Korean red ginseng decreases 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced mitophagy in SH-SY5Y cells / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Mitophagy is known to contribute towards progression of Parkinson's disease. Korean red ginseng (KRG) is a widely used medicinal herb in East Asia, and recent studies have reported that KRG prevents 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP@*METHODS@#SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with KRG for 24 h, and subsequently exposed to MPP@*RESULTS@#MPP@*CONCLUSION@#KRG effectively prevents MPP

Korean red ginseng excitation of paraventricular nucleus neurons via non-N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor activation in mice

It has been reported that Korean red ginseng (KRG), a valuable and important traditional medicine, has varied effects on the central nervous system, suggesting its activities are complicated. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons of the hypothalamus has a critical role in stress responses and hormone secretions. Although the action mechanisms of KRG on various cells and systems have been reported, the direct membrane effects of KRG on PVN neurons have not been fully described. In this study, the direct membrane effects of KRG on PVN neuronal activity were investigated by using a perforated patch-clamp in ICR mice. In gramicidin perforated patch-clamp mode, KRG extract (KRGE) induced repeatable depolarization followed by hyperpolarization of PVN neurons. The KRGE-induced responses were concentration-dependent and persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a voltage sensitive Na+ channel blocker. The KRGE-induced responses were suppressed by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (10 µM), a non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist, but not by picrotoxin, a type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist. The results indicate that KRG activates non-NMDA glutamate receptors of PVN neurons in mice, suggesting that KRG may be a candidate for use in regulation of stress responses by controlling autonomic nervous system and hormone secretion.

The Beneficial Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Atopic Dermatitis Patients: An 8 Weeks Open, Noncomparative Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or chronically relapsing, eczematous, severely pruritic inflammatory skin disorder. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown previously to exhibit diverse biological effects including anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects in a murine model. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of KRG on AD patients, to determine whether there was improvement in disease severity, skin barrier function, pruritus and sleep disturbance relief. METHODS: An open, noncomparative clinical study that utilized KRG tablets (500 mg/tablet) was conducted. This study included 41 patients with mild to moderate AD diagnosed by the Korean atopic dermatitis guidelines. Three visits to the hospital at days 1, 28±7, and 56±7 for evaluation were made. The effects of KRG were assessed by measuring eczema area and severity index (EASI) score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the visual analogue scale (VAS), total amount of topical agents used in recent 8 weeks and investigator global assessment (IGA). RESULTS: Patients taking KRG tablets showed significant decreases in EASI score and TEWL, and the VAS of pruritus and sleep disturbance were significantly reduced. The amount of topical agents used was reduced but not by a statistically significant amount. IGA at the third visit showed improvement of AD compared to the second visit, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: KRG can be safely used as a health food to achieve clinical improvement of AD as well as improving overall quality of life, and has potential for further development.

Adjuvant effects of fermented red ginseng extract on advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the adjuvant therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) extract on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 patients with advanced NSCLC were divided into two groups using a random number table, i.e., the gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy alone group (26 patients) and the FRG + GP chemotherapy group (34 patients), for 60-day treatment. Patients were then assessed according to the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Chinese medicine symptoms score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung. In addition, chemotherapy toxicity and tumor biomarkers were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For NSCLC patients after chemotherapy, FRG extract significantly improved the FSI score, CM symptoms score, psychological status, physical conditions, and quality of life and reduced chemotherapy toxicity, but the expression levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragments, and neuron-specific enolase were not significantly different between the chemotherapy alone and the FRG + chemotherapy groups or between pre- and post-treatments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrated that FRG extract had an adjuvant effect on advanced NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy. Further studies with a larger sample size will verify the current findings.</p>

