Effects of fermented ginseng root and ginseng berry on obesity and lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet

A ginsenoside G-Rg3 PEGylated long-circulating liposome for hyperglycemia and insulin resistance therapy in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mice

Ginsenoside (GS), one of the main active components in ginseng, can enhance insulin sensitivity, improve the function of islet β cells, and reduce cell apoptosis in the treatment of diabetes. However, the drawbacks of high lipid solubility, poor water solubility, and low oral availability in Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) seriously limit further application of GS. In this work, a G-Rg3 PEGylated long-circulating liposome (PEG-L-Rg3) is designed and developed to improve symptoms in type 2 diabetic mice. The as-prepared PEG-L-Rg3 with a spherical structure shows a particle size of ∼ 140.5 ± 1.4 nm, the zeta potential of -0.10 ± 0.05 mV, and a high encapsulation rate of 99.8 %. Notably, in vivo experimental results demonstrate that PEG-L-Rg3 exhibits efficient ability to improve body weight and food intake in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Moreover, PEG-L-Rg3 also enhances fasting insulin (FINS) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI). In addition, the glucose tolerance of mice is significantly improved after the treatment of PEG-L-Rg3, indicating that PEG-L-Rg3 can be a potential drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, which provides a new way for the treatment of type 2 diabetes using ginsenosides.

Effects of ginseng berry saponins from panax ginseng on glucose metabolism of patients with prediabetes: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes strongly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events. However, lifestyle intervention, the first-line treatment for prediabetes currently, was inconsistently beneficial for glucose metabolism, and the conventional medicines, such as metformin, is controversial for prediabetes due to the possible side effects.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Zhenyuan Capsule, a Chinese patented medicine consisting of ginseng berry saponins extracted from the mature berry of Panax Ginseng, on the glucose metabolism of prediabetic patients as a complementary therapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-Blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 195 participants with prediabetes were randomized 1:1 to receive either placebo followed by Zhenyuan Capsule, or vice versa, alongside lifestyle interventions. Each treatment period lasted 4 weeks with a 4-week washout period in between. The primary outcomes were the changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (2-h PG) from baseline. Secondary outcomes includes the changes in fasting and 2-h postprandial insulin and C-peptide, the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) from baseline. Blood lipids and adverse events were also assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, Zhenyuan Capsule caused remarkable reduction in 2-h PG (-0.98 mmol/l) after adjusting treatment order. Zhenyuan Capsule also reduced the fasting and 2-h postprandial levels of insulin and C-peptide, lowered HOMA-IR index (-1.26), and raised QUICKI index (+0.012) when compared to placebo. Additionally, a significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; +0.25 mmol/l) was found in patients with Zhenyuan Capsule. No serious adverse event occurred during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Among prediabetic patients, Zhenyuan Capsule further reduced 2-h PG level, alleviated insulin resistance and raised HDL-C level on the background of lifestyle interventions. The study protocol is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000034000).

Exercise ameliorates lipid droplet metabolism disorder by the PLIN2-LIPA axis-mediated lipophagy in mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Excessive hepatic lipid droplets (LDs) accumulation-induced lipid metabolism disorder contributes to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Exercise is a promising therapeutic strategy for NAFLD. However, the mechanism by which exercise ameliorates NAFLD through regulating the catabolism of hepatic LDs remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of perilipin2 (PLIN2)-lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA) axis mediating exercise-triggered lipophagy in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mouse model. Our results showed that exercise could reduce HFD-induced hepatic LDs accumulation and change the expression of lipolysis-related enzymes. Moreover, exercise upregulated the expression of microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and autophagy-related proteins, and downregulated sequestosome 1 (P62) expression and promoted autophagosomes formation. Interestingly, exercise downregulated PLIN2 expression, upregulated LIPA expression, and increased the activity of hepatic LIPA and serum levels of LIPA in the NAFLD mouse model. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator-5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAr) treatment significantly increased mRNA levels and protein expression of LIPA and LC3II and decreased levels of PLIN2 and P62 in palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 cells. PLIN2 silencing and LIPA overexpression notably increased the mRNA level and protein expression of LC3II and decreased the mRNA level and protein expression of p62, respectively. In summary, our findings reveal novel insights into the effect of exercise on improving lipid droplet metabolism disorder in NAFLD. Enhancing the PLIN2-LIPA axis-mediated lipophagy may be one of the key mechanisms involved in NAFLD alleviation by exercise.

