Suppression of cholesterogenesis and reduction of LDL cholesterol by dietary ginseng and its fractions in chicken liver

Regulation of appetite-related neuropeptides by Panax ginseng: A novel approach for obesity treatment

Obesity is a primary factor provoking various chronic disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and causes the death of 2.8 million individuals each year. Diet, physical activity, medications, and surgery are the main therapies for overweightness and obesity. During weight loss therapy, a decrease in energy stores activates appetite signaling pathways under the regulation of neuropeptides, including anorexigenic [corticotropin-releasing hormone, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), cholecystokinin (CCK), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript] and orexigenic [agouti-related protein (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and melanin-concentrating hormone] neuropeptides, which increase food intake and lead to failure in attaining weight loss goals. Ginseng and ginsenosides reverse these signaling pathways by suppressing orexigenic neuropeptides (NPY and AgRP) and provoking anorexigenic neuropeptides (CCK and POMC), which prevent the increase in food intake. Moreover, the results of network pharmacology analysis have revealed that constituents of ginseng radix, including campesterol, beta-elemene, ginsenoside Rb1, biotin, and pantothenic acid, are highly correlated with neuropeptide genes that regulate energy balance and food intake, including ADIPOQ, NAMPT, UBL5, NUCB2, LEP, CCK, GAST, IGF1, RLN1, PENK, PDYN, and POMC. Based on previous studies and network pharmacology analysis data, ginseng and its compounds may be a potent source for obesity treatment by regulating neuropeptides associated with appetite.

Herbal Medicine for Slowing Aging and Aging-associated Conditions: Efficacy, Mechanisms and Safety

Aging and aging-associated diseases are issues with unsatisfactory answers in the medical field. Aging causes important physical changes which, even in the absence of the usual risk factors, render the cardiovascular system prone to some diseases. Although aging cannot be prevented, slowing down the rate of aging is entirely possible to achieve. In some traditional medicine, medicinal herbs such as Ginseng, Radix Astragali, Ganoderma lucidum, Ginkgo biloba, and Gynostemma pentaphyllum are recognized by the "nourishing of life" and their role as anti-aging phytotherapeutics is increasingly gaining attention. By mainly employing PubMed here we identify and critically analysed 30 years of published studies focusing on the above herbs' active components against aging and aging-associated conditions. Although many plant-based compounds appear to exert an anti-aging effect, the most effective resulted in being flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and polysaccharides, which include astragaloside, ginkgolide, ginsenoside, and gypenoside specifically covered in this review. Their effects as antiaging factors, improvers of cognitive impairments, and reducers of cardiovascular risks are described, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying the above-mentioned effects along with their potential safety. Telomere and telomerase, PPAR-α, GLUTs, FOXO1, caspase-3, bcl-2, along with SIRT1/AMPK, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 pathways appear to be their preferential targets. Moreover, their ability to work as antioxidants and to improve the resistance to DNA damage is also discussed. Although our literature review indicates that these traditional herbal medicines are safe, tolerable, and free of toxic effects, additional well-designed, large-scale randomized control trials need to be performed to evaluate short- and long-term effects and efficacy of these medicinal herbs.

Herbal Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Safety

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a significant health burden with an ever-increasing prevalence. They remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The use of medicinal herbs continues to be an alternative treatment approach for several diseases including CVDs. Currently, there is an unprecedented drive for the use of herbal preparations in modern medicinal systems. This drive is powered by several aspects, prime among which are their cost-effective therapeutic promise compared to standard modern therapies and the general belief that they are safe. Nonetheless, the claimed safety of herbal preparations yet remains to be properly tested. Consequently, public awareness should be raised regarding medicinal herbs safety, toxicity, potentially life-threatening adverse effects, and possible herb–drug interactions. Over the years, laboratory data have shown that medicinal herbs may have therapeutic value in CVDs as they can interfere with several CVD risk factors. Accordingly, there have been many attempts to move studies on medicinal herbs from the bench to the bedside, in order to effectively employ herbs in CVD treatments. In this review, we introduce CVDs and their risk factors. Then we overview the use of herbs for disease treatment in general and CVDs in particular. Further, data on the ethnopharmacological therapeutic potentials and medicinal properties against CVDs of four widely used plants, namely Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Ganoderma lucidum, and Gynostemma pentaphyllum, are gathered and reviewed. In particular, the employment of these four plants in the context of CVDs, such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, peripheral vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and dyslipidemias has been reviewed, analyzed, and critically discussed. We also endeavor to document the recent studies aimed to dissect the cellular and molecular cardio-protective mechanisms of the four plants, using recently reported in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, we reviewed and reported the results of the recent clinical trials that have been conducted using these four medicinal herbs with special emphasis on their efficacy, safety, and toxicity.

