Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus may exaggerate an already existing biphasic response to stress via inhibition of enzymes which limit the binding of stress hormones to their receptors

Acanthopanax senticosus Promotes Survival of Tilapia Infected With Streptococcus iniae by Regulating the PI3K/AKT and Fatty Acid Metabolism Signaling Pathway

Streptococcus has greatly restricted the development of healthy tilapia aquaculture. As a green and efficient feed addition, Acanthopanax senticosus (APS) has been increasingly used in culture, but it is unclear whether it represents a disease-resistant feed. Genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) was fed with a feed supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8‰ APS for 56 days, after which fish were injected with 5.9 × 10⁶ CFU/ml Streptococcus iniae into the abdominal cavity. At 96 h after infection, the cumulative survival of GIFT in control and 0.5‰ APS treatments was significantly lower than in other treatments; at APS supplementation rates of 1 and 2‰, serum glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol contents were all significantly lower than in control treatment fish. Hepatic glycogen and triglyceride contents of 1‰ APS treatment fish were significantly higher than those in fish in control treatment. Transcription levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) genes were upregulated, and their expression levels in fish in 1, 2, and 4‰ treatments were significantly higher than those in fish in control treatment at 96 h after S. iniae infection. After 96 h of infection, the red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cells of fish in 1‰ APS treatment were significantly lower than those of fish in 4 and 8‰ treatments; hepatic catalase activity was activated at 48 h, superoxide dismutase activity was also significantly upregulated at 96 h, and the malondialdehyde content significantly decreased. It is noted that 0.5–2‰ APS treatments significantly activated the expression of PI3K and AKT in the liver, while inhibiting the expression of Caspase-9. Therefore, feed with 1‰ APS can promote hepatic glycogen and lipid metabolism in GIFT after infection with S. iniae, which is beneficial to alleviating oxidative stress damage and cell apoptosis in liver tissue.

The intractum from the Eleutherococcus senticosus fruits affects the innate immunity in human leukocytes: From the ethnomedicinal use to contemporary evidence-based research

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In the ethnomedicine of Russia, the Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. fruits and roots are used to treat immune-related diseases. Because of the overexploitation of the roots, the species is considered to be endangered and is put on the Red List in some countries (e.g. the Republic of Korea). Therefore, the aerial parts of E. senticosus might be explored as a new sustainable source of compounds with an adaptogenic activity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of the Eleutherococcus senticosus fruits intractum to support the use of the fruits in folk medicine of Russia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect on IL-2 and IL-10 release by peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) was measured by the ELISA, the CPE on the A549 and PBLs were determined with trypan blue and the MTT. The innate immunity assay was done in the VSV-PBLs model. Metabolic profiling was done using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-RID.

RESULTS

We report for the first time that the intractum (300 μg/mL) and eleutheroside E (100 μg/mL) and B (100 μg/mL) do not act as a virucidal agent (VSV). The intractum and eleutherosides E and B caused the increase of the PBLs proliferation up to 24.61 and 100%, resp. The decreased viral replication in the VSV-PBLs-Int model might be associated with an increased secretion of IL-10 (328 pg/mL). Eleutheroside E and B did not affect the innate immunity. No eleutherosides were determined in the intractum, the ethyl acetate layer contained caffeic and protocatechuic acids. A large amount of myo-inositol and D-mannitol was found (267.5 and 492.5 mg/g DE).

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations justify the traditional use of the fruits in Russia in immune-related diseases. The results mean that there are other compounds than eleutherosides responsible for the adaptogenic effect, probably myo-inositol and caffeic acid, for which an immunostimulatory activity has already been confirmed.

A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide

Modern studies have shown that adaptogens can non-specifically enhance the resistance of human body under a wide range of external stress conditions with a multi-targeted and multi-channel network-like manner, especially by affect the immune-neuro-endocrine system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. This review article draws the attention to the relationships of adaptogens, tonics from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ginseng-like herbs worldwide, which all have similar plant sources and clinical applications. To clarify the sources and pharmacological mechanisms of these plant-originated adaptogens, which will provide useful information for the utilization of adaptogens to improve the human health. Meanwhile, the TCMs and the world-wide ginseng-like herbs from each region’s ethnopharmacology will be beneficial modernization and globalization.