The promising roles of medicinal plants and bioactive compounds on hepatic lipid metabolism in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in animal models: molecular targets

Imbalance in hepatic lipid metabolism can lead to an abnormal triglycerides deposition in the hepatocytes which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Four main mechanisms responsible for regulating hepatic lipid metabolism are fatty acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis, lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Controlling the expression of transcription factors at molecular level plays a crucial role in NAFLD management. This paper reviews various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds emphasising mechanisms involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, other important NAFLD pathological features, and their promising roles in managing NAFLD through regulating key transcription factors. Although there are many medicinal plants popularly investigated for NAFLD treatment, there is still little information and scientific evidence available and there has been no research on clinical trials scrutinised on this matter. This review also aims to provide molecular information of medicinal plants in NALFD treatment that might have potentials for future scientifically controlled studies.

Structural characteristics of mixed pectin from ginseng berry and its anti-obesity effects by regulating the intestinal flora

Ginseng berry is the mature berry of ginseng and its polysaccharide has hypolipidaemic effect, but its mechanism remains unclear. A pectin (GBPA) with a molecular weight of 3.53 × 10⁴ Da was isolated from ginseng berry, it was mainly composed of Rha (25.54 %), GalA (34.21 %), Gal (14.09 %) and Ara (16.25 %). Structural analysis showed that GBPA is a mixed pectin containing rhamnogalacturonan-I and homogalacturonan domains and has a triple helix structure. GBPA distinctly improved lipid disorders in obese rats, and changed intestinal flora with enrichments of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides and Prevotella, improved the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. Serum metabolites which involved in the lipid regulation-related pathway, including cinnzeylanine, 10-Hydroxy-8-nor-2-fenchanone glucoside, armillaribin, 24-Propylcholestan-3-ol, were also greatly changed after GBPA treatment. GBPA activated AMP-activated protein kinase, phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and reduced the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and fatty acid synthases. The regulatory effects of GBPA on lipid disorders in obese rats are related to the regulation of intestinal flora and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Ginseng berry pectin could be considered in the future as a health food or medicine to prevent obesity.

Lemon fermented products prevent obesity in high-fat diet-fed rats by modulating lipid metabolism and gut microbiota

Citrus limon (lemon) possesses immunoregulatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. Our previous study showed that lemon fermented products (LFP) which were lemon fermented with Lactobacillus OPC1 had the ability to avert obesity. However, the LFP effects on the pathway of lipid metabolism by gut microbiota were still unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the LFP effects on liver lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in a rat model of obesity caused by a high-calorie diet. LFP effectively reduced the total triglyceride (49.7%) and total cholesterol (53.3%) contents of the liver. Additionally, the mRNA levels of genes related to triglyceride metabolism (SREBP-1c, PPARγ, and ACC), cholesterol metabolism (HMG-CoA reductase, ACAT, and LCAT), and lipid β-oxidation (PPARα, and CPT-1) were regulated by LFP. Furthermore, LFP reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and enhanced the ratio of Firmicutes Clostridia. Overall, these findings suggested that LFP might use as a potential dietary supplement for preventing obesity by modulating the lipid metabolism and improving the gut microbiota.

Screening and identification of lipase inhibitors extracted from Dioscorea nipponica Makino by UV-vis and HPLC coupled to UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

Dioscoreae nipponica Makino (D. nipponica) as the rhizome of dioscoreaceae rich in steroidal saponins, has been reported to have the hypolipidemic effects etc. However, it is still unclear which exact active components are primary responsible for the beneficial effects. This study was conducted to fish out the lipase inhibitors from D. nipponica, and evaluate the inhibitory activity on porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) through in vitro kinetic assay using p-nitrophenyl palmitate as substrate. Accordingly, the ethanolic extract was subjected to D101 macroporous resin purification for spectrophotometric screening, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation and structural characterization by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Through orlistat validation, the PPL inhibitory activity and IC₅₀ value of the extract were respectively 68.34 ± 1.47 % and 107.05 μg/mL under the optimized inhibition conditions. From 6 steroidal saponins identified, the inhibitory components named the protodioscin, protogracillin, dioscin and gracillin were fished out by grouping separation and HPLC analysis. Furthermore, dioscin and gracillin with the parent structure of diogenin were confirmed as the major inhibitors by virtue of stability tests based on transformation of protodioscin and protogracillin. Finally, the inhibitory mechanism of the major inhibitors toward PPL was further clarified by kinetic analysis and molecular docking analysis. The proposed method not only revealed the PPL inhibitory components in D. nipponica, but also provided an effective approach to hierarchical screening of PPL inhibitors from natural plants.