Developmental and reproductive toxicity assessment in rats with KGC-HJ3, Korean Red Ginseng with Angelica gigas and Deer antlers

BACKGROUND

Korean Red Ginseng has been widely used in traditional oriental medicine for a prolonged period, and its pharmacological effects have been extensively investigated. In addition, Angelica gigas and deer antlers were also used as a tonic medicine with Korean Red Ginseng as the oriental herbal therapy.

METHODS

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential toxicological effect of KGC-HJ3, Korean Red Ginseng with angelica gigas and deer antlers, on reproductive and developmental functions including fertility, early embryonic development, maternal function, and embryo-fetal development. KGC-HJ3 was administered by oral gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats (22 animals per sex per group) at dose levels of 0 mg/kg (control), 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg to evaluate the potential toxicological effect on fertility and early embryonic development. In addition, KGC-HJ3 was also administered by oral gavage to mating-proven Sprague-Dawley rats (22 females per group) during the major organogenesis period at dose levels of 0 mg/kg (control), 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg to evaluate the potential toxicological effect on maternal function and embryo-fetal development.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

No test item-related changes in parameters for fertility, early embryonic development, maternal function, and embryo-fetal development were observed during the study period. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that KGC-HJ3 did not have toxicological potential on developmental and reproductive functions. Therefore, no observed adverse effect levels of KGC-HJ3 for fertility, early embryonic development, maternal function, and embryo-fetal development is considered to be at least 2000 mg/kg/day.

Natural approaches in metabolic syndrome management

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized as a group of cardiometabolic risk factors that raise the risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes mellitus and stroke. Treatment strategies include pharmacologic interventions and supplementary (or "alternative") treatments. Nutraceuticals are derived from food sources (isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and herbal products) that are purported to provide health benefits, in addition to providing basic nutritional value. Nutraceuticals are claimed to prevent chronic diseases, improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, and support the structure and function of the body. The study of the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals in patients with MetS, including product standardization, duration of supplementation and definition of optimal dosing, could help better define appropriate treatment. This review focuses on widely marketed nutraceuticals (namely polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, macroelements and vitamins) with clinically demonstrated effects on more than one component of MetS.

Ginseng and obesity

Although ginseng has been shown to have an antiobesity effect, antiobesity-related mechanisms are complex and have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated ginseng’s effects on food intake, the digestion, and absorption systems, as well as liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle in order to identify the mechanisms involved. A review of previous in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that ginseng and ginsenosides can increase energy expenditure by stimulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase pathway and can reduce energy intake. Moreover, in high fat diet-induced obese and diabetic individuals, ginseng has shown a two-way adjustment effect on adipogenesis. Nevertheless, most of the previous studies into antiobesity effects of ginseng have been animal based, and there is a paucity of evidence supporting the suggestion that ginseng can exert an antiobesity effect in humans.

Curcumin Shows Antiviral Properties against Norovirus

Phytochemicals provide environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive natural products, which could potentially benefit public health by controlling human norovirus (HuNoV) infection. In this study, 18 different phytochemicals were evaluated for antiviral effects against norovirus using murine norovirus (MNV) as a model for norovirus biology. Among these phytochemicals, curcumin (CCM) was the most potent anti-noroviral phytochemical, followed by resveratrol (RVT). In a cell culture infection model, exposure to CCM or RVT for 3 days reduced infectivity of norovirus by 91% and 80%, respectively. To confirm the antiviral capability of CCM, we further evaluated its antiviral efficacy at various doses (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 2 mg/mL) and durations (short-term: 10, 30, 60, and 120 min; long-term: 1, 3, 7, and 14 days). The anti-noroviral effect of CCM was verified to occur in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of each phytochemical on the replication of HuNoV using a HuNoV replicon-bearing cell line (HG23). Neither CCM nor RVT had a strong inhibitory effect on HuNoV replication, which suggests that their antiviral mechanism may involve viral entry or other life cycle stages rather than the replication of viral RNA. Our results demonstrated that CCM may be a promising candidate for development as an anti-noroviral agent to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness.

