• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.46-53
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• 2015

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used in many chemotherapeutic protocols and play an important role in the normal regulation of bone remodeling. However, the prolonged use of GCs results in osteoporosis, which is partially due to apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this study, effects of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) on GC-treated murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and a GC-induced osteoporosis mouse model were investigated. Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to dexamethasone (Dex) with or without KRG and cell viability was measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Realtime polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the apoptotic gene expression; osteogenic gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were also measured. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins. A GC-induced osteoporosis animal model was used for in vivo study. Results and conclusion: The MTT assay revealed that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) prevents loss of cell viability caused by Dex-induced apoptosis in MC3T3E1 cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction data showed that groups treated with both Dex and KRG exhibited lower mRNA levels of caspase-3 and -9, whereas the mRNA levels of Bcl2, IAPs, and XIAP increased. Moreover, groups treated with both Dex and KRG demonstrated increased mRNA levels of ALP, RUNX2, and bone morphogenic proteins as well as increased ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells, compared to cells treated with Dex only. In addition, KRG increased protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and decreased c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Moreover, microcomputed tomography analysis of the femurs showed that GC implantation caused trabecular bone loss. However, a significant reduction of bone loss was observed in the KRG-treated group. These results suggest that the molecular mechanism of KRG in the GC-induced apoptosis may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay osteoporosis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.316-324
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• 2021

Background: Korea Red Ginseng (KRG) has been used as remedies with hepato-protective effects in liver-related condition. Microbiota related gut-liver axis plays key roles in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. We evaluated the effect of KRG on gut-liver axis in patients with nonalcoholic statohepatitis by the modulation of gut-microbiota. Methods: A total of 94 patients (KRG: 45 and placebo: 49) were prospectively randomized to receive KRG (2,000 mg/day, ginsenoside Rg1+Rb1+Rg3 4.5mg/g) or placebo during 30 days. Liver function test, cytokeraton 18, and fatigue score were measured. Gut microbiota was analyzed by MiSeq systems based on 16S rRNA genes. Results: In KRG group, the mean levels (before vs. after) of aspartate aminotransferase (53 ± 19 vs. 45 ± 23 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (75 ± 40 vs. 64 ± 39 IU/L) and fatigue score (33 ± 13 vs. 26 ± 13) were improved (p < 0.05). In placebo group, only fatigue score (34 ± 13 vs. 31 ± 15) was ameliorated (p < 0.05). The changes of phyla were not statistically significant on both groups. In KRG group, increased abundance of Lactobacillus was related with improved alanine aminotransferase level and increased abundance of Clostridium and Intestinibacter was associated with no improvement after KRG supplementation. In placebo group, increased abundance of Lachnospiraceae could be related with aggravation of liver enzyme (p < 0.05). Conclusion: KRG effectively improved liver enzymes and fatigue score by modulating gut-microbiota in patients with fatty liver disease. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of improvement of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. ClnicalTrials.gov: NCT03945123 (www.ClinicalTrials.gov).

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.991-998
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• 2012

Ginseng is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines and health foods. Korean red ginseng (KRG; Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) extract is known to have potential therapeutic activities, such as anti-viral effects, the amelioration of food allergies, anti-oxidant effects, and obesity reduction. Nevertheless, no reports have been issued the modulatory effects of KRG extract on the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP). In the present study, we investigated the modulatory effect of KRG extract in vitro and in vivo by using pooled human liver microsomes and male ICR mice. When human liver microsomes were incubated with KRG extract at 0.01-10 mg/ml, CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A were not significantly inhibited by KRG extract, although CYP2B6 was slightly inhibited. Mice were orally administered KRG extract at 50, 250, or 500 mg/kg daily for 3, 7, or 14 days. However, the activities of CYPs in mouse livers were not significantly different from those of vehicle-treated controls. In conclusion, no significant ginseng-drug interaction was observed. KRG extract did not significantly modulate the activities of CYPs in vitro or in vivo.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.284-289
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• 2017

