Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rf in a rat model of incisional pain

Mechanism and therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine extracts in sepsis

Sepsis is a complex syndrome characterized by multi-organ dysfunction, due to the presence of harmful microorganisms in blood which could cause mortality. Complications associated with sepsis involve multiple organ dysfunction. The pathogenesis of sepsis remains intricate, with limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has consistently demonstrated to have a potential on various disease management. Its complements include reduction of oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammatory pathways, regulating immune responses, and improving microcirculation. Traditional Chinese medicine can mitigate or even treat sepsis in a human system. This review examines progress on the use of TCM extracts for treating sepsis through different pharmacological action and its mechanisms. The potential targets of TCM extracts and active ingredients for the treatment of sepsis and its complications have been elucidated through molecular biology research, network pharmacology prediction, molecular docking analysis, and visualization analysis. Our aim is to provide a theoretical basis and empirical support for utilizing TCM in the treatment of sepsis and its complications while also serving as a reference for future research and development of sepsis drugs.

Probiotics in Postoperative Pain Management

Postoperative pain is the unpleasant sensory and emotional experience after surgery, its origin being both the inflammatory reaction induced by the surgical trauma on the abdominal wall and the splanchnic pain induced by the activation of nociceptors of the viscera, which are highly sensitive to distension, ischemia, and inflammation. Nowadays, it is well recognized that there is a close relationship between the gut microbiome and pain perception, and that microbiome is highly affected by both anesthesia and surgical manipulation. Thus, efforts to restore the disturbed microbiome via supplementation with beneficial bacteria, namely probiotics, seem to be effective. In this article, the knowledge gained mainly from experimental research on this topic is analyzed, the concluding message being that each probiotic strain works in its own way towards pain relief.

Metabolomics approach to growth-age discrimination in mountain-cultivated ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Mountain-cultivated ginseng is typically harvested after 10 years, while ginseng aged over 15 years is considered wild ginseng. This study aims to differentiate mountain-cultivated ginseng by age, as the fraudulent practice of selling low-aged cultivated ginseng disguised as high-aged one is damaging the market. In this study, LC-MS analyzed 98 ginseng samples, and multivariate statistical analysis identified patterns between samples to select influential components. Machine learning models were developed to identify ginseng samples of different ages. The untargeted metabolomic analysis clearly divided samples aged 4-20 years into three age groups. Twenty-two potential age-dependent biomarkers were discovered to differentiate the three sample groups. Three machine learning models were used to predict new samples, and the optimal model was selected. Some biomarkers could determine age phases according to the differentiation of mountain-cultivated ginseng samples. These biomarkers were thoroughly analyzed for variation trends. The machine learning models established using the screened biomarkers successfully predicted the age group of new samples.

Protective effects of ginseng and ginsenosides in the development of osteoarthritis (Review)

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease. Traditional chinese medicine provides a resource for drug screening for OA treatment. Ginseng and the associated bioactive compound, ginsenosides, may reduce inflammation, which is considered a risk factor for the development of OA. Specifically, ginsenosides may exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress activities, and inhibit extracellular matrix degradation by suppressing the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Notably, specific ginsenosides, such as compound K and Rk1, may physically interact with IκB kinase and inhibit the associated phosphorylation. Thus, ginsenosides exhibit potential as therapeutic candidates in the management of OA. However, the low water solubility limits the clinical applications of ginsenosides. Numerous effective strategies have been explored to improve bioavailability; however, further investigations are still required.

Korean Red Ginseng Attenuates Particulate Matter-Induced Senescence of Skin Keratinocytes

