Novel Cultivation of six-year-old Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng) in pot: From Non-Agrochemical Management to Increased Ginsenoside

Background

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is a perennial plant belonging to the Araliaceae family that is known to have various beneficial effects including improving memory loss and spatial cognitive ability, and anti-cancer and anti-diabetes activity. Its functional benefits also include improving liver function, regulating blood pressure, stress, and providing antioxidant activity. Usually, various agrochemicals are used in cultivating ginseng preventing from many diseases.

Methods

FCGP (field cultivated ginseng in pot) was implemented by imitating MCWG (mountain cultivated wild ginseng). Pesticide analysis of pot cultivation was carried out and the contents of bioactive components such as ginsenoside were also analyzed.

Results

FCGP ginsenoside content was higher than that of FCG (field cultivated ginseng) and MCWG. FCGP has been shown to have a relatively high antioxidant effect compared with cultivated ginseng.

Conclusion

It was confirmed that ginseng can be grown for 6 years without resorting to use of pesticides. In addition, it was confirmed that effective accumulation of physiologically active ingredients such as ginsenoside is possible. Our result represents FCGP is a novel method of pesticide-free ginseng cultivation.

Protective effects of Panax Ginseng against 131I-induced genotoxicity in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Radioiodine (131I) therapy (RAIT) is associated with oxidative stress (OS)-induced DNA damage in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The goal of this study was to evaluate the possible ameliorating effects of Panax Ginseng (PG) on RAIT-induced genotoxicity in patients with DTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty DTC patients who had received 131I (100 to 175 mCi) were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly classified (n = 10) into control, placebo, PG1 groups (receiving 500 mg/day of PG for 2 days before RAIT), and PG2 group (receiving 500 mg/day of PG for 2 days before to 1 day after RAIT). Blood samples were collected before and 2 days after RAIT. Lymphocyte micronuclei (MN) frequency was measured using the MN assay. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were measured using colorimetric assays. Serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured using commercial kits.

RESULTS

The mean of baseline MN frequency was the same in the four groups. RAIT increased the MN frequencies to at least three times the baseline values in the control (39 ± 5) and placebo groups (38 ± 6) (P < 0.001). PG caused a significant decrease in the MN frequencies in the treated groups compared to the control and placebo groups (P < 0.001). RAIT and PG administration had no significant effects on the serum IMA, TAC, and markers of liver and kidney toxicity.

CONCLUSION

PG could be considered a useful remedy for the protection against RAIT-induced chromosomal damage in DCT patients.

Melatonin ameliorates ochratoxin A induced liver inflammation, oxidative stress and mitophagy in mice involving in intestinal microbiota and restoring the intestinal barrier function

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread contaminant in human and animal food products. Previous studies in rats revealed that melatonin (Mel) exhibits a preventive effect against OTA-induced oxidative stress in liver. However, it remains unknown whether gut microbiota respond to Mel and, if so, whether it can prevent OTA-induced inflammation and mitophagy in the liver. In the present study, mice received an oral gavage of Mel and OTA for 3 weeks before harvesting colonic digesta and liver tissue for analyses. In another study, the role of intestinal microbiota on the effects of Mel on OTA-induced liver inflammation and mitophagy was assessed through clearance of intestinal microbiota with antibiotics followed by gut microbiota transplantation (GMT). Oral Mel supplementation ameliorated mitophagy in the liver and reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis. Intriguingly, in antibiotic-treated mice, Mel and OTA failed to induce mitophagy in the liver. Using the GMT approach in which mice were colonised with intestinal microbiota from control-, OTA-, or Mel + OTA-treated mice led us to elucidated the involvement of intestinal microbiota in liver inflammation and mitophagy induced by OTA. The findings suggested that intestinal microbiota play some role in the Mel-induced amelioration of liver inflammation and mitophagy induced by OTA.

