• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.548-555
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• 2017

Background: Korean Red Ginseng has been used for several decades to treat many diseases, enhancing both immunity and physical strength. Previous studies have documented the therapeutic effects of ginseng, including its anticancer, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities are mediated by ginsenosides present in the ginseng plant. Ginsenoside Rg3, an effective compound from red ginseng, has been shown to have antiplatelet activity in addition to its anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Platelets are important for both primary hemostasis and the repair of the vessels after injury; however, they also play a crucial role in the development of acute coronary diseases. We prepared ginsenoside Rg3-enriched red ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) to examine its role in platelet physiology. Methods: To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on platelet activation in vitro, platelet aggregation, granule secretion, intracellular calcium ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) mobilization, flow cytometry, and immunoblot analysis were carried out using rat platelets. To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on platelet activation in vivo, a collagen plus epinephrine-induced acute pulmonary thromboembolism mouse model was used. Results: We found that Rg3-RGE significantly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization in a dose-dependent manner in addition to reducing ATP release from collagen-stimulated platelets. Furthermore, using immunoblot analysis, we found that Rg3-RGE markedly suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (i.e., extracellular stimuli-responsive kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase, p38) as well as the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase)/Akt pathway. Moreover, Rg3-RGE effectively reduced collagen plus epinephrine-induced mortality in mice. Conclusion: These data suggest that ginsenoside Rg3-RGE could be potentially be used as an antiplatelet therapeutic agent against platelet-mediated cardiovascular disorders.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.138-146
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• 2022

Background: Red Ginseng has been used for many years to treat diseases. Ginsenoside Rg3 has documented therapeutic effects, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the anticancer effect of Rg3-enriched red ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) and its underlying mechanisms have not been fully explored. We investigated whether Rg3-RGE plays an anti-tumor role in lung cancer cells. Methods: To examine the effect of Rg3-RGE on lung cancer cells, we performed cell viability assays, flow cytometry, western blotting analysis, and immunofluorescence to monitor specific markers. Results: Rg3-RGE significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Furthermore, Rg3-RGE also increased expression of mitophagy-related proteins such as PINK1 and Parkin. In addition, treatment with Rg3-RGE and mitophagy inhibitors stimulated cell death by inducing mitochondria dysfunction. Conclusions: Rg3-RGE could be used as a therapeutic agent against lung cancer.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.219-225
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• 2010

We tested whether ginsenosides $Rg_3$-standardized ginseng extract (RGE) has anti-stress effects in restraint-stressed animals. RGE increased time spent in the open arms and open arm entries in the elevated plus-maze test. In addition, RGE blocked the reduction of center zone distance and stereotypes behaviors in the open-field test. RGE also increased head dips in stressed mice, indicating anxiolytic-like effects. Stress decreased movement distance and duration, burrowing, and rearing frequency but increased face washing and grooming. RGE significantly reversed burrowing and rearing activity in stressed mice. In addition, we measured sleep architecture in restraint stressed rats using EEG recorder. Stress increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but total sleep and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep were not changed. RGE did not affect sleep architecture in stressed rats. These behavioral experiments suggest that RGE has anti-stress effects in restraint-stressed animal models.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제43권3호
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• pp.421-430
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• 2019

Background: The ginsenoside Rg3, one of active components of red ginseng, has chemopreventive and anticancer potential. Cancer stem cells retain self-renewal properties which account for cancer recurrence and resistance to anticancer therapy. In our present study, we investigated whether the standardized Korean Red Ginseng extract (RGE) and Rg3 could modulate the manifestation of breast cancer stem cell-like features through regulation of self-renewal activity. Methods: The effects of RGE and Rg3 on the proportion of $CD44^{high}/CD24^{low}$ cells, as representative characteristics of stem-like breast cancer cells, were determined by flow cytometry. The mammosphere formation assay was performed to assess self-renewal capacities of breast cancer cells. Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity of MCF-7 mammospheres was measured by the ALDEFLUOR assay. The expression levels of Sox-2, Bmi-1, and P-Akt and the nuclear localization of hypoxia inducible $factor-1{\alpha}$ in MCF-7 mammospheres were verified by immunoblot analysis. Results: Both RGE and Rg3 decreased the viability of breast cancer cells and significantly reduced the populations of $CD44^{high}/CD24^{low}$ in MDA-MB-231 cells. RGE and Rg3 treatment attenuated the expression of Sox-2 and Bmi-1 by inhibiting the nuclear localization of hypoxia inducible $factor-1{\alpha}$ in MCF-7 mammospheres. Suppression of the manifestation of breast cancer stem cell-like properties by Rg3 was mediated through the blockade of Akt-mediated self-renewal signaling. Conclusion: This study suggests that Rg3 has a therapeutic potential targeting breast cancer stem cells.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.429-439
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• 2023

