• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.267-273
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• 1998

Pretreatment of acidic polysaccharide of Korean red ginseng (AcPS) for two weeks remarkably lowered the elevated content of lipid peroxide and levels of aminotransferases, sorbitol dehydrogenase, ${\gamma}$-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in liver intoxicated by acetaminophen (AA) . Pretreatments of AcPS also strengthen the liver function of glutathione related detoxication system indicated by glutathione contents and activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reeducates which were affected by AA treatments. Activity of ${\gamma}$-glutamylcysteine syntheses was not changed by AcPS pretreatment whereas the activity of flu tathione reeducates was increased significantly. These results collectively indicate that the treatments of AcPS can promote the metabolism of lipid and reduce the production of peroxide in acetaminophen-intoxicated animals.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 1997

The changes in aldehyde dehydrogenase(ALDH, E.C. 1.2.1.3.) activity in neurons and astrocytes isolated from rat brains were investigated after administration of ethanol and Korean red ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) saponln. The cerebral ALDH activity with acetaldehyde and Propionaldehyde was higher in the white matter than in the gray matter. However, using indole-3-a-cetaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde as substrates, there was no significant difference in activity between two regions in cerebrum. In ethanol treated group, ALDH activity with all the substrates in the gray and white matter was lower than in normal group. In ethanol-saponin treated group, the enzyme activity in the white matter remarkably Increased. The ALDH activity in neurons isolated from cerebral cortex in ethanol-treated group was lower than in normal group. In ethanol-saponin treated group, neuronal ALDH activity with propionaldehyde was significantly recovered but not with Indole-3-acetaldehyde. In astrocytes, although the ALDH activity with propionaldehyde in the ethanol-treated group was not changed as compared with normal group, considerable increase in activity was found in ethanol-saponin treated group. These results suggest that Korean red ginseng saponin may protect the neuronal functions from the toxic effects of acetaldehyde derived from ethanol by stimulation of ALDH activity in astrocytes surrounding nerve cells.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.114-118
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• 2008

Ginseng treated with several treatment conditions of various acids to search hydrolysates on the basis of increased biological activity and modified structure. In the result of acid treatment, the conversion rate of ginsenoside Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 was highest when ginseng treated with citric acid. After added citric acid to ginseng extract, boiled at l00$^{\circ}C$ for 1 hour and add enzyme, which is examined change by time. It compared with group which did not treated acid. Two groups became difference according to enzyme but the generation rate of ginsenoside Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 did not show difference greatly. Also, the generation rate of ginsenoside Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 by time passes did not show difference. The generation rate of ginsenoside Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 increased when increased acid concentration, temperature and time. We did exclusion molding to shorten treatment time. In the result of ginseng treated with citric acid of various concentrations at various temperatures as time passes by extrusion molding, the generation rate of ginsenoside Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 was highest when ginseng treated with 3% citric acid at l60$^{\circ}C$ for 20 minutes. In addition, total saponin amount of ginseng treated with 3% citric acid at 160$^{\circ}C$ for 20 minutes was about 11% higher than ginseng heated at 120$^{\circ}C$ for 3 hours. These results indicated that our exclusion molding process more effective, compared to traditional red ginseng manufacturing process.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2015

Background: The present study was designed to prepare and find the optimum active preparation or fraction from Korea Red Ginseng inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression, because MMP-13 is a pivotal enzyme to degrade the collagen matrix of the joint cartilage. Methods: From total red ginseng ethanol extract, n-BuOH fraction (total ginsenoside-enriched fraction), ginsenoside diol-type-enriched fraction (GDF), and ginsenoside triol-type-enriched fraction (GTF) were prepared, and ginsenoside diol type-/F4-enriched fraction (GDF/F4) was obtained from Panax ginseng leaf extract. Results: The n-BuOH fraction, GDF, and GDF/F4 clearly inhibited MMP-13 expression compared to interleukin-$1{\beta}$-treated SW1353 cells (human chondrosarcoma), whereas the total extract and ginsenoside diol-type-enriched fraction did not. In particular, GDF/F4, the most effective inhibitor, blocked the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), c-Jun-activated protein kinase (JNK), and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1/2 (STAT-1/2) among the signal transcription pathways involved. Further, GDF/F4 also inhibited the glycosaminoglycan release from interleukin-$1{\alpha}$-treated rabbit cartilage culture (30.6% inhibition at $30{\mu}g/mL$). Conclusion: Some preparations from Korean Red Ginseng and ginseng leaves, particularly GDF/F4, may possess the protective activity against cartilage degradation in joint disorders, and may have potential as new therapeutic agents.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.264-269
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• 2014

