• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.83-89
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• 2009

Although many species of Asparagus have been studied scientifically and shoots are used in the diet of Sardinians, there is very little literature available on the medicinal uses of Asparagus acutifolius Linn. The acetone-ethanol (1:1) extract was screened for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic activities. The extract showed good anti-oxidant activity in DPPH, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide radical assays. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and adaptogenic activity in the milk induced leucocytosis assay in rats. The results of the present study suggest need to investigate other pharmacological activities of Asparagus acutifolius.

• 셀메드
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• 제4권3호
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• pp.15.1-15.14
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• 2014

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex Nees (Family: Anthaceae) is a traditionally known Ayurvedic medicinal plant. Several well-controlled clinical trials conducted during recent years have consistently reconfirmed that Andrographis paniculata extracts are effective in suppressing cardinal symptoms of diverse inflammatory and infectious diseases. Despite extensive efforts though, many questions concerning bioactive constituents of such extracts and their modes of actions still remain unanswered. Amongst diverse diterpene lactones isolated to date from such extracts, andrographolide is often considered to be the major, representative, or bioactive secondary metabolite of the plant. Therefore, it has attracted considerable attention of several drug discovery laboratories as a lead molecule potentially useful for identifying structurally and functionally novel drug. Critical analysis of available preclinical and clinical information on Andrographis paniculata extracts and pure andrographolide strongly suggest that they are pharmacologically polyvalent and that they possess adaptogenic properties. Aim of this communication is to summarize and critically analyze such data, and to point out some possibilities for more rationally exploiting their adaptogenic properties for discovering novel therapeutic leads, or for obtaining pharmacologically better standardized phyto-pharmaceuticals.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.538-543
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• 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are a rapidly growing epidemic with high morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to develop nutraceutical-based therapy with minimum side effects to reduce cardiovascular risk. Panax ginseng occupies a prominent status in herbal medicine for its various therapeutic effects against inflammation, allergy, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer, with positive, beneficial, and restorative effects. The active components found in most P. ginseng varieties are known to include ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, alkaloids, polyacetylene, and phenolic compounds, which are considered to be the main pharmacologically active constituents in ginseng. P. ginseng is an adaptogen. That is, it supports living organisms to maintain optimal homeostasis by exerting effects that counteract physiological changes caused by physical, chemical, or biological stressors. P. ginseng possesses immunomodulatory (including both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive), neuromodulatory, and cardioprotective effects; suppresses anxiety; and balances vascular tone. P. ginseng has an antihypertensive effect that has been explained by its vasorelaxant action, and paradoxically, it is also known to increase blood pressure by vasoconstriction and help maintain cardiovascular health. Here, we discuss the potential adaptogenic effects of P. ginseng on the cardiovascular system and outline a future research perspective in this area.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.402-407
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• 2019

Background: To investigate the neurobiological evidence supporting the adaptogenic effects of Korean Red Ginseng in reducing the harmful consequences of stress using a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Method: Sixty-three subjects with high stress levels were randomized to receive an orally administered, double-blind, 6-week treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (n = 32) or placebo (n = 31). All participants underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation using Beck Depression Inventory and Stress Response Inventory, cognitive evaluation using the continuous performance test, biological evaluation by measuring blood levels of lipids, catecholamines, inflammation markers, and heart rate variability at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: At baseline, both groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, years of education, Beck Depression Inventory, and Stress Response Inventory. After 6 weeks, triglyceride levels were significantly increased within the normal limit in the Korean Red Ginseng group (F = 4.11, p = 0.048), and the epinephrine level was decreased in this group (F = 4,35, p = 0.043). The triglyceride increase was significantly associated with epinephrine decrease (B = 0.087, p = 0.041), suggesting that Korean Red Ginseng may stabilize the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, we detected a significant group by time effect in the visually controlled continuous performance test, suggesting positive effects of Korean Red Ginseng on cognition. Conclusion: Korean Red Ginseng might help to stabilize the sympathetic nervous system and improve cognition in individuals with high stress.