Ginseng attenuates fipronil-induced hepatorenal toxicity via its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities in rats

Fipronil (FPN) is a relatively new and broad spectrum insecticide that induces toxic effects to animals and humans through induction of oxidative stress. Ginseng is a medicinal plant that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. Thus, the current study was conducted to evaluate the anti-toxic potential of ginseng aqueous extract (GAE) against FPN-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into four equal groups. Rats of the control group received distilled water. The second group was administrated with GAE at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. orally day by day for 6 weeks. The third group was intoxicated with FPN at a dose of 4.85 mg/kg b.w. orally day by day for 6 weeks. The fourth group was administrated with GAE 2 h before FPN intoxication. Intoxication of rats with FPN significantly elevated the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and serum levels of urea and creatinine, as well as increased malondialdehyde level and protein expressions of caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2 in hepatic and renal tissues. However, it significantly decreased hepatic and renal GSH content and catalase activity. In addition, it induced histopathological alterations in hepatic and renal tissue architectures. Conversely, concomitant oral administration of GAE ameliorated the FPN-induced biochemical, pathological, and histochemical alterations in both hepatic and renal tissues. This study indicated that ginseng attenuates FPN-induced hepatorenal toxicity, possibly via its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Graphical Abstract CAL ABSTRACTPHIRAG.

The Ginsenoside Derivative 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol Inhibits Solar Ultraviolet Light-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression

Ginsenosides are major pharmacologically active compounds present in ginseng (Panax ginseng). Among the ginsenosides, 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (GPPD) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) have previously been reported to exhibit anti-wrinkle effects. In this study, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), an aglycone derivative of the Rb1 metabolite was investigated for its anti-wrinkle benefit and compared to GPPD and Rb1. The anti-wrinkle effect of 20(S)-PPD during solar UV light was investigated using a human skin equivalent model and human keratinocytes. 20(S)-PPD attenuated solar UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression to a greater extent than GPPD and Rb1. 20(S)-PPD treatment modulated MMP-1 mRNA expression and the transcriptional activity of activator protein (AP)-1, a major transcription factor of MMP-1. Two upstream signaling pathways for AP-1, the MEK1/2-ERK1/2-p90^RSK and MEK3/6-p38 pathways, were also suppressed. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of 20(S)-PPD for further development as a preventative agent for sunlight-induced skin wrinkle. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3756-3764, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Panax ginseng extract modulates oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation and up-regulate gene expression in rats sub chronically treated with aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B 1

Aflatoxins and fumonisins are important food-borne mycotoxins implicated in human health and have cytotoxic effects. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the protective role of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) against the synergistic effect of subchronic administration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) on DNA and gene expression in rat. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups (ten rats/group) and treated for 12 weeks including the control group, the group having received AFB1 (80 µg/kg bw), the group having received FB1 (100 µg/kg bw), the group having received AFB1 plus FB1 and the groups having received PGE (20 mg/kg bw) alone or with AFB1 and/or FB1. At the end of experiment, liver and kidney were collected for the determination of DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH) contents and alterations in gene expression. The results indicated that these mycotoxins increased DNA fragmentation, LP and decreased GSH content in liver and kidney and down-regulated gene expression of antioxidants enzymes. The combined treatments with AFB1 and/or FB1 plus PGE suppressed DNA fragmentation only in the liver, normalized LP and increased GSH in the liver and kidney as well as up-regulated the expression of GPx, SOD1 and CAT mRNA. It could be concluded that AFB1 and FB1 have synergistic genotoxic effects. PGE induced protective effects against their oxidative stress and genotoxicity through its antioxidant properties.

The Potential for Plant Derivatives against Acrylamide Neurotoxicity

Certain industrial chemicals and food contaminants have been demonstrated to possess neurotoxic activity and have been suspected to cause brain-related disorders in humans. Acrylamide (ACR), a confirmed neurotoxicant, can be found in trace amount in commonly consumed human aliments as a result of food processing or cooking. This discovery aroused a great concern in the public, and increasing efforts are continuously geared towards the resolution of this serious threat. The broad chemical diversity of plants may offer the resources for novel antidotes against neurotoxicants. With the goal of attenuating neurotoxicity of ACR, several plants extracts or derivatives have been employed. This review presents the plants and their derivatives that have been shown most active against ACR-induced neurotoxicity, with a focus on their origin, pharmacological activity, and antidote effects.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng supplementation on dry eye syndrome in glaucoma patients - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Many patients with glaucoma have difficulty using antiglaucoma eye drops because of dry eye symptom. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effect of Korean Red Ginseng on dry eye syndrome in patients with glaucoma treated with antiglaucoma eye drops.