The effects of Panax ginseng supplementation on growth hormone, cortisol and lactate response to high-intensity resistance exercise

Study aim: Growth hormone, cortisol, and lactate play an effective role in regulating and stimulating the muscle building proc­ess. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng supplementation on growth hormone, cortisol, and lactate response to intense resistance exercise in young female non-athletes. Materials and methods: Ten non-athlete girls participated in this double-blind counter-balanced crossover study. They were assigned to two groups: the ginseng group and the placebo group. In two 4-week periods, they received the supplement and the placebo. In the first four weeks, 5 participants received ginseng (100 mg daily) and 5 others received placebo (maltodextrin). At the end of the 4 weeks, blood samples (5 ml) were taken to measure blood levels of the factors. Afterwards, the resistance exercise protocol was implemented, and immediately after that blood samples were taken. In the second four-week period, the five participants who had taken ginseng received placebo, and the five subjects who had received placebo took ginseng. The same tests were administered again. Results: The results showed that except for cortisol in the ginseng group, there were significant pre - to post-exercise changes for all 3 indicators in both groups. No significant difference was observed in pre - to post-exercise changes in the levels of GH (p = 0.71), cortisol (p = 0.34), or lactate (p = 0.90) between groups. Conclusions: 100 mg ginseng consumption daily for 4 weeks does not have an impact on the response of GH, cortisol, or lac­tate to high-intensity resistance exercise in young female non-athletes.

Severe Hypokalaemic Paralysis due to Chronic use of Acanthopanax Senticosus Ingestion: A Case Report

Acanthopanax senticosus is a traditional herb in China, Russia and many other Asian countries. However no comprehensive study has evaluated its side effects in humans. We report a rare case of hypokalaemic paralysis possibly attributed to A. senticosus induced pseudohyperaldosteronism.

Effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus Cortex on Recovery from the Forced Swimming Test and Fatty Acid β-Oxidation in the Liver and Skeletal Muscle of mice

OBJECTIVE

The root and stem barks of Eleutherococcus senticosus have been used to treat emotional and physical fatigue in China, Russia, Korea, and Japan. The effects of E. senticosus on recovery from physical fatigue and the expenditure of energy currently remain unclear. We herein examined the effects of E. senticosus extract on recovery from physical fatigue after the forced swimming test as well as fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscle of mice.

METHODS

1) Physical fatigue; E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg, twice daily) was administered orally to ICR male mice for 7 consecutive days. After swimming had been performed for 15 min, each mouse was placed on the cover of a 100-mm culture plate, and the time for each mouse to move away from the cover was measured. 2) Fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscle; E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) was administered orally twice daily to C57BL/6J male mice for 21 consecutive days. The initial and final body and liver weight were measured, and then fatty acid β-oxidation activity in the liver and skeletal muscle was measured by methods using [1-14C] palmitic acid.

KEY FINDINGS

Recovery times after forced swimming were shorter in E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg)-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice. The body and liver weight had no effect by the oral administration of E. senticosus extract, vitamin mixture and L-carnitine. Fatty acid β-oxidation activity in skeletal muscle was increased by E. senticosus extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg).

CONCLUSION

E. senticosus may enhance recovery from physical fatigue induced by forced swimming by accelerating energy changes through fatty acid β-oxidation in skeletal muscle.

Protective effects of aqueous extract from Acanthopanax senticosus against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acanthopanax senticosus, classified into the family of Araliaceae, has been known for thousands of years as a remedy and is used to treat various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine system including hypertension, ischemic heart disease and hepatitis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to examine the protective effects of aqueous extract from Acanthopanax senticosus (ASE) on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity and its possible mechanisms, using PC12 cells as a suitable in vitro model of depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this paper, PC12 cells were treated with 200 μM of corticosterone in the absence or presence of ASE in varying concentrations for 24 h. Then, cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The release amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was quantified using LDH assay kit. Apoptosis of PC12 cells was measured by Annexin V-FITC and PI labeling. The intracellular Ca(2+) content was tested by fluorescent labeling. The mRNA level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was examined by real-time RT-PCR, and the expression of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) was determined by western blotting.