Effect of Ginseng on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was performed to determine effect of ginseng on blood pressure. METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, RISS, DBpia, KISS, and Koreamed were searched for all published studies from inception to January 2016. The following terms were used: "ginseng", "hypertension", and "blood pressure". Using the Review Manager 5, mean differences (MDs) were pooled to measure the effect of ginseng on blood pressure compared to that of placebo. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials were included. In this meta-analysis, ginseng treatment significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a dose-independent way (MD: -1.99, p = 0.04). In subgroup analysis, 8-12 week consumption of ginseng achieved significantly greater reduction in SBP (MD: -3.14, p = 0.03), while single administration of ginseng failed to show BP-lowering effect. When ingested over 8-12 weeks, ginseng significantly lowered diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD: -1.96, p = 0.03). No significant association was found between ginseng dose and the magnitude of BP-lowering effect. However, a significant positive relationship was observed between baseline SBP level and the magnitude of SBP reduction (r = 0.848, p = 0.033). Such a relationship was not seen in DBP. CONCLUSION: Consumption of ginseng for 8-12 weeks achieved significant reductions in SBP and DBP in a dose-independent way. There was a significant positive relationship between baseline SBP level and the magnitude of SBP reduction.

Inhibitory effect of red ginseng acidic polysaccharide from Korean red ginseng on phagocytic activity and intracellular replication of Brucella abortus in RAW 264.7 cells

Korean red ginseng (KRG) has long been used in traditional Korean and Oriental medicine. However, the anti-bacterial mechanism and therapeutic efficiency of KGR for intracellular Brucella infection are still unclear. In this study, the bactericidal activity of Korean red ginseng acidic polysaccharide (RGAP) on Brucella (B.) abortus and its cytotoxic effects on RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated. In addition, B. abortus internalization and intracellular replication in macrophages were investigated after RGAP treatment. RGAP-incubated cells displayed a marked reduction in the adherence, internalization and intracellular growth of B. abortus in macrophages. Furthermore, decreased F-actin fluorescence was observed relative to untreated B. abortus-infected cells. Western blot analysis of intracellular signaling proteins revealed reduced ERK, JNK and p38α phosphorylation levels in B. abortus-infected RGAP-treated cells compared to the control. Moreover, elevated co-localization of B. abortus-containing phagosomes with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) were observed in RGAP-treated cells compared with the control. Overall, the results of this study suggest that RGAP can disrupt phagocytic activity of B. abortus via suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling proteins ERK, JNK and p38 levels and inhibit intracellular replication of B. abortus by enhancing phagolysosome fusion, which may provide an alternative control of brucellosis.

The Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Chronic Tinnitus: A Randomized, Open-Label Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The major mechanism of inner ear cell damage is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Korean red ginseng (KRG) has an anti-ROS effect; thus we hypothesized that KRG may be of use for the treatment of chronic idiopathic tinnitus. The aim of the study is to investigate clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life (QoL) in chronic tinnitus patients after taking KRG. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was an open-label randomized controlled trial. Sixty-one patients with chronic tinnitus were enrolled and randomized to three groups. The control group was treated for 4 weeks with 160 mg/day Ginkgo biloba extract, and two other groups receiving 1500 mg/day or 3000 mg/day KRG for 4 weeks. Clinical assessments were performed using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and QoL was assessed by Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients completed the planned protocol. Significant improvements were observed between initial and post-treatment THI scores in patients receiving 3000 mg/day KRG. There was no statistically significant difference between initial and post-treatment VAS scores in all groups. Treatment with 3000 mg/day KRG for 4 weeks significantly improved role emotional and mental health scores in the SF-36 survey. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that KRG may improve tinnitus symptoms and mental wellbeing in chronic tinnitus patients.

Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on White Matter Microstructure and Cognitive Functions: A Focus on Intrusion Errors

OBJECTIVES: Although ginseng has been reported to protect neuronal cells and improve various cognitive functions, relationship between ginseng supplementation and response inhibition, one of the important cognitive domains has not been explored. In addition, effects of ginseng on in vivo human brain have not been investigated using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The purpose of the current study is to investigate changes in intrusion errors and white matter microstructure after Korean Red Ginseng supplementation using standardized neuropsychological tests and DTI. METHODS: Fifty-one healthy participants were randomly allocated to the Korean Red Ginseng (n = 26) or placebo (n = 25) groups for 8 weeks. The California Verbal Learning Test was used to assess the number of intrusion errors. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured with the Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. The fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured from the brain DTI data. RESULTS: After the 8-week intervention, Korean Red Ginseng supplementation significantly reduced intrusion errors after adjusting age, sex, IQ, and baseline score of the intrusion errors (p for interaction = 0.005). Change in FA values in the left anterior corona radiata was greater in the Korean Red Ginseng group compared to the placebo group (t = 4.29, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Korean Red Ginseng supplementation may be efficacious for improving response inhibition and white matter microstructure integrity in the prefrontal cortex.