Ginseng extract and ginsenoside Rb1 attenuate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats

Background

Ginsenosides, the major bioactive compounds in ginseng root, have been found to have antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the effects of ginsenosides on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatitis and liver fibrosis in rats.

Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, CCl₄, CCl₄ + 0.5 g/kg Panax ginseng extract and CCl₄ + 0.05 g/kg ginsenoside Rb1 groups. The treated groups were orally given Panax ginseng extract or ginsenoside Rb1 two weeks before the induction of liver injury for successive 9 weeks. Liver injury was induced by intraperitoneally injected with 400 ml/l CCl₄ at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg body weight weekly for 7 weeks. The control group was intraperitoneally injected with olive oil.

Results

The pathological results showed that ginsenoside Rb1 decreased hepatic fat deposition (2.65 ± 0.82 vs 3.50 ± 0.75, p <0.05) and Panax ginseng extract lowered hepatic reticular fiber accumulation (1.05 ± 0.44 vs 1.60 ± 0.39, p <0.01) increased by CCl₄. Plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were increased by CCl₄ (p <0.01)_, and aspartate aminotransferase activity was decreased by Panax ginseng extract at week 9 (p <0.05). Exposure to CCl₄ for 7 weeks, the levels of plasma and hepatic triglycerides (p <0.01), hepatic cholesterol (p <0.01), interleukin-1β (p <0.01), prostaglandin E₂ (p <0.05), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p <0.05), hydroxyproline (p <0.05), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (p <0.05) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) (p <0.01) were elevated, however, hepatic interleukin-10 level was lowered (p <0.05). Both Panax ginseng extract and ginsenoside Rb1 decreased plasma and hepatic triglyceride, hepatic prostaglandin E₂, hydroxyproline and TIMP-1 levels, and Panax ginseng extract further inhibited interleukin-1β concentrations (p <0.05).

Conclusions

Panax ginseng extract and ginsenoside Rb1 attenuate plasma aminotransferase activities and liver inflammation to inhibit CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis through down-regulation of hepatic prostaglandin E₂ and TIMP-1.

Nutritional factors affecting abdominal fat deposition in poultry: a review

The major goals of the poultry industry are to increase the carcass yield and to reduce carcass fatness, mainly the abdominal fat pad. The increase in poultry meat consumption has guided the selection process toward fast-growing broilers with a reduced feed conversion ratio. Intensive selection has led to great improvements in economic traits such as body weight gain, feed efficiency, and breast yield to meet the demands of consumers, but modern commercial chickens exhibit excessive fat accumulation in the abdomen area. However, dietary composition and feeding strategies may offer practical and efficient solutions for reducing body fat deposition in modern poultry strains. Thus, the regulation of lipid metabolism to reduce the abdominal fat content based on dietary composition and feeding strategy, as well as elucidating their effects on the key enzymes associated with lipid metabolism, could facilitate the production of lean meat and help to understand the fat-lowering effects of diet and different feeding strategies.

Interaction of Veratrum nigrum with Panax ginseng against Obesity: A Sang-ban Relationship

Obesity has become a major health threat in developed countries. However, current medications for obesity are limited because of their adverse effects. Interest in natural products for the treatment of obesity is thus rapidly growing. Korean Medicine (KM) is characterized by the wide use of herbal formulas. However, the combination rule of herbal formulas in KM lacks experimental evidence. According to Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica, the earliest book of herbal medicine, Veratrum nigrum (VN) has antagonistic features against Panax ginseng (PG), and the PG-VN pair is strictly forbidden. In this study, we have shown the effects of PG, VN, and their combination on obesity in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese mice and in 3T3-L1 cells. PG, VN, and PG-VN combination significantly reduced weight gain and the fat pad weight in HF diet-induced obese mice. They also significantly decreased lipid accumulation and the expressions of two major adipogenesis factors, PPARγ and C/EBPα, in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, the PG-VN combination had synergistic effects compared with the mixture of extracts of PG and VN on inhibition of PPARγ and C/EBPα expressions at lower doses. These results indicate a new potential anti-obese pharmacotherapy and also provide scientific evidence supporting the usage of herbal combinations instead of mixtures in KM.