The Efficacy of Panax ginseng for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies

Although tremendous research has reported the protective effects of natural compounds in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is still no approved drug. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of Panax ginseng in NAFLD in preclinical studies. A total of 41 studies were identified by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The methodological quality was assessed by the risk of bias tool from the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and the random effects model was used to examine overall efficacy or heterogeneity. The publication bias was analyzed by Egger's test. The results showed that Panax ginseng treatment significantly reduced the systemic levels of alanine aminotransferase (SMD: -2.15 IU/L; p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (SMD: -2.86 IU/L; p < 0.0001), triglyceride (SMD: -2.86 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), total cholesterol (SMD: -1.69 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein (SMD: -1.46 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), and fasting glucose (SMD: -1.45 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) while increasing high-density lipoprotein (SMD: 1.22 mg/dL; p = 0.0002) in NAFLD regardless of animal models or species. These findings may suggest that Panax ginseng is a promising therapeutic agent for NAFLD treatment.

Natural Compounds as Integrative Therapy for Liver Protection against Inflammatory and Carcinogenic Mechanisms: From Induction to Molecular Biology Advancement

The liver is exposed to several harmful substances that bear the potential to cause excessive liver damage ranging from hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to extreme cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver ailments have been effectively treated from very old times with Chinese medicinal herbal formulations and later also applied by controlled trials in Japan. However, these traditional practices have been hardly well characterized in the past till in the last decades when more qualified studies have been carried out. Modern advances have given rise to specific molecular targets which are specifically good candidates for affecting the intricate mechanisms that play a role at the molecular level. These therapeutic regimens that mainly affect the progression of the disease by inhibiting the gene expression levels or by blocking essential molecular pathways or releasing cytokines may prove to play a vital role in minimizing the tissue damage. This review, therefore, tries to throw light upon the variation in the therapies for the treatment of benign and malignant liver disease from ancient times to the current date. Nonetheless, clinical research exploring the effectiveness of herbal medicines in the treatment of benign chronic liver diseases as well as prevention and treatment of HCC is still warranted.

(20R)-panaxadiol improves obesity by promoting white fat beigeing

Introduction: Obesity is an important cause of a range of metabolic diseases. However, the complex mechanisms of obesity and its related diseases make some weight loss methods ineffective or have safety issues. Ginseng, a specialty of Jilin Province in China with both edible and medicinal value, contains mainly ginsenosides and other components. In order to study the anti-obesity effect of ginseng, network pharmacology was used to predict and screen the active ingredients, action targets and signaling pathways of ginseng. We found (20R)-panaxadiol (PD) is a more desirable active ingredient due to its high drug-like properties and high bioavailability. Moreover, it is closely related to cAMP pathway which is more important in metabolism regulation. The corresponding pharmacodynamic targets of PD include ADRB2 (the gene encoding the β₂-adrenoceptor receptor). Our study aimed to investigate whether Panaxadiol can promote white adipocyte beigeing and increase thermogenesis through modulating the β₂/cAMP pathway to exert anti-obesity effects. Methods: In vivo, we established high-fat feeding obesity model, genotypically obese mice (ob/ob) model, and administered PD (10 mg/kg). PD treatment in ob/ob mice along with β₂ receptor inhibitor ICI118551. In vitro, differentiated mature 3T3-L1 cells were given palmitate (PA) to induce hypertrophy model along with PD (20 μM). Results: The results of this study demonstrated that PD significantly reduced body weight, improved glucose tolerance and lipid levels in high-fat-induced obese mice and ob/ob mice, and also reduced lipid droplet size in PA-treated hypertrophic adipocytes in vitro. Molecular biology assays confirmed that cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was increased after PD administration, and the expression of thermogenesis-related proteins UCP1, PRDM16 and mitochondrial biosynthesis-related proteins PGC-1α, TFAM and NRF1 were increased. Molecular docking results showed a low binding energy between β₂ receptors and PD, indicating an affinity between the β₂ receptor and PD. In addition, the β₂ receptor inhibition, reversed the anti-obesity effect of PD on the body weight, lipid droplets, the expression of thermogenesis-related proteins and CREB phosphorylation in ob/ob mice. Discussion: These results suggest that PD may promote the expression of thermogenic proteins through phosphorylation of CREB via β2 receptor activation, and thus exert anti-obesity effects.

