Ginsenoside Re Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation in Mouse Osteoblast Precursor MC3T3-E1 Cells and a Zebrafish Model

Anti-osteoporosis effect of bioactives in edible medicinal plants: a comprehensive review

Current treatments for osteoporosis include a calcium-rich diet, adequate exercise, and medication. Many synthetic drugs, although fast-acting, can cause a range of side effects for patients when taken over a long period, such as irritation of the digestive tract and a burden on the kidneys. As the world's population ages, the prevalence of osteoporosis is increasing, and the development of safe and effective treatments is urgently needed. Active compounds in edible and medicinal homologous plants have been used for centuries to improve bone quality. It is possible to employ them as dietary supplements to prevent osteoporosis. In this review, we analyze the influencing factors of osteoporosis and systematically summarize the research progress on the anti-osteoporosis effects of active compounds in edible and medicinal homologous plants. The literature suggests that some naturally occurring active compounds in edible and medicinal homologous plants can inhibit bone loss, prevent the degeneration of bone cell microstructure, and reduce bone fragility through alleviating oxidative stress, regulating autophagy, anti-inflammation, improving gut flora, and regulating estrogen level with little side effects. Our review provides useful guidance for the use of edible and medicinal homologous plants and the development of safer novel anti-osteoporosis dietary supplements.

Therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on osteoporosis for novel drug applications

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease with a high incidence rate worldwide. Its main features are decreased bone mass, increased bone fragility and deterioration of bone microstructure. It is caused by an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. Ginsenoside is a safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) usually extracted from ginseng plants, having various therapeutic effects, of which the effect against osteoporosis has been extensively studied. We searched a total of 44 relevant articles with using keywords including osteoporosis, ginsenosides, bone mesenchymal cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts and bone remodeling, all of which investigated the cellular mechanisms of different types of ginsenosides affecting the activity of bone remodeling by mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts and osteoclasts to counteract osteoporosis. This review describes the different types of ginsenosides used to treat osteoporosis from different perspectives, providing a solid theoretical basis for future clinical applications.

Research progress of the mechanisms and applications of ginsenosides in promoting bone formation

BACKGROUND

Bone deficiency-related diseases caused by various factors have disrupted the normal function of the skeleton and imposed a heavy burden globally, urgently requiring potential new treatments. The multi-faceted role of compounds like ginsenosides and their interaction with the bone microenvironment, particularly osteoblasts can promote bone formation and exhibit anti-inflammatory, vascular remodeling, and antibacterial properties, holding potential value in the treatment of bone deficiency-related diseases and bone tissue engineering.

PURPOSE

This review summarizes the interaction between ginsenosides and osteoblasts and the bone microenvironment in bone formation, including vascular remodeling and immune regulation, as well as their therapeutic potential and toxicity in the broad treatment applications of bone deficiency-related diseases and bone tissue engineering, to provide novel insights and treatment strategies.

METHODS

The literature focusing on the mechanisms and applications of ginsenosides in promoting bone formation before March 2024 was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. Keywords such as "phytochemicals", "ginsenosides", "biomaterials", "bone", "diseases", "bone formation", "microenvironment", "bone tissue engineering", "rheumatoid arthritis", "periodontitis", "osteoarthritis", "osteoporosis", "fracture", "toxicology", "pharmacology", and combinations of these keywords were used.

RESULTS

Ginsenoside monomers regulate signaling pathways such as WNT/β-catenin, FGF, and BMP/TGF-β, stimulating osteoblast generation and differentiation. It exerts angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the bone surrounding microenvironment through signaling such as WNT/β-catenin, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and Notch. It shows therapeutic effects and biological safety in the treatment of bone deficiency-related diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontitis, osteoporosis, and fractures, and bone tissue engineering by promoting osteogenesis and improving the microenvironment of bone formation.

CONCLUSION

The functions of ginsenosides are diverse and promising in treating bone deficiency-related diseases and bone tissue engineering. Moreover, potential exists in regulating the bone microenvironment, modifying biomaterials, and treating inflammatory-related bone diseases and dental material applications. However, the mechanisms and effects of some ginsenoside monomers are still unclear, and the lack of clinical research limits their clinical application. Further exploration and evaluation of the potential of ginsenosides in these areas are expected to provide more effective methods for treating bone defects.

Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenosides on Bone Metabolism: A Review of Osteoporosis, Periodontal Disease and Osteoarthritis

Ginsenosides, bioactive compounds from the genus Panax, have potential therapeutic effects on diverse ailments, including diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests their involvement in bone metabolism. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the effects of ginsenosides on osteoporosis, periodontal disease, and osteoarthritis. Their mechanisms of action include effects on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs), and chondrocytes, which are pivotal in maintaining bone, periodontal tissue, and cartilage homeostasis. Ginsenosides may exert their beneficial effects by enhancing PDLF and osteoblast activity, suppressing osteoclast function, augmenting chondrocyte synthesis in the cartilage matrix, and mitigating connective tissue degradation. Moreover, they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-pyroptotic properties. Their efficacy in increasing bone density, ameliorating periodontitis, and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms has been demonstrated in preclinical studies using animal models. In terms of their mechanism of action, ginsenosides modulate cellular differentiation, activity, and key signaling pathway molecules, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), while also regulating various mediators. Furthermore, the symptomatic relief observed in animal models lends further credence to their therapeutic utility. However, to translate these preclinical findings into clinical practice, rigorous animal and clinical investigations are imperative to ascertain the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing regimens in human subjects.

Chitosan derived chito-oligosaccharides promote osteoblast differentiation and offer anti-osteoporotic potential: Molecular and morphological evidence from a zebrafish model

This study delves into the potential of chito-oligosaccharides (COS) to promote osteoblast differentiation and prevent osteoporosis, utilizing experiments with mouse MSCs and the zebrafish model. The preliminary biocompatibility study affirms the non-toxic nature of COS across various concentrations. In the osteoblast differentiation study, COS enhances ALP activity and calcium deposition at the cellular level. Moreover, COS induces the upregulation of molecular markers, including Runx2, Type I collagen, ALP, osteocalcin, and osteonectin in mouse MSCs. Zebrafish studies further demonstrate COS's anti-osteoporotic effects, showcasing its ability to expedite fin fracture repair, vertebral mineralization, and bone mineralization in dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis models. The scale regenerative study reveals that COS mitigates the detrimental effects of dexamethasone induced osteoclastic activity, reducing TRAP and hydroxyproline levels while elevating the expression of Runx2a MASNA isoform, collagen2α, OC, and ON mRNAs. Additionally, COS enhances calcium and phosphorus levels in regenerated scales, impacting the bone-healthy calcium-to‑phosphorus ratio. The study also suggests that COS modulates the MMP3-Osteopontin-MAPK signaling pathway. Overall, this comprehensive investigation underscores the potential of COS to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Its multifaceted cellular and molecular effects, combined with in vivo bone regeneration and repair, propose that COS may be effective in addressing osteoporosis and related bone disorders. Nonetheless, further research is imperative to unravel underlying mechanisms and optimize clinical applications.

N-Acetyl-l-cysteine-Derived Carbonized Polymer Dots with ROS Scavenging via Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway Regulate Alveolar Bone Homeostasis in Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a type of chronic inflammatory oral disease characterized by the destruction of periodontal connective tissue and progressive alveolar bone resorption. As oxidative stress is the key cause of periodontitis in the early periodontal microenvironment, antioxidative therapy has been considered a viable treatment for periodontitis. However, more stable and effective reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging nanomedicines are still highly needed due to the instability of traditional antioxidants. Herein, a new type of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC)-derived red fluorescent carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) has been synthesized with excellent biocompatibility, which can serve as an extracellular antioxidant to scavenge ROS effectively. Moreover, NAC-CPDs can promote osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under H2 O2 stimulation. In addition, NAC-CPDs are capable of targeted accumulation in alveolar bone in vivo, reducing the level of alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice, as well as performing fluorescence imaging in vitro and in vivo. In terms of mechanism, NAC-CPDs may regulate redox homeostasis and promote bone formation in the periodontitis microenvironment by modulating the kelch-like ECH-associated protein l (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. This study provides a new strategy for the application of CPDs theranostic nanoplatform for periodontitis.

Herbal Extracts of Ginseng and Maqui Berry Show Only Minimal Effects on an In Vitro Model of Early Fracture Repair of Smokers

Smoking is a major risk factor for delayed fracture healing, affecting several aspects of early fracture repair, including inflammation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis. Panax ginseng (GE) and maqui berry extract (MBE) were shown in our previous studies to reduce smoke-induced cellular damage in late bone-healing in vitro models. We aimed here to analyze their effects on the early fracture repair of smokers in a 3D co-culture model of fracture hematomas and endothelial cells. Both extracts did not alter the cellular viability at concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL. In early fracture repair in vitro, they were unable to reduce smoking-induced inflammation and induce osteo- or chondrogenicity. Regarding angiogenesis, smoking-induced stress in HUVECs could not be counteracted by both extracts. Furthermore, smoking-impaired tube formation was not restored by GE but was harmed by MBE. However, GE promoted angiogenesis initiation under smoking conditions via the Angpt/Tie2 axis. To summarize, cigarette smoking strikingly affected early fracture healing processes in vitro, but herbal extracts at the applied doses had only a limited effect. Since both extracts were shown before to be very effective in later stages of fracture healing, our data suggest that their early use immediately after fracture does not appear to negatively impact later beneficial effects.

