• 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.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.32-36
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• 1983

The contents of ginseng saponins in white ginseng, particularly ginsenoside $-Rb_1$, -Rc, -Re, and -Rg, were greatly decreased during the storage at high relative humidities. The contents of glucose and fructose were initially increased and thereafter decreased during the storage at 75-96% R.H., but successively increased during the storage at relative humidifies below 67%. The content of sucrose was decreased during storage of white ginseng and the rate of change was accelerated at the relative humidities higher than 75% R.H..

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.23 no.2 s.54
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• pp.93-98
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• 1999

In order to evalulate the qualities of red ginseng extract and decrease precipitate fonnation in ginseng drink, red ginseng extract was hydrolized with ${\beta}-amylase$ and transglucosidase. $5.2\%$ isomaltose was produced as isomaltooligosaccharides and glucose content was increased in the enzyme treated ginseng extract. Contents of ginsenoside $R-b_1\;and\;R-b_2$ were decreased, whereas ginsenoside-Rd was increased by the enzyme treatments. The growth of 3 strains of bifidus spp. and 4 strains of lactobacillus spp., beneficial intestinal bacteria, were enhanced by adding of the enzymatically hydrolized ginseng extract. Sweetness and sourness were increased, however, bitterness and astringency were decreased in the hydrolized ginseng extract. The fonnation of precipitates in hydrolized red ginseng extract of $pH\;3.0\~4.5$ were significantly decreased in the storage condition of $40^{\circ}C$ for 1 month compared to that of control.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2002.10a
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• pp.491-501
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• 2002

A cross-examination between KT&G Central Research Institute and Guangzhou Institute for Drug Control was carried out in order to select optimum conditions for extraction, separation and determination of ginsenosides in red ginseng and to propose a better method for the quantitative analysis of ginsenosides. The optimum extraction conditions of ginsenosides from red ginseng were as follows: the extraction solvent, $70\%$ methanol; the extraction temperature, $100^{\circ}C;$ the extraction time, 1 hour for once; and the repetition of extraction, twice. The optimum separation conditions of ginsenosides on the SepPak $C_{18}$ cartridge were as follows: the loaded amount, 0.4 g of methanol extract; the washing solvents, distilled water of 25 ml at first and then $30\%$ methanol of 25 ml; the elution solvent, $90\%$ methanol of 5 ml. The optimum HPLC conditions for the determination of ginsenosides were as follows: column, Lichrosorb $NH_2(25{\times}0.4cm,$ 5${\mu}m$, Merck Co.); mobile phase, a mixture of acetonitrile/water/isopropanol (80/5/15) and acetonitrile/water/isopropanol (80/20/15) with gradient system; and the detector, ELSD. On the basis of the optimum conditions a method for the quantitative analysis of ginsenosides were proposed and another cross-examination was carried out for the validation of the selected analytical method conditions. The coefficient of variances (CVs) on the contents of ginsenoside-$Rg_{1}$, -Re and $-Rb_1$ were lower than $3\%$ and the recovery rates of ginsenosides were $89.4\~95.7\%,$ which suggests that the above extraction and separation conditions may be reproducible and reasonable. For the selected HPLC/ELSD conditions, the CVs on the detector responses of ginsenoside-Rg, -Re and $-Rb_1$) were also lower than $3\%$, the regression coefficients for the calibration curves of ginsenosides were higher than 0.99 and two adjacent ginsenoside peaks were well separated, which suggests that the above HPLC/ELSD conditions may be good enough for the determination of ginsenosides.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.141-147
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• 2018

