• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.536-539
• /
• 2003

Commercial white and red ginseng concentrates were analysed for total ginsenoside contents, and compositions of ginsenosides $Rb_1,\;Rb_2,\;Rc,\;Re,\;Rf,\;Rg_1,\;20(S)\;Rg_3,\;20(S)\;Rh_1,\;and\;20(R)\;Rh_1$. The content of crude saponin and total ginsenosides of white ginseng concentrates (WGC) were about 2-3 times higher than those of red ginseng concentrates (RGC). HPLC showed that each ginsenoside content was higher in WGC, with those of $Rb_1,\;Rg_1,\;and\;Rb_2$ being over three times higher than that of RGC. 20(S)- and 20(R)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$, specific artifacts found only in red ginseng, were detected both in WGC and RGC by HPLC. differences in the contents of these specific ginsenosides between WGC and RGC were not significant. The contents of 20(S)-ginsenoside $Rg_1$, determined by HPLC were 0.40 and 0.53 in WGC, whereas 0.48% and 0.47%, and those of 20(R)-ginsenoside $Rg_3$, were 0.14 and 0.22% in WGC, and 0.10 and 0.11% in RGC using the methods of shibata and food Code, respectively.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.496-504
• /
• 2022

Background: Cigarette smoke (CS) is considered a principal cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with mucus hypersecretion and airway inflammation. Ginsenoside compound K (CK), a product of ginsenoside metabolism, has various biological activities. Studies on the effects of CK for the treatment of COPD and mucus hypersecretion, including the underlying signaling mechanism, have not yet been conducted. Methods: To study the protective effects and molecular mechanism of CK, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced human airway epithelial (NCI-H292) cells were used as a cellular model of airway inflammation. An experimental mouse COPD model was also established via CS inhalation and intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 secretion, as well as elastase activity and reactive oxygen species production, were determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory cell influx and mucus secretion in mouse lung tissues were estimated using hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-schiff staining, respectively. PKCδ and its downstream signaling molecules were analyzed via western blotting. Results: CK prevented the secretion of MUC5AC and TNF-α in PMA-stimulated NCI-H292 cells and exhibited a protective effect in COPD mice via the suppression of inflammatory mediators and mucus secretion. These effects were accompanied by an inactivation of PKCδ and related signaling in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: CK suppressed pulmonary inflammation and mucus secretion in COPD mouse model through PKC regulation, highlighting the compound's potential as a useful adjuvant in the prevention and treatment of COPD.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.70-77
• /
• 2006

Ginseng has an anti-cancer effect in several cancer models. As a mechanism study of ginsenoside-induced growth inhibition in cancer cells, we measured change of membrane potential in prostate cancer and glioma cells by ginsenosides, active constituents of ginseng. Membrane potential was estimated by measuring fluorescence change of DiBAC-Ioaded cells. Among 11 ginsenosides tested, ginsenosides $Rb_2$, $Rg_3$, and $Rh_2$ increased significantly and robustly the membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner in prostate cancer and glioma cells. Ginsenosides Rc, Ro, and $Rb_1$ slightly increased membrane potential. The ginsenoside-induced membrane potential increase was not affected by treatment with pertussis toxin or U73122. The ginsenoside-induced membrane potential increase was not diminished in $Na^+$-free or $HCO_3^-$-free media. Furthermore, the ginsenoside-induced increase of membrane potential was not changed by EIPA (5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride), SITS (4-acetoamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid), and omeprazole. In summary, ginsenosides $Rb_2$, $Rg_3$, and $Rh_2$ increased membrane potential in prostate cancer and glioma cells in a GPCR-independent and $Na^+$ independent manner.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.62 no.1
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 2019