Background: Compound FK506 is an immunosuppressant agent that is frequently used to prevent rejection of solid organs upon transplant. However, nephrotoxicity due to apoptosis and inflammatory response mediated by FK506 limit its usefulness. In this study, the protective effect of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) against FK506-induced damage in LLC-PK1 pig kidney epithelial cells was investigated. Methods: LLC-PK1 cells were exposed to FK506 with KRG and cell viability was measured. Western blotting and RT-PCR analyses evaluated protein expression of MAPKs, caspase-3, and KIM-1. TLR-4 gene expression was assessed. Caspase-3 activities were also determined. The number of apoptotic cells was measured using an image-based cytometric assay. Results: The reduction in LLC-PK1 cell viability by $60{\mu}M$ FK506 was recovered by KRG cotreatment in a dose-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of p38, p44/42 MAPKs (ERK), KIM-1, cleaved caspase-3, and TLR-4 mRNA expression was increased markedly in LLC-PK1 cells treated with $60{\mu}M$ FK506. However, with the exception of p-ERK, elevated levels of p-p38, KIM-1, cleaved caspase-3, and TLR-4 mRNA expression were significantly decreased after cotreatment with KRG. Activity level of caspase-3 was also attenuated by KRG cotreatment. Moreover, image-based cytometric assay showed that apoptotic cell death was increased by $60{\mu}M$ FK506 treatment, whereas it was decreased after cotreatment with KRG. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that the molecular mechanism of KRG in the FK506-induced nephrotoxicity may lead to the development of an adjuvant for the inhibition of adverse effect FK506 in the kidney.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.125-134
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• 2019

Background: Excessive stress causes varied physiological and psychological disorders including male reproductive problems. Here, we attempted to investigate the protective effects of Korean Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer; KRG) against sub-acute immobilization stress-induced testicular damage in experimental rats. Methods: Male rats (age, 4 wk; weight, 60-70 g) were divided into four groups (n = 8 in each group): normal control group, immobilization control group, immobilization group treated with 100 mg/kg of KRG daily, and immobilization group treated with 200 mg/kg of KRG daily. Normal control and immobilization control groups received vehicle only. KRG (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) was mixed in the standard diet powder and fed daily for 6 mo. Parameters such as organ weight, blood chemistry, sperm kinematic values, and expression levels of testicular-related molecules were measured using commercially available kits, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Data revealed that KRG restored the altered testis and epididymis weight in immobilization stress-induced rats significantly (p < 0.05). Further, KRG ameliorated the altered blood chemistry and sperm kinematic values when compared with the immobilization control group and attenuated the altered expression levels of spermatogenesis-related proteins (nectin-2, cAMP responsive element binding protein 1, and inhibin-${\alpha}$), sex hormone receptors (androgen receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor), and antioxidant-related enzymes (glutathione S-transferase m5, peroxiredoxin-4, and glutathione peroxidase 4) significantly in the testes of immobilization stress-induced rats. Conclusion: KRG protected immobilization stress-induced testicular damage and fertility factors in rats, thereby indicating its potential in the treatment of stress-related male sterility.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1349-1354
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• 1999

This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of Korean red ginseng water extract (KRG WE) on clinical chemical parameters in male guinea pigs acutely exposed to 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo p dioxin(TCDD). Forty male guinea pigs(200 $\pm$20g) were divided into 4 groups. Normal controls(group 1) received vehicle and saline; group 2(single TCDD treated) received TCDD(5 g/kg, single dose) intraperitoneally; group 3 received KRG WE(200mg/kg, i.p.) for 2 weeks from 1 week before TCDD exposure; group 4 received KRG WE for 1 week since the day of TCDD exposure. Increase in body weight was retarded greatly by TCDD exposure. Body weight of animals in group 2 was significantly decreased starting 2 days after TCDD exposure. However, body weight of animals in group 3 increased throughout the experimental period, although the increasing rate was slower than that of group 1. Decrease in body weight was not observed during the experimental period in group 4. Increases in blood glucose, amylase, lipase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, GOT, GPT, and LDH levels by TCDD intoxication were significantly attenuated by the KRG WE treatment(p<0.05). These results provide a strong evidence that Korean red ginseng might be a useful protective agent against TCDD, an endocrine disruptor.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.615-621
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• 2023

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) plays a key role in heme oxygenase (HO)-1 induction under physical and moderate oxidative stress conditions. The transient and mild induction of HO-1 is beneficial for cell protection, mitochondrial function, regeneration, and intercellular communication. However, chronic HO-1 overexpression is detrimental in severely injured regions. Thus, in a chronic pathological state, diminishing HO-1-mediated ferroptosis is beneficial for a therapeutic approach. The molecular mechanisms by which KRG protects various cell types in the central nervous system have not yet been established, especially in terms of HO-1-mediated mitochondrial functions. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the multiple roles of KRG in the regulation of astrocytic HO-1 under pathophysiological conditions. More specifically, we discuss the role of the KRG-mediated astrocytic HO-1 pathway in regulating mitochondrial functions in acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases as well as physiological conditions.

