• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2004

The present study is to determine whether the Red-ginseng extract has a proliferative or cytotoxic effect on the human neuronal stem cells(hNSCs). The hNSCs were grown and incubated with different doses of Red-ginseng extract. We tested the proliferative or cytotoxic effects by MTT and FACS analysis. Cell viability cell cycle analysis, DNA fragmentation, and bax or PARP expressions were evaluated. The hNSCs showed a proliferafe trend with its peak concentration at 0.3 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$. Beyond this point, higher doses decreased viabilities and showed a cytotoxic effect at 10 $\mu\textrm{g}$/$m\ell$. There was a tendency of increased S and G2/M phases during cell proliferation. In a cytotoxic condition, decreased S phase and increased G0/G1 phases were noted, suggesting cell cycle arrest. The cytotoxic effect was associated with increase DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner, However PARP cleavage or bax expression was not detected. Our results suggest that Red-ginseng extract has dual effects, the cell proliferative or cytotoxic effect, on hNSCs in vitro with dose-dependent manner.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.188-205
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• 2022

Panax ginseng is a medicinal plant is a material with various pharmacological activities and research suggests that it is particularly effective in representative metabolic diseases such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Therefore, in this study, systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the comprehensive effect of P. ginseng on metabolic parameters representing these metabolic diseases. A total of 23 papers were collected for inclusion in the study, from which 27 datasets were collected. The investigational products included P. ginseng and Korean Red ginseng. Across the included studies, the dose ranged from 200 mg to 8 g and the supplementation period lasted from four to 24 weeks. The study subjects varied from healthy adults to those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and/or hyperlipidemia. As a result of the analysis, the levels of glucose and insulin area under the curves, % body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced in the P. ginseng group as compared with in the placebo group. In conclusion, P. ginseng supplementation may act as an adjuvant to prevent the development of metabolic diseases by improving markers related to blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.253-259
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• 2015

Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with obesity. This study investigated effect of high hydrostatic pressure extract of red ginseng (HRG) on inflammation in rats with high-fat (HF) diet induced obesity. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats (80~110 g) were randomly divided into two groups, and fed a 45% HF diet (HF) and a 45% HF diet containing 1.5% HRG (HF+HRG) for 14 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the serum leptin level was reduced by the HRG supplementation. The mRNA expression of genes related to adipogenesis including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and adipocyte protein 2 was down-regulated in the white adipose tissue (WAT). The mRNA levels of major inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and interleukin-6 were remarkably down-regulated by the HRG in WAT. These results suggest that HRG might be beneficial in ameliorating the inflammation-associated health complications by suppressing adipogenic and pro-inflammatory gene expression.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.486-503
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• 2022

This study explored the physiochemical and rheological properties of chicken breast sausages containing red ginseng marc (RGM) which contains useful components but is discarded. When compared to the control group, the use of RGM significantly increased the water holding capacity (WHC) as the particle size increased. As for the change in color value, addition of RGM resulted in an increase in a and b values; as the quantity was increased and particle size decreased, the a and b values increased significantly. The smaller the particle size of RGM, the greater was the radical scavenging activity. According to the results of the measurement of the viscoelasticity of chicken breast sausage containing RGM, the G' and G'' values increased with increasing amounts of RGM and particle size. Neither the addition of RGM nor its amount or particle size had any significant effect on gel formation temperature. The texture profile analysis (TPA) experiment examined the average TPA measurements of each sample under different measurement conditions, and no significant difference between the RGM and control groups were observed. In conclusion, when RGM is used in chicken breast sausages, the WHC, antioxidant capacity, and viscoelastic properties are affected. RGM can possibly be utilized in high value-added processed meat products if its quantity and particle size are altered based on product characteristics.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.59-66
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• 2002