Screening of the Active Compounds against Neural Oxidative Damage from Ginseng Phloem Using UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS Coupled with the Content-Effect Weighted Method

The neuroprotective properties of ginsenosides have been found to reverse the neurological damage caused by oxidation in many neurodegenerative diseases. However, the distribution of ginsenosides in different tissues of the main root, which was regarded as the primary medicinal portion in clinical practice was different, the specific parts and specific components against neural oxidative damage were not clear. The present study aims to screen and determine the potential compounds in different parts of the main root in ginseng. Comparison of the protective effects in the main root, phloem and xylem of ginseng on hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death of SH-SY5Y neurons was investigated. UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS was used to quickly and comprehensively characterize the chemical compositions of the active parts. Network pharmacology combined with a molecular docking approach was employed to virtually screen for disease-related targets and potential active compounds. By comparing the changes before and after Content-Effect weighting, the compounds with stronger anti-nerve oxidative damage activity were screened out more accurately. Finally, the activity of the selected monomer components was verified. The results suggested that the phloem of ginseng was the most effective part. There were 19 effective compounds and 14 core targets, and enriched signaling pathway and biological functions were predicted. After Content-Effect weighting, compounds Ginsenosides F1, Ginsenosides Rf, Ginsenosides Rg₁ and Ginsenosides Rd were screened out as potential active compounds against neural oxidative damage. The activity verification study indicated that all four predicted ginsenosides were effective in protecting SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative injury. The four compounds can be further investigated as potential lead compounds for neurodegenerative diseases. This also provides a combined virtual and practical method for the simple and rapid screening of active ingredients in natural products.

A Comparative Study of the Anti-Obesity Effects of Dietary Sea Cucumber Saponins and Energy Restriction in Response to Weight Loss and Weight Regain in Mice

Dietary supplementation of sea cucumber saponins and calorie restriction have been proved to be effective in alleviating obesity, but the differences of anti-obesity effects between sea cucumber saponins and energy restriction during weight loss and weight regain are still unknown. In the present study, high-fat-induced obesity mice were randomly divided into three groups, including a high-fat diet group (HF), an energy restriction by 40% group (HF-L), and a sea cucumber saponins group (HF-S), to compare the effects of dietary sea cucumber saponins and energy restriction on the weight, glucose, and lipid metabolism of obese mice during weight loss and weight regain. The results showed that dietary 0.06% sea cucumber saponins and limiting energy intake by 40% had the same weight loss effect. Interestingly, sea cucumber saponins could alleviate impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance caused by obesity. In addition, the inhibited SREBP-1c mediated lipogenesis might lead to the alleviation of weight regain after resuming the high-fat diet even when sea cucumber saponins were no longer supplemented. In contrast, limiting energy intake tended to promote lipid synthesis in the liver and white adipose tissue after restoring a high-fat diet, and inflammation was also induced. The findings indicated that sea cucumber saponins could replace calorie restriction to prevent obesity and might be used as a functional food or drug to resist obesity and related diseases caused by obesity.

Multi-Enzyme Supplementation Modifies the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Breeding Hens

Laying and reproductive performance, egg quality, and disease resistance of hens decrease during the late laying period. Exogenous enzymes promote nutrient digestibility and utilization and improve the intestinal environment. However, the specific regulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome by exogenous enzymes remains unelucidated. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary multi-enzyme supplementation on egg and reproductive performance, egg quality, ileum microbiome, and metabolome of breeders. Here, 224 Hy-Line Brown breeding hens (55 weeks old) were randomly allocated to two groups: dietary controls fed basal diet (DC), and test hens fed 0.2 g/kg corn enzyme diet (CE). Serum levels of total protein, globulin, immunoglobulin Y, and antibodies against the Newcastle disease virus and avian influenza H9 strain were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Egg albumen height, Haugh unit, and fertilization and hatching rates were also significantly increased (p < 0.05) in the CE-fed group. 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that CE strongly affected both α- and β-diversity of the ileal microbiota. LEfSe analysis revealed that the potentially beneficial genera Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Faecalicoccus, and Streptococcus were enriched as biomarkers in the CE-fed group. Microbial functional analysis revealed that the functional genes associated with harmful-substance biodegradation was significantly increased in the CE-fed group. Additionally, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that changes in microbial genera were correlated with differential metabolites. In summary, dietary multi-enzyme addition can improve egg quality, humoral immunity, and reproductive performance and regulate the intestinal microbiome and metabolome in breeders. Therefore, multi-enzymes could be used as feed additive to extend breeder service life.