RESULTS

The results showed that treatment with 200 μM of corticosterone could induce cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. However, different concentrations of ASE (50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) significantly increased the cell viability, decreased the LDH release, suppressed the apoptosis of PC12 cells, attenuated the intracellular Ca(2+) overloading, up-regulated the BDNF mRNA level and CREB protein expression compared with the corresponding corticosterone-treated group.

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that ASE exerts a neuroprotective effect on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, which may be one of the acting mechanisms that accounts for the in vivo antidepressant activity of ASE.

Acanthopanax senticosus has a heme oxygenase-1 signaling-dependent effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Harms (AS) has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension, rheumatism, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and hepatitis in East Asia. This herb has been reported to possess anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the anti-inflammatory activity of AS extract (ASE) and its mechanism of action in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis LPS)-stimulated macrophages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

P. gingivalis LPS was used to induce an inflammatory response in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We used western blot assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Luciferase assays were performed to determine the transactivity of transcription factors. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was assessed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

ASE significantly induced the expression and activity of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is known to produce an anti-inflammatory effect, in RAW 264.7 cells, through NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), Janus kinase, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. ASE also effectively suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, and decreased the nuclear translocation and transactivity of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and NF-κB by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IκB-α in P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. Furthermore, ASE inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 phosphorylation while it activates STAT3 phosphorylation in P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that ASE produces anti-inflammatory effects on P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated macrophages through a reduction in AP-1 and NF-κB activity, modulation of STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and upregulation of HO-1 expression through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Nrf-2 signaling pathways. Therefore, ASE could be a candidate for the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases that involve excessive inflammation.

Active components from Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) for protection of amyloid β(25-35)-induced neuritic atrophy in cultured rat cortical neurons

Not only neuronal death but also neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss underlie the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease as direct causes of the memory deficit. Extracts of Siberian ginseng (the rhizome of Eleutherococcus senticosus) were shown to have protective effects on the regeneration of neurites and the reconstruction of synapses in rat cultured cortical neurons damaged by amyloid β (Aβ)(25-35), and eleutheroside B was one of the active constituents. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of constituents was conducted to explore active components from Siberian ginseng which can protect against neuritic atrophy induced by Aβ(25-35) in cultured rat cortical neurons. The ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water fractions from the methanol extract of Siberian ginseng showed protective effects against Aβ-induced neuritic atrophy. Twelve compounds were isolated from the active fractions and identified. Among them, eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E and isofraxidin showed obvious protective effects against Aβ(25-35)-induced atrophies of axons and dendrites at 1 and 10 μM.

The role of lipid and carbohydrate digestive enzyme inhibitors in the management of obesity: a review of current and emerging therapeutic agents

Obesity is a global epidemic associated with significant morbidity and mortality in adults and ill health in children. A proven successful approach in weight management has been the disruption of nutrient digestion, with orlistat having been used to treat obesity for the last 10 years. Although orlistat-induced weight loss remains modest, it produces meaningful reductions in risk factors for obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, this lipase inhibitor is free of the serious side effects that have dogged appetite-suppressing drugs. This success had driven investigation into new generation nutraceuticals, supplements and pharmaceutical agents that inhibit the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and fats within the gut. This review focuses on agents purported to inhibit intestinal enzymes responsible for macronutrient digestion. Except for some synthetic products, the majority of agents reviewed are either botanical extracts or bacterial products. Currently, carbohydrate digestion inhibitors are under development to improve glycemic control and these may also induce some weight loss. However, colonic fermentation induced side effects, such as excess gas production, remain an issue for these compounds. The α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose, and the α-amylase inhibitor phaseolamine, have been used in humans with some promising results relating to weight loss. Nonetheless, few of these agents have made it into clinical studies and without any clinical proof of concept or proven efficacy it is unlikely any will enter the market soon.

