• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.704-716
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• 2020

Background: Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a characterized component in red ginseng widely used in Korea and China. GRh2 exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, its effects on Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection have not been clarified yet. Methods: The effect of GRh2 against T. gondii was assessed under in vitro and in vivo experiments. The BV2 cells were infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain, and the effects of GRh2 were evaluated by MTT assay, morphological observations, immunofluorescence staining, a trypan blue exclusion assay, reverse transcription PCR, and Western blot analyses. The in vivo experiment was conducted with BALB/c mice inoculated with lethal amounts of tachyzoites with or without GRh2 treatment. Results and conclusion: The GRh2 treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of T. gondii under in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, GRh2 blocked the activation of microglia and specifically decreased the release of inflammatory mediators in response to T. gondii infection through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. In mice, GRh2 conferred modest protection from a lethal dose of T. gondii. After the treatment, the proliferation of tachyzoites in the peritoneal cavity of infected mice markedly decreased. Moreover, GRh2 also significantly decreased the T. gondii burden in mouse brain tissues. These findings indicate that GRh2 exhibits an antieT. gondii effect and inhibits the microglial activation through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, providing the basic pharmacological basis for the development of new drugs to treat toxoplasmic encephalitis.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.392-402
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• 2017

Background: Previously, we reported that Korean Red Ginseng inhibited liver fibrosis in mice and reduced the expressions of fibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The present study was undertaken to identify the major ginsenoside responsible for reducing the numbers of HSCs and the underlying mechanism involved. Methods: Using LX-2 cells (a human immortalized HSC line) and primary activated HSCs, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assays were conducted to examine the cytotoxic effects of ginsenosides. $H_2O_2$ productions, glutathione contents, lactate dehydrogenase activities, mitochondrial membrane permeabilities, apoptotic cell subpopulations, caspase-3/-7 activities, transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunoblot analysis were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for ginsenoside-mediated cytotoxicity. Involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related signaling pathway was examined using a chemical inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. Results and conclusion: Of the 11 ginsenosides tested, 20S-protopanaxadiol (PPD) showed the most potent cytotoxic activity in both LX-2 cells and primary activated HSCs. Oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis induced by 20S-PPD was blocked by N-acetyl-$\text\tiny L$-cysteine pretreatment. In addition, 20S-PPD concentration-dependently increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, and compound C prevented 20S-PPD-induced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, 20S-PPD increased the phosphorylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an upstream kinase of AMPK. Likewise, transfection of LX-2 cells with LKB1 siRNA reduced the cytotoxic effect of 20S-PPD. Thus, 20S-PPD appears to induce HSC apoptosis by activating LKB1-AMPK and to be a therapeutic candidate for the prevention or treatment of liver fibrosis.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-45
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ginseng extract (GSE) and taurine (TR) are widely used antifatigue resources in functional foods. However, the mechanism underlying the antifatigue effects of GSE and TR are still unclear. Hence, we investigated whether GSE and TR have synergistic effects against fatigue in mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: L6 cells were treated with different concentrations of TR and GSE, and cell viability was determined using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium. Oxidative stress was analyzed by immunocytochemistry using MitoTracker^TM Red FM and an anti-8-oxoguanine antibody. Respiratory gas analysis was performed to investigate metabolism. Expression of an activated protein kinase was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Gene expression of cluster of differentiation 36 and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4 was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Mice were orally administered TR, GSE, or their combination for 30 days, and then fatigue-related parameters, including lactate, blood urea nitrogen, and glycogen, were measured after forced swimming. RESULTS: TR and GSE reduced oxidative stress levels in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated L6 cells and enhanced the oxygen uptake and lipid metabolism in mice after acute exercise. After oral administration of TR or GSE for 30 days, the fatigue-related parameters did not change in mice. However, the mice administered GSE (400 mg/kg/day) alone for 30 days could swim longer than those from the other groups. Further, no synergistic effect was observed after the swimming exercise in mice treated with the TR and GSE combination for 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggest that TR and GSE may exert antifatigue effects in mice after acute exercise by enhancing oxygen uptake and lipid oxidation.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.337-346
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• 2023

