• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.85-92
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• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to efficiently make Black Panax Ginseng (BPG) and evaluate its antitumor activity. Methods : Panax ginseng was steamed at $95^{\circ}C$ for 3 h, dried and steamed again at $115^{\circ}C$ for 6 h. The main ginsenosides of BPG were $Rg_{3}$, $Rk_{1}$ and $Rg_{5}$. Results : Among the saponins in BPG, the amount of ginsenoside $Rg_{3}$ was determined by HPLC method. The 11.48 mg of ginsenoside $Rg_{3}$ was obtained from lg of dried BPG. The crude saponin fraction (CSF) of BPG was tested in vitro for its cytotoxic activities against various human cancer cell lines, such as ACHN, NCI-H23, HCT-15 and PC-3. The CSF of BPG exhibited stronger cytotoxic activity than that of red Panax ginsneng. CSF of BPG exhibited good cytotoxic activities against ACFIN, HCT-15, and PC-3 cell lines with $IC_{50}$ values of 60.3-90.8 ${\mu}g$/ml. However, CSF of BPG did not show any cytotoxic activity against NCI-H23 cell line. Conclusions : BPG produced by new manufacturing is more effective than BPG produced by existing processing in anticancer activity. And new BPG has a possibility of investigation because of high contents of Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 that have various phisological activities.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.8-15
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• 2014

Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation includes induction of inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-8 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are mediated by oxidant-sensitive transcription factor NF-${\kappa}B$. High levels of lipid peroxide (LPO) and increased activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a biomarker of neutrophil infiltration, are observed in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa. Panax ginseng Meyer, a Korean herb medicine, is widely used in Asian countries for its biological activities including anti-inflammatory efficacy. The present study aims to investigate whether Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) inhibits H. pylori-induced gastric inflammation in Mongolian gerbils. One wk after intragastric inoculation with H. pylori, Mongolian gerbils were fed with either the control diet or the diet containing RGE (200 mg RGE/gerbil) for 6 wk. The following were determined in gastric mucosa: the number of viable H. pylori in stomach; MPO activity; LPO level; mRNA and protein levels of keratinocyte chemoattractant factor (KC, a rodent IL-8 homolog), IL-$1{\beta}$, and iNOS; protein level of phospho-$I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$(which reflects the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$); and histology. As a result, RGE suppressed H. pylori-induced mRNA and protein levels of KC, IL-$1{\beta}$, and iNOS in gastric mucosa. RGE also inhibited H. pylori-induced phosphorylation of $I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$ and increases in LPO level and MPO activity of gastric mucosa. RGE did not affect viable H. pylori colonization in the stomach, but improved the histological grade of infiltration of poly-morphonuclear neutrophils, intestinal metaplasia, and hyperplasia. In conclusion, RGE inhibits H. pyloriinduced gastric inflammation by suppressing induction of inflammatory mediators (KC, IL-$1{\beta}$, iNOS), MPO activity, and LPO level in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.319-325
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• 2019

Background: Ginsenoside Rf is a ginseng saponin found only in Panax ginseng that affects lipid metabolism. It also has neuroprotective and antiinflammatory properties. We previously showed that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) inhibited the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by hypoxia via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ($PPAR{\gamma}$). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possibility of ginsenoside Rf as an active ingredient of KRG in the inhibition of hypoxia-induced COX-2 via $PPAR{\gamma}$. Methods: The effects of ginsenoside Rf on the upregulation of COX-2 by hypoxia and its antimigration effects were evaluated in A549 cells. Docking of ginsenoside Rf was performed with the $PPAR{\gamma}$ structure using Surflex-Dock in Sybyl-X 2.1.1. Results: $PPAR{\gamma}$ protein levels and peroxisome proliferator response element promoter activities were promoted by ginsenoside Rf. Inhibition of COX-2 expression by ginsenoside Rf was blocked by the $PPAR{\gamma}-specific$ inhibitor, T0070907. The $PPAR{\gamma}$ inhibitor also blocked the ability of ginsenoside Rf to suppress cell migration under hypoxia. The docking simulation results indicate that ginsenoside Rf binds to the active site of $PPAR{\gamma}$. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that ginsenoside Rf inhibits hypoxia induced-COX-2 expression and cellular migration, which are dependent on $PPAR{\gamma}$ activation. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rf has an antiinflammatory effect under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, docking analysis of ginsenoside Rf into the active site of $PPAR{\gamma}$ suggests that the compound binds to $PPAR{\gamma}$ in a position similar to that of known agonists.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2011.10a
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• pp.5-5
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• 2011