METHODS

Forty-nine participants were allocated to the Korean Red Ginseng (3 g/day; n = 24) or placebo (n = 25) groups for 8 weeks. Tear film stability, fluorescein corneal staining, conjunctival hyperemia, tear production, grade of meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index) were evaluated at baseline and on completion of the treatment.

RESULTS

Almost all patients displayed dry eye symptoms and signs at baseline. After the 8-week intervention, Korean Red Ginseng supplementation significantly improved the tear film stability and total Ocular Surface Disease Index score, as compared to placebo (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Korean Red Ginseng supplementation may provide an additional treatment option for dry eye and patients with glaucoma using antiglaucoma eye drops.

A comparison of antioxidant activity of Korean White and Red Ginsengs on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 hepatoma cells

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the preventive effect of Korean White Ginseng and Red Ginseng on oxidative stress in H2O2-treated HepG2 cells. The roots of ginseng were extracted with 70% methanol and partitioned with butanol to obtain saponin fractions, which have been known as bioactive constituents of ginseng. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured for evaluating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Also, mRNA expressions and activities of antioxidant enzymes were analyzed to determine the antioxidant activity of saponin or non-saponin fractions of ginsengs. According to DCF-DA assay, H2O2-induced MDA release and ROS generation were significantly reduced by treatment with saponin fractions of white and red ginseng roots. Also, saponin fractions increased effectively intracellular antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in H2O2- treated HepG2 hepatoma cells. In general, red ginseng was more effective than white ginseng for reducing oxidative stress. These results indicate that administration of red ginseng may certainly contribute relatively stronger than white ginseng to prevent from damaging liver function by oxidative stress.

Beneficial effects of Korean red ginseng on lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity, and LDL oxidation in healthy participants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

The reported health benefits of Korean red ginseng (KRG) include antioxidant, antitumor, antimutagenic, and immunomodulatory activities; however, the effects on oxidative stress have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, we assessed the effect of KRG on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers in humans.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with three groups, including placebo, low-dose (3 g/day), and high-dose (6 g/day), which were randomly assigned to healthy subjects aged 20–65 years. Lymphocyte DNA damage, antioxidative enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation were assessed before and after the 8-week supplementation.

Results

Fifty-seven subjects completed the protocol. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity after the 8-week KRG supplementation was significantly higher in the low-and high-dose groups compared to baseline. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase activities were also increased after the high-dose supplementation. Furthermore, the DNA tail length and tail moment were significantly reduced after the supplementation (low-dose and high-dose), and plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were reduced in low-dose and high-dose groups, but increased in the placebo group. The net changes in oxidized LDL after the supplementation differed significantly between both KRG supplementation groups and the placebo group. Net changes in GPx, SOD and catalase activities, and DNA tail length and tail moment were significantly different between the high-dose group and the placebo group. Additionally, the net changes in urinary 8-epi-PGF_2α were significantly different between the KRG supplementation groups and the placebo group.

Conclusions

KRG supplementation may attenuate lymphocyte DNA damage and LDL oxidation by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity.

Korean red ginseng and its primary ginsenosides inhibit ethanol-induced oxidative injury by suppression of the MAPK pathway in TIB-73 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants due to its wide spectrum of medicinal effects. Among the currently available Panax ginseng products, Korea red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to exhibit a variety of antioxidative and hepatoprotective action.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our aim was to investigate the effects of KRG and its primary ginsenosides (Rg3 and Rh2) on EtOH-induced injury to mouse hepatocytes (TIB-73).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the effects of KRG and its primary ginsenoside on EtOH-induced injury to TIB-73 cells and evaluated MAPKs signals as a possible mechanism of action. Hepatocytic injury was evaluated by biochemical assays as cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ROS and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) level in TIB-73 cells. The levels of MAPK activation were analyzed by Western blots.