• 생약학회지
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• 제3권4호
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• pp.187-197
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• 1972

In spite of the fact that the system of oriental medicine still remains in the realm of 'unproven-method of treatment', no one can deny that the oriental medicine is a rich source of idea and motivation for the discovery of new drug from natural sources. However, non-scientific, mystic hypothetical system of oriental medicine refuses to be revealed scientifically. For the purpose of drawing useful parameters for inductive reasoning of the system, a new approach which comprises statistical analyses of prescription was attempted in this study. One hundred and thirty two ginseng-compounds prescription in 'Bang-Yak-Hap-Pyon', one of the most popular formularies of oriental medicine in Korea, were analysed by multivariate analysis technique. The results revealed ginseng from many points of view, e.g., therapeutic indications, dose, and compatibility, etc. Among these, the most striking coincidence with scientific achievements of modern pharmacology, is the fact that the oriental medicine has characterized ginseng already from remote ancient times as neither a specific curative nor an aphrodisiac, but a non-specific adaptogenic drug for general infirmity.

• 한국자기공명학회논문지
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.145-151
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• 2017

Rhodiola rosea, also known as gold root or rose root, is a perennial plant in the family of Crassulaceae. The rhizhome of R. rosea has been widely used as a hemostatic, tonic for burns and contusions in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent studies reported its strong antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. In this paper, we attempted to isolate compounds from the methanolic extract of R. rosea rhizomes. Four compounds including one new compound (1), two kaempferol glycosides (3 and 4) were isolated from chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of R. rosea extract. The structures of 1~4 including relative stereochemistry were determined by MS and NMR analysis.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.54-59
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• 1999

Both ethanol and water extracts of unossified velvet antler were found to exhibit a significant immuno-stimulating activity as measured by carbon clearance test in mice, a remarkable anti-fatigue effect in weight-loaded forced swimming performance in mice, a significant anti-stress effect on immobilization in rats. The antler extracts also showed a weak but significant anti-thrombotic activity. These findings are indicative of adaptogenic properties of antlers and their normalizing effects during stressful condition.

• 생약학회지
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.268-273
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• 2012

Acanthopanax species are well known medicinal plants in Korea for their adaptogenic efficacy. Regarding to the botanical classification of Acanthopanax koreanum, an indigenous species in Jeju island of Korea, it has been classified as different species of Acanthopanax genus. However, the morphological characteristics of A. koreanum are very similar with other Acanthopanax species, especially with A. gracilistylus. In order to provide further classification information among these botanically related species, microscopic and morphological studies on these Acanthopanax species were performed. In this result, it has been found that A. koreanum is similar to A. gracilistylus in terms of anatomical observation and was distinguished from A. sieboldianus by their morphological and anatomical differences.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.1-15
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• 2012

The major commercial ginsengs are Panax ginseng Meyer (Korean ginseng), P. quinquifolium L. (American ginseng), and P. notoginseng (Burk.) FH Chen (Notoginseng). P. ginseng is the most commonly used as an adaptogenic agent and has been shown to enhance physical performance, promote vitality, increase resistance to stress and aging, and have immunomodulatory activity. These ginsengs contain saponins, which can be classified as dammarane-type, ocotillol-type and oleanane-type oligoglycosides, and polysaccharides as main constituents. Dammarane ginsenosides are transformed into compounds such as the ginsenosides $Rg_3$, $Rg_5$, and $Rk_1$ by steaming and heating and are metabolized into metabolites such as compound K, ginsenoside $Rh_1$, proto- and panaxatriol by intestinal microflora. These metabolites are nonpolar, pharmacologically active and easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. However, the activities metabolizing these constituents into bioactive compounds differ significantly among individuals because all individuals possess characteristic indigenous strains of intestinal bacteria. To overcome this difference, ginsengs fermented with enzymes or microbes have been developed.

• 고려인삼학회:학술대회논문집
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• 고려인삼학회 2002년도 학술대회지
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• pp.145-158
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• 2002

Since immemorial time Panax ginseng has been known as therapeutic, tonic, prophylactic and restorative agent in ancient Korea, China and Tibet and at present time is also used as a food supplement by Western societies (6). Various ginseng preparations in a form of powders, teas, tinctures or extracts, very often mixed with other substances are recommended for attenuation of degenerative processes caused by aging or fatigue, as well as for treatment of various disorders and diseases in several organs (e.g. circulatory and nervous system, liver, kidney). One of the most commonly known properties of ginseng is its possibly positive influence on physical and mental performance and general well being. Because of these adaptogenic properties promoting vitality and resistance to stress ginseng is considered as an ergogenic aid. During almost 40 years in many laboratories attempts have been made to find out whether ginseng can be 'a remedy for today's problems'. The present work is focused on the results obtained in human studies and concerning an influence of ginseng root extracts on exercise and mental performance.