Skin is a direct target of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as it is constantly exposed. Herein, we investigate whether Korean red ginseng (KRG) can inhibit PM2.5-induced senescence in skin keratinocytes. PM2.5-treated human keratinocyte cell lines and normal human epidermal keratinocytes showed characteristics of cellular senescence, including flat and enlarged forms; however, KRG suppressed them in both cell types. Moreover, while cells exposed to PM2.5 showed a higher level of p16INK4A expression (a senescence inducer), KRG inhibited its expression. Epigenetically, KRG decreased the expression of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzyme, a DNA demethylase induced by PM2.5, and increased the expression of DNA methyltransferases suppressed by PM2.5, resulting in the decreased methylation of the p16INK4A promoter region. Additionally, KRG decreased the expression of mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1), a histone methyltransferase, and histone acetyltransferase 1 (HAT1) induced by PM2.5. Contrastingly, KRG increased the expression of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2, a histone methyltransferase, and histone deacetyltransferase 1 reduced by PM2.5. Furthermore, KRG decreased TET1, MLL1, and HAT1 binding to the p16INK4A promoter, corresponding with the decreased mRNA expression of p16INK4A. These results suggest that KRG exerts protection against the PM2.5-induced senescence of skin keratinocytes via the epigenetic regulation of p16INK4A.

Ginsenoside Rg1 in neurological diseases: From bench to bedside

Ginseng has been used in China as a superior medicinal material for thousands of years that can nourish the five internal organs, calm the mind and benefit wisdom. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activities, one of the active components of ginseng, ginsenoside Rg1, has been extensively investigated in the remedy of brain disorders, especially dementia and depression. In this review, we summarized the research progress on the action mechanisms of Rg1 ameliorating depression-like behaviors, including inhibition of hyperfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, regulation of synaptic plasticity and gut flora. Rg1 may alleviate Alzheimer's disease in the early phase, as well as in the middle-late phases through repairing dendrite, axon and microglia- and astrocyte-related inflammations. We also proposed that Rg1 could regulate memory state (the imbalance of working and aversive memory) caused by distinct stimuli. These laboratory studies would further the clinical trials on Rg1. From the prospective of drug development, we discussed the limitations of the present investigations and proposed our ideas to increase permeability and bioavailability of Rg1. Taken together, Rg1 has the potential to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, but a future in-depth investigation of the mechanisms is still required. In addition, drug development will benefit from the clinical trials in one specific neuropsychiatric disorder.

Ginsenoside Rb1, a principal effective ingredient of Panax notoginseng, produces pain antihypersensitivity by spinal microglial dynorphin A expression

Panax notoginseng (Chinese ginseng, Sanqi), one of the major ginseng species, has been traditionally used to alleviate different types of chronic pain. The raw P. notoginseng powder is commonly available in China as a non-prescription drug to treat various aliments including arthritic pain. However, strong scientific evidence is needed to illustrate its pain antihypersensitive effects, effective ingredients and mechanism of action. The oral P. notoginseng powder dose-dependently alleviated formalin-induced tonic hyperalgesia, and its total ginsenosides remarkably inhibited neuropathic pain hypersensitivity. Ginsenoside Rb1, the most abundant ginsenoside of P. notoginseng, dose-dependently produced neuropathic pain antihypersensitivity. Conversely, ginsenosides Rg1, Re and notoginseng R1, the other major saponins from P. notoginseng, failed to inhibit formalin-induced tonic pain or mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain. Ginsenoside Rb1 metabolites ginsenosides Rg3, Compound-K and protopanaxadiol also had similar antineuropathic pain efficacy to ginsenoside Rb1. Additionally, intrathecal ginsenoside Rb1 specifically stimulated dynorphin A expression which was colocalized with microglia but not neurons or astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn and primary cultured cells. Pretreatment with microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline, dynorphin A antiserum and specific κ-opioid receptor antagonist GNTI completely blocked Rb1-induced mechanical antiallodynia in neuropathic pain. Furthermore, the specific glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist Dex-21-mesylate (but not GPR30 estrogen receptor antagonist G15) also entirely attenuated ginsenoside Rb1-related antineuropathic pain effects. All these results, for the first time, show that P. notoginseng alleviates neuropathic pain and ginsenoside Rb1 is its principal effective ingredient. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits neuropathic pain by stimulation of spinal microglial dynorphin A expression following GR activation.

