• 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 Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2011

The elderly is a target group for health functional foods (HFFs). We surveyed 825 Korean elderly (71.4- years-of-age) for HFF use and significant variables for HFF use including demographic characteristics, health related variables, and nutritional beliefs. The prevalence of HFF use was 48.7%, and among all types of HFF, red ginseng products were eaten most frequently, followed by ginseng products, nutritional supplements, and mushroom products. The mean age of users of HFFs was lower than nonusers (p<.01). HFFs were eaten more frequently by subjects from families living with a spouse or unmarried children (p<.01) and those with higher levels of monthly pocket money (p<.001). HFFs were also eaten more frequently by subjects or their spouses with a higher education level (p<.001). The social activity participation ratio (p<.01) of subjects and the HFF usage ratio by the spouse (p<.001) were higher in users of HFF than in nonusers. Dietary assessment scores were not different between the two groups, and users had a more positive view concerning the potential health benefits of HFFs than did nonusers (p<.001). Most users of HFF ate HFFs "when they were healthy" (52.2%) and experienced some effect through HFF use (45.8%). Most users of HFFs received information on HFFs through their families or relatives (38.1%) and most purchased HFFs at the pharmacy or oriental medicine clinic (44.8%). HFF users preferred multivitamin- and Ca-supplements most among the vitamin and mineral supplements belonged to HFFs. The above results show that HFF use is widely spread among subjects, and that use of HFF is influenced by various factors. Thus, practical guidelines for HFF use should be provided for the elderly through elderly focused-nutrition education based upon significant variables and consumption behaviors for their HFF use of present study.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 1995

This study was undertaken to determine whether administration of a standardized gindeng extract at 300 mg.$d^1$ for 8 weeks could enhance maximum aerobic and anaerobic exercise capabilities and whether any changes of such effects can be occurred when exercise training was added. Forty-one male university students were randomly divided into four groups as ginseng-untrained (GU, n=10), ginseng-trained (GT, n=10), placebo-untrained (PU, n=10), and placebo-trained (PT, n=11). The trained groups underwent 8 weeks of aerobic exercise at 65% of individual's maximum oxygen consumption ($Vo_2$ max) for 30 min.$d^1$, 3d.$wk^1$. Prior to and at the end of experiment, $Vo_2$ max, anaerobic power (AP), anaerobic capacity (AC), and leg muscle strength were determined and some physiological parameters related to $Vo_2$ max were measured. Initially, all subject groups did not differ in average $Vo_2$ max (range 45.9 to 47.9 ml/.kg-1.min-1). After 8 weeks, the $Vo_2$ max increased significantly from the initial level by 12.6% in group GU, 14.5% in group PT, and 24.5% in group GU which was significantly higher than group GU but not group PT. Changes in all measured parameters related to $Vo_2$ max were similar among the subject groups except group PU. Both the AP and the AC were significantly increased in all subject groups (range +3.6 to +13.1% above initial for the AP and +4.4 to) 8.955 above initial for the AC) but the higher changes were found for the AP in groups PT and GU, and for the AC in grouts PT, when compared with group PU. No significant differences in the two anaerobic variables were observed between group GT and the other groups of subjects. Leg strength was also significantly enhanced over group PU in groups PT, GU and GT. There were no significant differences among the latter three subject groups. As a result of these findings, it was concluded that under the conditions of this study ginseng administration at the prescribed dose exhibited the training-like effects on $Vo_2$ max as well as anaerobic power and leg muscle strength but no clear synergistic action on these physical fitness variables occurred when both g inseng administration and exercise training were combined.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.579-589
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• 2009

We focused on the condition of washed, fresh ginseng in the market and analyzed consumer attitudes to the product to improve the consumption of fresh ginseng. A preference for fresh ginseng was high among every age class, and was particularly notable in older individuals. Fresh ginseng was usually eaten as ginseng chicken soup, mostly in summer and winter, and as a valuable health food, rather than because of desirable qualities of taste or smell. A total of 66.5% of those surveyed reported that they had purchased fresh ginseng, mostly from big discount stores. Such stores were preferred as outlets owing to a reputation for quality and shopper convenience (the stores were located near interviewees' homes). More than 70% of purchasers emphasized that they chose to purchase in department stores and traditional markets owing to the reputation for quality of such sources. Most consumers considered quality to be a prime element in purchase decisions. A total of 32.9% of those surveyed had bought washed fresh ginseng to give as a gift to a friend. Of those surveyed, 67.1% had never bought washed fresh ginseng. The following reasons were proposed to explain the preference for purchase of ginseng with attached soil. Most consumers (40.2%) thought the soil was a reflection of quality. Those who preferred washed fresh ginseng considered that the material was hygienic and convenient to store. When questioned about their intention to buy washed fresh ginseng, 55.0% of consumers replied in the affirmative and 17.1% in the negative. When consumers were asked whether they would be willing to pay an additional charge for the washing and packing of fresh ginseng, 58.8% answered in the affirmative.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.503-512
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• 2017

