• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2001.10a
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• pp.181.1-181.1
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1528-1528
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• 2001

Ginseng cultivated in different country or growing condition has generally different components such as saponin and protein, and it relates to efficacy and action. Protein content assumes by nitrogen content in ginseng radix. Nitrogen content could be determined by chemical analysis such as kjeldahl or extraction methods. However, these methods require long analysis time and result environmental pollution and sample damage. In this work we investigated possibility of non-destructive determination of nitrogen content in ginseng radix using near-infrared spectroscopy. Ginseng radix, root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, was studied. Total 120 samples were used in this study and it was consisted of 6 sample sets, 4, 5 and 6-year-old Korea ginseng and 7, 8 and 9-year-old China ginseng, respectively. Each sample set has 20 sample. Nigrogen content was measured by electronic analysis. NIR reflectance spectra were collected over the 1100 to 2500 nm spectral region with a InfraAlyzer 500C (Bran+Luebbe, Germany) equipped with a halogen lapmp and PbS detector and data were collected every 2 nm data point intervals. The calibration models were carried out by multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis using IDAS and SESAME software. Result of electronic analysis, Korean ginseng were different mean value in nitrogen content of China ginseng. Ginseng tend to generally decrease the nitrogen content according as cultivation year is over 6 years. The MLR calibration model with 8 wavelengths using IDAS software accurately predicted nitrogen contents with correlation coefficient (R) and standard error of prediction of 0.985 and 0.855%, respectively. In case of SESAME software, the MLR calibration with 9 wavelength was selected the best calibration, R and SEP were 0.972 and 0.596%, respectively. The PLSR calibration model result in 0.969 of R and 0.630 of RMSEP. This study shows the NIR spectroscopy could be applied to determine the nitrogen content in ginseng radix with high accuracy.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.145-151
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• 2011

Backgrounds: Multidisciplinary approaches including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are currently being performed to target various cancers in Western Medicine. However, some cancers still remain difficult to battle, which has long attracted many scientists for the discovery of new agents to fight cancers. Ginseng is one of the herbs used in Oriental Medicine including Korea, China and Japan. We have further investigated ginseng for its anticancer effect. Objective: This is a comprehensive review summary of anticancer effect of ginseng and ginsenoids as a possible agent for future cancer treatment. Methods: Data were retrieved from two web sites; www.pubmed.com and www.riss.kr, and authorized texts concerning anticancer effects of ginseng. From collected data, information on anticancer effect of ginseng was thoroughly sorted, restructured, then assessed. Results: Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer belongs to Araliaceae Panax family, a perennial prairie plant with its root known as Ginseng Radix. Ginseng induces anticancer effect through cell cycle arrest, acceleration of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, and suppression of metastasis. Anticancer effect of ginseng may be due to single compound or multi-compound actions. Many studies report involvement of immune mechanisms of cytokines, Natural Killer (NK) cells, macrophages and some antibodies in enhancing anticancer effect of ginseng. In near future, possibility of applying these mechanisms into clinical trials is convinced. There were some important findings on saponin in ginsenoids in reviewing for this article; First, eradication of metastatic tumors were influenced by macrophage activation. Second, suppression of malignant melanoma cell metastasis to lung were induced by macrophage and NK cell activation in spleen with red ginseng acidic polysaccharide (RGAP). Third, final metabolites of M1, M4 had exerted anticancer effect of ginseng. Conclusion: Unknown anticancer mechanisms of ginseng have been studied for many years up until now. Ginseng is comprised of multiple bio-chemical compounds that create complex pharmaceutical interactions. Therefore, for its proper usage and safe prescription, studies on different types of ginseng and patients' susceptibility to ginseng according to their constitution and stages of the disease should be further pursued. More efforts are needed to understand the anticancer mechanisms of ginseng as well.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-18
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• 2005