GABAA Receptor- and Non-NMDA Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Actions of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Neurons

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been used worldwide as a traditional medicine for the treatment of various reproductive diseases. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the fundamental regulators of pulsatile release of gonadotropin required for fertility. In this study, an extract of KRG (KRGE) was applied to GnRH neurons to identify the receptors activated by KRGE. The brain slice patch clamp technique in whole cell and perforated patch was used to clarify the effect of KRGE on the membrane currents and membrane potentials of GnRH neurons. Application of KRGE (3 μg/μL) under whole cell patch induced remarkable inward currents (56.17±7.45 pA, n=25) and depolarization (12.91±3.80 mV, n=4) in GnRH neurons under high Cl^- pipette solution condition. These inward currents were not only reproducible, but also concentration dependent. In addition, inward currents and depolarization induced by KRGE persisted in the presence of the voltage gated Na⁺ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX), suggesting that the responses by KRGE were postsynaptic events. Application of KRGE under the gramicidin perforated patch induced depolarization in the presence of TTX suggesting its physiological significance on GnRH response. Further, the KRGE-induced inward currents were partially blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist, 10 μM) or picrotoxin (PIC; GABA_A receptor antagonist, 50 μM), and almost blocked by PIC and CNQX mixture. Taken together, these results suggest that KRGE contains ingredients with possible GABA and non-NMDA glutamate receptor mimetic activity, and may play an important role in the endocrine function of reproductive physiology, via activation of GABA_A and non-NMDA glutamate receptors in GnRH neurons.

Astragalus polysaccharides lowers plasma cholesterol through mechanisms distinct from statins

To determine the efficacy and underlying mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on plasma lipids in hypercholesterolemia hamsters. The effect of APS (0.25g/kg/d) on plasma and liver lipids, fecal bile acids and neutral sterol, cholesterol absorption and synthesis, HMG-CoA reductase activity, and gene and protein expressions in the liver and small intestine was investigated in twenty-four hypercholesterolemia hamsters. Treatment periods lasted for three months. APS significantly lowered plasma total cholesterol by 45.8%, triglycerides by 30%, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol by 47.4%, comparable to simvastatin. Further examinations revealed that APS reduced total cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, increased fecal bile acid and neutral sterol excretion, inhibited cholesterol absorption, and by contrast, increased hepatic cholesterol synthesis and HMG-CoA reductase activity. Plasma total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were significantly correlated with cholesterol absorption rates. APS up-regulated cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase and LDL-receptor gene expressions. These new findings identify APS as a potential natural cholesterol lowering agent, working through mechanisms distinct from statins.

Dietary plant bioactives for poultry health and productivity

1. Plants and their biologically active chemical constituents, sometimes called secondary metabolites or bioactives, present numerous opportunities for the improvement of livestock production by inclusion in the diet. 2. Many such plant derived materials have well established therapeutic values in man; however, their potential as feed additives in animal production, particularly of poultry, remains largely unexploited. 3. There is increasing evidence indicating that they can be efficient in controlling diseases, and plant bioactives may also influence production parameters such as feed efficiency and product quality. 4. It has been reported that they may even replicate some of the effects of antibiotic growth promoters, which were banned from use in Europe from 2006. 5. This review assesses the status of plant bioactives in poultry production and their mode of action on avian physiology, particularly in the digestive tract.