Background: The incidence and clinical importance of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged. However, effective therapeutic strategies for NAFLD have yet to be found. Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is a traditional herb in Eastern Asia with therapeutic effects in many chronic disorders. However, the precise effects of ginseng extract on NAFLD are currently unknown. In present study, the therapeutic effects of Rg3-enriched red ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) on the progression of NAFLD were explored. Methods: Twelve-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed a chow or western diet supplemented with high sugar water solution with or without Rg3-RGE. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, serum biochemistry, western blot analysis, and quantitative RT-PCR were used for in vivo experiment. Conditionally immortalized human glomerular endothelial cell (CiGEnC) and primary liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) were used for in vitro experiments. Results: Eight weeks of Rg3-RGE treatment significantly attenuated the inflammatory lesions of NAFLD. Furthermore, Rg3-RGE inhibited the inflammatory infiltrate in liver parenchyma and the expression of adhesive molecules to LSECs. Moreover, the Rg3-RGE exhibited similar patterns on the in vitro assays. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that Rg3-RGE treatment ameliorates NAFLD progression by inhibiting chemotaxis activities in LSECs.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.105-112
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• 2010

Thirty-four strains of Lactobacillus species were isolated from soil and eight of these isolates (M1-4 and P1-4) were capable of growing on red ginseng agar. The M1 and P2 strains were determined to be L. plantarum and other strains (M2, M3, M4, P1, P3 and P4) were determined to be L. brevis. Fermentation of red ginseng extract (RGE) with strains M1, M2, P2 and P4 resulted in a low level of total carbohydrate content (174.3, 170.0, 158.8 and 164.8 mg/mL, respectively). RGE fermented by M3 showed a higher level of uronic acid than the control. The polyphenol levels in RGE fermented by M1, P1 and P2 (964.9, 941.7 and $965.3\;{\mu}g/mL$, respectively) were higher than the control ($936.8\;{\mu}g/mL$). Total saponin contents in fermented RGE (except M1) were higher than the control. RGE fermented by M2 and M3 had the highest levels of total ginsenosides (31.7 and 32.7 mg/mL, respectively). The levels of the ginsenoside Rg3 increased from 2.6 mg/mL (control) to 3.0 mg/mL (M2) or 3.1 mg/mL (M3). RGE fermented by M2 and M3 also had the highest levels of Rg5+Rk1 (7.7 and 8.3 mg/mL, respectively). Metabolite contents of ginsenoside (sum of CK, Rh1, Rg5, Rk1, Rg3 and Rg2) of M2 (13.0 mg/mL) and M3 (13.9 mg/mL) were also at a high level among the fermented RGE. Protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol content of ginsenoside of M2 (10.9 and 5.4 mg/mL, respectively) and M3 (11.0 and 5.7 mg/mL, respectively) were at higher levels than other fermented RGE.

• 한국식품과학회지
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.106-110
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• 2009

홍삼추출물(RGE)의 쓴 맛을 개선하기 위해서 ${\alpha}-,\;{\beta}-,\;{\gamma}$-CD을 이용해서 RGE의 포접화합물을 제조하여, 관능평가를 통해서 RGE-${\gamma}$-CD에 의한 쓴 맛 개선효과가 가장 큰 것을 확인하였다. RGE와 ${\gamma}$-CD의 비율에 따라서 쓴 맛은 선형적으로 감소하지만, RGE 고유의 향 조차도 감소하기 때문에, RGE 대비 10%의 ${\gamma}$-CD를 첨가하여 포접화합물을 형성할 때 쓴 맛은 RGE 대비 78% 정도 감소하였고, 홍삼의 향은 62% 정도를 유지함으로써 기호도면에서 우수한 결과를 얻었다. SD계 흰쥐에 RGE, RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10의 제제를 총 사포닌의 투여량이 제제간에 동일하도록 투여한 후, 혈장 중 RGE에 들어있는 주요한 성분으로 알려져 있는 ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1을 지표물질로 설정하여 전 농도를 측정하여 두 제제간의 AUC를 비교한 결과, Rg1의 경우, RGE 제제 투여 후의 평균값이 $13.11{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/mL$, RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10 투여 후의 평균값은 $12.04{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/mL$로 유의적인 차이는 없었다. 한편, Rb1의 경우, RGE 제제로서 투여하였을 때의 AUC 평균값이 $25.84{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/mL$, RGE-${\gamma}$-CD10 투여 후의 평균값은 $81.48{\mu}g{\cdot}hr/mL$로 3배 이상 높아짐을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구에 의해 ${\gamma}$-CD로 RGE를 포접했을 경우 쓴 맛이 감소하고, ginsenoside Rb1의 생체이용율이 증가하여 RGE를 그대로 섭취할 경우보다 포접화합물로 섭취 시에 더 유용함을 확인하였다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.31-39
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• 2024