RESULTS

The results showed that exposure of EtOH to TIB-73 cells led to cell death and membrane damage, accompanied by a decrease in cell viability, MMP, and Mg(2+) concentrations, but an increase in LDH, AST, ROS and MAPK activation. KRG and its primary ginsenosides reduced EtOH-induced generation of ROS and the activation of ERK and JNK, and increased Mg(2+) concentrations.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that KRG and its primary ginsenosides inhibit EtOH-induced oxidative injury by suppression of the MAPK pathway in TIB-73 cells.

Effect of acrylamide on some hormones and endocrine tissues in male rats

Acrylamide is oxidized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to its epoxide form, glycidamide, which is believed to be responsible for the mutagenic and carcinogenic activities. This study was carried out to investigate the early changes that may be related to the carcinogenic activity of acrylamide in thyroid, adrenal glands and testis in male rats. Forty adult Sprague Dawley male rats were divided equally into four groups, rats of Group I served as control, and rats of Groups II, III and IV were treated orally with acrylamide with doses 5, 10, 15 mg/kg/day body weight for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the plasma carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are higher, but free and total testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine, or 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyronine (T4) and corticosterone levels are lower in rats treated with acrylamide than that in control rats. This study provides evidence of endocrine disturbance to the testis, thyroid and adrenal glands, which are also the organs in which acrylamide has been shown to cause tumors in experimental animals.

Antioxidant properties of Thymus vulgaris oil against aflatoxin-induce oxidative stress in male rats

The leafy parts of thyme and its essential oil have been used in foods for the flavor, aroma and preservation and also in folk medicines. The aim of the current study was to determine the components of Thymus vulgaris L essential oil and to evaluate the protective effects of this oil against aflatoxin-induce oxidative stress in rats. Thirty six mature male Sprague-Dawley were divided into six treatment groups and treated for 2 weeks as follows: control group; the groups treated orally with low and high doses of T. vulgaris oil (5 and 7.5 mg/kg b.w.); the group fed AFs-contaminated diet (2.5 mg/kg diet) and the groups fed AFs-contaminated diet and treated orally with the oil at the two tested doses. Blood and tissue samples were collected at the end of treatment period for biochemical study and histological examination. The results indicated that the oil contains Carvarcrol (45 mg/g), Thymol (24.7 mg/g), β-Phellandrene (9.7 mg/g), Linalool (4.1 mg/g), Humuline (3.1 mg/g), α-Phellandrene (2.3 mg/g) and Myrcene (2.1 mg/g). However, α and β-pinene, Myrcene, α-thyjone, Tricyclene, 1, 8-cineole, and β-sabinene were found in lower concentrations. Treatment with AFs alone disturbs lipid profile in serum, decreases Total antioxidant capacity, increase creatinine, uric acid and nitric oxide in serum and lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney accompanied with a sever histological changes in the liver tissues. The oil alone at the two tested doses did not induce any significant changes in the biochemical parameters or the histological picture. The combined treatment showed significant improvements in all tested parameters and histological pictures in the liver tissues. Moreover, this improvement was more pronounced in the group received the high dose of the oil. It could be concluded that the essential oil of T. vulgaris has a potential antioxidant activity and a protective effect against AFs toxicity and this protection was dose dependent.