Traditional chinese medicine in treatment of metabolic syndrome

In management of metabolic syndrome, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an excellent representative in alternative and complementary medicines with a complete theory system and substantial herb remedies. In this article, basic principle of TCM is introduced and 25 traditional Chinese herbs are reviewed for their potential activities in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Three herbs, ginseng, rhizoma coptidis (berberine, the major active compound) and bitter melon, were discussed in detail on their therapeutic potentials. Ginseng extracts made from root, rootlet, berry and leaf of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) and Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), are proved for anti-hyperglycemia, insulin sensitization, islet protection, anti-obesity and anti-oxidation in many model systems. Energy expenditure is enhanced by ginseng through thermogenesis. Ginseng-specific saponins (ginsenosides) are considered as the major bioactive compounds for the metabolic activities of ginseng. Berberine from rhizoma coptidis is an oral hypoglycemic agent. It also has anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia activities. The action mechanism is related to inhibition of mitochondrial function, stimulation of glycolysis, activation of AMPK pathway, suppression of adipogenesis and induction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals. It may also protect beta cells, enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress. Although evidence from animals and humans supports the therapeutic activities of ginseng, berberine and bitter melon, multi-center large-scale clinical trials have not been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these herbal medicines.

Polyacetylenic compounds, ACAT inhibitors from the roots of Panax ginseng

Acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), which plays a role in the absorption, storage, and production of cholesterol, has been explored as a potential target for pharmacological intervention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic disease. In our search for ACAT inhibitors from natural sources, the petroleum ether extract of Panax ginseng showed moderate inhibition of ACAT enzyme from rat liver microsomes. Bioactivity-guided fractionations led to the isolation of one new polyacetylenic compound, (9R,10S)-epoxy-16-heptadecene-4, 6-diyne-3-one (1), in addition to the previously reported polyacetylenic compounds 2 and 3. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence (UV, IR, NMR, and MS). The compounds 1, 2, and 3 showed significant ACAT inhibition with IC(50) values of 35, 47, and 21 microM, respectively.

Panax ginseng improves survival and sperm quality in guinea pigs exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin

OBJECTIVES

To further assess the effect of Panax ginseng on survival and sperm quality of guinea pigs exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty male guinea pigs were divided into eight equal groups. The normal control (NC) group received vehicle and saline; one dose of 1 micro g/kg body weight TCDD was injected intraperitoneally into the single TCDD-treated (TT) and test groups (P100, P200, C100, C200); G and NC groups received vehicle instead of TCDD. P. ginseng water extract (PG-WE) was injected intraperitoneally at daily doses of 100 (G100, P100, C100) or 200 mg/kg body weight (G200, P200, C200). The PG-WE was administered to the P and G groups for 12 weeks from 1 week before TCDD exposure, and to the C groups for 10 weeks from 1 week after TCDD exposure. After a 4-week discontinuation of PG-WE treatment after the 13th week the surviving males were then tested for fertility by mating them with females. The litter size, death rate, male/female birth ratio and physical abnormalities of the progeny were investigated. After confirming delivery of the offspring, the parent males were killed at 40 weeks, their testes weighed and sperm quality assessed.

RESULTS

All TT animals died within 18 days after TCDD exposure, but 40-70% of the PG-WE-treated groups, depending on the group, survived until death at 40 weeks. All the surviving males were fertile regardless of TCDD exposure; there was no difference in litter size between the NC and test groups. Notably the death rate of progeny born to PG-WE-treated groups was lower than that of progeny born to the NC group. The progeny born to TCDD-exposed groups (P200 and C groups) had a preponderance of females. G Group animals had higher sperm quality than that of NCs even long after discontinuing PG-WE.

CONCLUSION

P. ginseng improves the survival rate and sperm quality in guinea pigs exposed to TCDD.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism by ginseng

1. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) regulates the expression of the key genes involved in lipid metabolism following activation of this receptor by various ligands. Ginseng, a highly valuable medicine in oriental societies, is also reported to modulate lipid metabolism, although the mechanism of its action remains unknown. In order to test our hypothesis that ginseng exerts its effects by altering PPARalpha-mediated pathways, the effects of Korean red ginseng on PPARalpha function and serum lipid profiles were investigated using in vivo and in vitro approaches. 2. In vivo administration of ginseng extract (GE) and ginsenosides (GS) not only inhibited mRNA levels of acyl-CoA oxidase, a rate-limiting enzyme for PPARalpha-mediated peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation, induced by the potent PPARalpha ligand Wy14,643 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but also inhibited the induction of PPARalpha target genes expected following treatment with Wy14,643. 3. Consistent with the in vivo data, both GE and GS caused dose-dependent decreases in the endogenous expression of a luciferase reporter gene containing the PPAR responsive element (PPRE), while GS significantly decreased the magnitude of reporter gene activation in the presence of Wy14,643. 4. Serological studies demonstrated that, compared with vehicle-treated mice, treatment with GS significantly increased serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Compared to groups treated with Wy14,643 alone, which significantly decreased serum triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels versus controls, coadministration of either GE or GS with Wy14,643 modestly increased serum triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. 5. These results indicate that the effects of ginseng on serum lipid profiles may be mediated by changes in the expression of PPARalpha target genes, providing the first evidence that in vivo and in vitro treatments of ginseng modulate PPARalpha action. In addition, these data suggest that ginseng can act as an inhibitor of PPARalpha function, which may have therapeutic implications.

