In-Ho C, Byung-Woo K, Yun-Jae P, Han-Joo L, Sok P, Namju L. Ginseng berry extract increases nitric oxide level in vascular endothelial cells and improves cGMP expression and blood circulation in muscle cells.
J Exerc Nutrition Biochem 2018;
22:6-13. [PMID:
30343553 PMCID:
PMC6199483 DOI:
10.20463/jenb.2018.0018]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether ginseng berry extract improves blood circulation by regulating vasodilator expression in exposed to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-exposed endothelial cells and muscle cells.
METHODS
Nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and A7r5 cells exposed to ginseng berry extract were investigated. Based on the in vitro results, healthy participants were treated with ginseng berry extract for 4 weeks and then a non-invasive vascular screening device was used to confirm the improvement of blood circulation.
RESULTS
When TNF-α-treated cells were exposed to the ginseng berry extract, the expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), NO, and cGMP were recovered to almost normal levels. In addition, TNF-ɑ-induced overexpression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), e-selectin, and p-selectin was lowered by ginseng berry extract. The ginseng berry extract significantly increased ankle brachial pressure index compared to placebo (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This study confirmed that the intake of ginseng berry extract improved blood circulation and therefore, its intake would be helpful for people having problems with blood circulation.
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