Ginseng Radix, the root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer has been used in Eastern Asia for 2000 years as a tonic and restorative, promoting health and longevity. Two varieties are commercially available: white ginseng(Ginseng Radix Alba) is produced by air-drying the root, while red ginseng(Ginseng Radix Rubra) is produced by steaming the root followed by drying. These two varieties of different processing have somewhat differences by heat processing between them. During the heat processing for preparing red ginseng, it has been found to exhibit inactivation of catabolic enzymes, thereby preventing deterioration of ginseng quality and the increased antioxidant-like substances which inhibit lipid peroxide formation, and also good gastro-intestinal absorption by gelatinization of starch. Moreover, studies of changes in ginsenosides composition due to different processing of ginseng roots have been undertaken. The results obtained showed that red ginseng differ from white ginseng due to the lack of acidic malonyl-ginsenosides. The heating procedure in red ginseng was proved to degrade the thermally unstable malonyl-ginsenoside into corresponding netural ginsenosides. Also the steaming process of red ginseng causes degradation or transformation of neutral ginsenosides. Ginsenosides $Rh_2,\;Rh_4,\;Rs_3,\;Rs_4\;and\;Rg_5$, found only in red ginseng, have been known to be hydrolyzed products derived from original saponin by heat processing, responsible for inhibitory effects on the growth of cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis. 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$ was also formed in red ginseng and was shown to exhibit vasorelaxation properties, antimetastatic activities, and anti-platelet aggregation activity. Recently, steamed red ginseng at high temperature was shown to provide enhance the yield of ginsenosides $Rg_3\;and\;Rg_5$ characteristic of red ginseng Additionally, one of non-saponin constituents, panaxytriol, was found to be structually transformed from polyacetylenic alcohol(panaxydol) showing cytotoxicity during the preparation of red ginseng and also maltol, antioxidant maillard product, from maltose and arginyl-fructosyl-glucose, amino acid derivative, from arginine and maltose. In regard to the in vitro and in vivo comparative biological activities, red ginseng was reported to show more potent activities on the antioxidant effect, anticarcinogenic effect and ameliorative effect on blood circulation than those of white ginseng. In oriental medicine, the ability of red ginseng to supplement the vacancy(허) was known to be relatively stronger than that of white ginseng, but very few are known on its comparative clinical studies. Further investigation on the preclinical and clinical experiments are needed to show the differences of indications and efficacies between red and white ginsengs on the basis of oriental medicines.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.11-18
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• 2010

Object : This study was to evaluate the effect of Ginseng Radix, aqueous extracts of the root part of Panax ginseng on the 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil(PTU)-induced rat hypothyroidism. Methods : Aqueous extracts of Ginseng Radix(GR; yield = 11.70%) were administered, once day for 42 days from 2 weeks before start of PTU treatment as an oral dose of 300 and 150 mg/kg(body weight), and hypothyroidism was induced by daily subcutaneous treatment of PTU 10mg/kg for 28 days. The changes in the body weight, thyroid gland weights, serum levels of thyroid hormone-thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), tri-iodothyronine(T3) and thyroxine(T4), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL), high density lipoprotein(HDL) and triglyceride, liver antioxidant defense system-lipid peroxidation, $H_2O_2$, superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) were observed with histopathology of thyroid glands. Results : Results were compared with LevoT4 0.5mg/kg treated rats. GR extracts suppressed the decreases in the body weight, thyroid gland weights, T3 and T4, TG, liver $H_2O_2$ and SOD activities as results of PTU treatment. And GR extracts suppressed the increases of HDL contents, liver CAT activities, thyroid gland weight as results of PTU treatment. In addition, marked hyperplasia of follicular cells with decreases of follicular colloid contentsand sizes were demonstrated at histopathological inspections. However, these PTU-induced histopathological changes related to hypothyroidism were dramatically decreased by treatment of both different dosages of GR extract, respectively Conclusions : This study suggest that GR extracts have favorable effects on the thyroid hormone productions with beneficial effects on the hypothyroidism mediated by the modulatory effects on the antioxidant defense system.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.26-39
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• 2009

Objectives: Pulse energy values recorded with an add-pres sure-type pulse apparatus were correlated with Sasang constitutional syndromes in order to match pulse energy values with Sasang prescriptions. Methods: The pulse energy values were measured with Daeyo Pulse Apparatus at the Gwan pulse point of both wrists. Prescriptions were divided into two major categories of interior syndromes or exterior syndromes, and categorized according to major component herbs specific to each of the four Sasang constitutions, and the relationship between the pulse energy and each groups divided by their prescription was studied. Results: About 10% of all people had nonmal pulse energy values. 10% had values over normal range, and $70\sim80%$ had lower values than normal. The normal range of pulse energy was regarded as being between 450 and 700. Conclusions: 1. For patients of the Soeum constitution, prescriptions without Panax ginseng is suitable for patients with high pulse energy, and prescriptions containing Panax ginseng are suitable for patients who have lower pulse energy. 2. All prescriptions for the Soyang constitution containing Rehmannia radix preparata or Comus officinalis are suitable for patients who have lower pulse energy, and prescriptions containing Rehmannia radix or Gypsum fibrosum are applicable to patients with pulse energy values higher than normal. 3. Most prescriptions for the Taeum constitution containing Semen coicis or Semen castaneae are suitable for patients with lower pulse energy, and prescriptions containing Radix puerariae or Radix et rhizoma rhei can be prescribed for patients who have lower pulse energy levels. 4. The Taeyang constitutional prescription Ogapijangcuck-tang is suitable for patients who have higher pulse energy levels and Mihudeungsikjang-tang is better for patients with lower than normal pulse values. As described above, the pulse energy level of each patient can be matched with a specific Sasang constitutional prescription. If this relationship is taken into consideration with other conventional symptoms, it can be helpful in diagnosis, improving efficacy of treatment, and be used as objective evidence.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.35-82
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• 2001