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of red ginseng product and combined exercise on the changes of blood lipids(total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride) and body composition (weight, % body fat) of obese women in their twenties. The experiments were performed with 21 women who had up to 30% body fat. They were randomly assigned into three groups [CON : control group (n=7), EXPI : red ginseng product group (n=7), EXP2 red ginseng product + exercise group (n=7)]. EXPI group and EXP2 group took red ginseng product for 12 weeks, and especially EXP2 group performed combined three-times-a-week exercise during the experiments period, too. The blood of each group was also sampled for three times (before experiments, after 8 weeks, after 12 weeks) to know the changes of blood lipid profile. Weight and %body fat were measured by body composition analyser. After 12 weeks, weight increased in CON group, but decreased in EXP1 and EXP2 group significantly. %body fat significantly decreased in EXP1 and EXP2 group, but not in CON group. When other two groups steadily increased in TC, EXP2 group constantly decreased, although there was no significant difference. After 12 weeks, while CON group and EXP2 group decreased within narrow limits in HDL-C, EXPI group was showing a rising tendency. But couldn't find any significant difference. Between the 8th and the 12th week, CON group and EXPI group were showing a rising tendency in LDL-C. But there was little change in EXP2 group. The results of ANOVA didn't show any significant difference. In TG, CON group and EXP2 group had little change. On the other hand, EXPI group steadily decreased. But there was no significant difference. In conclusion, with the 12-week experiments, weight and %body tat significantly decreased by red ginseng product and combined exercise which could derive profitable changes from blood lipids-especially total cholesterol, HDL-C, TG.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.94-104
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• 2015

Background: Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is an important medicinal herbs in Asia. However, ginseng varieties are less developed. Method: To developed ginseng varieties, a pure line selection method was applied in this study. Results: Gumpoong was testing of 4-yr-old specimens in 2002, the proportions of the below-ground roots that were rusty colored for Gumpoong was 1.29 in Daejeon and 1.45 in Eumseong, whereas the proportions for its yellow berry variant were 2.60 and 2.45 in the two regions, respectively. Thus the Gumpoong was resistant to root rust. Sunpoong has a high yielding property. Its average root weight is 70.6 g for 6-yr-old roots. Its yield is 2.9 kg/$1.62m^2$ and the rate of heaven- and earth-grade product is 20.9%, which is very high compared to 9.4% for Yunpoong. Sunone is resistance to root rot and the survival rate of 4-yr-old roots was 44.4% in 1997, whereas that of the violet-stem variant landrace was 21.7%. Sunhyang has content of arginyl-fructosyl-glucose (AFG), which produces the unique scent of red ginseng, is $95.1{\mu}mol/g$ and greater than the $30.8{\mu}mol/g$ of Chunpoong in 6-yr-old plants. Sunun and Cheongsun are being nurtured to protect genetic resources. Conclusion: Developed ginsneg varieties will be used as the basis for the protection of genetic resources and breeding.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.383-391
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• 1994

A substance that inhibit the lipolytic action of Toxohormone-L was a crude acidic polysaccharide isolated from Korean red and white ginseng. The total inhibitory activities (units) of PGI and PG4 fraction in white ginseng and those of PG,, PG4 and PG43 fraction in red ginseng were higher than other fractions in vitro test. Each water extract of ginseng was effective against the lipolysis induced by the Toxohormone-L at the concentration over 10~100$\mu$l/ml. The total inhibitory activities (units) were highest at the concentration of 100ug/ml and 1,000ug/ml in the 4-year and 5-year old white ginseng root respectively, while, it was higher in the 6-year old ginseng than other ages regardless of the reaction concentration In the red ginseng. The inhibitory effect of ginsenos1de - Rb2 on the lipolysis by Toxohormone-L was higher than other ginsenosides at the concentration of 100 $\mu$g to 500 $\mu$g/ml of reaction mixture, and total inhibitory activities (units) of ginsenoside -Rb2 were also higher than other treatments.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2023