Korean Red Ginseng Water Extract Restores Impaired Endothelial Function by Inhibiting Arginase Activity in Aged Mice

Cardiovascular disease is the prime cause of morbidity and mortality and the population ages that may contribute to increase in the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Arginase upregulation is associated with impaired endothelial function in aged vascular system and thus may contribute to cardiovascular disease. According to recent research, Korean Red Ginseng water extract (KRGE) may reduce cardiovascular disease risk by improving vascular system health. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms contributing to age-related vascular endothelial dysfunction and to determine whether KRGE improves these functions in aged mice. Young (10+/-3 weeks) and aged (55+/-5 weeks) male mice (C57BL/6J) were orally administered 0, 10, or 20 mg/mouse/day of KRGE for 4 weeks. Animals were sacrificed and the aortas were removed. Endothelial arginase activity, nitric oxide (NO) generation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) coupling, vascular tension, and plasma peroxynitrite production were measured. KRGE attenuated arginase activity, restored nitric oxide (NO) generation, reduced ROS production, and enhanced eNOS coupling in aged mice. KRGE also improved vascular tension in aged vessels, as indicated by increased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and improved phenylephrine-stimulated vasoconstriction. Furthermore, KRGE prevented plasma peroxynitrite formation in aged mice, indicating reduced lipid peroxidation. These results suggest KRGE exerts vasoprotective effects by inhibiting arginase activity and augmenting NO signaling and may be a useful treatment for age-dependent vascular diseases.

Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Hearing and Blood Glucose Levels in Steroid Therapy for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVES: Korean red ginseng (KRG) has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and other beneficial effects in human. The present study evaluate the therapeutic effects of KRG on hearing recovery and glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) undergoing systemic steroid therapy. METHODS: The patients were divided into 2 groups: the steroid, and the combination of steroid and red ginseng. Pure tone averages (PTA) were assessed at the first visit and 2-month follow-up. All patients underwent fasting blood glucose analyses just before and on the fifth day of treatment. Both groups were treated with a 10-day course of oral methylprednisolone at tapering doses starting from a daily dose of 48 mg. To the combination group, KRG extract was administered by mouth at a daily dose of 3 g for 20 days in addition to methylprednisolone. Hearing gain was calculated comparing the initial PTA and PTA at 2 months' follow-up. Treatment responses were classified according to Siegel's criteria. RESULTS: Pretreatment conditions were similar between the steroid (n=37) and combination groups (n=36). At 2 months after the treatment, PTA improved significantly in both groups, but there was no significant difference in the mean hearing gain & recovery rate. The non-diabetic subjects in the steroid group (n=27) exhibited a 24% increase in the mean blood glucose level during the systemic steroid therapy, while those in the combination group (n=34) showed no changes. CONCLUSION: Although the KRG did not provide greater therapeutic effects on hearing recovery, we suggest that red ginseng can be a useful adjuvant to the current steroid therapy to normalize glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients during the treatment of SSNHL.

Korean Red Ginseng Induced Cardioprotection against Myocardial Ischemia in Guinea Pig

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated guinea pig heart. KRG has been shown to possess various ginsenosides, which are the major components of Panax ginseng. These components are known naturally occurring compounds with beneficial effects and free radical scavenging activity. The heart was induced to ischemia for 60 min, followed by 120 min reperfusion. The hearts were randomly allocated into five groups (n=8 for each group): normal control (N/C), KRG control, I/R control, 250 mg/kg KRG group and 500 mg/kg KRG group. KRG significantly increased hemodynamics parameters such as aortic flow, coronary flow and cardiac output. Moreover, KRG significantly increased left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), the maximal rate of contraction (+dP/dtmax) and maximal rate of relaxation (-dP/dtmax). Also, treatment of KRG ameliorated electrocardiographic index such as the QRS, QT and RR intervals. Moreover, KRG significantly suppressed the lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB fraction and cardiac troponin I and ameliorated the oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde and glutathione. KRG was standardized through ultra performance liquid chromatograph analysis for its major ginsenosides. Taken together, KRG has been shown to prevent cardiac injury by normalizing the biochemical and oxidative stress.