Background: Ginsenoside Rb2, a major active component of Panax ginseng, has various physiological activities, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the rejuvenation effect of Rb2 in human skin cells have not been elucidated. Methods: We performed a senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining assay to confirm cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The regulatory effects of Rb2 on autophagy were evaluated by analyzing the expression of autophagy marker proteins, such as microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain (LC) 3 and p62, using immunoblotting. Autophagosome and autolysosome formation was monitored using transmission electron microscopy. Autophagic flux was analyzed using tandem-labeled GFP-RFP-LC3, and lysosomal function was assessed with Lysotracker. We performed RNA sequencing to identify potential target genes related to HDF rejuvenation mediated by Rb2. To verify the functions of the target genes, we silenced them using shRNAs. Results: Rb2 decreased β-galactosidase activity and altered the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in senescent HDFs. Rb2 markedly induced the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and LC3 puncta. Moreover, Rb2 increased lysosomal function and red puncta in tandem-labeled GFP-RFP-LC3, which indicate that Rb2 promoted autophagic flux. RNA sequencing data showed that the expression of DNA damage-regulated autophagy modulator 2 (DRAM2) was induced by Rb2. In autophagy signaling, Rb2 activated the AMPK-ULK1 pathway and inactivated mTOR. DRAM2 knockdown inhibited autophagy and Rb2-restored cellular senescence. Conclusion: Rb2 reverses cellular senescence by activating autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway and induction of DRAM2, suggesting that Rb2 might have potential value as an antiaging agent.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.251-258
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• 1984

In order to improve the physical properties on moisture sorption of spray dried red ginseng extract powder (SD-RGEP), the various additives and coating agents were treated, and solubility, sedimentation rate and storage stability of RGEPs treated were investigated. For the moisture-proofing, additive itself was effective in the order casein>dextrin>starch>avicell, but RGEPs treated with additives were effective in the order cord oil+tween-40>starch>casein. But there was no significant difference between RGEP treated less than 1% additive and the moisture-proofing. The coating effect of AEA and CAP on RGEP could not be recognized for the moisture-proofing, whereas that of HPC, corn oil, lecithin and HPC+corn oil was proved to be very effective for the moisture-proofing of RGEP. Also it is required to control the initial moisture content of RGEP. The sedimentation rate of RGEP nontreated was 65.1 seconds, whereas that of RGEPs coated with 1% HPC, 1% corn oil, 1% lecithin and 1% HPC+0.5% corn oil was in the range of 96.2 to 114.3 seconds. The sedimentation rate of RGEPs coated was 1.5 to 1.8 times higher than that of RGEP nontreated, and there was significant difference between solubility and sedimentation rate. Therefore it was no matter for the keeping quality. The sorption rates of RGEPs coated with lecithin $(0.5{\sim}1.0%$), corn oil(0.8%) and cellulose acetate (0.8%) were ranged 54 to 56%, 51 to 55% and 52 to 54%, respectively, and it is found that the moisture-proofing effect of RGEPs coated was about 2 times higher than that of RGEP nontreated. From the result of storage experiment during 3 months under the maltreated condition of $48{\pm}2^{\circ}C$, 75% RH, the moisture sorption of RGEPs coated with corn oil$(0.5{\sim}1.0%$), cellulose acetate(DES, $0.5{\sim}0.8%$) and lecithin (DES, 1.0%) was not at all observed. Therefore it is considered that the circulating period of RGEPs coated with these coating agents could to give more than 3 years.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.242-245
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• 2005

The most common feature of neurodegenerative disease (i.e. Alzheimer's disease, AD) is the increased number of activated microglial cells nearby the pathogenic area of the brain, such as amyloid plaque in AD. An abnormality of protein regulation and an imbalance of clearance against ${\beta}-amyloid\;(A{\beta})$ produced amyloid precursor protein (APP) can turn microglia into the activated feature out of the ramified resting phase. We examined the possibility that ginsenoside Rb1 could attenuate the microglial activation induced by massive $A{\beta}$ that has known to induce a chronic inflammation, which is a major cause of AD by damaging neuronal cells (i.e. apoptosis or necrosis). Aggregated $A{\beta}42\;(5\;{\mu}M)$ peptide was used with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ($10\;{\mu}g$) for a comparative control up to 48hours. We found that Rb1 reduced the production of nitric oxide as well as proinflammatory cytokines, such as $IL-1{\beta}$ and $TNF-{\alpha}$.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.153-159
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• 2013