Dietary honey and ginseng protect against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatonephrotoxicity in rats

Liver diseases are amongst the most serious health problems in the world today and hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the world's deadliest cancers. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effect of sider honey and/or Korean ginseng extract (KGE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity in rat. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were allocated into different groups and over a 4-week period, they orally received honey and/or KGE or were treated either with CCl(4) alone (100 mg/kg b.w) or with CCl(4) after a pretreatment period with honey, KGE or a combination of both. Clinical, clinico-pathological and histopathological evaluations were done and CCl(4)-treated groups were compared with rats receiving no treatment and with rats given honey, KGE or a combination of these substances. The results indicated that oral administration of CCl(4) induced severe hepatic and kidney injury associated with oxidative stress. The combined treatment with CCl(4) plus honey and/or KGE resulted in a significant improvement in all evaluated parameters. This improvement was prominent in the group receiving CCl(4) after combined pretreatment with honey and KGE. Animals receiving honey and/or KGE (without CCl(4)-treatment) were comparable to the control untreated group. It could be concluded that honey and KGE protect SD rats against the severe CCl(4)-induced hepatic and renal toxic effects. Our results suggest that the protective activity of honey and KGE may have been related to their antioxidant properties.

Protective role of dark soy sauce against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats by antioxidative activity

Dark soy sauce (DSS) exerts antioxidant activity in vitro or in vivo. To test the possibility of chemoprevention by such dietary supplements on acrylamide (ACR)-induced subacute toxicity, Sprague-Dawley male rats were administered DSS dissolved in water (0.5 ml/kgbw x d) for 2 weeks after, before or during ACR exposure (0.2 mg/L in distillate water). DSS significantly improved the body weight gain, relative brain weights, and the gait abnormalities of ACR-treated rats when DSS treated at the same time as ACR-exposure (p < 0.05). DSS significantly improved the axonal degeneration, the ratio of myelinated nerves < 3 microm in diameter, degree of central chromatolysis of the ganglion neurons in peripheral nerves, and numbers of SYP (+) aberrant dots per mm cortex in the cerebellar molecular layer of ACR-treated rats no matter before, after, or during ACR-exposure (p < 0.05). DSS significantly decreased the malondialdehyde level and increased the superoxide dismutase activity in brain of ACR-treated rats when DSS treated during ACR-exposure (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that DSS plays a protective role against ACR-developed neurotoxicity and, partly at least, through an anti-oxidative mechanism. And it is worthy to note that DSS treatment at the same time as ACR exposure plays a more effective protective role than before or after ACR exposure.

Anti-oxidative effects of Phellinus linteus and red ginseng extracts on oxidative stress-induced DNA damage

Anti-oxidative effect of Phellinus linteus (P. linteus) and red ginseng extracts on DNA damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated in this study. P. linteus (PLE) and red ginseng extracts (RGE) inhibited the breaking of E. coli ColE1 plasmid DNA strands as well as nuclear DNA of rat hepatocytes damaged by oxidative stress. In addition, a reaction mixture of PLE and RGE showed synergistic inhibitory effect against DNA damage. These results suggest that PLE and RGE have a cellular defensive effect against DNA damage induced by ROS.

Raphanus sativus extract protects against Zearalenone induced reproductive toxicity, oxidative stress and mutagenic alterations in male Balb/c mice

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium in cereals and agricultural products. It has been implicated in several mycotoxicosis in farm animals and in humans. There is unequivocal evidence of reproductive toxicity of ZEN in male mice although the mechanism of action is unknown. Several reports suggest that exposure to ZEN resulted in oxidative stress, genotoxicity and perturbation of reproductive parameters. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Raphanus sativus growing in Tunisia against ZEN-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress. Fifty male Balb/c mice were divided into five groups and treated for 28 days as follows: the control group, olive oil-treated groups, another treated with ZEN (40 mg/kg b.w), the last one treated with R. sativus extract alone (15 mg/kg b.w) and the other with ZEN + R. sativus extract. Testis samples were collected for the epididymal sperm count, testosterone concentration, and MDA level, GPx, CAT and SOD activities. Blood samples were collected for different biochemical analyses. Also, RAPD-PCR method was performed to assess the antigenotoxic effect of the extract in germ cells. The results indicated that ZEN-induced toxicological effects in accordance to those reported in the literature: decreasing in the sperm number, testosterone level and antioxidant enzyme status. The RAPD-PCR analysis revealed an alteration in the DNA bands patterns between control and ZEN-treated mice. The extract alone, rich in many antioxidant compounds, was safe and succeeded in counteracting the oxidative stress and protect against the toxicity resulting from ZEN.