최근에 고령화 사회에 접어들면서 건강하게 활동하며 수명을 다하는 것이 중요한 연구과제가 되고 있다. 이 때문에 영양, 운동, 스트레스, 환경 등과 관련하여 암, 당뇨병, 고혈압, 비만, 동맥경화 등 생활습관병의 극복이 사회문제가 되고 있는 실정이다. 지금까지 고려인삼의 대표적인 동물실험 및 임상학적 연구결과를 종합하여 보면 성인의 난치성 만성질환에 대해서 치료제보다는 질병을 예방하고 회복촉진에 보다 큰 효과 있음을 확인할 수 있다. 이는 인삼이 식품과 의약품의 중간에 위치한 식품의약품(Nutraceutical)의 용도로 활용할 수 있음을 시사한다. 현재까지 인삼제품에 표시되는 기능성의 내용은 약 3,000여편 이상의 약리효능에 관련된 논문이 발표되었다 하더라도 "피로회복, 면역력 증진, 혈소판 응집 억제를 통한 혈액흐름에 도움이 됩니다"이며 이외의 기능성 표시는 현재로서 원칙적으로 불가한 것으로 되어 있다. 그러나 시험물질의 규격화 및 임상시험의 검토기준을 만족시키는 과학적 자료제출에 의한 개별 평가 후 표시내용의 확대가 가능하다. 고려인삼의 다양한 성분 중 ginsenoside는 주요 약효성분으로 인정을 받고 있으며 현재 품질관리의 지표성분으로 활용되고 있다. 이러한 개별 ginsenoside의 약리작용을 보면 서로 유사 또는 상반된 효과를 보여주는 성분들이 공존하고 있어 인삼의 다양한 약리효과와 일맥상통하는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 아울러, ginsenoside는 인삼의 부위 별로 현격한 차이를 보여주기 때문에 소재의 규격화는 매우 중요하다고 판단된다. 따라서, 인삼제품 개발의 가장 중요한 조건은 의약품에 가까운 기능성식품으로 세계적인 제품을 만들기 위해서는 표준화가 선행되어야 한다. 이와 같은 조건을 잘 충족시키는 제품이 스위스 "파마톤의 진사나(백삼추출물, G115)" 제품으로 생각할 수 있다. 따라서, 고려인삼의 수출시장 확대 및 세계적인 제품을 위해서는 진사나에 필적할 수 있는 새로운 홍삼의 표준화된 추출물을 도출하는 것이 무엇보다 급선무라 생각한다. 아울러 고려인삼의 특장점 발굴을 위한 표준화 된 추출분획물, 활성성분 및 효능과 연계한 새로운 고부가가치 창출제품(식품/의약품)개발에 주력해야 할 것이다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.212-218
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• 2010

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to enhance endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in experimental animals; however, little is known about its pharmacological effects on vascular stiffness in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was carried out to determine whether KRG has beneficial effects on arterial stiffness, cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma lipid profiles and blood pressure (BP), and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) activity. Twenty patients (mean age, 62.5 years) with stable angina pectoris were given KRG (2.7 g/day) and a placebo alternatively for 10 weeks. Blood biochemical analysis and pulse wave velocity (PWV) recording were performed on day 0 and after the completion of each treatment. ROCK activity was assessed based on the level of phospho-$Thr^{853}$ in the myosin-binding subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase, determined by Western blot analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. KRG significantly decreased the systolic BP, brachial ankle PWV, and heart femoral PWV in the patients (all p<0.05), but did not significantly alter the serum lipid profiles, including triglycerides and total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The ROCK activity tended to decrease (p=0.068) following KRG treatment. The placebo did not significantly alter any of the variables. In conclusion, KRG decreased systolic BP and arterial stiffness, probably via the inhibition of ROCK activity, in patients with CAD, but had a neutral effect on serum lipid profiles. Our data suggest that KRG has a therapeutic effect on CAD.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2010

Thirty-four strains of Lactobacillus species were isolated from soil and eight of these isolates (M1-4 and P1-4) were capable of growing on red ginseng agar. The M1 and P2 strains were determined to be L. plantarum and other strains (M2, M3, M4, P1, P3 and P4) were determined to be L. brevis. Fermentation of red ginseng extract (RGE) with strains M1, M2, P2 and P4 resulted in a low level of total carbohydrate content (174.3, 170.0, 158.8 and 164.8 mg/mL, respectively). RGE fermented by M3 showed a higher level of uronic acid than the control. The polyphenol levels in RGE fermented by M1, P1 and P2 (964.9, 941.7 and $965.3\;{\mu}g/mL$, respectively) were higher than the control ($936.8\;{\mu}g/mL$). Total saponin contents in fermented RGE (except M1) were higher than the control. RGE fermented by M2 and M3 had the highest levels of total ginsenosides (31.7 and 32.7 mg/mL, respectively). The levels of the ginsenoside Rg3 increased from 2.6 mg/mL (control) to 3.0 mg/mL (M2) or 3.1 mg/mL (M3). RGE fermented by M2 and M3 also had the highest levels of Rg5+Rk1 (7.7 and 8.3 mg/mL, respectively). Metabolite contents of ginsenoside (sum of CK, Rh1, Rg5, Rk1, Rg3 and Rg2) of M2 (13.0 mg/mL) and M3 (13.9 mg/mL) were also at a high level among the fermented RGE. Protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol content of ginsenoside of M2 (10.9 and 5.4 mg/mL, respectively) and M3 (11.0 and 5.7 mg/mL, respectively) were at higher levels than other fermented RGE.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.222-229
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• 2007