A comprehensive system review of pharmacological effects and relative mechanisms of Ginsenoside Re: Recent advances and future perspectives

BACKGROUND

Ginsenoside Re (Re) belongs to protopanaxatriol saponins and exists in Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, Panax notoginseng, and other plants in the Araliaceae family. Re has recently become a research focus owing to its pharmacological activities and benefits to human bodies.

PURPOSE

To summarize recent findings regarding the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Re and highlight and predict the potential therapeutic effects and systematic mechanism of Re.

METHODS

Recent studies (2011-2021) on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Re were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase up to December 2021 using relevant keywords. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Re against potential diseases.

RESULTS

Re presented a wide range of therapeutic and biological activities, including neuroprotective, cardiovascular, antidepressant, antitumorigenic, and others effects. The related pharmacological mechanisms of Re include the regulation of cholinergic and antioxidant systems in the brain; the induction of tumor cell apoptosis; the inhibition of tau protein hyperphosphorylation and oxidative stress; the activation of p38MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK signals; the improvement of lipid metabolism; and the reduction of endothelial cell dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

This paper summarizes comprehensively the current research progress of Re and provides new research insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Re against potential diseases.

Pharmacological Properties of Ginsenoside Re

Ginsenoside Re is a protopanaxatriol-type saponin extracted from the berry, leaf, stem, flower bud, and root of Panax ginseng. In recent years, ginsenoside Re (Re) has been attracting attention as a dietary phytochemical. In this review, studies on Re were compiled by searching a combination of keywords, namely “pharmacology,” “pharmacokinetics,” and “toxicology,” in the Google Scholar, NCBI, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The aim of this review was to provide an exhaustive overview of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of Re, focusing on clinical evidence that has shown effectiveness in specific diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, nervous system diseases, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Re is also known to eliminate virus, enhance the immune response, improve osteoporosis, improve skin barrier function, enhance intracellular anti-oxidant actions, regulate cholesterol metabolism, alleviate allergic responses, increase sperm motility, reduce erectile dysfunction, promote cyclic growth of hair follicles, and reduce gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. Furthermore, this review provides data on pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicological factors to examine the safety profile of Re. Such data will provide a theoretical basis and reference for Re-related studies and future applications.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound-Loaded Materials in Bone Regeneration

Bone is a dynamic organ that has the ability to repair minor injuries via regeneration. However, large bone defects with limited regeneration are debilitating conditions in patients and cause a substantial clinical burden. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an alternative method that mainly involves three factors: scaffolds, biologically active factors, and cells with osteogenic potential. However, active factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are costly and show an unstable release. Previous studies have shown that compounds of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) can effectively promote regeneration of bone defects when administered locally and systemically. However, due to the low bioavailability of these compounds, many recent studies have combined TCM compounds with materials to enhance drug bioavailability and bone regeneration. Hence, the article comprehensively reviewed the local application of TCM compounds to the materials in the bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. The compounds included icariin, naringin, quercetin, curcumin, berberine, resveratrol, ginsenosides, and salvianolic acids. These findings will contribute to the potential use of TCM compound-loaded materials in BTE.

Effect of Ginseng Extracts on the Improvement of Osteopathic and Arthritis Symptoms in Women with Osteopenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Ginsenosides are active compounds that are beneficial to bone metabolism and have anti-osteoporosis properties. However, very few clinical investigations have investigated the effect of ginseng extract (GE) on bone metabolism. This study aims to determine the effect of GE on improving bone metabolism and arthritis symptoms in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 90 subjects were randomly divided into a placebo group, GE 1 g group, and GE 3 g group for 12 weeks based on the random 1:1:1 assignment to these three groups. The primary outcome is represented by bone metabolism indices consisting of serum osteocalcin (OC), urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and DPD/OC measurements. Secondary outcomes were serum CTX, NTX, Ca, P, BsALP, P1NP, OC/CTX ratio, and WOMAC index. The GE 3 g group had a significantly increased serum OC concentration. Similarly, the GE 3 g group showed a significant decrease in the DPD/OC ratio, representing bone resorption and bone formation. Moreover, among all the groups, the GE 3 g group demonstrated appreciable improvements in the WOMAC index scores. In women with osteopenia, intake of 3 g of GE per day over 12 weeks notably improved the knee arthritis symptoms with improvements in the OC concentration and ratios of bone formation indices like DPD/OC.