Background: Chronic heavy alcohol consumption may raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Saponins inhibit apoptosis of pancreatic islet cells and reduce lipid parameters. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of saponin on chronic ethanol-treated diabetic rats. Methods: Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (LETO) and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats were pair-fed a Lieber-DeCarli diet with and without 5% ethanol for 12 wks. Two weeks after starting the pair-feeding with the Lieber-DeCarli diet, intraperitoneal injection of saponin was performed for 10 wks. To perform the experiments, rats were divided as follows: LETO-Control (LC), LETO-Ethanol (LE), LETO-Ethanol-Saponin (LES), OLETF-Control (OC), OLETF-Ethanol (OE), and OLETF-Ethanol-Saponin (OES). Results: The weights of epididymal and mesenteric fat tissue in LES and OES rats were the lightest from among the LETO and OLETF groups, respectively. The secretion of alanine aminotransferase and cholesterol in OES rats decreased significantly compared to their secretion in OC and OE rats, respectively. The islets of the pancreas in LE and OE rats showed clean, unclear, and smaller morphology compared to those of LC, LES, OC, and OES rats. In addition, the expression of insulin in the islets of the pancreas in LC, LES, OC, and OES rats was higher than in LE and OE rats. Conclusion: Saponin may not only be helpful in alleviating the rapid progress of diabetes due to chronic alcohol consumption in diabetic patients, but may also show potential as an antidiabetic drug candidate for diabetic patients who chronically consume alcohol.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Tobacco Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.56-61
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• 2013

Bryonia alba L. belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and grows in Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Russia, Ukraina and Armenia. The root of Bryonia alba has been used for neuropsychical diseases, psychosis, hysteria, paralysis, epilepsy, vertigo, headache, migrain, melancholia, forgetfulness, sadness, absent mindedness, delirium, cardiovascular disease, ischemia, gastrointestinal diseases, gastric ulcer and respiratory diseases. The root of Bryonia alba contains an oxidized tetra cyclic triterpens, cucurbitaceous, polyunsaturated hydrocarbons, phospholipids, phosphatidylcholines, ethereal oils, fatty acids, a great amount of amino acids, alcohol soluble enzymes, sugar, carotene, vitamin C and E. Bryonia alba increases coronary blood-flow and the amplitude of cardiac contractions. Bryonia alba has an antistressor action and increases the working capacity. Bryonia alba activates connective tissue cells. Bryonia alba markedly increases the oxygen consumption by young and senescent rat brain, liver as well as heart mitochondrial fraction as Korean Ginseng. Bryonia alba decreases lipid peroxidation after immobilization stress. In conclusion, Bryonia alba like Ginseng used in traditional medicine came from ancient time has a good perspective administration as prophylactic and medical remedy, as remedy of lot of diseases in modern medicine.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.225-234
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• 2001

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KRGWE) on developmental toxicity caused by the environmental estrogen bisphenol A (BPA) in Sprague-Dawley rats. fifty males successfully mated were randomly assigned to five experimental groups, 1.e., group I (vehicle control), group II (BPA 1000mg/kg), group III (KRGWE 400mg/kg), group IV (BPA 1000mg/kg & KRGWE 200mg/kg), and group V (BPA 1000mg/kg & KRGWE 400mg/kg). The test articles were administered by gavage to mated females from gestational days (GD) 1 through 20 (sperm vaginal lavage=day O). All females were subjected to caesarean section on GD 21 and their fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. In the group II, significant maternal toxic effects including suppressed body weight, decreased body weight gain during pregnancy, and reduced food consumption were observed in pregnant rats. The minimal developmental toxicity including fetal ossification delay was also found in fetuses. In addition, a tendency for increased pregnancy failure, increased pre-and postimplantation loss, and decreased fetal body weight was observed. However, no fetal morpho-logical abnormalities were seen in surviving fetuses at a dose level of 1000mg BPA/kg. On the other hand, the maternal toxicity and developmental toxicity found in the groups IV and V were comparable to those of the group II. There were no adverse signs of either maternal toxicity or developmental toxicity in the group III. These results showed that administration of BPA at a dose level of 1000mg/kg to pregnant rats resulted in significant maternal toxicity and minimal developmental toxicity, and that no protective effects on BPA-induced maternal toxicity and developmental toxicity were found by concomitant gavage dosing of KRGWE.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.196-206
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• 2021