Background: Air pollution has led to an increased exposure of all living organisms to fine dust. Therefore, research efforts are being made to devise preventive and therapeutic remedies against fine dust-induced chronic diseases. Methods: Research of the respiratory protective effects of KRG extract in a particulate matter (PM; aerodynamic diameter of <4 ㎛) plus diesel exhaust particle (DEP) (PM4+D)-induced airway inflammation model. Nitric oxide production, expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and IRAK-1, TAK-1, and MAPK pathways were examined in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. BALB/c mice exposed to PM4+D mixture by intranasal tracheal injection three times a day for 12 days at 3 day intervals and KRGE were administered orally for 12 days. Histological of lung and trachea, and immune cell subtype analyses were performed. Expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung were measured. Immunohistofluorescence staining for IRAK-1 localization in lung were also evaluated. Results: KRGE inhibited the production of nitric oxide, the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines, and expression and phosphorylation of all downstream factors of NF-κB, including IRAK-1 and MAPK/AP1 pathway in PM4-stimulated MH-S cells. KRGE suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and number of immune cells, histopathologic damage, and inflammatory symptoms in the BALF and lungs induced by PM4+D; these included increased alveolar wall thickness, accumulation of collagen fibers, and TNF-α, MIP2, CXCL-1, IL-1α, and IL-17 cytokine release. Moreover, PM4 participates induce alveolar macrophage death and interleukin-1α release by associating with IRAK-1 localization was also potently inhibited by KRGE in the lungs of PM4+D-induced airway inflammation model. KRGE suppresses airway inflammatory responses, including granulocyte infiltration into the airway, by regulating the expression of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of IRAK-1 and MAPK pathway. Conclusion: Our results indicate the potential of KRGE to serve as an effective therapeutic agent against airway inflammation and respiratory diseases.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.429-435
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• 2018

Background: Recent studies have shown that Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) successfully protects against dopaminergic neuronal death in the nigrostriatal pathway of a Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) administration; however, the mechanism has yet to be identified. Therefore, in this study we used two-dimensional electrophoresis to investigate the effects of KRG on the changes in protein expression in the substantia nigra (SN) of MPTP-treated mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (9 wk old) were intraperitoneally administered MPTP (20 mg/kg) four times at 2-h intervals, after which KRG (100 mg/kg) was orally administered once a day for 5 d. Two hours after the fifth KRG administration, a pole test was conducted to evaluate motor function, after which the brains were immediately collected. Survival of dopaminergic neurons was measured by immunohistochemistry, and protein expression was measured by two-dimensional electrophoresis and Western blotting. Results: KRG alleviated MPTP-induced behavioral dysfunction and neuronal toxicity in the SN. Additionally, the expression of eight proteins related to neuronal formation and energy metabolism for survival were shown to have changed significantly in response to MPTP treatment or KRG administration. KRG alleviated the downregulated protein expression following MPTP administration, indicating that it may enhance neuronal development and survival in the SN of MPTP-treated mice. Conclusion: These findings indicate that KRG may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of patients with PD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.132-138
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• 2009

Previous studies suggest that even low-dose irradiation can lead to progressive cognitive decline and memory deficits, which implicates, in part, hippocampal dysfunction in both humans and experimental animals. In this study, whether red ginseng (RG) could attenuate memory impairment was investigated through a passive-avoidance and object recognition memory test, as well as the suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis, using the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemical detection with markers of neurogenesis (Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX)) in adult mice treated with a relatively low-dose exposure to gamma radiation (0.5 or 2.0 Gy). RG was administered intraperitonially at a dosage of 50 mg/kg of body weight, at 36 and 12 h pre-irradiation and at 30 minutes post-irradiation, or orally at a dosage of 250 mg! kg of body weight/day for seven days before autopsy. In the passive-avoidance and object recognition memory test, the mice that were trained for one day after acute irradiation (2 Gy) showed significant memory deficits compared with the sham controls. The number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei in the dentate gyrus (DG) was increased 12 h after irradiation. In addition, the number of Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells was significantly decreased. RG treatment prior to irradiation attenuated the memory defect and blocked apoptotic death as well as a decrease in the Ki-67- and DCX-positive cells. RG may attenuate memory defect in a relatively low-dose exposure to radiation in adult mice, possibly by inhibiting the detrimental effect of irradiation on hippocampal neurogenesis.