In the Encyclopedia Medica Koreana(Dongeuibogam), I have researched 245 prescriptions in which Panax Ginseng plays an important role. And I have got the following results. The healing scope and frequency of ginseng-mainly-included prescriptions are Child Part 29(11.83%), Violent Cough Part 23(9.38%), Sick-by-Cold Part 21(8.57%), Oncosis Part 16(6.53%), Overwork Part 14(5.71%), Gynecologic Part 14(5.71%), Internal Part 13(5.3%), Apoplexy Part 11(4.48%), Mind Part 10(4.08%) and Fecal Part 10(4.08%) prescriptions. And also each of Nausea Part, Anger Part, and Spirit parts has the same 5 (2.04%) prescriptions. And each of Qi Part, Diabetes Meatus Part, Malaria Part, and Humoral Part has 4(1.63%) prescriptions. And each of Foot Part, Choleraic Part, Genital Part, Blood Part, and Voice Part has 3 (1.2%). All of these prescriptions cover 88.88%. And besides listed parts above, Panax Ginseng is all used in 48 Parts: Body-Mind Part. Mouth-Tongue Part, Breast Part, Muscle Part, Swelling Part, Urine Part, Epidermis Part, Heat Part, Anus Part, Stomach Part, Eye Part, Laryngopharynx Part. Uterus Part" Heavy Stomach Part, Head Part, Pulse Part, Hair Part, Navel Part, Emetic Part, Costal Part, Edema Part, Vomiting Part, Superstitious Part, and Cardiac Part, etc. Of the prescriptions in which Panax Ginseng plays an important role, the most representative diseases, which more than 86.8% prescriptions cure, are shock, numbness from cold, Taeeum disease, oncosis, overwork, sick from eating, numbness of extremities, diarrhea, tachycardia, forgetfulness, nausea, heat from kidney, nocturnal emission, short breath, diabetes meatus, malaria, sweating, sweating overnight, beriberi, cholera, insomnia from enervation, sialitis, navel pain, hemorrhage, and loss of voice. The pathology of the prescriptions in which Panax Ginseng plays an important role is divided into the organ problems, six natural factors, seven extreme feelings, unbalanced humoral status, overwork, and, unbalance of qi and blood. Spleen, heart, and uterus is the main cause of organ problems; wind and cold are the main cause of six natural factors; heavy humors are the main cause of unbalanced humoral status; the stasis of seven feelings are the main cause of seven extreme feelings; the lack of stamina and overwork are the main cause of the overwork; the lack of qi, the lack of blood, and, the lack of qi and blood are the main cause of the unbalance of qi and blood. After I have researched the contents of the prescriptions in which Panax Ginseng plays an important role, I could understand the addition of the different prescriptions, combination of medicines, and the role of medicine groups associated with Panax Ginseng. So from now on, the results I have got could be used as the data which show the theoretical basis on the prescriptions.

• 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.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.308-314
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• 2011

In the present study, we investigate anti-diabetic effect of pectinase-processed ginseng radix (GINST) in high fat diet-fed ICR mice. The ICR mice were divided into three groups: regular diet group, high fat diet control group (HFD), and GINSTtreated group. To induce hyperglycemia, mice were fed a high fat diet for 10 weeks, and mice were administered with 300 mg/kg of GINST once a day for 5 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test revealed that GINST improved glucose tolerance after glucose challenge. Compared to the HFD control group, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were decreased by 57.8% (p<0.05) and 30.9% (p<0.01) in GINST-treated group, respectively. With decreased plasma glucose and insulin levels, the insulin resistance index of the GINST-treated group was reduced by 68.1% (p<0.01) compared to the HFD control group. Pancreas of GINST-treated mice preserved a morphological integrity of islets and consequently having more insulin contents. In addition, GINST up-regulated the levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its target molecule, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein expression in the skeletal muscle. Our results suggest that GINST ameliorates a hyperglycemia through activation of AMPK/GLUT4 signaling pathway, and has a therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.16-20
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• 2021

We aimed to compare the content of ginsenosides and the pharmacokinetics after the oral administration of four different ginseng products at a dose of 1 g/kg in rats. The four different ginseng products were fresh ginseng extract, red ginseng extract, white ginseng extract, and saponin enriched white ginseng extract prepared from the radix of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. The ginsenoside concentrations in the ginseng product and the rat plasma samples were determined using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Eight or nine ginsenosides of the 15 tested ginsenosides were detected; however, the content and total ginsenosides varied depending on the preparation method. Moreover, the content of triglycosylated ginsenosides was higher than that of diglycosylated ginsenosides, and deglycosylated ginsenosides were not present in any preparation. After the single oral administrations of four different ginseng products in rats, only four ginsenosides, such as 20(S)-ginsenosides Rb1 (GRb1), GRb2, GRc, and GRd, were detected in the rat plasma samples among the 15 ginsenosides tested. The plasma concentrations of GRb1, GRb2, GRc, and GRd were different depends on the preparation method but pharmacokinetic features of the four ginseng products were similar. In conclusion, a good correlation between the area under the concentration curve and the content of GRb1, GRb2, and GRc, but not GRd, in the ginseng products was identified and it might be the result of their higher content and intestinal biotransformation of the ginseng product.