The root of Panax ginseng is used in ethnomedicine throughout eastern Asia and various recent studies have proved that Panax ginseng has inhibitory effects on cardiovascular disease. Each factor causing cardiovascular disease is known to have a very complex process which is achieved by a diverse number of mechanisms. Among these factors, platelets are the most important because they directly participate in thrombogenesis. Therefore, inhibiting the activity of platelets is an essential element for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Our previous study showed the antiplatelet effects of Korean red ginseng extract and two of its components, ginsenoside Rg3 and ginsenoside Ro. However, the inhibitory mechanism of other ginsenosides remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside F4 (G-F4) from Korean red ginseng on the regulation of signaling molecules involved in human platelet aggregation. With the use of G-F4, collagen-induced human platelet aggregation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, and it suppressed collagen-induced elevation of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ mobilization through elevated phosphorylation of inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor I ($Ser^{1756}$). In addition, G-F4 inhibited fibrinogen binding to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}_3$ during collagen-induced human platelet aggregation. Thus, in the present study, G-F4 showed an inhibitory effect on human platelet activation, suggesting its potential use as a new natural medicine for preventing platelet-mediated cardiovascular diseases.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.65 no.4
• /
• pp.253-259
• /
• 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between growth characteristics and ginsenoside contents of 4-year-old wild-simulated ginseng cultivated in different regions. Most of the soil properties except for available phosphate showed significantly higher in Pyeongchang than in other cultivation sites. The growth characteristics except for root length and number of rootlets showed significantly higher in Pyeongchang than in other cultivation sites. In the case of 8 ginsenoside contents, the content of F2-AS was significantly higher in Muju than in other cultivation sites and the content of F1 in Yeongju was significantly high. In Yeongwol, the contents of Rb1 and Re-p were significantly high and the content of Ro in Pyeongchang showed significantly higher than in other cultivation sites. Root length and soil pH did not show a significant correlation with any soil properties and growth characteristics of wild-simulated ginseng, respectively. Most of the growth characteristics showed significantly positive correlations with electrical conductivity, organic matter content, total nitrogen content, exchangeable cations (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺), and cation exchange capacity. Rb1 and Re-p showed significantly negative correlations with most of the growth characteristics of wild-simulated ginseng except for the number of rootlets. Ro showed a significantly positive correlation with stem length, number of leaflets per stem, leaflet length, leaflet width, and root diameter. The results of this study probably will help to provide useful information on the establish a quality standard by investigate correlation analysis between growth characteristics and ginsenoside content of 4-year-old wild-simulated ginseng.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.156-166
• /
• 2022

Background: Panax ginseng Meyer (P. ginseng), a herb distributed in Korea, China and Japan, exerts benefits on diverse inflammatory conditions. However, the underlying mechanism and active ingredients remains largely unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the active ingredients of P. ginseng against inflammation and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Methods: Inflammation model was constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in C57BL/6 mice and RAW264.7 macrophages. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) and immunofluorescence were utilized to predict active component. Results: P. ginseng significantly inhibited LPS-induced lung injury and the expression of proinflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, P. ginseng blocked fluorescencelabeled LPS (LPS488) binding to the membranes of RAW264.7 macrophages, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Furthermore, molecular docking demonstrated that ginsenoside Ro (GRo) docked into the LPS binding site of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) complex. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the MD2-GRo binding conformation was stable. SPRi demonstrated an excellent interaction between TLR4/ MD2 complex and GRo (K_D value of 1.16 × 10^-9 M). GRo significantly inhibited LPS488 binding to cell membranes. Further studies showed that GRo markedly suppressed LPS-triggered lung injury, the transcription and secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Moreover, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPKs as well as the p65 subunit nuclear translocation were inhibited by GRo dose-dependently. Conclusion: Our results suggest that GRo exerts anti-inflammation actions by direct inhibition of TLR4 signaling pathway.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.490-497
• /
• 2021

