• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.349-354
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• 2017

The geographical origins of raw ginseng (RG) were discriminated using an electronic tongue. Taste screening, DFA (discriminant function analysis), and CDA (canonical discriminant analysis) were used to statistically analyze the data. The taste profile patterns of umami, bitterness, and sweetness of the Korean RG was different from those of the Chinese RG. The Korean RG was stronger than the Chinese RG regarding the taste of umami. DFA discriminated the geographical origins of 154 samples, with a few overlapping samples, between the Korean and Chinese RG. CDA showed that the accuracy of origin discrimination for the Korean and Chinese RGs were 87.01 and 94.81%, respectively. The final accuracy of origin discrimination was 90.91%. The distance between the centroids of each group was 2.7463. Thus, the electronic tongue analysis can be used to efficiently differentiate the geographical origins of RG.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 1998

Studies were performed to determine the effect of Korean red ginseng (extract powder, spray-dried), it is made of choice 6-year-old raw ginseng roots, and processed by steaming and drying, on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells of irradiated mice. Jejunal crypts were protected by pretreatment of red ginseng (1 mg/head, single I.P. at 24hours before irradiation, p<0.05). Red ginseng administration before irradiation (1 mg/head, single I.P at 24hours before irradiation) resulted in an increase of the formation of endogenous spleen colony (p<0.05). The frequency of radiation-Induced apoptosis in intestinal crypt cells was also reduced by treatment of red ginseng both pretreatment (P.O.: 2 mg/ml of drinking water for 7 days, p<0.005, I.P.: 1 mg/head, single I.P. at 24 hours before irradiation, p<0.005) and post-treatment (1 mg/head, single I.P at 30 minutes after irradiation, p<0.05). These results indicated that Korean red ginseng might be a useful radio-protector, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product. Further studies are needed to characterize better the promotion nature of red ginseng and its fractions.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.297-305
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• 2014

Red ginseng (RG) contains specific ginsenosides (Rg2, Rg3) which show various pharmacological effects and absorption rate in the body better than panax ginseng. Therefore many people have been used it for health for a long time. Furthermore, many researchers have been studying its biological activities for a long times because fermentation generates lots of beneficial small molecules good for health. In this study, we fermented red ginseng with mycelium of Leatiporus sulphures var. miniatus for 7 days. As a result, we found that three ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb2 were decreased from 0.24, 0.25, 0.16 mg/g to 0.12, 0.1, 0.03 mg/g respectively HPLC analysis. In addition, we studied biological activities of fermented red ginseng (FRG) about skin ageing such as anti-inflammation, cell migration, anti-oxidation, collagen type 1 synthesis, and MMP-1 inhibition activities. As a result, FRG were shown higher anti-inflammatory and cell migration promoting activities than RG. FRG inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO) and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and decreased interleukin (IL)-6 induced by LPS stimulation in RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, this study suggest that FRG could be a potential source as a new natural anti-inflammatory agent.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.156-166
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• 2022

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer (P. ginseng), a herb distributed in Korea, China and Japan, exerts benefits on diverse inflammatory conditions. However, the underlying mechanism and active ingredients remains largely unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the active ingredients of P. ginseng against inflammation and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Methods: Inflammation model was constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in C57BL/6 mice and RAW264.7 macrophages. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) and immunofluorescence were utilized to predict active component. Results: P. ginseng significantly inhibited LPS-induced lung injury and the expression of proinflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, P. ginseng blocked fluorescencelabeled LPS (LPS488) binding to the membranes of RAW264.7 macrophages, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated that ginsenoside Ro (GRo) docked into the LPS binding site of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the MD2-GRo binding conformation was stable. SPRi demonstrated an excellent interaction between TLR4/ MD2 complex and GRo (K_D value of 1.16 × 10^-9 M). GRo significantly inhibited LPS488 binding to cell membranes. Further studies showed that GRo markedly suppressed LPS-triggered lung injury, the transcription and secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPKs as well as the p65 subunit nuclear translocation were inhibited by GRo dose-dependently. Conclusion: Our results suggest that GRo exerts anti-inflammation actions by direct inhibition of TLR4 signaling pathway.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.437-444
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• 2016