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) effects on fibrinogen and lipid plasma level in rats fed on a high-fat diet

Several studies have shown that notoginsenoides improve diastolic function in hypertensive subjects, induce the fibrinolytic system in in vitro models and act as antiproliferative agents on vessel leiomyocytes. Our aim was to evaluate their effect on fibrinogen and lipid plasma levels compared with a well-known HMGCoA reductase inhibitor. Seventy Wistar male adult rats on a fat-enriched diet were treated orally with P. notoginseng pulverized root (43 mg/kg/day or 86 mg/kg/day; 20 animals per group), fluvastatin (3 mg/kg/day; 20 animals) or physiological saline (5 mL/kg/day; 10 animals). The ten rats on a normocaloric diet were also treated with 5 mL/kg/day of physiological saline. After a 28-day treatment, the rats were killed and their blood analysed with standard procedures. Treatment with 43 mg/kg/day of P. notoginseng or 3 mg/kg/day of fluvastatin showed similar activity in decreasing total cholesterol (-23.70%, -19.29%, respectively) and triglycerides (-21.59%, -18.55%). The most evident effect of P. notoginseng was the reduction of fibrinogenaemia in treated rats compared with the control values (-38.10%; p < 0.001), no dose-relationship being shown in this effect. Moreover, no significant variation in HDL cholesterol and glucose levels was observed nor did relevant behavioural changes occur in association with the root intake. Besides a moderate, non dose-related decrease in the plasma lipid levels, P. notoginseng appeared to induce a significant reduction in the rat fibrinogenaemia.

The effect of ginseng on bile-pancreatic secretion in the rat. Increase in proteins and inhibition of total lipids and cholesterol secretion

Ginseng is one of the most popular herbal remedies. Studies were performed in anaesthetized rats to examine the effect of ginseng on bile secretion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with intraperitoneal (i.p.) urethane (1.25 g kg(-1)) and equipped with biliary cannulas inserted into the bile duct through the sphincter of Oddi. Rats were treated with a single i.p. injection of ginseng at 25, 50 or 100 mg kg(-1) (1 ml(-1)) 30 min before bile collection; the control group received i.p. saline only at 1 ml(-1)volume. The effect of multiple doses of ginseng on bile volume and biliary composition was also studied. Ginseng was given in the higher dose of 100 mg kg(-1) (1 ml(-1), i.p.) every 12 hours for 2 days. Bile was collected in 15 min fractions for 90 min. Bile flow (bile-pancreatic juice), biliary excretion of total proteins, cholesterol and total lipids were measured. The single administration of different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg kg (-1)) of ginseng reduced basal bile secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Single-dose administration of ginseng at 100 mg kg(-1) caused 32.9% reduction in basal bile flow. Meanwhile, mean basal bile flow was reduced by 15.1% in rats treated with multiple doses of ginseng at 100 mg kg(-1) for two days. Biliary protein concentrations were significantly increased after single- or multiple-dose administration of ginseng, but protein output was only significantly increased (33%) in rats treated with ginseng (100 mg kg(-1)) twice a day for 2 days. Biliary total lipids and cholesterol concentration and outputs were significantly reduced after single or multiple administration of ginseng. In conclusion, administration of ginseng in the rat resulted in a reduction of bile flow and in bile secretion of total lipids and cholesterol, while it increased the secretion of proteins in a dose-dependent manner. The precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be elucidated. The findings indicate the need for clinical trials for the effect of this herb on bile composition and flow in man in view of a possible modulatory effect for the herb on gallstone formation.