Red ginseng marc is a by-product of Korean red ginseng (panax ginseng CA Meyer) and contains ginsenoside which has pharmacological effects. The Korean red ginseng marc was fermented with Bacillus subtilis (RGMB). This study was carried out to investigate the RGMB effect on swine immunity. The variation of ginsenoside depending on the RGMB fermentation time was analyzed. Swine (Landrace${\times}$Yorkshire) were divided into control group (basic diet) and RGMB group (RGMB 1% diet). One percent RGMB was fed to the RGMB group for 28 days. The biochemical parameters, cytokine and immunoglobulin were analyzed. For 48 hours of fermentation on RGMB, ginsenoside Rb1 had increased 180.94%, Rg3 235.85%. Rg1 wasn't detected before fermentation, but was detected after 48 hours of fermentation. The RGMB had effect of deceasing initial AST concentration $79.33{\pm}12.85U/L$ to $54.00{\pm}14.46U/L$ in final and was significantly lower (P<0.05) than control in final. In final RGMB had significantly lower (P<0.05) ALT concentration of $48.57{\pm}8.26U/L$ comparing with control group of $65.43{\pm}10.31U/L$. RGMB had the effect of significantly decreasing (P<0.05) $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ concentration of $2.44{\pm}1.31ng/mL$, $0.71{\pm}0.36ng/mL$ and $0.51{\pm}0.21ng/mL$. The IgA concentration had significantly increased (P<0.05) in RGMB group of $0.56{\pm}0.06mg/mL$ in final. These results demonstrate that RGMB has effect of increasing immunity and practicable to use as feed additives on swine.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.155-161
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• 1983

The rates of deterioration of contractile forces of isolated hearts from ginseng component treated rats were determined. Rat papillary muscles were also used to study the influence of ginseng on the mechanical performance of heart. Rats weighing 200-300g were administered orally with ginseng ethanol extract (100mg/kg/day), ginseng total saponin (50mg/kg/day) and ginsenoside Rbl (5mg/kg/ day) for a week respectively. The isolated hearts from rats were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution by Langendorff perfusion apparatus. The force-velocity relation was clearly seen with the load-generator equipped isotonic shortening recording apparatus. The control group was only able to maintain 60% of their initial contractile forces after 120 minutes of perfusion, whereas ginseng ethanol extract treated group was able to sustain nearly their initial strength even after 120 minutes of perfusion. The similar effects were seen in the hearts treated with total ginseng saponin and ginsenoside Rb$_{1}$. Ginseng ethanol extract did alter mechanical performance of rat ventricular myocardium. It increased both maximum velocity(Vmax) of isotonic shortening and isometric force (P$_{0}$) and showed increased velocity of shortening significantly (P<0,05) at any one afterload.d.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.476-484
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• 2018

Background: Korean Red Ginseng (steamed and dried white ginseng, Panax ginseng Meyer) is well known for enhancing vital energy and immune capacity and for inhibiting cancer cell growth. Some clinical studies also demonstrated a therapeutic potential of ginseng extract for treating lung inflammatory disorders. This study was conducted to establish the therapeutic potential of ginseng saponins on the lung inflammatory response. Methods: From Korean Red Ginseng, 11 ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, and Rh2) were isolated. Their inhibitory potential and action mechanism were evaluated using a mouse model of lung inflammation, acute lung injury induced by intranasal lipopolysaccharide administration. Their anti-inflammatory activities were also examined in lung epithelial cell line (A549) and alveolar macrophage (MH-S). Results: All ginsenosides orally administered at 20 mg/kg showed 11.5-51.6% reduction of total cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Among the ginsenosides, Rc, Re, Rg1, and Rh2 exhibited significant inhibitory action by reducing total cell numbers in the BALF by 34.1-51.6% (n = 5). Particularly, Re showed strong and comparable inhibitory potency with that of dexamethasone, as judged by the number of infiltrated cells and histological observations. Re treatment clearly inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$, and the c-Fos component in the lung tissue (n = 3). Conclusion: Certain ginsenosides inhibit lung inflammatory responses by interrupting these signaling molecules and they are potential therapeutics for inflammatory lung diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.488-495
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• 2019