Ginsenoside Rh2 Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain by inhibition of the miRNA21-TLR8-MAPK axis

Ginsenoside Rh2 is one of the major bioactive ginsenosides in Panax ginseng. Although Rh2 is known to enhance immune cells activity for treatment of cancer, its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects have yet to be determined. In this study, we investigated the effects of Rh2 on spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain and elucidated the potential mechanisms. We found that various doses of Rh2 intrathecal injection dose-dependently attenuated SNI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Rh2 also inhibited microglia and astrocyte activation in the spinal cord of a murine SNI model. Rh2 treatment inhibited SNI-induced increase of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6. Expression of miRNA-21, an endogenous ligand of Toll like receptor (TLR)8 was also decreased. Rh2 treatment blocked the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway by inhibiting of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression. Finally, intrathecal injection of TLR8 agonist VTX-2337 reversed the analgesic effect of Rh2. These results indicated that Rh2 relieved SNI-induced neuropathic pain via inhibiting the miRNA-21-TLR8-MAPK signaling pathway, thus providing a potential application of Rh2 in pain therapy.

Anti-skin-aging effects of tissue-cultured mountain-grown ginseng and quantitative HPLC/ELSD analysis of major ginsenosides

Mountain-grown ginseng has free radical scavenging activity and suppresses inflammation. We evaluated the anti-skin-aging effects of tissue-cultured mountain-grown ginseng (TG) and its major ginsenosides. The effect of three extracts of TG and ginsenosides Rg1 (1), Rf (2), Rb1 (3), Re (4), and Rd (5) on the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COLIA1) was compared with that of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), as determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An analytical high-performance liquid chromatographic method with evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC/ELSD) was developed for the simultaneous determination of the major ginsenosides in TG obtained via supercritical fluid CO₂ or ethanol extraction. TG residues obtained via supercritical fluid CO₂ extraction (TG1) and TG not subject to extraction (TG3) suppressed MMP-1 secretion in TNF-α-stimulated HDFs. Major ginsenoside content was higher in the TG1 than in residues extracted with ethanol (TG2) and TG3; ginsenoside Rg1 (1) content was the highest among all TG residues. Among them, ginsenosides Rg1 (1) and Re (4) suppressed MMP-1 in TNF-α-stimulated HDFs, whereas ginsenosides Rb1 (3) and Rd (5) increased COLIA1. In conclusion, TG and its active ginsenosides may have anti-skin-aging effects. Ginsenoside Rg1 (1) may also be beneficial in ameliorating skin damage. HPLC/ELSD can identify major ginsenosides and supercritical fluid CO₂ extraction can be applied during health supplement or drug development.

Progress on the Elucidation of the Antinociceptive Effect of Ginseng and Ginsenosides in Chronic Pain

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a traditional Oriental herbal drug widely used in East Asia. Its main active ingredients are ginsenosides whose constituents are known to have various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antinociception, and neuroprotection. The analgesic effects of ginsenosides, such as Rg1, Rg2, and Rb1, as well as compound K, are well known and the analgesic mechanism of action in inflammatory pain models is thought to be the down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α IL-1β, and IL-6). Several studies have also demonstrated that ginsenosides regulate neuropathic pain through the modulation of estrogen receptors. Recently, an increasing number of pathways have emerged in relation to the antinociceptive effect of ginseng and ginsenosides. Therefore, this review presents our current understanding of the effectiveness of ginseng in chronic pain and how its active constituents regulate nociceptive responses and their mechanisms of action.

Isolation and characterization of ginseng-derived exosome-like nanoparticles with sucrose cushioning followed by ultracentrifugation

Ginseng is a traditional medicine that has been used for millennia. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has multiple pharmacological properties. To determine the efficacy of ginseng-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (GDEs), GDEs should be isolated and characterized. GDEs from P. ginseng were isolated via sequential centrifugation using 68 and 27% of sucrose cushioning followed by ultracentrifugation. The size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology of GDEs were evaluated using DLS, NTA, and TEM. GDEs were quantified by measuring the total RNA and protein concentration. The stability of the freeze-dried GDEs was evaluated for 90 days. Uniform and reproducible GDEs were successfully isolated with high yield and purity. GDEs were found to be spherical with an average diameter of 105.8 nm and a negative surface charge of − 20.7 mV. Substantial amounts of nanoparticles of GDEs were counted using NTA, with a concentration of 2.05 × 1013 particles/mL. According to the evaluation of their protein and total RNA concentration, the freeze-dried GDEs were stable for up to 60 days at room temperature. The results suggest the utility of a brief isolation protocol using sucrose double fractionation, which can be used for the mass production of plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles. In addition, the stability of GDEs was maintained even after freeze-drying and storage for 60 days. This method has potential for application in the research for plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles, where cost-effective exosome isolation with high yield and purity is an important step.