Fabrication of Biomolecule-Loaded Composite Scaffolds Carried by Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel

Fabrication of multifunctional scaffolds with biomimicking physical and biological signals play an important role in enhancing tissue regeneration. Multifunctional features come from the composite scaffold with various bioactive molecules. However, simple, biocompatible, and controllable hybridization strategy is still lacking. In this study, we leverage naturally derived extracellular matrix (ECM) as chemically controllable hydrogel carrier to effectively load functional biomolecules. The use of ECM hydrogel takes advantage of both native functionality of ECM components and tunability of hydrogel in controlling release of loaded molecules. As a proof of concept, porous acellular bone scaffold was selected as the solid pristine scaffold to be composited with BMP-2 and VEGF, which are loaded by spinal cord-derived ECM (SC-ECM) hydrogel. Crosslinking degree of SC-ECM hydrogel is tuned by changing genipin concentration, which renders the control over release kinetics of BMP-2 and VEGF. The mechanical strength of scaffold maintained after hybridization and is not significantly decreased in wet condition. In vitro evaluations of scaffolds cocultured with osteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrate the biocompatible and bioactive features resulting from the composite scaffolds. Evidenced by alkaline phosphatase test, immunofluorescence, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, differentiation of MSCs towards osteoblast lineage is significantly enhanced by composite scaffolds. Therefore, our strategy in fabricating composite scaffold enabled by biomolecule-loaded ECM hydrogel holds great promise in regenerating diverse tissue types by appropriate combinations of solid pristine scaffolds, ECM, and bioactive molecules. Impact statement We developed a bioactive molecule (e.g., growth factor, protein) loading method using extracellular matrix hydrogel as a carrier. It brings a new strategy to fabricate composite scaffolds with unique biofunctions.

Cycloastragenol protects against glucocorticoid-induced osteogenic differentiation inhibition by activating telomerase

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) that is mainly featured as low bone density and increased risk of fracture is prone to occur with the administration of excessive glucocorticoids. Cycloastragenol (CAG) has been verified to be a small molecule that activates telomerase. Studied showed that up-regulated telomerase was associated with promoting osteogeneic differentiation, so we explored whether CAG could promote osteogenic differentiation to protect against GIOP and telomerase would be the target that CAG exerted its function. Our results demonstrated that CAG prominently increased the ALP activity, mineralization, mRNA of runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, collagen type I in both MC3T3-E1 cells and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. CAG up-regulated telomerase reverse transcriptase and the protective effect of CAG was blocked by telomerase inhibitor TMPyP4. Moreover, CAG improved bone mineralization in DEX-induced bone damage in a zebrafish larvea model. Therefore, the study showed that CAG could alleviate the osteogenic differentiation inhibition induced by DEX in vitro and in vivo, and CAG might be considered as a candidate drug for the treatment of GIOP.

Effects of ginsenosides on bone remodelling for novel drug applications: a review

BACKGROUND

Ginsenosides are pharmacologically active compounds that are often extracted from the Panax plant for their medicinal properties. Ginsenosides have multiple effects, including antitumor effects which have been widely studied. In recent years, studies have found that ginsenosides promote proliferation and osteogenesis of osteoblast-related cells, as well as inhibit the activity of osteoclasts.

MAIN BODY

We briefly introduces the molecules and BMP, WNT, and RANKL signalling pathways involved in bone formation and bone resorption. Next, recent studies on the mechanism of action of ginsenosides in bone remodelling are reviewed from three perspectives: the effects on proliferation of osteoblast-related cells, effects on osteogenesis and effects on osteoclasts. To expedite the development of drugs containing ginsenosides, we summarize the multiple beneficial roles of various types of ginsenosides in bone remodelling; including the promotion of bone formation, inhibition of bone resorption, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

CONCLUSION

Many ginsenosides can promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption, such as Rb1, Rb2 and Re. Ginsenosides have the potential to be new drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, promote fracture healing and are strong candidates for cytokines in the tissue-engineered bone. This review provides a theoretical basis for clinical drug applications and proposes several future directions for exploring the beneficial role of ginseng compounds in bone remodelling.