Background: Although Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has been traditionally used for a long time, its anti-inflammatory role and underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory roles of KRG-derived components, namely, water extract (KRG-WE), saponin fraction (KRG-SF), and nonsaponin fraction (KRG-NSF), were investigated. Methods: To check saponin levels in the test fractions, KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory roles and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of these components were investigated using a macrophage-like cell line (RAW264.7 cells) and an acute gastritis model in mice. Results: Of the tested fractions, KGR-SF (but not KRG-NSF and KRG-WE) markedly inhibited the viability of RAW264.7 cells, and splenocytes at more than 500 mg/mL significantly suppressed NO production at $100{\mu}g/mL$, diminished mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, and interferon-${\beta}$ at $200{\mu}g/mL$, and completely blocked phagocytic uptake by RAW264.7 cells. All three fractions suppressed luciferase activity triggered by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not that triggered by activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B. Phospho-IRF3 and phospho-TBK1 were simultaneously decreased in KRG-SF. Interestingly, all these fractions, when orally administered, clearly ameliorated the symptoms of gastric ulcer in HCl/ethanol-induced gastritis mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that KRG-WE, KRG-NSF, and KRG-SF might have anti-inflammatory properties, mostly because of the suppression of the IRF3 pathway.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.619-626
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• 2020

Background: The effects of diol-ginsenoside fraction (Diol-GF) and triol-ginsenoside fraction (Triol-GF) from Korean Red Ginseng on the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) were examined in diabetes-prone biobreeding (DP-BB) rats that spontaneously develop T1D through an autoimmune process. Methods: DP-BB female rats were treated with Diol-GF or Triol-GF daily from the age of 3-4 weeks up to 11-12 weeks (1 mg/g body weight). Results: Diol-GF delayed the onset, and reduced the incidence, of T1D. Islets of Diol-GF-treated DP-BB rats showed significantly lower insulitis and preserved higher plasma and pancreatic insulin levels. Diol-GF failed to change the proportion of lymphocyte subsets such as T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages in the spleen and blood. Diol-GF had no effect on the ability of DP-BB rat splenocytes to induce diabetes in recipients. Diol-GF and diol-ginsenoside Rb1 significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor α production, whereas diol-ginsenosides Rb1 and Rd decreased interleukin 1β production in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, mixed cytokine- and chemical-induced β-cell cytotoxicity was greatly inhibited by Diol-GF and diol-ginsenosides Rc and Rd in RIN5mF cells. However, nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells was unaffected by diol-ginsenosides. Conclusion: Diol-GF, but not Triol-GF, significantly delayed the development of insulitis and T1D in DP-BB rats. The antidiabetogenic action of Diol-GF may result from the decrease in cytokine production and increase in β-cell resistance to cytokine/free radical-induced cytotoxicity.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.298-306
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• 2017

Background: Compound K (CK) is a bioactive derivative of ginsenoside Rb1 in Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng). Its biological and pharmacological activities have been studied in various disease conditions, although its immunomodulatory role in innate immunity mediated by monocytes/macrophages has been poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory role of CK on cellular events mediated by monocytes and macrophages in innate immune responses. Methods: The immunomodulatory role of CK was explored by various immunoassays including cell-cell adhesion, fibronectin adhesion, cell migration, phagocytic uptake, costimulatory molecules, reactive oxygen species production, luciferase activity, and by the measurement of mRNA levels of proinflammatory genes. Results: Compound K induced cell cluster formation through cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and phagocytic activity, but it suppressed cell-tissue interactions in U937 and RAW264.7 cells. Compound K also upregulated the surface expression of the cell adhesion molecule cluster of differentiation (CD) 43 (CD43) and costimulatory molecules CD69, CD80, and CD86, but it downregulated the expression of monocyte differentiation marker CD82 in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, CK induced the release of reactive oxygen species and induced messenger RNA expression of proinflammatory genes, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by enhancing the nuclear translocation and transcriptional activities of nuclear factor kappa-B and activator protein-1. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CK has an immunomodulatory role in innate immune responses through regulating various cellular events mediated by monocytes and macrophages.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.86-95
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• 2019