Possibility as role of ginseng and ginsenosides on inhibiting the heart disease of COVID-19: A systematic review

Coronavirus has been spreading rapidly around the world since it broke out in China in 2019. Respiratory diseases caused by coronavirus infection cause various diseases ranging from asymptomatic subclinical infections to severe pneumonia and cardiovascular complications, leading to death. In this regard, natural products are being studied to prevent various diseases caused by COVID-19. In current review, we would like to present mechanisms related to the inhibition of heart disease in ginseng and ginsenoside against SARS-CoV-2. In many previous studies, ginseng and ginsenoside are known to have antioxidant, blood flow improvement, improvement of vascular and heart function, blood pressure control, suppression of myocardial infarction and heart failure, and antiarrhythmia. Therefore, ginseng and ginsenoside have a possibility to suppress cardiovascular complications caused by COVID-19. Many of research provide evidence for ginseng and ginsenoside as treatments for the risk of cardiovascular complications. However, in this review, more specific contents on the proposition of the efficacy of ginseng and ginsenoside for COVID-19 should be presented. Therefore, we hope that researches to reduce cardiovascular complications of ginseng and ginsenoside for COVID-19 should be presented to reduce mortality for COVID-19.

The promising therapeutic potentials of ginsenosides mediated through p38 MAPK signaling inhibition

The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) is a 38kD polypeptide recognized as the target for many potential anti-inflammatory agents. Accumulating evidence indicates that p38 MAPK could perform many roles in human disease pathophysiology. Therefore, great therapeutic benefits can be attained from p38 MAPK inhibitors. Ginseng is an exceptionally valued medicinal plant of the family Araliaceae (Panax genus). Recently, several studies targeted the therapeutic effects of purified individual ginsenoside, the most significant active ingredient of ginseng, and studied its particular molecular mechanism(s) of action rather than whole-plant extracts. Interestingly, several ginsenosides: ginsenosides compound K, F1, Rb1, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, Rg5, Rh1, Rh2, Ro, notoginsenoside R1, and protopanaxadiol have shown to possess great therapeutic potentials mediated by their ability to downregulate p38 MAPK signaling in different cell lines and experimental animal models. Our review compiles the research findings of various ginsenosides as potent anti-inflammatory agents, highlighting the crucial role of p38 MAPK suppression in their pharmacological actions. In addition, in silico studies were conducted to explore the probable binding of these ginsenosides to p38 MAPK. The results obtained proposed p38 MAPK involvement in the beneficial pharmacological activities of ginsenosides in different ailments.

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p38 MAPK plays many roles in human disease pathophysiology. Therefore, great therapeutic benefits can be attained from p38 MAPK inhibitors.

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Several ginsenosides showed to possess great therapeutic potentials mediated by its ability to downregulate p38 MAPK signaling.

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in silico ​studies were conducted to explore the binding of these ginsenosides to p38 MAPK and evidenced the promising their inhibitory effect.

Mechanism of Incisional Pain: Novel Finding on Long Noncoding RNA XIST/miR-340-5p/RAB1A Axis

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) XIST on postoperative pain and inflammation of plantar incision pain (PIP) in rats and its underlying mechanisms.

PIP rat models were established by plantar incision. Rats in the sham group were subjected to povidone-iodine scrubbing, and no incision was made. To explore the role of XIST/miR-340-5p/RAB1A in postoperative pain and inflammation, PIP rats were separately or simultaneously injected with lentivirus containing sh-NC, sh-XIST, mimic NC, miR-340-5p mimic, inhibitor NC, miR-340-5p inhibitor, pcDNA3.1, or pcDNA3.1-RAB1A through an intrathecal catheter. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) values of rats in each group were assessed to evaluate the pain behavior. RT-qPCR and Western blot were utilized to determine the levels of XIST, miR-340-5p, RAB1A, and NF-κB pathway-related proteins (p-IκBα, IκBα, p-p65, and p65). The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in rat spinal dorsal horn tissues were inspected by ELISA. H and E staining was applied to observe the pathological changes of neurons in the spinal dorsal horn, TUNEL staining to detect neuronal apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry to measure RAB1A level.