We investigated whether the combination of phytochemicals and acetic acid in the form of fruit vinegar provides an additive effect on changes of mRNA levels related to fatty acid oxidation in human hepatocyte (HepG2). Among the seven fruit vinegars (Rubuscoreanus, Opuntia, blueberry, cherry, red ginseng, mulberry, and pomegranate) studied, treatment of HepG2 with pomegranate vinegar (PV) at concentrations containing 1 mM acetic acid showed the highest in vitro potentiating effect on the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\alpha}$, carnitinepalmitoyl transferase-1, and acyl-CoA oxidase compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Reversed-phase liquid chromatography in combination with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis revealed four potential compounds (punicalagin B, ellagic acid, and two unidentified compounds) responsible for altered gene expression in HepG2 cells treated with PV as compared with the others. Further investigations are warranted to determine if drinking PV beverages may help to maintain a healthy body weight in overweight subjects.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.482-489
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• 2020

We previously identified β-sitosterol (BS) as one of the most abundant compounds found in Korean red ginseng oil. BS is a widely prevalent vegetable-derived phytosterol with many known health benefits. Here, we investigated the efficacy of BS against Brucella (B.) abortus infection. BS showed no effect on bacterial growth but attenuated internalization, intracellular survival and MAPKs-linked intracellular signaling in RAW264.7 cells. BS treatment in cells is also associated with increased nitrite concentration during infection at 24 h. Slightly enhanced resistance to B. abortus infection was observed in mice orally given BS, which could be mediated by induced production of proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our study demonstrates the contribution of BS treatment against B. abortus infection although further investigation is encouraged to maximize its beneficial effects against intracellular infection.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.49-66
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• 1981

The objectives of this investigation were to produce artificially an antitumor constituent by submerged culture of the mycelium of Coriolus versicolor (Fr.) Quel., to characterize the influence of various modifications of the nutrient and culture conditions with respect to the pro­duction, to determine chemical composition of the antitumor constituent, and to examine effects of the constituent on the immune response of mice. Submerged agitation of the mycelium in flasks containing a nutrient solution showed its adequate growth. Especially the mycelial growth in the medium containing glucose and yeast extract was abundant. The addition of cotton seed flour or ginseng waste to the medium increased the yield of mycelial growth and the production of the antitumor constituent. The replacement of glucose with starch also yielded the adequate growth. The antitumor constituent extracted from the mycelium and isolated from the culture filtrate was a protein-bound polysaccharide. The analyses of this constituent by GLC and amino acid autoanalysis showed that it contained four monosaccharides and fifteen amino acids. The protein-free polysaccharide of the constituent was also found to exert greater antitumor activity against sarcoma-180 in mice than the entire constituent. The antitumor constituent was found to potentiate the immune response of mice against sheep red blood cell. The protein-bound polysaccharide exerted more favorable influence on the immunity than the protein-free moiety.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.465-479
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to explains consumers' medical discourse embedded in the consumption of oriental medicine and health functional foods. Despite the fact that both of oriental medicine and western medicine is legally accepted, people tend to recognize that accurate diagnosis is possible only in the latter. As the discourse that oriental medicine, compared with western medicine, has an auxiliary position is widely spreaded, the rivalry between herbal medicine and health functional foods come to be formed. And it led to a close correlation between the decrease of herbal medicine consumption and the growth of health supplement market. Herbal medicine is compared to red ginseng, one of the representative health supplement. Negative notion such as using an Asian herb from China and side effect of hepatotoxicity influences herbal medicine consumption. This study argues two conclusion. First, the correlation between the consumption of herbal medicine and that of health functional foods results from the discourse of scientific reconstruction, standardization, and commercialization all of which come from globalization discourse. Second, medical discourse embedded in these commodity, in the end, has impact on agricultural production.