Subacute Oral Toxicity Study of Korean Red Ginseng Extract in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Ginseng is a well-known traditional medicine used in Asian countries for several thousand years, and it is currently applied to medicine, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements due to its many healing and energy-giving properties. It is well demonstrated that ginsenosides, the main ingredient of ginseng, produce a variety of pharmacological and therapeutic effects on central nerve system (CNS) disorders, cardiovascular disease, endocrine secretions, aging, and immune function. Korean red ginseng extract is a dietary supplement containing ginsenoside Rb1 and ginsenoside Rg1 extracted from Panax ginseng. While the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the extract have been well established, its toxicological properties remain obscure. Thus, four-week oral toxicity studies in rats were conducted to investigate whether Korean red ginseng extract could have a potential toxicity to humans. The test article was administered once daily by oral gavage to four groups of male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at dose levels of 0, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Neither deaths nor clinical symptoms were observed in any group during the experiment. Furthermore, no abnormalities in body weight, food consumption, ophthalmology, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross findings, organ weights, or histopathology were revealed related to the administration of the test article in either sex of any dosed group. Therefore, a target organ was not determined in this study, and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of Korean red ginseng extract was established to be 2,000 mg/kg/day.

Effects of Korean red ginseng supplementation on muscle glucose uptake in high-fat fed rats / 中国天然药物

It has been recognized that ginseng has anti-diabetic effects in skeletal muscle, but the mechanism has not been intensively investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) supplementation on muscle glucose uptake in high-fat fed rats. Sixteen rats were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON, n = 8) and a Korean red ginseng group (KRG, n = 8). The KRG group ingested RG extract (1 g·kg(-1), 6 days/week) mixed in water for two weeks. After the two-week treatment, plasma lipid profiles, and glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. The triglyceride (TG) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) contents were measured in the skeletal muscle and liver. The rate of glucose transport was determined under a submaximal insulin concentration during muscle incubation. Plasma FFA concentrations were significantly decreased in KRG (P < 0.05). Liver and muscle triglyceride concentrations were also decreased in the KRG treatment group (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In addition, resting plasma insulin and glucose levels were significantly lower after Korean red ginseng treatment (P < 0.05). However, muscle glucose uptake was not affected by Korean red ginseng treatment, as evidenced by the rate of glucose transport in the epitorchealis muscle under submaximal insulin concentrations. These results suggest that while KRG supplementation could improve whole body insulin resistance and plasma lipid profiles, it is unlikely to have an effect on the insulin resistance of skeletal muscle, which is the major tissue responsible for plasma glucose handling.

Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract in Human Keratinocytes

BACKGROUND: In this study, we have investigated the effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extracts on the production of TNF-alpha and IL-8 in human keratinocytes. Also, to examine the antioxidative effect of red ginseng extracts, free radical scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in human dermal fibroblasts was measured. METHODS: To investigate the effect of KRG in atopic dermatitis, we measured the level of TNF-alpha and IL-8 secretion in LPS-stimulated human keratinocytes after the treatment of KRG extracts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-oxidative activity was investigated by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and SOD activity. RESULTS: The stimulation of human keratinocytes with KRG extracts shifted the LPS-induced cytokine secretion toward a more immunosuppressive response. KRG dose-dependently decreased TNF-alpha and IL-8 production in HaCaT cells and a significant inhibition of TNF-alpha was shown when cells were treated with 500 and 1,000 microg/ml of KRG extracts. Additionally, KRG extracts showed DPPH radical scavenging and SOD activity in a dose-dependent manner. Particularly, SOD activities of concentrations higher than 60 microg/ml of KRG extracts were significantly different in human dermal fibroblast cells. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, KRG extracts may be a useful immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Sleep: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 수면정신생리