Plantar incision surgery caused decreased PWT and PWL values, enhanced levels of XIST, RAB1A, and inflammatory cytokines, along with an increased proportion of apoptotic neurons. The pain sensitivity and inflammation of rats were motivated after plantar incision surgery. Intrathecal injection of sh-XIST or miR-340-5p mimic ameliorated the pain and inflammation of PIP rats, while silencing of miR-340-5p or overexpression of RAB1A partly reversed the effect of sh-XIST on PIP rats. XIST targeted miR-340-5p and miR-340-5p negatively regulated RAB1A. The XIST/miR-340-5p/RAB1A axis activated the NF-κB signaling pathway.

LncRNA XIST aggravates inflammatory response and postoperative pain of PIP rats by activating the NF-κB pathway via the miR-340-5p/RAB1A axis.

Anti-melanogenic property of ginsenoside Rf from Panax ginseng via inhibition of CREB/MITF pathway in melanocytes and ex vivo human skin

Background

Ginsenosides of Panax ginseng are used to enhance skin health and beauty. The present study aimed to investigate the potential use of ginsenoside Rf (Rf) from Panax ginseng as a new anti-pigmentation agent.

Methods

The anti-melanogenic effects of Rf were explored. The transcriptional activity of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) and the expression levels of tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase-related proteins (Tyrps) were evaluated in melanocytes and UV-irradiated ex vivo human skin.

Results

Rf significantly inhibited Forskolin (FSK) or UV-stimulated melanogenesis. Consistently, cellular tyrosinase activity and levels of MITF, tyrosinase, and Tyrps were downregulated. Furthermore, Rf suppressed MITF promoter activity, which was stimulated by FSK or CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 3 (CRTC3) overexpression. Increased CREB phosphorylation and protein kinase A (PKA) activity induced by FSK were also mitigated in the presence of Rf.

Conclusion

Rf can be used as a reliable anti-pigmentation agent, which has a scientifically confirmed and reproducible action mechanism, via inhibition of CREB/MITF pathway.

Effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on second-degree burn wound healing and FGF-2/PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β pathway modulation

Background

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen (P. notoginseng) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used therapeutically for cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases and traumatic injuries as well as for external and internal bleeding due to injury. Ginsenoside Rb1, a crucial monomeric active constituent extracted from P. notoginseng, has attracted widespread attention because of its potential anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, and cell growth-promoting effects. In this study, the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on second-degree burn in rats and the potential underlying mechanisms were explored.

Methods

A rat model of second-degree burn injury was established, and skin wound healing was monitored at different time points after ginsenoside Rb1 treatment. HE staining was performed to identify burn severity, and biological tissues were biopsied on days 0, 7, 14, and 24 after treatment. Skin wound healing at different time points was monitored by macroscopic observation. Furthermore, IHC, WB, and RT-PCR were utilized to determine the protein and mRNA expression levels of PDGF-BB, PDGFR-β, and FGF-2 in wound tissues after treatment.

Results

HE staining showed that after 24 days of ginsenoside Rb1 treatment, skin tissue morphology was significant improved. Macroscopic observation demonstrated that in ginsenoside Rb1-treated rats, the scab removal time and fur growth time were decreased, and the wound healing rate was increased. Collectively, the results of IHC, WB and RT-PCR showed that PDGF-BB, PDGFR-β, and FGF-2 expressions peaked earlier in ginsenoside Rb1-treated rats than in model rats, consistent with the macroscopic observations.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings  indicated that ginsenoside Rb1 promotes burn wound healing via a mechanism possibly associated with upregulation of FGF-2/PDGF-BB/PDGFR-β gene and protein expressions.

Therapeutic options of TCM for organ injuries associated with COVID-19 and the underlying mechanism

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by infection with severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been spreading rapidly throughout China and in other countries since the end of 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the epidemic is a public health emergency of international concerns. The timely and appropriate measures for treating COVID-19 in China, which are inseparable from the contribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have won much praise of the world.