Probing the biological toxicity of pyrene to the earthworm Eisenia fetida and the toxicity pathways of oxidative damage: A systematic study at the animal and molecular levels

Pyrene (Pyr), a widely used tetracyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, enters soil in large quantities and causes environmental pollution due to its production and mining. In order to systematically study the biotoxicity of pyrene to model organisms Eisenia fetida in soil, experiments were carried out from four dimensions: animal, tissue, cell and molecule. Experimental results proved that the mortality rate increased with increasing concentration and time of exposure to pyrene, while the mean body weight and spawning rate decreased. Meanwhile, when the pyrene concentration reached 900 mg/kg, the seminal vesicle and longitudinal muscle of the earthworm showed obvious atrophy. Experimental results at the cellular level showed that pyrene induced cell membrane damage and Ca²⁺ influx triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and a surge in ROS levels. Oxidative stress causes damage to proteins and lipids and DNA inside cells. When the mortality rate was 91.67 %, the Olive Tail Movement (OTM) of the comet experiment reached 15. The results of molecular level tests showed that pyrene inhibited the activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) mainly by changing the microenvironment and secondary structure of amino acid Tyr 108. The weakened function of direct antioxidant enzymes may be the root cause of the excessive increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. The systematic approach used in this study enriches the network of toxic pathways in toxicological studies, and basic data on the biological toxicity of pyrene can provide support for future soil contamination detection.

Whitening and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation properties of the biotransformed green ginseng berry of new cultivar K1, ginsenoside Rg2 enriched, on B16 and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

Background

Main bioactive constituents and pharmacological functions of ripened red ginseng berry (Panax ginseng Meyer) have been frequently reported. Yet, the research gap targeting the beneficial activities of transformed green ginseng berries has not reported elsewhere.

Methods

Ginsenosides of new green berry cultivar K-1 (GK-1) were identified by HPLC-QTOF/MS. Ginsenosides bioconversion in GK-1 by bgp1 enzyme was confirmed with HPLC and TLC. Then, mechanisms of GK-1 and β-glucosidase (bgp1) biotransformed GK-1 (BGK-1) were determined by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and Western blot.

Results

GK-1 possesses highest ginsenosides especially ginsenoside-Re amongst seven ginseng cultivars including (Chunpoong, Huangsuk, Kumpoong, K-1, Honkaejong, Gopoong, and Yunpoong). Ginseng root’s biomass is not affected with the harvest of GK-1 at 3 weeks after flowering period. Then, Re is bio-converted into a promising pharmaceutical effect of Rg2 via bgp1. According to the results of cell assays, BGK-1 shows decrease of tyrosinase and melanin content in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone challenged-murine melanoma B16 cells. BGK-1 which is comparatively more effective than GK-1 extract shows significant suppression of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and inflammatory target genes, in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion

These results reported effective whitening and anti-inflammatory of BGK-1 as compared to GK-1.

Monascus ruber fermented Panax ginseng ameliorates lipid metabolism disorders and modulate gut microbiota in rats fed a high-fat diet

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is rich in a variety of biologically active ingredients, which shows good effect in the treatment of metabolic diseases. Monascus has lipid-lowering activity and one of its metabolites, lovastatin, is widely used in clinical practice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The main purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of fermented Panax ginseng by Monascus ruber (PM) on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in rats fed a high-fat diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SPF Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, the therapeutic effect of PM on HFD-induced obesity, hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and disordered gut microbiota were determined in rats.

RESULTS

PM could attenuate features of obesity in rats, decrease serum TC, LDL-C and IgA levels, increase excretion of bile acids in feces. Hepatic histopathologic analysis revealed that PM decrease lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Consistently, mRNA expression levels of cholesterol metabolism-related genes were regulated in the livers of HFD-fed rats administered with PM. In addition, PM could enhance the diversity and relative abundance of gut microbiota, reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, increase significantly the relative abundance of Prevotella_9, and decrease these of Muribaculaceae.