The effects of Panax ginseng and Spirulina platensis on hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium in rats

Cadmium is an environmental and industrial cumulative pollutant that affects many organs, specially the liver. The protective effect of Spirulina platensis and Panax ginseng on cadmium-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity was evaluated in adult female Wistar albino rats. At the end of the 1-month experimental period, all animals were fasted for 12h and liver samples were taken for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. S. platensis and P. ginseng treatments showed marked decrease lipid peroxidation and increase of the endogenous antioxidants levels. The cadmium-induced histopathological changes were also minimized with the tested extracts. These results suggest that S. platensis and P. ginseng might play a role in reducing the toxic effect of cadmium and its antioxidant properties seem to mediate such a protective effect.

Botanical characteristics, pharmacological effects and medicinal components of Korean Panax ginseng C A Meyer

Korean Panax ginseng C A Meyer is mainly used to maintain the homeostasis of the body, and the pharmacological efficacy of Korean ginseng identified by modern science includes improved brain function, pain-relieving effects, preventive effects against tumors as well as anti-tumor activity, enhanced immune system function, anti-diabetic effects, enhanced liver function, adjusted blood pressure, anti-fatigue and anti-stress effects, improved climacteric disorder and sexual functions, as well as anti-oxidative and anti-aging effects. Further clinical studies of these pharmacological efficacies will continue to be carried out. Korean ginseng is found to have such main properties as ginsenoside, ployacetylene, acid polysaccharide, anti-oxidative aromatic compound, and insulin-like acid peptides. The number of ginsenoside types contained in Korean ginseng (38 ginsenosides) is substantially more than that of ginsenoside types contained in American ginseng (19 ginsenosides). Furthermore, Korean ginseng has been identified to contain more main non-saponin compounds, phenol compounds, acid polysaccharides and polyethylene compounds than American ginseng and Sanchi ginseng.

Inula crithmoides extract protects against ochratoxin A-induced oxidative stress, clastogenic and mutagenic alterations in male rats

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin often found in cereals and agricultural products. There is unequivocal evidence of renal carcinogenicity of OTA in male rats, although the mechanism of action is unknown. Several reports suggest that exposure to OTA resulted in oxidative stress, genotoxicity and DNA damage. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Inula crithmoides growing in Egypt against OTA-induced mutagenicity and oxidative stress. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and treated for 15 days as follows: control group and the groups treated with OTA (3 mg/kg b.w), I. crithmoides extract alone (370 mg/kg b.w) and OTA+I. crithmoides extract. Blood and tissue samples were collected for different biochemical analyses. Bone marrow micronucleus test and blood for random amplified polymorphism DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) method were performed to assess the antigenotoxic effect of the extract. The results indicated that OTA induced toxicological effects typical to those reported in the literature and increased the frequencies of MnPCEs in bone marrow. The RAPD-PCR analysis revealed the appearance of new bands in DNA resulting from genetic alteration. The extract alone was safe and succeeded in counteracting the oxidative stress and protect against the cytotoxicity resulting from OTA.

The inhibitory effects of garlic and Panax ginseng extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 on the genotoxicity, biochemical, and histological changes induced by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in male rats

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is widely used in food and other industries to sequester metal ions and to prevent their disadvantageous effects. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the protective effect of Panax ginseng extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 (ginsenoside Rg3 content was 3.6% w/w, i.e., 36 microg/mg P. ginseng extract) and garlic against EDTA-induced biochemical, genotoxic, and histological changes in rats. Forty male rats were divided into eight treatment groups and treated for 7 days as follows: the control group, the group treated with EDTA (20 mg/kg b.w) and the groups treated with P. ginseng extract (20 mg/kg b.w), garlic (5 mg/kg b.w), P. ginseng plus garlic alone or in combination with EDTA. In vivo bone marrow micronucleus test and random amplified polymorphism DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) method were performed to assess the antigenotoxic effect of both protective agents. The results indicated that EDTA administration caused a significant decrease in the serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes activity. The administration also increased lipid peroxidation and the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs), caused appearance of some changes in polymorphism band patterns, and induced different histopathological lesions in the livers, kidneys, and testis. Treatment with P. ginseng, garlic alone or plus EDTA significantly improved all the tested parameters. Moreover, P. ginseng extract was found to be more effective than garlic in restoring the parameters that were altered by EDTA.