Lipoprotein lipase activation by red ginseng saponins in hyperlipidemia model animals

The effect of ginseng saponins isolated from red ginseng (a steamed and dried root of Panax ginseng) has been studied in a cyclophosphamide (CPM)-induced hyperlipidemia model in fasted rabbits. In this model, chylomicrons and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) accumulation was known to occur as a result of reduction in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in the heart and heparin-releasable heart LPL. Oral administration of ginseng saponins at a dose of 0.01 g/kg for 4 weeks was found to reverse the increase in serum triglycerides (TG) and concomitant increase in cholesterol produced by CPM treatment, especially in chylomicrons and VLDL. In addition, ginseng saponins treatment led to a recovery in postheparin plasma LPL activity and heparin-releasable heart LPL activity, which were markedly reduced by CPM treatment. In rats given 15% glycerol/15% fructose solution, postheparin plasma LPL activity declined to two third of normal rats, whereas ginseng saponins reversed it to normal levels. In the present study we first demonstrated that ginseng saponins sustained LPL activity at a normal level or protected LPL activity from being decreased by several factors, resulting in the decrease of serum TG and cholesterol.

Orally administered Panax ginseng extract decreases platelet adhesiveness in 66% hepatectomized rats

The effect of oral administration of Panax ginseng extract (GE) on platelet adhesiveness was examined in 66% hepatectomized rats. A significant decrease in platelet adhesiveness was obtained when 125 mg/kg/day GE was administered for 6 days before and after hepatectomy. The total cholesterol concentration in the serum was also decreased by GE administration. Food intake was unaffected by GE administration. Serum parameters indicating liver and kidney function were unchanged after GE administration except for lipid metabolic parameters. Because enhanced platelet adhesiveness and hyperlipidemia induces atherosclerosis, these results suggest that orally administered GE is capable of improving the atherosclerotic condition associated with hepatectomy.

Acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitory activity of ginseng sapogenins, produced from the ginseng saponins

Ginseng sapogenins were produced from ginseng saponins, isolated from Korean ginseng roots. Ginseng saponins very mildly inhibited acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) in vitro, however, the sapogenins showed strong inhibitory activity on microsomal ACAT. Therefore, the sapogenins will be one of key ingredients of ginseng affected a lowering of the serum total cholesterol level.

Effects of added lard fed to broiler chickens during the starter phase. 2. Serum lipids

The effects of lard added to starter diets on various serum lipids were determined in broiler chickens between 14 and 42 d of age. Nonisocaloric starter diets were formulated to contain either 0, 3, or 7% added lard, where the megacaloric percentages of all major nutrients were held constant. Birds received either 0, 3, or 7% added lard in starter diets through 10 d of age (S1), followed by either 3 or 7% added dietary lard through 21 d of age (S2). All possible combinations of the three S1 diets and two S2 diets yielded six total dietary treatments. A common grower diet was provided after 21 d. Concentrations of various serum lipids were determined weekly from 14 to 42 d of age. The effects of both the S1 and S2 diets on total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) were inconsistent and were influenced by sex between 14 and 42 d of age. However, serum triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations showed progressive increases over the 14 to 42 d period in birds that received dietary lard at either level in the S1 diet. These same serum constituents also increased to the greatest extents over the same period when birds were provided 3% added lard in the S2 diet. It was concluded that the response of broiler chickens between 14 and 42 d to different levels of dietary lard were influenced by age of feeding during the starter period. Furthermore, the specific effects of the diets on serum cholesterol, LDLC, and HDLC concentrations between 14 and 42 d varied with the sex and age of the bird.

Suppression of cholesterogenesis by plant constituents: review of Wisconsin contributions to NC-167

In animals, non-sterol metabolites of the mevalonate pathway act independently from receptor-mediated cholesterol uptake in the multivalent feedback regulation of mevalonate biosynthesis. Studies leading to the isolation and characterization of plant-borne suppressors of mevalonate biosynthesis are reviewed. We propose that one cardio-protective component of the vegetarian diet consists of a variety of non-sterol, post-mevalonate metabolites. These products of plant branches of the mevalonate pathway, discarded as animals evolved, continue to influence animal sterol metabolism. It is through this action, we propose, that the cholesterol-suppressive action of plant materials is expressed.