CONCLUSIONS

PM could regulate lipid metabolism and the structure of the gut microbiota in the HFD rats. Our findings provide valuable experience for the development of ginseng. PM could be a potentially effective strategy to prevent and treat metabolic diseases and alleviate the gut microbiota disturbance caused by it.

The effects of ginseng on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors including high blood glucose, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high body weight. It can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which are the important reasons for death around the world. Nowadays, there are numerous demands for herbal medicine because of less harmful effects and more useful effects in comparison with chemical options. Ginseng is one of the most famous herbs used as a drug for a variety of disorders in humans. The antihyperlipidemia, antihypertension, antihyperglycemic, and anti-obesity effects of ginseng and its active constituents such as ginsenosides have been shown in different studies. In this review article, the different in vitro, in vivo, and human studies concerning the effects of ginseng and its active constituents in metabolic syndrome have been summarized. According to these studies, ginseng can control metabolic syndrome and related diseases.

In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Lung Cancer and Anti-COVID-19 Effects using Fermented Black Color Ginseng Extract

Ginseng is known as the “king” of herbal plants and has been used widely in Asia for centuries. Ginseng contains active saponins, including protopanaxadiols, protopanaxatriols, and other compounds. There are many methods for processing ginseng, such as steaming, fermentation, expansion, and conversion of active compounds, which can improve its biological activity. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic and oxidative effects of fermented black color ginseng (FBCG), black ginseng (BG), and white ginseng (WG) on a human lung carcinoma cell line (A549). Moreover, we found that treatment with FBCG induced oxidative stress in the A549 cell line and increases the apoptosis percentage; these effects were linked to the stimulation of the caspase 3/mitogen-activated protein kinase (caspase 3/MAPK) pathway. We also evaluated the anti-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) effect of FBCG on a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected Vero E6 cell line. Our results suggest that FBCG not only inhibits the replication of this strain of virus in the cell but also reduces the number of viral RNA (vRNA) copies in the extracellular environment. Taken together, these data show that FBCG has both potential anti-lung cancer and anti-COVID-19 effects.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Fermented Panax notoginseng Is Mediated Via Modulation of Appetite and Gut Microbial Population

Panax notoginseng (PN) is a traditional herbal medicine containing several active compounds such as saponins and ginsenosides with many therapeutic applications including anti-obesity activity. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria has the potential to metabolize ginsenosides to more active forms. This study examined whether fermentation has any benefits on the protective effects of a PN extract against obesity using a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model. PN was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum which exhibited high β-glucosidase activity. Upon fermentation, the PN extract exhibited an altered ginsenoside profile, a dramatic increase in the lactate level. Treatment of the HFD group with fermented PN (FPN), but not PN, decreased both the food and calorie intake significantly, which was consistent with the more potent suppressing effects of FPN than PN on the signaling pathways involved in appetite and energy intake. The PN treatment also modulated the gut microbial composition. The PN and FPN treatment groups showed clear differences in the population of gut microbiota. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Erysipelotrichaceae, Coprococus, and Dehalobacterium were significantly higher in the FPN group then the normal, HFD, and XEN groups. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Dehalobacterium, Erysipeliotrichaceae and parpabacteroides were significantly higher in the FPN group than the PN group, but the relative abundances of Allobaculum, Erysipelotrichi and Erysipelotrichale were significantly lower. The relative abundance of Bacteroides and Lactococcus was significantly higher and lower, respectively in the PN and FPN groups than the HFD group. In conclusion, the altered ginsenoside and organic acid's profile, and altered gut microbial composition are believed to be the major factors contributing to the anti-obesity properties of FPN.

Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. Exhibits Antiobesity Properties and Potentially Induces Browning of White Adipose Tissue

The bark of Ulmus parvifolia Jacq. (UP) was traditionally used as a diuretic and to treat intestinal inflammation. With modern evidence of the correlation of diuretics, gut inflammation, and obesity, our study has shown the antiobesity effects of the bark of UP. UP treatment reduced lipid production and adipogenic genes in vitro. In vivo studies revealed that UP 100 mg/kg and UP 300 mg/kg treatment significantly reduced mouse weight without reducing food intake, indicating increased energy expenditure. UP significantly reduced the weight of epididymal and subcutaneous adipose tissue and decreased liver weight. Histological analysis revealed improvement in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and epididymal white adipose tissue hypertrophy induced by a HFD. Real-Time PCR of epididymal adipose tissue revealed significant increases of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) expression after UP 300 mg/kg treatments. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein α (AMPKα) was increased, while phosphorylation of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) was reduced. Our findings reveal the ability of UP to reduce the occurrence of obesity through increased browning of white adipose tissue via increased AMPKα, PPARγ, PGC-1α, and UCP-1 expression.