Effects of the Cellcultured Acanthopanax senticosus Extract on Antioxidative Defense System and Membrane Fluidity in the Liver of Type 2 Diabetes Mouse

This study examined the effect of cellcultured Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus) extract on the antioxidative defense system, oxidative stress and cell membrane fluidity in the liver of type 2 diabetes in the C57BL/6J mouse as an animal which is genetically prone to develop insulin resistance and obesity/diabetes. C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided, control diet (N-C), high fat diet (DM-C), control diet plus A. senticosus extract (N-CASM), and high fat diet plus A. senticosus extract (DM-CASM). The mice were orally administered an A. senticosus extract (0.5 g/kg body weight) in the N-CASM and DM-CASM groups once a day for 12 weeks, and distilled water in the N-C and DM-C groups. Cellcultured A. senticosus extract was found to be excellent for strengthening the antioxidative defense system, reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damaging oxidative substances, and maintaing membrane fluidity (MF) in the liver of type 2 diabetes mouse.

Deconstructing an adaptogen: Eleutherococcus senticosus

The dried roots and rhizomes of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Araliacaea) plant are used in various preparations, primarily for its "adaptogenic" properties. An adaptogen supports health and prevents disease in both sick and healthy individuals through nonspecific effects, which neutralize various environmental and physical stressors while remaining relatively safe and free of side effects. The term "adaptogen," which has not been well defined scientifically, undermines the need for increased inquiry and research into the many promising effects of this herb. The primary clinical applications, pharmacology, evidence of efficacy, contraindications, drug interactions, and current clinical and scientific research are also reported.

The effects of A. senticosus supplementation on serum lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and lymphocyte DNA damage in postmenopausal women

This study examined the effects of Acanthopanax senticosus supplementation on serum lipid profiles, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and lymphocyte DNA damage in postmenopausal women. Forty postmenopausal women, ages 40-65, were randomly divided into two groups: (1) control group (calcium) and (2) treatment group (calcium plus A. senticosus). Both groups were treated for 6 months. Blood samples were obtained before and after supplementation at 6 months. The following blood parameters were measured: serum total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), serum malondialdehyde (MDA), ccdd protein-carbonyl (PC) levels, the degree of lymphocyte DNA damage by comet assay, total ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), uric acid, and total bilirubin in serum. The treatment group had significant decreases (p<0.001) in serum LDL (127.54+/-29.79mg/dL vs 110.33+/-22.26mg/dL) and the LDL/HDL ratio (2.40+/-0.65 vs 2.11+/-0.58) after A. senticosus supplementation. Serum MDA concentrations decreased by 2.2% in the control group and by 12.61% in the treatment group after 6 months of intervention; however, the reductions were not significant in either group. Protein-carbonyl levels and lymphocyte DNA damage decreased significantly (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively) after 6 months of A. senticosus supplementation. These results suggest that A. senticosus supplementation may have beneficial effects against oxidative stress and improve serum lipid profiles without subsequent side effects.

Neuroprotective effect of individual ginsenosides on astrocytes primary culture

Most of the known pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng on the central nervous system are due to its major components - ginsenosides. Although the antioxidant ability of ginseng root has already been established, this activity has never been evaluated for isolated ginsenosides on astrocytes. The activity of protopanaxadiols Rb(1), Rb(2), Rc and Rd, and protopanaxatriols Re and Rg(1) was evaluated in vitro on astrocytes primary culture by means of an oxidative stress model with H(2)O(2). The viability of astrocytes was determined by the MTT reduction assay and by the LDH release into the incubation medium. The effects on the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) and on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were also investigated. Exposure of astrocytes to H(2)O(2) decreased cell viability as well as the antioxidant enzymes activity and increased ROS formation. Oxidative stress produced significant cell death that was reduced by previous treatment with the tested ginsenosides. Ginsenosides Rb(1), Rb(2), Re and Rg(1) were effective in reducing astrocytic death, while Rb(1), Rb(2), Rd, Re and Rg(1) decreased ROS formation, ginsenoside Re being the most active. Ginsenosides from P. ginseng induce neuroprotection mainly through activation of antioxidant enzymes.

