Ginseng: A Qualitative Review of Benefits for Palliative Clinicians

Nanoemulsions of red quinoa and ginseng extracts with chitosan wall: Investigating the antioxidant properties and its effect on the shelf life of dairy cream

The study aimed to investigate the antioxidant properties of ginseng and red quinoa extract nanoemulsion and its effect on the shelf life of dairy cream. Nanoemulsion includes dairy cream, Tween 80, chitosan, whey protein powder, chitosan/whey protein powder, red quinoa extract, ginseng extract, and a mixture of extracts (1:1). The highest total phenol content and total flavonoid content were related to ginseng extract (24,009.55 mg of gallic acid equivalent/kg, 883.16 mg quercetin/kg) with ethanol-water solvent (80:20). Most of the phenolic and flavonoid compounds of ginseng and red quinoa extracts were related to p-coumaric acid (211.3 μg/g), catechin (29.6 μg/g), ellagic acid (73.88 μg/g), and rutin (34.12 μg/g), respectively. Considerable antioxidant power in the concentration of 800 ppm of red quinoa and ginseng extracts (ethanol-water solvent (50:50), (80:20)) in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (80%, 82%, 80%, and 78%), bleaching β-carotene: linoleic acid (81%, 73%, 77%, and 86%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays (70%, 73%, 72%, and 76%) was observed. Nanoemulsions of red quinoa extract with chitosan wall had the smallest particle size (250.67 nm), the highest encapsulation efficiency (72.79%), and the polydispersity index (0.34). Nanoemulsions containing ginseng + quinoa (1:1) with chitosan/whey protein powder wall showed the highest viscosity (5.30 mPa/s) and the mostzeta potential (-32.6 mv). Also, nanoemulsions of red quinoa extract showed the lowest amount of peroxide value and the thiobarbituric acid value (12 milliequivalent O2/kg-0.48 μg/mL) in dairy cream oil. In general, the red quinoa extract with chitosan wall was superior to other samples due to the delay in oxidation and positive effect on the shelf life of dairy cream.

Repressing effect of transformed ginsenoside Rg3-mix against LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophage cells

BACKGROUND

Rg3-ginsenoside, a protopanaxadiol saponin, is a well-known adaptogen used for the prevention of cancer and inflammation. However, despite its distinct biological activity, the concentration of Rg3 in the total ginseng extract is insufficient for therapeutic applications. This study aims to convert PPD-class of major ginsenosides into a mixture of minor ginsenoside, to analyze its immune-regulatory role in macrophage cells.

RESULTS

Using heat and organic acid treatment, three major ginsenosides, Rc, Rd, and Rb1, were converted into a mixture of minor ginsenosides, GRg3-mix [Rg3(S), Rg3(R), Rg5, and Rk1]. Purity and content analysis of the transformed compound were performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), compared with their standards. Preceding with the anti-inflammatory activity of GRg3-mix, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells were treated with various concentrations of GRg3-mix (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μg/mL). The cell viability assay revealed that the level of cell proliferation was increased, while the nitric oxide (NO) assay showed that NO production decreased dose-dependently in activated RAW264.7 cells. The obtained results were compared to those of pure Rg3(S) ≥ 98% (6.25, 12.5, and 25 μg/mL). Preliminary analysis of the CCK-8 and NO assay demonstrated that GRg3-mix can be used as an anti-inflammatory mediator, but mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated for further confirmation. The doses of GRg3-mix significantly suppressed the initially upregulated mRNA and protein expression of inflammation-related enzymes and cytokines, namely inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL-6 and IL1B), as measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot data confirmed that the mixture of minor ginsenosides, namely GRg3-mix, has high anti-inflammatory activity and has an easy production procedure.

The efficacy of ginseng-containing traditional Chinese medicine in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of ginseng-containing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods: Seven databases were included from establishment until 10 July 2022. Pooled data were analyzed with random-effects model. The risk of bias was measured by the risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Modified Jadad scale score was used to assess the quality of including studies. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3. Trial sequential analysis was assessed to avoid type I errors. We have registered our protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42021267742). Results: Twenty-eight articles were included. The results demonstrated that compared with conventional western therapy (WT), ginseng-containing TCM combined with WT further improved clinical efficacy (RR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.20-1.29, p < 0.00001, I2 = 8%), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD: 5.80, 95% CI: 4.86-6.74, p < 0.00001, I2 = 89%), stroke volume (MD: 13.80, 95% CI: 12.66-14.95, p < 0.00001, I2 = 93%), 6-min walk test (MD: 53.03, 95% CI: 20.76-85.29, p = 0.001, I2 = 97%), decreased 6-month rehospitalization (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.18-1.11, p = 0.08, I2 = 0%), brain natriuretic peptide (MD: 188.12, 95% CI: 248.13 to -128.11, p < 0.00001, I2 = 94%), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (MD = -503.29; 95% CI: 753.18 to -253.40, p < 0.0001, I2 = 89%) and Minnesota living heart failure questionnaire scores (MD: 9.68, 95% CI: 13.67 to -5.70, p < 0.00001, I2 = 83%). The ROB2 assessment and modified Jaded scores showed most studies included were with some concerns. Conclusion: Compared with WT alone, ginseng-containing TCM is a possible way to benefit ADHF patients. However, limited by the quality of including trials, more high-quality studies are needed to provide reliable evidence.