PURPOSE

This review aimed to summarize and discuss the essential role of TCM in protecting tissues from injuries associated with COVID-19, and accordingly to clarify the possible action mechanisms of TCM from the perspectives of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

METHODS

Electronic databases such as Pubmed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, Web of Science, medRixv and Wiley were used to search scientific literatures.

RESULTS

The present review found that traditional Chinese herbs commonly used for the clinical treatment of organ damages caused by COVID-19, such as Scutellaria baicalensis, Salvia miltiorrhizaSalvia miltiorrhiza, and ginseng, could act on multiple signaling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

TCM could protect COVID-19 patients from tissue injuries, a protection that might be, at least partially, attributed to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of the TCM under investigation. This review provides evidence and support for clinical treatment and novel drug research using TCM.

Paving the Road Toward Exploiting the Therapeutic Effects of Ginsenosides: An Emphasis on Autophagy and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Programmed cell death processes such as apoptosis and autophagy strongly contribute to the onset and progression of cancer. Along with these lines, modulation of cell death mechanisms to combat cancer cells and elimination of resistance to apoptosis is of great interest. It appears that modulation of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with specific agents would be beneficial in the treatment of several disorders. Interestingly, it has been suggested that herbal natural products may be suitable candidates for the modulation of these processes due to few side effects and significant therapeutic potential. Ginsenosides are derivatives of ginseng and exert modulatory effects on the molecular mechanisms associated with autophagy and ER stress. Ginsenosides act as smart phytochemicals that confer their effects by up-regulating ATG proteins and converting LC3-I to -II, which results in maturation of autophagosomes. Not only do ginsenosides promote autophagy but they also possess protective and therapeutic properties due to their capacity to modulate ER stress and up- and down-regulate and/or dephosphorylate UPR transducers such as IRE1, PERK, and ATF6. Thus, it would appear that ginsenosides are promising agents to potentially restore tissue malfunction and possibly eliminate cancer.

Pharmacological potential of ginseng and its major component ginsenosides

Ginseng has been used as a traditional herb in Asian countries for thousands of years. It contains a large number of active ingredients including steroidal saponins, protopanaxadiols, and protopanaxatriols, collectively known as ginsenosides. In the last few decades, the antioxidative and anticancer effects of ginseng, in addition to its effects on improving immunity, energy and sexuality, and combating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurological diseases, have been studied in both basic and clinical research. Ginseng could be a valuable resource for future drug development; however, further higher quality evidence is required. Moreover, ginseng may have drug interactions although the available evidence suggests it is a relatively safe product. This article reviews the bioactive compounds, global distribution, and therapeutic potential of plants in the genus Panax.

Pro-Resolving Effect of Ginsenosides as an Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng, also known as Korean ginseng, is a famous medicinal plant used for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. Ginsenosides (ginseng saponins) are the main class of active constituents of ginseng. The anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng extracts were proven with purified ginsenosides, such as ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, and Rh2, as well as compound K. The negative regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and enzyme expressions (iNOS and COX-2) was found as the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ginsenosides in M1-polarized macrophages and microglia. Recently, another action mechanism emerged explaining the anti-inflammatory effect of ginseng. This is a pro-resolution of inflammation derived by M2-polarized macrophages. Direct and indirect evidence supports how several ginsenosides (ginsenoside Rg3, Rb1, and Rg1) induce the M2 polarization of macrophages and microglia, and how these M2-polarized cells contribute to the suppression of inflammation progression and promotion of inflammation resolution. In this review, the new action mechanism of ginseng anti-inflammation is summarized.