Background and objective: Synthetic ginsenoside compounds G-Rp (1,3, and 4) and natural ginsenosides in Panax ginseng 20(S)-Rg3, Rg6, F4 and Ro have inhibitory actions on human platelets. However, the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rk1 (G-Rk1) is still unclear thus, we initiated investigation of the anti-platelet mechanism by G-Rk1 from Panax ginseng. Methodology: Our study focused to investigate the action of G-Rk1 on agonist-stimulated human platelet aggregation, inhibition of platelet signaling molecules such as fibrinogen binding with integrin α_IIbβ₃ using flow cytometry, intracellular calcium mobilization, fibronectin adhesion, dense granule secretion, and thromboxane B2 secretion. Thrombin-induced clot retraction was also observed in human platelets. Key Results: Collagen, thrombin, and U46619-stimulated human platelet aggregation were dose-dependently inhibited by G-Rk1, while it demonstrated a more effective suppression on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation using human platelets. Moreover, G-Rk1 suppressed collagen-induced elevation of Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum, granule release, and α_IIbβ₃ activity without any cytotoxicity. Conclusions and implications: These results indicate that G-Rk1 possess strong anti-platelet effect, proposing a new drug candidate for treatment and prevention of platelet-mediated thrombosis in cardiovascular disease.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.342-349
• /
• 1984

In order to obtain the basic information for the development of ginseng varieties with high saponin contents. saponin contents and ginsenosides of Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng) and Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) grown under the same environmental conditions were analysed. Crude saponin contents of root and aerial parts were more in Panax quinquefolium than in Panax ginseng, and aerial parts had more saponin contents in comparison with a root. Protopanaxatriol saponin was greatly more in the aerial parts of ginseng while more amount of protopanaxadiol saponins were detected in the root. As for the ginsenosides, the patterns of ginsenosides detected in total saponin of the aerial parts were not different between two species, Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium, but the root ginsenoside patterns were quite different. Ginsenosides such as Rg$_2$, R$_{f}$. R$_{a}$ and R$_{o}$ were not detected in the root of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng).).).).

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.95-108
• /
• 2021

Objectives This study was conducted to investigate the beta-glucan, ginsenoside content, antioxidant activity and safety of modified Kyungohkgo added to Sparassis crispa and Hericium erinaceum. Methods The marker compounds contents, antioxidant activity and safety of modified Kyungohkgo were tested. The contents of beta-glucan and ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3 marker compounds were measured, the antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, and a safety test was conducted via single dose toxicity assessment. Results Analyzing the contents of marker compounds showed 351.75 mg/g of beta-glucan, 0.0327 mg/g of ginsenoside Rb1 and 0.0802 mg/g of ginsenosai Rg3. In the DPPH free radical scavenging activity, the inhibition concentration 50% of modified Kyungohkgo was 0.2880%. The scavenging activity of modified Kyungohkgo was 5.49% activity at 0.05% concentration, 89.66% activity at 0.5% concentration, 94.68% activity at 1% concentration, and 96.06% activity at 5% concentration. In the single dose toxicity test of modified Kyungohkgo, a dose of 2,000 mg/kg B.W. was set at its highest capacity and observed after oral administration to female and male rats. No toxicological findings were recognized. It was observed that the resulting lethal dose can be set to 2,000 mg/kg B.W. or higher for both females and males. Conclusions The results of the experiment on modified Kyungohkgo showed that the marker compounds contents were beta-glucan and ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg3, that antioxidant activity was observed through the DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and safety was confirmed through the single dose toxicity assessment.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.457-467
• /
• 2013

A quick and simple method for simultaneous determination of the 30 ginsenosides (ginsenoside Ro, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, 20(S)-Rg2, 20(R)-Rg2, 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, 20(S)-Rh1, 20(S)-Rh2, 20(R)-Rh2, F1, F2, F4, Ra1, Rg6, Rh4, Rk3, Rg5, Rk1, Rb3, Rk2, Rh3, compound Y, compound K, and notoginsenoside R1) in Panax ginseng preparations was developed and validated by an ultra performance liquid chromatography photo diode array detector. The separation of the 30 ginsenosides was efficiently undertaken on the Acquity BEH C-18 column with gradient elution with phosphoric acids. Especially the chromatogram of the ginsenoside Ro was dramatically enhanced by adding phosphoric acid. Under optimized conditions, the detection limits were 0.4 to 1.7 mg/L and the calibration curves of the peak areas for the 30 ginsenosides were linear over three orders of magnitude with a correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. The accuracy of the method was tested by a recovery measurement of the spiked samples which yielded good results of 89% to 118%. From these overall results, the proposed method may be helpful in the development and quality of P. ginseng preparations because of its wide range of applications due to the simultaneous analysis of many kinds of ginsenosides.