Changes on physicochemical properties of fresh Korean ginseng during repeated 9 times steaming processes, steaming $90{\sim}95^{\circ}C$ for $1{\sim}3\;hr$ followed by hot air-drying at $50^{\circ}C$ for $36{\sim}48\;hr$, were investigated. The water contents decreased from 73.4% of fresh ginseng to 13.7% finally. The final yields in bases of total weights and dry matter were 21.0% and 79.0%, respectively. As the times of steaming processes increased, lightness (L value) decreased and redness (a value) increased in color of ginseng powder. Browning index also rapidly increased after 3 times of steaming process in particular. Total water soluble sugar contents decreased from 55.4% in fresh to 38.6% in final processed ginseng, but acidic polysaccharide contents increased by about 50% with increasing times of steaming process. Total phenolic compound contents significantly increased with repeated steaming processes especially after 5 times of steaming processes and crude saponin contents also increased in some degree. In the case of major ginsenosides, the contents of $Rb_1$, $Rb_2$, $Rg_1$, Re (representative ginsenosides in fresh ginseng) decreased, but those of $Rg_2$, $Rh_1$, $Rg_3$ (unique ginsenosides in red ginseng) increased after especially 5 times of steaming processes.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1 s.37
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• pp.161-171
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• 1999

This study was performed to investigate the effect of complex formula(CKRG) consisting of Panax ginseng Radix rubra Koreana. Ganoderma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Glycyrrhizae Radix and Laminariae Thallus on brain ischemia and injury such as KCN-induced brain injury, forced brain ischemia, pulmonary thrombosis. The results were summarized as follows: 1. CKRG extracts showed a decrease of the duration of KCN-induced coma and showcd an increase in life expectancy. 2. CKRG extracts showed a decrease of neurologic grade in hind limb but did not affect neurologic grades in fore limb. Also. CKRG extracts showed a significant decrease of brain ischemic area and edema in MCA occlusion, 3. CKRG extracts showed a protective effect on pulmonary thrombosis induced by collagen and epinephrine. These data suggested that CKRG extracts could be applied to the protection of brain ischemia and injury.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.619-627
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• 1997

It is known that 2-methyl-1,4-naphtoquinone(menadione, MD) induces hepatotoxicities both in vivo and in vitro. These toxic effects are believed to result from oxidative damages to hepatocytes by "active oxygen" species via one-electron reduction of the naphtoquinone. The ginsenoside(GS) is a complex mixture of individual ginsenosides which is known to produce a range of effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In particular, GS has an antioxidant effect. In this experiment we studied the effect of GS from red panax ginseng(red ginseng total saponin, RGTS) on free radical-induced liver injuries by MD. Administration of MD($150{\mu}M$) caused an increase in aspartate aminotransferase(AST) activities and lipid peroxidation, decrease in alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities and total bilirubin levels in blood, caused depletion of GSH and changes of antioxidant enzyme(superoxide dismutase, catalase) activities are shown in liver tissue. Administration of RGTS restored the AST levels that increased by MD, but catalase showed no significant changes. RGTS also had an effect of restoring the GSH level and had some synergistic effects with SOD. These data suggest that RGTS may have some protective effects on liver injury which is related with the oxygen free radical.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.272-281
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• 2019

Background: Diabetic sensorineural damage is a complication of the sensory neural system, resulting from long-term hyperglycemia. Red ginseng (RG) has shown efficacy for treatment of various diseases, including diabetes mellitus; however, there is little research about its benefit for treating sensorineural damage. Therefore, we aim to evaluate RG efficacy in alloxan-induced diabetic neuromast (AIDN) zebrafish. Methods: In this study, we developed and validated an AIDN zebrafish model. To assess RG effectiveness, we observed morphological changes in live neuromast zebrafish. Also, zebrafish has been observed to have an ultrastructure of hair-cell cilia under scanning electron microscopy. Thus, we recorded these physiological traits to assess hair cell function. Finally, we confirmed that RG promoted neuromast recovery via nerve growth factor signaling pathway markers. Results: First, we established an AIDN zebrafish model. Using this model, we showed via live neuromast imaging that RG fostered recovery of sensorineural damage. Damaged hair cell cilia were recovered in AIDN zebrafish. Furthermore, RG rescued damaged hair cell function through cell membrane ion balance. Conclusion: Our data suggest that RG potentially facilitates recovery in AIDN zebrafish, and its mechanism seems to be promotion of the nerve growth factor pathway through increased expression of topomyosin receptor kinase A, transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily type 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.