Efficacy of royal jelly against the oxidative stress of fumonisin in rats

Fumonisins (FB) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides, frequently associated with corn. It produces toxicity, including teratogenicity, equine leukoencephalomalacia, porcine pulmonary edema, hepatic or renal damage in most animal species and perturb sphingolipid metabolism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) against FB toxicity. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six treatment groups including the control group; group fed FB-contaminated diet (200mg/kg diet) and the groups treated orally with RJ (100 or 150mg/kg body weight) with or without FB for 3 weeks. FB alone decreased body weight gain, feed intake, GPX and SOD. Whereas it increased in ALT, AST, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, createnine and uric acid levels. Animals received FB showed severe histological and histochemical changes in liver and kidney tissues. Cotreatment with FB plus RJ resulted in a significant improvement in all the tested parameters and the histological and histochemical pictures of the liver and kidney. These improvements were pronounced in animals fed FB-contaminated diet plus the high dose of RJ. It could be concluded that RJ have a protective effects against FB toxicity and this protection was dose dependent.

Protective role ofPanax ginseng extract standardized with ginsenoside Rg3 against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Acrylamide (ACR) is an industrial neurotoxic chemical that has been recently found in carbohydrate-rich foods cooked at high temperatures. ACR was designated as a probable human carcinogen by IARC (1994) and USEPA (1988). Panax ginseng extract has efficacies such as anticancer, antihypertension, antidiabetes and antinociception. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the protective effects of Panax ginseng extract against ACR-induced toxicity in rats. Sixty adult Sprague Dawley female rats were divided into six groups included a control group, a group treated orally with ACR (50 mg kg(-1) body weight; b.w.) for 11 days, a group treated orally with Panax ginseng extract (20 mg kg(-1) b.w.) for 11 days and groups treated orally with Panax ginseng for 11 days before, during or after 11 days of ACR treatment. The results indicated that treatment with ACR alone resulted in a significant increase in lipid peroxidation level and LDH activity in brain homogenate as well as in serum CK activity, whereas it caused a significant decrease in SOD activity and a small but statistically insignificant decrease in Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activity in brain homogenate. Serum serotonin, corticosterone, T3, T4, TSH, estradiol, progesterone and plasma adrenaline were significantly decreased in ACR-treated rats. Treatment with Panax ginseng before, during or after ACR treatment reduced or partially antagonized the effects induced by ACR towards the normal values of controls. It could be concluded that Panax ginseng extract exhibited a protective action against ACR toxicity and it is worth noting that treatment with Panax ginseng extract before or at the same time as ACR treatment was more effective than when administered after ACR treatment.

Melatonin counteracts oxidative stress in rats fed an ochratoxin A contaminated diet

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread contaminant in human and animal food products. It induces a wide range of toxic effects including lipid peroxidation through the generation of free radicals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of melatonin against OTA-induced oxidative stress in liver and kidney in rats. Treated animals were fed OTA-contaminated diet (3 mg/kg) for 15 days before, during and after melatonin administration (20 mg/kg bw). The results indicate that OTA caused severe effects typical to those reported in the literature for ochratoxicosis. Melatonin alone was effective in the improving food intake, body weight gain, serum total protein, albumin, the activities of alkaline phosphatase, G-glutamyl transferase and creatinine kinase and liver and kidney glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde. Rats fed OTA-contaminated diet before, during or after melatonin administration showed a significant improvement in all tested parameters toward the normal values of the controls. This improvement was most pronounced in the group pretreated with melatonin. It is concluded that melatonin exhibits a preventive effect against OTA-induced oxidative stress through its role in the scavenging of free radicals and/or the prevention of lipid peroxidation.