Background: In this study, we examined the effects of various enzymes on chemical conversions of ginsenosides in ginseng extract prepared by amylases. Methods: Rapidase, Econase CE, Viscozyme, Ultraflo L, and Cytolase PCL5 were used for secondary enzymatic hydrolysis after amylase treatment of ginseng extract, and ginsenoside contents, skin permeability, and chemical compositions including total sugar, acidic polysaccharide, and polyphenols were determined on the hydrolyzed ginseng extract. Results: Rapidase treatment significantly elevated total ginsenoside contents compared with the control (p < 0.05). In particular, deglycosylated ginsenosides including Rg3, which are known as bioactive compounds, were significantly increased after Rapidase treatment (p < 0.05). The Rapidase-treated group also increased the skin permeability of polyphenols compared with the control, showing the highest level of total sugar content among the enzyme treatment groups. Conclusion: This result showed that Rapidase induced the conversion of ginsenoside glycosides to aglycones. Meanwhile, Cytolase PCL5 and Econase treatments led to a significant increase of uronic acid (acidic polysaccharide) level. Taken together, our data showed that the treatments of enzymes including Rapidase are useful for the conversion and increase of ginsenosides in ginseng extracts or products.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.42-49
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• 2011

Background: In this study, we have investigated the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on the production of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 in human keratinocytes. Also, to examine the antioxidative effect of red ginseng extracts, free radical scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in human dermal fibroblasts was measured. Methods: To investigate the effect of KRG in atopic dermatitis, we measured the level of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 secretion in LPS-stimulated human keratinocytes after the treatment of KRG extracts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-oxidative activity was investigated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and SOD activity. Results: The stimulation of human keratinocytes with KRG extracts shifted the LPS-induced cytokine secretion toward a more immunosuppressive response. KRG dose-dependently decreased TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-8 production in HaCaT cells and a significant inhibition of TNF-${\alpha}$ was shown when cells were treated with 500 and $1,000{\mu}g/ml$ of KRG extracts. Additionally, KRG extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging and SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner. Particularly, SOD activities of concentrations higher than $60{\mu}g/ml$ of KRG extracts were significantly different in human dermal fibroblast cells. Conclusion: Based on this study, KRG extracts may be a useful immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.521-526
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• 2007

The effects of red ginseng powder on hepatotoxicity in $benzo(\alpha)pyrene\;[B(\alpha)P]$-treated mice were investigated. Male ICR mice were pretreated with red ginseng powder (50 or 100 mg/kg/day, for 5 days, intraperitoneally) before treatment with $B(\alpha)P$ (0.5 mg/kg, i.p, single dose). The ability of red ginseng powder to protect against oxidative damage to the mouse liver was examined by determining the level of lipid peroxide, glutathione, and the antioxidant enzyme activities. The glutathione content depleted by $B(\alpha)P$ were significantly increased by red ginseng powder, but elevation of lipid peroxide content induced by $B(\alpha)P$ was decreased by red ginseng powder. The increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase after $B(\alpha)P$-treatment were decreased by the treatment of red ginseng Powder; however, glutathione S-transferase activity depleted by $B(\alpha)P$ were significantly increased. These results suggest that red ginseng powder can protect against $B(\alpha)P$ intoxification through its antioxidant properties.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2016