The main purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the consumption of red ginseng-based 'SSR' for 30 days and the reduction in human fatigue, blood component changes, and immune cell activity in 35 human subjects. 'SSR' is composed of zinc oxide, folic acid, and D-α-tocopherol with red ginseng as the main component. According to the protocol criteria of the study, 35 subjects who understood the purpose of the study and signed an informed consent form were selected. The fatigue survey was conducted through a questionnaire, and after taking 'SSR', a decreased tendency of physical, mental, and neurosensory fatigue was observed. In hematological analysis, no significant changes were observed in the levels of WBC, RBC, and hemoglobin; however, AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) levels were statistically significantly decreased. In immunological analysis, it was observed that the proliferative effect of T cells (CD3+CD4+) was greater than that of NK cells (CD16+CD56+). The collected data were subjected to t-test analysis using the SPSS 25.0 statistical program. The result from this study proposes that 'SSR' can be used as a functional food material as it reduces human fatigue and enhances immune function.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.26-37
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• 2012

This study was done to analyze the consumption patterns of health functional food (HFF) as well as to perform needs assessment for the development of web-contents on HFF according to age of adults. The subjects were 238 male and female adults, divided into 4 groups by their age. This study collected all information by self-administrated questionnaires. The awareness on HFF was high in the older adults. The younger adults showed more negative responses to reliability and safety on HFF. The main reason for the consumption of HFF was to supplement nutrients and to prevent diseases. The main types of HFF consumed by adults were nutritional supplementary food, red ginseng products, and glucosamine products. There was higher consumption of nutritional supplementary food in the younger adults and glucosamine products in the older adults. Internet users had low level of satisfaction, with tendency to complain poor contents, reliability, difficulties in searching as problems of the pre-existing HFF websites. As useful methods for provision of information on HFF, most adults wanted general information, articles written by experts and videos. They also wanted to know the safety and side effects of HFF. Requirement of contents composition were various in-depth information, clear indication of citation, fresh updated data while that of display composition was easily-findable, uncomplicated, allowing mutual exchange of communication through bulletin board. These results can be used as basic data that reflect the consumer's needs for developing HFF web-contents according to age of adults.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.243-257
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• 2010

This study was conducted to search the health food intake behavioral intentions of male workers. The health-related behavior of 150 subjects were compared(smoke, alcohol drink, breakfast, BMI, sleep, exercise and health check). On the basis of the Theory of Planned Behavior, the factors health-food intake behavior were evaluated; there were normative beliefs, motivation for compliance, subjective norms, social influence factors, and barriers as perceived behavior control. The results were showed with five points by the Likert scale and Significance by t-test. The most frequently consumed health food was tea(3.40/4points) followed by healthy drinks(2.49/4). As behavioral beliefs, if consumption of 'nutritional supplements'(3.61/5) and 'fatigue recovery'(3.62/5) received the highest scores. As a result, the idea of 'nutritional supplements'(3.94/5) and 'fatigue recovery'(4.06/5) were the important aspects, but others were also positively evaluated. As a sub-factor of subjective norms on normative beliefs, The highest social groups to encourage consumption of health food were parents (3.93/5), and the lowest were doctors (3.02/5). The most influential people were doctors (3.67/5) and spouses (3.65/5). Barriers to consumption health food were side effects (1.09/5) and price (2.08/5). Taking Ginseng products and other processed foods (juice, honey, bamboo, etc.) were correlated with health concern (p<0.05). Taking traditional stamina foods was correlated with dietary habit recognition (p<0.05). Mineral intake was positively correlated with age. Healthy drinks was negative (p<0.05). Minerals and supplement consumption were correlated with the practice of healthy behavior (p<0.01).