Pharmacokinetics of Isofraxidin in Rat Plasma after Oral Administration of the Extract of Acanthopanax senticosus Using HPLC with Solid Phase Extraction Method

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with solid phase extraction method was developed for determination of isofraxidin in rat plasma after oral administration of Acanthopanax senticosus extract (ASE), and pharmacokinetic parameters of isofraxidin either in ASE or pure compound were measured. The HPLC analysis was performed on a Dikma Diamonsil RP(18) column (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) with the isocratic elution of solvent A (acetonitrile) and solvent B (0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid, v/v) (A : B = 22 : 78) and the detection wavelength was set at 343 nm. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.156-15.625 microg/ml. The limit of detection was 60 ng/ml. The intra-day precision was 5.8%, and the inter-day precision was 6.0%. The recovery was 87.30+/-1.73%. When the dosage of ASE is equal to pure compound caculated by the amount of isofraxidin, it has been found to have two maximum concentrations in plasma while the pure compound only showed one peak in the plasma concentration-time curve. The determined content of isofraxidin in plasma after oral administration of ASE is the total contents of free isofraxidin and its precursors in ASE in vitro. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ASE showed the priority of the extract and the properities of traditional Chinese medicine.

The Systemic Theory of Living Systems. Part IV: Systemic Medicine--The Praxis

This fourth lecture illustrates the praxis and results of Systemic Medicine (SM) in various therapeutic applications. SM's success has made it popular throughout Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The treatment of over 300,000 patients by 150 orthodox MD's, trained and qualified in SM, in 35 medical establishments with above average results corroborate its effectiveness as an eCAM in chronic degenerative diseases. Herein we provide a synopsis of results obtained in four such pathologies-the journal's necessary space restrictions somewhat limiting content-as well as clinical and photographic evidence. The validity of any medical theory is substantiated by its degree of effectivity and success. The workability of evidence-based SM corroborates Systemic Theory's transcendence.

The systemic theory of living systems and relevance to CAM: the theory (Part III)

Western medical science lacks a solid philosophical and theoretical approach to disease cognition and therapeutics. My first two articles provided a framework for a humane medicine based on Modern Biophysics. Its precepts encompass modern therapeutics and CAM. Modern Biophysics and its concepts are presently missing in medicine, whether orthodox or CAM, albeit they probably provide the long sought explanation that bridges the abyss between East and West. Key points that differentiate Systemic from other systems' approaches are ‘Intelligence’, ‘Energy’ and the objective ‘to survive’. The General System Theory (GST) took a forward step by proposing a departure from the mechanistic biological concept—of analyzing parts and processes in isolation—and brought us towards an organismic model. GST examines the system's components and results of their interaction. However, GST still does not go far enough. GST assumes ‘Self-Organization’ as a spontaneous phenomenon, ignoring a causative entity or central controller to all systems: Intelligence. It also neglects ‘Survive’ as the directional motivation common to any living system, and scarcely assigns ‘Energy’ its true inherent value. These three parameters, Intelligence, Energy and Survive, are vital variables to be considered, in our human quest, if we are to achieve a unified theory of life.

Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice

The cortex of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. has been used extensively in Russia, China, Korea and Japan as an adaptogen whose properties are the ability to increase as non-specific body resistance to stress and fatigue. Although it has been reported that Eleutherococcus senticosus has anti-fatigue and anti-stress actions, their actions are still unclear on the relationship between immune system, especially natural killer (NK) activity and endocrine system (corticosterone level). We compared the effects of the water extracts (A, B, C, D and E) of five Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on the swimming time, NK activity and blood corticosterone level using forced swimming stressed mice. Among five kinds, C, D and E extracts significantly prolonged the swimming time. C and D extracts inhibited the reduction of NK activity and the corticosterone elevation induced by forced swimming. The contents of eleutheroside E, isoflaxidin and eleutherosides B plus E were in the order C > D > E > B > A and C > E > D > A > B extracts, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that eleutheroside E may be contributed to the anti-fatigue action, the recovery of the reduction of NK activity and the inhibition of corticosterone elevation induced by swimming stress.