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3, a primary bioactive component of red ginseng, has anti-cancer effects. However, the effects of Rg3-enriched ginseng extract (Rg3RGE) on apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we explored the anti-tumor effects of Rg3RGE on breast cancer cells stimulated CoCl₂, a mimetic of the chronic hypoxic response, and determined the operative mechanisms of action. Methods: The inhibitory mechanisms of Rg3RGE on breast cancer cells, such as apoptosis, autophagy and ROS levels, were detected both in vitro. To determine the anti-cancer effects of Rg3RGE in vivo, the cancer xenograft model was used. Results: Rg3RGE suppressed CoCl₂-induced spheroid formation and cell viability in 3D culture of breast cancer cells. Rg3RGE promoted apoptosis by increasing cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved PARP and decreasing Bcl2 under the hypoxia mimetic conditions. Further, we identified that Rg3RGE promoted apoptosis by inhibiting lysosomal degradation of autophagosome contents in CoCl₂-induced autophagy. We further identified that Rg3RGE-induced apoptotic cell death and autophagy inhibition was mediated by increased intracellular ROS levels. Similarly, in the in vivo xenograft model, Rg3RGE induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and autophagy. Conclusion: Rg3RGE-stimulated ROS production promotes apoptosis and inhibits protective autophagy under hypoxic conditions. Autophagosome accumulation is critical to the apoptotic effects of Rg3RGE. The in vivo findings also demonstrate that Rg3RGE inhibits breast cancer cell growth, suggesting that Rg3RGE has potential as potential as a putative breast cancer therapeutic.

• 한국응용과학기술학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.751-761
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• 2016

홍삼추출물(RGE)의 쓴맛을 개선하기 위해서 증숙시 초산 처리 후 ${\alpha}$-, ${\beta}$-, ${\gamma}$-CD을 이용해서 RGE의 포접화합물을 제조하여, 전자혀 분석을 통해서 RGE-${\gamma}$-CD에 의한 쓴맛 개선효과가 가장 큰 것으로 확인하였다. 인삼의 열처리 공정에 있어 초산 처리는 $Rg_3$ 및 비극성 진세노사이드 성분 함량을 증가시킴을 알 수 있었다. 전자혀를 이용하여 ${\alpha}$, ${\beta}$, ${\gamma}$-CD 첨가량에 따른 쓴맛, 신맛, 짠맛, 우아미맛 및 단맛을 분석하였다. 그 결과 RGE 대비 10%의 ${\gamma}$-CD를 첨가하여 포접한 REG가 다른 처리구에 비해 쓴맛이 월등히 낮은 감응도를 나타내었다.

• 한국자원식물학회지
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• 제34권5호
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• pp.433-442
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• 2021

본 연구에서는 발효홍삼과 발효하지 않은 홍삼을 BALB/c mouse에 경구투여한 후 혈청을 채취하여 주요 진세노사이드 생체이용율을 LC-MS/MS이용하여 분석하였다. 또한 이들의 항염효과를 IL-1𝛽, TNF 정량분석을 통해 비교하였다. 홍삼을 발효하였을 때, Rd를 포함한 전체적인 총 진세노사이드 함량이 증가하는 것을 확인하였으며, 마우스에게 투여하였을 총 진세노사이드 TG 의 혈액 검출량 AUC 또한 발효홍삼을 섭취하였을 때 높은 것을 확인하였다. C_max값 또한 동일하게 발효홍삼을 섭취하였을 때 증가하는 것을 확인하였다. 염증지표를 확인 하였을때 유도군과 비교하여 IL-1𝛽, TNF의 감소효과는 확인하였으나 그룹간의 유의적 차이는 발생하지 않았다. 이상의 연구결과로 probiotics가 발효홍삼의 ginsenoside 생체이용율을 향상시키는 중요한 요인임을 확인하였고, 이는 probiotics를 이용한 천연물 발효제제의 적용 확장과 그 산업적 활용성 증대에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.