Antiepileptic and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of red ginseng in an intrahippocampal kainic acid model of temporal lobe epilepsy demonstrated by electroencephalography

Background

Chronic inflammation can lower the seizure threshold and have influence on epileptogenesis. The components of red ginseng (RG) have anti-inflammatory effects. The abundance of peripherally derived immune cells in resected epileptic tissue suggests that the immune system is a potential target for anti-epileptogenic therapies. The present study used continuous electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of RG in intrahippocampal kainic acid (IHKA) animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Methods

Prolonged status epilepticus (SE) was induced in 7-week-old C57BL/6J mice via stereotaxic injection of kainic acid (KA, 150 nL; 1 mg/mL) into the right CA3/dorsal hippocampus. The animals were implanted electrodes and monitored for spontaneous seizures. Following the IHKA injections, one group received treatments of RG (250 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks (RG group, n=7) while another group received valproic acid (VPA, 30 mg/kg/day) (VPA group, n=7). Laboratory findings and pathological results were assessed at D29 and continuous (24 h/week) EEG monitoring was used to evaluate high-voltage sharp waves on D7, D14, D21, and D28.

Results

At D29, there were no differences between the groups in liver function test but RG group had higher blood urea nitrogen levels. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that RG reduced the infiltration of immune cells into the brain and EEG analyses showed that it had anticonvulsant effects.

Conclusion

Repeated treatments with RG after IHKA-induced SE decreased immune cell infiltration into the brain and resulted in a marked decrease in electrographic seizures. RG had anticonvulsant effects that were similar to those of VPA without serious side effects.

Antidepressant effects of ginsenoside Rf on behavioral change in the glial degeneration model of depression by reversing glial loss

Background

Depression is a common neuropsychiatric disease that shows astrocyte pathology. Ginsenoside Rf (G-Rf) is a saponin found in Panax ginseng which has been used to treat neuropsychiatric diseases. We aimed to investigate antidepressant properties of G-Rf when introduced into the L-alpha-aminoadipic acid (L-AAA)–infused mice model which is representative of a major depressive disorder that features diminished astrocytes in the brain.

Methods

L-AAA was infused into the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice to induce decrease of astrocytes. Mice were orally administered G-Rf (20 mg/kg) as well as vehicle only or imipramine (20 mg/kg) as controls. Depression-like behavior of mice was evaluated using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). We observed recovery of astroglial impairment and increased proliferative cells in the PFC and its accompanied change in the hippocampus by Western blot and immunohistochemistry to assess the effect of G-Rf.

Results

After injection of L-AAA into the PFC, mice showed increased immobility time in FST and TST and loss of astrocytes without significant neuronal change in the PFC. G-Rf–treated mice displayed significantly more decreased immobility time in FST and TST than did vehicle-treated mice, and their immobility time almost recovered to those of the sham mice and imipramine-treated mice. G-Rf upregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and Ki-67 expression in the PFC reduced by L-AAA and also alleviated astroglial change in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

G-Rf markedly reversed depression-like behavioral changes and exhibited protective effect against the astrocyte ablation in the PFC induced by L-AAA. These protective properties suggest that G-Rf might be a therapeutic agent for major depressive disorders.

Autophagy and its regulation by ginseng components

Autophagy is the sequential process whereby cell components are degraded, which can occur due to nutrient deprivation. Its regulation has an essential role in many diseases, functioning in both cell survival and cell death. Autophagy starts when mTORC1 is inhibited, resulting in the activation of several complexes to form a cargo that fuses with a lysosome, where it undergoes degradation. In this review, we describe a plant extract that is well known in Korea, namely Korean ginseng extract; we studied how its derivatives and metabolites can regulate autophagy and thus mediate the pathogenesis of certain diseases.

Phenolic Compounds and Ginsenosides in Ginseng Shoots and Their Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Capacities in LPS-Induced RAW264.7 Mouse Macrophages

We conducted this study for the first time to evaluate changes in the composition and contents of phenolic compounds and ginsenosides in ginseng shoot extracts (GSEs) prepared with different steaming times (2, 4, and 6 h) at 120 °C, as well as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophages (RAW264.7 cells). The results show that total phenol and flavonoid contents were both significantly higher in steamed versus raw GSEs, and the same trend was found for 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2'-azobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) scavenging capacities. Among the 18 ginsenosides quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the aid of pure standards, polar ginsenosides were abundant in raw GSEs, whereas less-polar or rare ginsenosides appeared after steaming at 120 °C and increased with steaming time. Furthermore, steamed GSEs exhibited a greater ability to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells at the same concentration. Relative expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-6, TNF-α, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNAs were attenuated by the GSEs, probably due to the enrichment of less-polar ginsenosides and enhanced antioxidant activity in steamed GSEs. These findings, combined with correlation analysis, showed that less-polar ginsenosides were major contributors to the inhibition of the overproduction of various inflammatory factors, while the inhibitory effects of total phenols and total flavonoids, and their antioxidant abilities, are also important.