Improvement of rBMSCs Responses to Poly(propylene carbonate) Based Biomaterial through Incorporation of Nanolaponite and Surface Treatment Using Sodium Hydroxide

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) has aroused extensive attention in the biomaterial field because of its excellent biocompatibility and appropriate degradability, but surface hydrophobicity and bioinertness limit its applications for bone repair and tissue engineering. In this study, a bioactive PPC/laponite (LAP) nanocomposite (PL) was prepared by a melt-blending method, and a microporous surface on PPC and PL (PT and PLT) was created by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment. The results demonstrated that the surface roughness, hydrophilicity, surface energy, and degradability as well as protein adsorption of PLT were obviously improved compared with PPC. Moreover, the degradability of PLT was remarkably enhanced with a slight increase of pH values in Tris-HCl solution. Furthermore, adhesion and proliferation as well as osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) to PLT were significantly promoted compared with PPC. The results suggested that incorporating LAP into PPC obviously improved the surface performance of PL (with nanotopography), and surface treatment with NaOH further enhanced surface properties of PLT (with micronanotopography and hydrophilic groups), which significantly promoted responses of rBMSCs. In short, PLT displayed excellent cytocompatibility, which would have great potential for bone regeneration.

Fermented ginseng extract, BST204, disturbs adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells through inhibition of S6 kinase 1 signaling

Background

The biological and pharmacological effects of BST204, a fermented ginseng extract, have been reported in various disease conditions. However, its molecular action in metabolic disease remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified the antiadipogenic activity of BST204 resulting from its inhibition of the S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) signaling pathway.

Methods

The inhibitory effects of BST204 on S6K1 signaling were investigated by immunoblot, nuclear fractionation, immunoprecipitation analyses. The antiadipogenic effect of BST204 was evaluated by measuring mRNA levels of adipogenic genes and by chromatin immunoprecipitation and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results

Treatment with BST204 inhibited activation and nuclear translocation of S6K1, further decreasing the interaction between S6K1 and histone H2B in 10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells. Subsequently, phosphorylation of H2B at serine 36 (H2BS36p) by S6K1 was reduced by BST204, inducing an increase in the mRNA expression of Wnt6, Wnt10a, and Wnt10b, which disturbed adipogenic differentiation and promoted myogenic and early osteogenic gene expression. Consistently, BST204 treatment during adipogenic commitment suppressed the expression of adipogenic marker genes and lipid drop formation.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that BST204 blocks adipogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells through the inhibition of S6K1-mediated histone phosphorylation. This study suggests the potential therapeutic strategy using BST204 to combat obesity and musculoskeletal diseases.

Promoting Effect of Pinostrobin on the Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization of Murine Pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

Pinostrobin (PI), a natural flavonoid found in a variety of plants, is well known for its rich pharmacological activities. However, its osteogenic function remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of PI on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of murine pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro using MTT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, the synthesis of collagen I (Col I) assay, and Von-Kossa staining, respectively. The expression of osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA in cells was detected by real-time PCR. The effect of PI on the differentiation of dexamethasone (DEX)-suppressed cells was also investigated. The results showed that PI greatly promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells at 5–80 μg/mL (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and caused a significant elevation of ALP activity, Col I content, and mineralization of osteoblasts at 10–40 μg/mL (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and the expression levels of OCN gene were greatly upregulated after PI treatment (p < 0.01). Furthermore, PI could rescue the inhibition effect of cell differentiation induced by DEX. Taken together, these results indicated that PI could directly promote proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells and has potential for use as a natural treatment for osteoporosis.

Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius: From pharmacology to toxicology

The use of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius in traditional Chinese medicine dates back to about 5000 years ago thanks to its several beneficial and healing properties. Over the past few years, extensive preclinical and clinical evidence in the scientific literature worldwide has supported the beneficial effects of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius in significant central nervous system, metabolic, infectious and neoplastic diseases. There has been growing research on ginseng because of its favorable pharmacokinetics, including the intestinal biotransformation which is responsible for the processing of ginsenosides - contained in the roots or extracts of ginseng - into metabolites with high pharmacological activity and how such principles act on numerous cell targets. The aim of this review is to provide a simple and extensive overview of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of P. ginseng and P. quinquefolius, focusing on the clinical evidence which has shown particular effectiveness in specific diseases, such as dementia, diabetes mellitus, respiratory infections, and cancer. Furthermore, the review will also provide data on toxicological factors to support the favorable safety profile of these medicinal plants.

Enhancing the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on casein phosphopeptide-biofunctionalized 3D reduced-graphene oxide/polypyrrole scaffolds

The CPP-biofunctionalized 3D rGO/PPY scaffold can greatly boost the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, especially the 3D rGO/PPY/CPP20 scaffold.