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 and arginine-fructose (Arg-Fru) are known as the hypotensive compounds of Panax ginseng; however, their efficacy on antihypertension has not been reported yet to our best knowledge. Thus, hypotensive components-enriched fraction of red ginseng (HCEF-RG) was prepared from fine root concentrate (FR) and their antihypertensive effects were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Male SHRs were divided into six groups: control (Wistar Kyoto, SHR); FR 500; FR 1,000; HCEF-RG 500; and HCEF-RG 1,000; samples (mg/kg body weight) were orally administered every day for 8 wk. Blood pressure was monitored at 1 wk, 2 wk, 3 wk, 4 wk, 6 wk, and 8 wk by tail cuff method. At 8 wk after samples administration, mice were killed for the measurement of renin activity (RA), angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition, angiotensin II, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in plasma. Results: HCEF-RG with four-fold more Rg3 and 24-fold more Arg-Fru contents was successfully prepared from reacted mixtures of FR and persimmon vinegar (12 times against FR, v/v) at $80^{\circ}C$ for 18 h. Both FR 1,000 and HCEF-RG 1,000 showed lowered systolic blood pressure than SHR control group and HCEF-RG 1,000 group exhibited a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure. RA was significantly lowered in all treated groups, while angiotensin II did not affect by FR and HCEF-RG treatment. However, angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition and NO in FR 1,000 and HCEF-RG 1,000 were significantly increased compared with SHR control group. Conclusion: HCEF-RG is more effective and useful for alleviating hypertension than FR, implying the health benefit of Rg3 and Arg-Fru.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.425-434
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• 2013

UV irradiation is the main factor contributing to skin damages that are associated with an excessive production of matrix-degrading metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and a deficient expression of collagens. To date, red ginseng has been revealed to possess many biomedical effects, such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we prepared the Korean Red Ginseng extracts treated with enzyme (KRGE) and investigated the effects of dietary KRGE on the formation of wrinkles generated by UVB irradiation in hairless mice. It was found that KRGE inhibited the UVB-induced formation of wrinkles, epidermal thickness, and skin dryness in hairless mice. Further results also showed that KRGE attenuated UVB-induced MMP-${\beta}$1 level, while accelerated procollagen type I, transforming growth factor-${\beta}$1 secretion. Interestingly, the expression of profilaggrin and filaggrin in both the epidermis and dermis were decreased due to UVB exposure and reversed by KRGE. The KRGE 0.06% was prior to KRGE 0.24%. In view of these results, which indicated that KRGE protected skin from UVB-induced photodamages, which may not only mediated by regulating of MMP-1 and procollagen type I, but also by increasing the production of profilaggrin and filaggrin. In conclusion, our results suggest that KRGE may be a promising agent for the treatment of skin photodamages. The challenge of KRGE will be expected as cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals in order to intervene in aging-related degenerative skin changes.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.23 no.2 s.54
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• pp.93-98
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• 1999

In order to evalulate the qualities of red ginseng extract and decrease precipitate fonnation in ginseng drink, red ginseng extract was hydrolized with ${\beta}-amylase$ and transglucosidase. $5.2\%$ isomaltose was produced as isomaltooligosaccharides and glucose content was increased in the enzyme treated ginseng extract. Contents of ginsenoside $R-b_1\;and\;R-b_2$ were decreased, whereas ginsenoside-Rd was increased by the enzyme treatments. The growth of 3 strains of bifidus spp. and 4 strains of lactobacillus spp., beneficial intestinal bacteria, were enhanced by adding of the enzymatically hydrolized ginseng extract. Sweetness and sourness were increased, however, bitterness and astringency were decreased in the hydrolized ginseng extract. The fonnation of precipitates in hydrolized red ginseng extract of $pH\;3.0\~4.5$ were significantly decreased in the storage condition of $40^{\circ}C$ for 1 month compared to that of control.