Protective Mechanism of Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associated with Dyslipidemia in Mice Fed a High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Diet

This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with dyslipidemia in mice that were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFD). Results showed that oral supplementation of common buckwheat significantly improved physiological indexes and biochemical parameters related to dyslipidemia and NAFLD in mice fed with HFD. Furthermore, the HFD-induced reductions in fecal short-chain fatty acids were reversed by common buckwheat intervention, which also increased the fecal bile acid (BA) abundance compared with HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Liver metabolomics based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry demonstrated that common buckwheat supplementation made significant regulatory effects on the pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, primary BA biosynthesis, and so forth. The results of high-throughput sequencing revealed that common buckwheat supplementation significantly altered the structure of the intestinal microbiota in mice fed with HFD. The correlations between lipid metabolic parameters and intestinal microbial phylotypes were also revealed by the heatmap and network. Additionally, common buckwheat intervention regulated the mRNA expressions of genes responsible for liver lipid metabolism and BA homeostasis, thus promoting BA synthesis and excretion. These findings confirmed that common buckwheat has the outstanding ability of improving lipid metabolism and could be used as a potential functional food for the prevention of NAFLD and hyperlipidemia.

Herbal formulation MIT ameliorates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases and is caused by obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Many studies have explored novel candidates to treat NAFLD using herbal medicines owing to their fewer side effects. In this study, we examined the effect of MIT, an herbal formula comprising Ephedra sinica, Panax ginseng, and Alisma orientale, on the murine model of NAFLD.

Methods

To evaluate the effect of MIT on NAFLD, we used the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice model. The mice were divided into four groups: control, HFD, HFD with metformin administration, and HFD with MIT administration. Freeze-dried MIT was dissolved in phosphate buffered saline and orally administered for 8 weeks to MIT-treated mice (60 mg/kg) after feeding them with HFD for 16 weeks.

Results

MIT treatment significantly attenuated fat accumulation, serum glucose levels, and excessive cholesterol. It also reduced the activation of NF-κB, JNK, ERK, mammalian target of rapamycin, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in the HFD-induced NAFLD mice. The expression level of enzymes involved in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, acetyl-coA carboxylase and CYP2E1, were clearly reduced by MIT treatment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and subsequent liver damage were effectively reduced by MIT treatment.

Conclusion

We suggest that MIT is a potent herbal formula that can be used for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related NAFLD via regulating the levels of serum glucose and free fatty acids, inflammation, lipid accumulation, and ROS-mediated liver damage.

Bok-choy promotes growth performance, lipid metabolism and related gene expression in Syrian golden hamsters fed with a high-fat diet

Broadly, bok-choy is known for its potential benefits as part of a human diet. However, the effects and deeper investigations of bok-choy on human health are still insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of two cultivars of bok-choy, 'Suzhouqing' (green cultivar) and 'Ziluolan' (purple cultivar), on growth performance, lipid metabolism and related gene expressions in Syrian golden hamsters. Fifty six male Syrian golden hamsters (6-months-old) were randomly assigned into 6 groups: normal diet (A), high-fat diet (B), high-fat diet + 5% 'Suzhouqing' (C), high-fat diet + 7% 'Suzhouqing' (D), high-fat diet + 5% 'Ziluolan' (E), and high-fat diet + 7% 'Ziluolan' (F), fed for 56 consecutive days. On day 0, 28 and 56, blood and liver samples were collected to examine the lipid profile, liver enzymes, histomorphology and related gene expressions. The results showed that group B had significantly increased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, while (P < 0.05) showed impaired levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with group A. Group D, E and F had significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, while the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased compared with group B. Remarkably, the mRNA expressions of CEBP-α, DGAT1, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), FASN and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA) were significantly up-regulated and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT2), Cyp27A1 and proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) were significantly down-regulated in group B compared with group A. However, in group D, E and F, the mRNA expression levels of CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha, DGAT1, LPL, FASN and HMG-CoA were significantly down-regulated and CPT2, Cyp27A1 and PPAR-α were significantly up-regulated compared with group B. In conclusion, different amounts of bok-choy added to the diets incredibly improved the lipid-profile, enhanced liver enzyme activities and related gene expression. The hamsters supplemented with 7% 'Ziluolan' exhibited the best performance among all the other high-fat groups, which shows that Ziluolan could be a great alternative for the reduction of fat accumulation and conserving health.