Mechanisms of acute and chronic pain after surgery: update from findings in experimental animal models

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of postoperative pain is still a major issue and relevant mechanisms need to be investigated. In preclinical research, substantial progress has been made, for example, by establishing specific rodent models of postoperative pain. By reviewing most recent preclinical studies in animals related to postoperative, incisional pain, we outline the currently available surgical-related pain models, discuss assessment methods for pain-relevant behavior and their shortcomings to reflect the clinical situation, delineate some novel clinical-relevant mechanisms for postoperative pain, and point toward future needs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the development of the first rodent model of postoperative, incisional pain almost 20 years ago, numerous variations and some procedure-specific models have been emerged including some conceivably relevant for investigating prolonged, chronic pain after surgery. Many mechanisms have been investigated by using these models; most recent studies focussed on endogenous descending inhibition and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. However, surgical models beyond the classical incision model have so far been used only in exceptional cases, and clinical relevant behavioral pain assays are still rarely utilized.

SUMMARY

Pathophysiological mechanisms of pain after surgery are increasingly discovered, but utilization of pain behavior assays are only sparsely able to reflect clinical-relevant aspects of acute and chronic postoperative pain in patients.

Retracted Article: Ginsenoside Rf alleviates dysmenorrhea and inflammation through the BDNF-TrkB-CREB pathway in a rat model of endometriosis

The investigation of the effects and the underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rf in a surgically induced rat endometriosis model was performed.

Study on the Structure of Ginseng Glycopeptides with Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity

Panax ginseng is well known for its medicinal functions. As a class of important compound of ginseng, ginsenoside is widely studied around the world. In addition, ginseng glycopeptides also showed good biological activity, but researches in this field are rarely reported. In this study, ginseng glycopeptides (Gg) were first prepared from Panax ginseng by reflux extracted with 85% ethanol and the following purification with Sephadex G-15 column. Then, the inflammatory pain models induced by carrageenan and the rat pain models induced by Faure Marin were established for research on mechanism of analgesic activities. It is showed that Gg had an obvious inhibiting effect on inflammation and a significant reduction on the Malondialdehyde (MDA) of inflammatory foot tissue. And there were significant differences between moderate to high dose of Gg and model group in Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), Interleukin 2 (IL-2), Interleukin 4 (IL-4), Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and Histamine. The two models can be preliminarily determined that the analgesic effect of Gg may be peripheral, which mechanism may be related to the dynamic balance between proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, and Interleukin 10 (IL-10)). A series of methods were used to study Gg in physical-chemical properties and linking mode of glycoside. The high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for identification of the structure of Gg. Moreover, the structure of 20 major Gg were investigated and identified. The structural analysis of Gg was benefit for the next study on structure-activity relationship.

Comprehensive Profiling and Quantification of Ginsenosides in the Root, Stem, Leaf, and Berry of Panax ginseng by UPLC-QTOF/MS

The effective production and usage of ginsenosides, given their distinct pharmacological effects, are receiving increasing amounts of attention. As the ginsenosides content differs in different parts of Panax ginseng, we wanted to assess and compare the ginsenosides content in the ginseng roots, leave, stems, and berries. To extract the ginsenosides, 70% (v/v) methanol was used. The optimal ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) method was used to profile various ginsenosides from the different parts of P. ginseng. The datasets were then subjected to multivariate analysis including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). A UPLC-QTOF/MS method with an in-house library was constructed to profile 58 ginsenosides. With this method, a total of 39 ginsenosides were successfully identified and quantified in the ginseng roots, leave, stem, and berries. PCA and HCA characterized the different ginsenosides compositions from the different parts. The quantitative ginsenoside contents were also characterized from each plant part. The results of this study indicate that the UPLC-QTOF/MS method can be an effective tool to characterize various ginsenosides from the different parts of P. ginseng.