 13, and 16 displayed moderate cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines. The results will provide scientific basis for understanding the chemical constituents of Sanqi rot roots and new candidates for searching antiinflammatory and antitumor agents.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.377-384
• /
• 2019

Background: Inflammation is widespread in the clinical pathology and closely associated to the progress of many diseases. Triterpenoid saponins as a key group of active ingredients in Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen were demonstrated to show antiinflammatory effects. However, the chemical structures of saponins in the leaves and stems of Panax notoginseng (PNLS) are still not fully clear. Herein, the isolation, purification and further evaluation of the antiinflammatory activity of dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins from PNLS were conducted. Methods: Silica gel and reversed-phase C8 column chromatography were used. Furthermore, preparative HPLC was used as a final purification technique to obtain minor saponins with high purities. MS, NMR experiments, and chemical methods were used in the structural identifications. The antiinflammatory activities of the isolated saponins were assessed by measuring the nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the gene expressions of inflammation-related gene. Results: Eight new minor dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycosides, namely notoginsenosides LK1-LK8 (1-8) were obtained from PNLS, along with seven known ones. Among the isolated saponins, gypenoside IX significantly suppressed the nitric oxide production and inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, interleukin 10, interferon-inducible protein 10 and $interleukin-1{\beta}$. Conclusion: The eight saponins may enrich and expand the chemical library of saponins in Panax genus. Moreover, it is reported for the first time that gypenoside IX showed moderate antiinflammatory activity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.186-195
• /
• 2019

Background: Notoginseng stem-leaf (NGL) ginsenosides have not been well used. To improve their utilization, the biotransformation of NGL ginsenosides was studied using ginsenosidase type-I from Aspergillus niger g.848. Methods: NGL ginsenosides were reacted with a crude enzyme in the RAT-5D bioreactor, and the dynamic changes of multi-ginsenosides of NGL were recognized by HPLC. The reaction products were separated using a silica gel column and identified by HPLC and NMR. Results: All the NGL ginsenosides are protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides; the main ginsenoside contents are 27.1% Rb3, 15.7% C-Mx1, 13.8% Rc, 11.1% Fc, 7.10% Fa, 6.44% C-Mc, 5.08% Rb2, and 4.31% Rb1. In the reaction of NGL ginsenosides with crude enzyme, the main reaction of Rb3 and C-Mx1 occurred through Rb3${\rightarrow}$C-Mx1${\rightarrow}$C-Mx; when reacted for 1 h, Rb3 decreased from 27.1% to 9.82 %, C-Mx1 increased from 15.5% to 32.3%, C-Mx was produced to 6.46%, finally into C-Mx and a small amount of C-K. When reacted for 1.5 h, all the Rb1, Rd, and Gyp17 were completely reacted, and the reaction intermediate F2 was produced to 8.25%, finally into C-K. The main reaction of Rc (13.8%) occurred through Rc${\rightarrow}$C-Mc1${\rightarrow}$C-Mc${\rightarrow}$C-K. The enzyme barely hydrolyzed the terminal xyloside on 3-O- or 20-O-sugar-moiety of the substrate; therefore, 9.43 g C-Mx, 6.85 g C-K, 4.50 g R7, and 4.71 g Fc (hardly separating from the substrate) were obtained from 50 g NGL ginsenosides by the crude enzyme reaction. Conclusion: Four monomer ginsenosides were successfully produced and separated from NGL ginsenosides by the enzyme reaction.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.199-209
• /
• 2023

Background: Due to the interrupted blood supply in cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS), ischemic and hypoxia results in neuronal depolarization, insufficient NAD+, excessive levels of ROS, mitochondrial damages, and energy metabolism disorders, which triggers the ischemic cascades. Currently, improvement of mitochondrial functions and energy metabolism is as a vital therapeutic target and clinical strategy. Hence, it is greatly crucial to look for neuroprotective natural agents with mitochondria protection actions and explore the mediated targets for treating CIS. In the previous study, notoginseng leaf triterpenes (PNGL) from Panax notoginseng stems and leaves was demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, the potential mechanisms have been not completely elaborate. Methods: The model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) was adopted to verify the neuroprotective effects and potential pharmacology mechanisms of PNGL in vivo. Antioxidant markers were evaluated by kit detection. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by ATP content measurement, ATPase, NAD and NADH kits. And the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and pathological staining (H&E and Nissl) were used to detect cerebral morphological changes and mitochondrial structural damages. Western blotting, ELISA and immunofluorescence assay were utilized to explore the mitochondrial protection effects and its related mechanisms in vivo. Results: In vivo, treatment with PNGL markedly reduced excessive oxidative stress, inhibited mitochondrial injury, alleviated energy metabolism dysfunction, decreased neuronal loss and apoptosis, and thus notedly raised neuronal survival under ischemia and hypoxia. Meanwhile, PNGL significantly increased the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in the ischemic regions, and regulated its related downstream SIRT1/2/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α pathways. Conclusion: The study finds that the mitochondrial protective effects of PNGL are associated with the NAMPT-SIRT1/2/3-MnSOD/PGC-1α signal pathways. PNGL, as a novel candidate drug, has great application prospects for preventing and treating ischemic stroke.