Background: Depending on the processing method, the raw materials constituents change in various ways. In particular, a heat treatment process, such as steaming, changes the color and aroma of a raw material to increase its palatability and number of physiologically active ingredients. Methods and Results: In the present study, the effects of the steaming temperature and time on the yield, color, proximal composition, and total polyphenol and ginsenoside content of a 4-year-old ginseng root were analyzed. The yield tended to decrease with the increase of steaming time at each temperature and the total ginsenoside content increased with increasing of steaming temperature except at $80^{\circ}C$. Conclusions: These results suggest that steaming at $100^{\circ}C$ for 6 - 9 hours or at $110^{\circ}C$ for 3 - 6 hours is suitable for increasing total polyphenol and ginsenoside content with less yield reduction in a 4-year-old ginseng root.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.1-6
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• 2012

Objectives : ROS are involved in a wide spectrum of diseases including chronic inflammation and cancer. S.chinensis Baill, a perennial herb commonly called Chinese lizard's tail or Sam-baek-cho in Korea, is used for the treatment of edema and inflammatory diseases in the Oriental folk medicine. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory effects of the two extracts, water(WE) and ethyl acetate(EAE) from S.chinensis Baill. Methods : Anti-oxidant activity was evaluated using Fe2+ chelating and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. DNA cleavage assay, and western blot and immunostaining for phospho-p65 were performed to evaluate anti-oxidative effect. Anti-inflammatory effect was performed using NO generation assay and western blot in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell. Results : In Fe2+ chelating activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, WE showed more strong scavenging activity for hydroxyl radical than EAE. WE scavenged hydroxyl radical by 12% at 3.2 ${\mu}g/ml$, 21% at 16 ${\mu}g/ml$, 32% at 80 ${\mu}g/ml$, 66% at 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ and 82% at 2000 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. In addition, WE showed more strong chelating activity than EAE. WE chelated Fe2+ ion by 1.1% at 3.2 ${\mu}g/ml$, 8.2% at 16 ${\mu}g/ml$, 26.3% at 80 ${\mu}g/ml$, 72% at 400 ${\mu}g/ml$ and 89% at 2000 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Also, WE inhibited oxidative damage via its anti-oxidant activity. In anti-inflammatory effect, EAE inhibited NO production and iNOS expression. In addition EAE suppressed the NF-${\kappa}B$ and MAPK signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions : Together, these data indicate that S. chinensis Baill, shows anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.766-772
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• 1999

In order to improve funtionality of kochujang, red ginseng powder(1, 2 and 5% red ginseng on the total weight basis) was added to the raw material of kochujang. Changes in moisture content, microflora and enzyme activities were investigated in control kochujang(Sunchang kochujang) and red ginseng added kochujang during fermentation at 25oC for 120 days. Kochujang samples fremented for 90 and 120 days were subjected to sensory evaluation test. As the fermentation progressed, the moisture content and titratable acidity were gradually increased whereas pH was decreased. However, red ginseng had no effects on those changes. Bacterial count was maintained at the level of 107 CFU/g during fermentation. The level of yeast count was 104 CFU/g at the early stage of fermentation and increaed to 107 CFU/g after 60 days of fermentation and then maintained at 107 CFU/g. Red-ginseng had no effects on bacterial and yeast counts of kochujang. Amylase activity was gradually reduced during fermentation. Amylase activity was increased until 60 days of fermentation and then reduced by 90 days of fermentation. Acidic protease activity was slightly reduced at the initial stage of fermentation and then rapid increased. Acidic protease activity was at the highest level after 120 days of fermentation. Red ginseng did not alter those enzyme activities of kochujang. There were no differences in sensory properties between kochujang samples fermented for 90 and 120 days of fermentation. The addition of red-ginseng did not affect such sensory properties of kochujang as color, odor, hot taste and salty taste, but overall preference appeared to be improved by red ginseng addition.