Background: Timosaponin AIII (TA3) is a steroidal saponin extracted from Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Here, we investigated the anticancer effects of TA3 in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. TA3 attenuates migration and invasion of MG63 cells via regulations of two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2 and MMP-9, which are involved with cancer metastasis in various cancer cells. TA3 reduced enzymatic activities and transcriptional expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MG63 cells. TA3 also inhibited Src, focal adhesion kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, ${\beta}-catenin$, and cAMP response element binding signaling, which regulate migration and invasion of cells. TA3 induced apoptosis of MG63 cells via regulations of caspase-3, caspase-7, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Then, we tested several ginsenosides to be used in combination with TA3 for the synergistic anticancer effects. We found that ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc have synergistic effects on TA3-induced apoptosis in MG63 cells. Methods: We investigated the anticancer effects of TA3 and synergistic effects of various ginseng saponins on TA3-induced apoptosis in MG63 cells. To test antimetastatic effects, we performed wound healing migration assay, Boyden chamber invasion assays, gelatin zymography assay, and Western blot analysis. Annexin V/PI staining apoptosis assay was performed to determine the apoptotic effect of TA3 and ginsenosides. Results: TA3 attenuated migration and invasion of MG63 cells and induced apoptosis of MG63 cells. Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc showed the synergistic effects on TA3-induced apoptosis in MG63 cells. Conclusions: The results strongly suggest that the combination of TA3 and the two ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc may be a strong candidate for the effective antiosteosarcoma agent.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.508-516
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenosides are not only the principal bioactive components but also the important indexes to the quality assessment of Panax ginseng Meyer. Their contents in cultivated ginseng vary with the growth environment and age. The present study aimed at evaluating the significant difference between 36 cultivated ginseng of different cultivation areas and ages based on the simultaneously determined contents of 14 ginsenosides. Methods: A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS) method was developed and used in the multiple reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode (HPLC-MRM/MS) for the quantitative analysis of ginsenosides. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis, was applied to discriminate ginseng samples of various cultivation areas and ages and to discover the differentially accumulated ginsenoside markers. Results: The developed HPLC-MRM/MS method was validated to be precise, accurate, stable, sensitive, and repeatable for the simultaneous determination of 14 ginsenosides. It was found that the 3- and 5-yr-old ginseng samples were differentiated distinctly by all means of multivariate statistical analysis, whereas the 4-yr-old samples exhibited similarity to either 3- or 5-yr-old samples in the contents of ginsenosides. Among the 14 detected ginsenosides, Rg1, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, 20(S)-Rf, 20(S)-Rh1, and Rb3 were identified as potential markers for the differentiation of cultivation ages. In addition, the 5-yr-old samples were able to be classified in cultivation area based on the contents of ginsenosides, whereas the 3- and 4-yr-old samples showed little differences in cultivation area. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the HPLC-MRM/MS method combined with multivariate statistical analysis provides deep insight into the accumulation characteristics of ginsenosides and could be used to differentiate ginseng that are cultivated in different areas and ages.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.905-912
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• 2007

A novel ${\beta}-glucosidase$ gene, bglA, was isolated from uncultured soil bacteria and characterized. Using genomic libraries constructed from soil DNA, a gene encoding a protein that hydrolyzes a fluorogenic analog of cellulose, 4-methylumbelliferyl ${\beta}-D-cellobioside$ (MUC), was isolated using a microtiter plate assay. The gene, bglA, was sequenced using a shotgun approach, and expressed in E. coli. The deduced 55-kDa amino acid sequence for bglA showed a 56% identity with the family 1 glycosyl hydrolase Chloroflexus aurantiacus. BglA included two conserved family 1 glycosyl hydrolase regions. When using $p-nitrophenyl-{\beta}-D-glucoside$ (pNPG) as the substrate, the maximum activity of the purified ${\beta}-glucosidase$ exhibited at pH 6.5 and $55^{\circ}C$, and was enhanced in the presence of $Mn^{2+}$. The $K_m\;and\;V_{max}$ values for the purified enzyme with pNPG were 0.16 mM and $19.10{\mu}mol/min$, respectively. The purified BglA enzyme hydrolyzed both pNPG and $p-nitrophenyl-{\beta}-D-fucoside$. The enzyme also exhibited substantial glycosyl hydrolase activities with natural glycosyl substrates, such as sophorose, cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, and cellopentaose, yet low hydrolytic activities with gentiobiose, salicin, and arbutin. Moreover, BglA was able to convert the major ginsenoside $Rb_1$ into the pharmaceutically active minor ginsenoside Rd within 24 h.