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.

Ginseng Berry Extract Rich in Phenolic Compounds Attenuates Oxidative Stress but not Cardiac Remodeling post Myocardial Infarction

The cardioprotective effects of ginseng root extracts have been reported. However, nothing is known about the myocardial actions of the phenolic compounds enriched in ginseng berry. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of American ginseng berry extract (GBE) in an experimental model of myocardial infarction (MI). Coronary artery ligation was performed on Sprague–Dawley male rats to induce MI after which animals were randomized into groups receiving either distilled water or GBE intragastrically for 8 weeks. Echocardiography and assays for malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α were conducted. Flow cytometry was used to test the effects of GBE on T cell phenotypes and cytokine production. Although GBE did not improve the cardiac functional parameters, it significantly attenuated oxidative stress in post-MI rat hearts. GBE treatment also resulted in lower than control levels of TNF-α in post-MI rat hearts indicating a strong neutralizing effect of GBE on this cytokine. However, there was no effect of GBE on the proportion of different T cell subsets or ex-vivo cytokine production. Taken together, the present study demonstrates GBE reduces oxidative stress, however no effect on cardiac structure and function in post-MI rats. Moreover, reduction of TNF-α levels below baseline raises concern regarding its use as prophylactic or preventive adjunct therapy in cardiovascular disease.

Tangduqing Granules Attenuate Insulin Resistance and Abnormal Lipid Metabolism through the Coordinated Regulation of PPARγ and DGAT2 in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Insulin resistance (IR) is a vital hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by an impaired ability of insulin to promote glucose uptake and utilization. Lipid deposition is closely associated with impaired insulin sensitivity. PPARγ plays an important role in glucose homeostasis, adipocyte differentiation, and insulin sensitivity. Likewise, DGAT2 also exerts a crucial role in integrating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the liver. The present study is aimed at evaluating a Chinese medicinal formula, Tangduqing granules (TDQ), with multifaceted actions against lipid and glucose metabolism disorder and IR of type 2 diabetes. An animal model of type 2 diabetes was developed by high-fat diet feeding plus low-dose streptozotocin injection. After oral administration of TDQ for 5 weeks, the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and the underlying mechanism were evaluated by biochemical, histological, RT-PCR, and western blotting methods. The results showed that TDQ decreased fasting blood glucose, ameliorated glucose tolerance, and improved IR. Besides, TDQ regulated hyperlipidemia symptoms, decreased serum lipid levels and liver TG, and reduced hepatic steatosis in a type 2 diabetic rat model. Furthermore, TDQ reversed diabetes-induced decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ and elevation in the mRNA and protein levels of DGAT2 in the liver. In addition, we showed that interference of TDQ ameliorated palmitate-induced glucose and lipid metabolic abnormalities in HepG2 cells. TDQ are, therefore, a potential Chinese medicinal formula that relieves IR and lipid metabolism disorder might be through promotion of PPARγ and decrease of DGAT2 expression.

Dietary composition modulates impact of food-added monosodium glutamate on behaviour, metabolic status and cerebral cortical morphology in mice

Effects of food-added monosodium glutamate (MSG) on neurobehaviour, serum biochemical parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and changes in cerebral cortex, liver and kidney morphology were assessed in mice fed standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD). Animals were assigned to 8 groups [SD control, HFD control, and six groups fed MSG plus SD or HFD at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg of feed]. Animals were fed for 8 weeks, behavioural tests were conducted, and blood was taken for estimation of biochemical parameters and MDA level. Whole brain was homogenised for neurochemical assays, while the cerebrum, liver and kidneys were processed for histology. In groups fed MSG/SD, there was a decrease in weight gain, increase in food-intake, an increase in locomotion, a decrease in rearing/grooming, and a decrease in anxiety-response. Also observed were derangements in biochemical parameters, increased MDA, and alteration of renal morphology. Compared to HFD, MSG/HFD groups had reduction in weight gain, food-intake, grooming and anxiety-response, an increase in locomotion, and improved memory. Protection against biochemical derangements and HFD-induced organ injuries were also observed. In conclusion, the findings suggest that possible interactions that may occur between dietary constituents and MSG are determinants of the effects of food-added MSG in mice.