Anti-metastatic activity of Acanthopanax senticosus extract and its possible immunological mechanism of action

Antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of an aqueous extract (GF100) of Acanthopanax senticosus were examined. In experimental lung metastasis of colon26-M3.1 carcinoma cells, intravenous (i.v.) administration of GF100 2 days before tumor inoculation significantly inhibited lung metastasis in a dose-dependent manner. The i.v. administration of GF100 also exhibited the therapeutic effect on tumor metastasis of colon26-M3.1 cells, when it was injected 1 day after tumor inoculation. In an in vitro cytotoxicity analysis, GF100 at the concentration up to 1000 microg/ml did not affect the growth of colon26-M3.1 cells. In contrast, GF100 enhanced the responsiveness to a mitogen, concanavalin A (ConA), of splenocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Peritoneal macrophage stimulated with GF100 produced various cytokines such as IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-12 and IFN-gamma in an in vitro experiment. The macrophages obtained from the mice which were injected with GF100 (500 microg) 3 days before the assay showed significantly higher tumoricidal activity against tumor cells than that of the untreated macrophages. In addition, the i.v. administration of GF100 significantly augmented NK cytotoxicity to Yac-1 cells. The depletion of NK cells by injection of rabbit anti-asialo GM1 serum completely abolished the inhibitory effect of GF100 on lung metastasis of colon26-M3.1 cells. These data suggest that GF100 has antitumor activity to inhibit tumor metastasis prophylactically as well as therapeutically, and its antitumor effect is associated with activation of macrophages and NK cells.

Anti-Metastatic activity of glycoprotein fractionated fromacanthopanax senticosus, involvement of NK-cell and macrophage activation

Previously, we reported that water-extracted Acanthopanax senticosus exhibited anti-metastatic activity by stimulating the immune system. In this study, we fractionated glycoproteins (EN-SP) from the soluble protein layer (GF-AS) of A. senticosus and determined their basic chemical properties. We also investigated the anti-tumor and immunostimulating activities of the fractionated glycoprotein, EN-SP. We found that intravenous (i.v.) administration of GF-AS dramatically inhibited metastasis of colon26-M3.1 carcinoma cells to the lung in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro analysis showed GF-AS to enhance the proliferation of splenocytes. GF-AS also stimulated peritoneal macrophage, which was followed by the production of various cytokines such as IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-12 and IFN-gamma. Furthermore, the production of these cytokines was partially blocked when peritoneal macrophage was cultured with the polyclonal antibodies against GF-AS. The depletion of NK cells by rabbit anti-asialo GM1 serum partly abolished the inhibitory effect of GF-AS on lung metastasis of colon26-M3.1 cells. Using gel filtration, EN-SP, an active glycoprotein fraction, is isolated from GF-AS. While both GF-AS and EN-SP stimulated the proliferatation of splenocytes of normal mice, EN-SP showed higher anti-metastatic activity and more potently stimulated the proliferation of splenocytes compared to GF-AS. These results suggest the use of EN-SP, the fractionated glycoprotein from A. senticosus, can be used as a therapeutical reagent to prevent or inhibit tumor metastasis.

Ginseng: potential for the enhancement of cognitive performance and mood

Ginseng has been used medicinally in the Far East for several millennia and is currently one of the most widely taken herbal products throughout the world. It has been attributed with a plethora of physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. Studies involving animals show that ginseng and its constituent ginsenosides can modulate indices of stress, fatigue, and learning. However, there is a lack of adequately controlled research showing behavioural effects following chronic administration to humans. Recent research has demonstrated that single doses of ginseng most notably engender cognitive benefits in terms of improved memory, but can also be associated with 'costs' in terms of attention task deficits following less mnemonically beneficial doses. A single dose of ginseng has also been shown to modulate cerebroelectrical (EEG) activity. It is suggested that ginseng would benefit from rigorous research further delineating its acute effects and exploring the relationship between acute effects and those seen during and following chronic administration regimens.