• Proceedings of the Ginseng society Conference
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• 2006.05a
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• pp.40-51
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• 2006

To investigate the association between Korean red ginseng (KRG) intake in HIV-1 infected patients and occurrence of grossly deleted nef genes ($g{\Delta}nef$), we characterized nef genes in 10 long-term slow progressors (LTSP) infected with HIV-1 subtype B and 34 control patients. LTSP was defined whose the annual decrease in CD4 T cells was less than $20/{\mu}l$ over 10 years in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. They were treated with KRG for a prolonged period. Nef genes were amplified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using nested PCR and products were sequenced directly. Patient CD4 T cell counts decreased from $444{\pm}207/{\mu}l$ to $294{\pm}177/{\mu}l$ over $136{\pm}23$ months of KRG intake. This corresponds to an annual decrease in the level of CD4 T cells of $13.3/{\mu}l$. A total of 479 nef genes were amplified from 137 PBMC samples. Nine out of the 10 patients, 47 (34.3%) out of the 137 samples, and 92 out of the 479 genes revealed $g{\Delta}nef$. The deletion extended outside the nef gene in 25 $g{\Delta}nef$ obtained from 6 patients. The proportion of samples with $g{\Delta}nef$ (34.3%) was significantly higher than 4.8% in control patients (P<0.001). In addition, it significantly increased as the duration of KRG intake prolongs (P<0.01). These data suggest the possibility that occurrence of $g{\Delta}nef$ might be associated with long-term intake of KRG.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.496-505
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• 2020

Background: Panax ginseng is a marvelous herbal remedy for all ailments of body. That may be why it is called Panax, which means "cure for all". Melanin is a pigment that gives color to our skin; however, increased melanin production can lead to tumor formation. Human exposure to ultraviolet B radiation has increased extensively owing to the increased sunlight due to global warming. Consequently, a phenomenon called photoaging has been observed for all skin colors and types. As a result of this phenomenon, a set of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which serve as degradation enzymes for extracellular matrix proteins, mainly collagen, is increased, causing depletion of collagen and resulting in early wrinkle formation. Methods: Therefore, in our study, we used the murine melanoma cell line B16/F10 to study the inhibition of melanogenesis by Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract in vitro and HRM-2 hairless mice exposed to artificial ultraviolet B to examine the efficacy of KRG in vivo. We prepared a 3% red ginseng extract cream and evaluated its effects on human skin. Results: Our results demonstrated that KRG induced potent suppression of tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16/F10 cells; moreover, it reduced the transcription and translation of components involved in the melanin production pathway. In the in vivo experiments, KRG potently suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, reduced wrinkle formation, and inhibited collagen degradation. On human skin, ginseng cream increased skin resilience and skin moisture and enhanced skin tone. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that KRG is an excellent skin whitening and antiaging product.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.98-104
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• 2017

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a well-known health functional food used as a traditional herbal drug in Asian countries owing to its diverse pharmacological effects. Herb-drug interactions may cause unexpected side effects of co-administered drugs by the alteration of pharmacokinetics through effects on cytochrome P450 activity. In this study, we investigated the herb-drug interactions between Korean red ginseng extract (KRG) and five CYP-specific probes in mice. The pharmacokinetics of KRG extract induced-drug interactions were studied by cassette dosing of five CYP substrates for CYP1A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 3A and the LC-MS/MS analysis of the blood concentration of metabolites of each of the five probes. The linearity, precision, and accuracy of the quantification method of the five metabolites were successfully confirmed. The plasma concentrations of five metabolites after co-administration of different doses of the KRG extract (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg) were quantified by LC-MS/MS and dose-dependent pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the five metabolites were not significantly altered by the dose of the KRG extract. In conclusion, the single co-administration of KRG extract up to 2 g/kg in vivo did not cause any significant herb-drug interactions linked to the modulation of CYP activity.