Network Pharmacology of Ginseng (Part II): The Differential Effects of Red Ginseng and Ginsenoside Rg5 in Cancer and Heart Diseases as Determined by Transcriptomics

Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. is an adaptogenic plant traditionally used to enhance mental and physical capacities in cases of weakness, exhaustion, tiredness, or loss of concentration, and during recovery. According to ancient records, red ginseng root preparations enhance longevity with long-term intake. Recent pharmacokinetic studies of ginsenosides in humans and our in vitro study in neuronal cells suggest that ginsenosides are effective when their levels in blood is low—at concentrations from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹⁸ M. In the present study, we compared the effects of red ginseng root preparation HRG80^TM(HRG) at concentrations from 0.01 to 10,000 ng/mL with effects of white ginseng (WG) and purified ginsenosides Rb1, Rg3, Rg5 and Rk1 on gene expression in isolated hippocampal neurons. The aim of this study was to predict the effects of differently expressed genes on cellular and physiological functions in organismal disorders and diseases. Gene expression profiling was performed by transcriptome-wide mRNA microarray analyses in murine HT22 cells after treatment with ginseng preparations. Ingenuity pathway downstream/upstream analysis (IPA) was performed with datasets of significantly up- or downregulated genes, and expected effects on cellular function and disease were identified by IPA software. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1 have substantially varied effects on gene expression profiles (signatures) and are different from signatures of HRG and WG. Furthermore, the signature of HRG is changed significantly with dilution from 10,000 to 0.01 ng/mL. Network pharmacological analyses of gene expression profiles showed that HRG exhibits predictable positive effects in neuroinflammation, senescence, apoptosis, and immune response, suggesting beneficial soft-acting effects in cancer, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems diseases and disorders in a wide range of low concentrations in blood.

Ginseng for the Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue: An Integrative Review

Background

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent, debilitating symptoms affecting a majority of patients with cancer worldwide. It can lead to poor compliance with anticancer therapy and discontinuation of treatment. Current management strategies for CRF center around activity and exercise; however, these strategies can be challenging for many patients undergoing active treatment. Ginseng has been shown to improve CRF and may provide benefit for patients suffering from CRF.

Methods

A systematic review was completed by searching PubMed and Scopus databases.

Results

115 search results were reduced to a final sample of five articles after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Published results suggest that 2,000 mg of American ginseng once daily improves symptoms of CRF. Minimal side effects or drug interactions are observed. Additional research is needed to further evaluate the role of ginseng for CRF.

Conclusion

There are data to support the use of American ginseng to treat CRF. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and determine optimal dosage and duration of therapy.

Traditional and Current Use of Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the oldest documented herbs still in use today. It is known as a panacea for many disease states and for the enhancement of wellness affecting most body systems. Very few side effects are experienced, but there are considerations with its use. Three major types of ginseng are described. Asian ginseng is more potent than American ginseng; however, most supplements come from American and Asian types of ginseng. Purchases should be made from reputable sources owing to the lack of standardization of the production of herbal supplements.

The Gintonin-Enriched Fraction of Ginseng Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Browning via the cAMP-Protein Kinase a Signaling Pathway in Mice White Adipocytes

Obesity is a major health concern and is becoming an increasingly serious societal problem worldwide. The browning of white adipocytes has received considerable attention because of its potential protective effect against obesity-related metabolic disease. The gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) is a non-saponin, glycolipoprotein component of ginseng that is known to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-obesity and browning effects of GEF have not been explored to date. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether GEF has a preventive effect against obesity. We differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and mouse primary subcutaneous adipocytes for 8 days in the presence or absence of GEF, and then measured the expression of intermediates in signaling pathways that regulate triglyceride (TG) synthesis and browning by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. We found that GEF reduced lipid accumulation by reducing the expression of pro-adipogenic and lipogenic factors, and increased lipolysis and thermogenesis, which may be mediated by an increase in the phosphorylation of protein kinase A. These findings suggest that GEF may induce fat metabolism and energy expenditure in white adipocytes and therefore may represent a potential treatment for obesity.

Terpenoids as Potential Geroprotectors

Terpenes and terpenoids are the largest groups of plant secondary metabolites. However, unlike polyphenols, they are rarely associated with geroprotective properties. Here we evaluated the conformity of the biological effects of terpenoids with the criteria of geroprotectors, including primary criteria (lifespan-extending effects in model organisms, improvement of aging biomarkers, low toxicity, minimal adverse effects, improvement of the quality of life) and secondary criteria (evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of action, reproducibility of the effects on different models, prevention of age-associated diseases, increasing of stress-resistance). The number of substances that demonstrate the greatest compliance with both primary and secondary criteria of geroprotectors were found among different classes of terpenoids. Thus, terpenoids are an underestimated source of potential geroprotectors that can effectively influence the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.