OBJECTIVES: Ginseng has a long history of being used in insomnia treatment and there is some evidence from animal studies of its sleep-enhancing property. From this, it can be assumed that ginseng has sleep-promoting effect in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Korean red ginseng on change of sleep architecture in humans. METHODS: A total of 20 healthy young males with regular sleep and wake habits and without any psychiatric nor cognitive problems were selected based on review of sleep questionnaires and sleep diaries they completed followed by an interview with a board-certified psychiatrist. The subjects were randomly assigned to red ginseng or placebo for 2 weeks of trial. The total daily dose of ginseng was 4,500 mg. The polysomnographic recordings were made at baseline and at 2 weeks after. The effects of red ginseng and placebo on sleep were assessed by comparing the changes in polysomnographic variables between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 15 subjects, 8 from red ginseng group and 7 from placebo group, were included to undergo polysomnographic procedures. The red ginseng group showed tendencies to increase stage 3 sleep (p=0.087) and to decrease stage 2 sleep (p=0.071) from the baseline compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Korean red ginseng tends to increase deep sleep and decrease shallow sleep. Our result is in line, at least in part, with previous findings that Korean red ginseng increased total and NREM sleep in rats. Further studies with higher ginseng dosage, larger sample size and longer trial duration should be conducted to confirm the sleep stabilizing and balancing effects of Korean red ginseng.

Inhibitory Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic eczematous skin disease attended by pruritus, erythema, edema, excoriation, and dryness. This study was to evaluate the effects of Korean red ginseng (RG) on AD in NC/Nga mice treated with 1-chloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (picryl chloride; PC). Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups; normal control (NC), PC control, and PC-RG (50 and 100 mg/kg). RG was orally administered every day repeatedly during 6 weeks. The skin lesions in severity score, scratching behavior, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels, and histological appearance were examined. AD-like lesions were developed on the NC/Nga mice by topical PC applications. Oral administration of RG (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the development of AD, as analyzed by a modified SCORAD score. The scratching behavior decreased after RG administration. The levels of serum IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma were increased by PC stimulation, but treatment with RG (100 mg/kg) suppressed the increment of the serum IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels. Histologically, RG inhibited dermatitis lesions such as hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into epidermis and dermis. These results suggest that the administration of RG may be effective in alleviating the AD induced by PC.

Inhibitory Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice / 한국실험동물학회지

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic eczematous skin disease attended by pruritus, erythema, edema, excoriation, and dryness. This study was to evaluate the effects of Korean red ginseng (RG) on AD in NC/Nga mice treated with 1-chloro-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (picryl chloride; PC). Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups; normal control (NC), PC control, and PC-RG (50 and 100 mg/kg). RG was orally administered every day repeatedly during 6 weeks. The skin lesions in severity score, scratching behavior, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels, and histological appearance were examined. AD-like lesions were developed on the NC/Nga mice by topical PC applications. Oral administration of RG (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the development of AD, as analyzed by a modified SCORAD score. The scratching behavior decreased after RG administration. The levels of serum IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma were increased by PC stimulation, but treatment with RG (100 mg/kg) suppressed the increment of the serum IgE, IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels. Histologically, RG inhibited dermatitis lesions such as hypertrophy, hyperkeratosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into epidermis and dermis. These results suggest that the administration of RG may be effective in alleviating the AD induced by PC.

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Stress Responses and beta-Adrenergic Receptor Function in a Normal Population / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE : There have been few studies to examine the effect of Korean red-ginseng on autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Korean red-ginseng on beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population. METHODS : Thirty four healthy normal subjects who were 20-40 years old were recruited for the study. They were randomized into the two groups ; red-ginseng group (n=19) and placebo group (n=15). Three gram of red-ginseng or placebo per day was administered to the study subjects for 3 weeks. Before and after the medications, we measured the lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptor function (Bmax, cAMP, and Kd), and psychological scales such as the Stress Response Inventory (SRI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, comparative study. RESULTS : There were no significant differences in the changes of beta-adrenergic receptor density (Bmax) and sensitivity (cAMP) and psychological assessments between the two groups according to the medications. However, we found significant (group x time) effects for Kd, and beta-adrenergic receptor affinity (1/Kd) was increased significantly in the Korean red-ginseng group. CONCLUSION : In a normal population, Korean red-ginseng showed a potential effects on the beta-adrenergic receptor function, which may play an important role in the regulation of stress responses

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on Stress Responses and beta-Adrenergic Receptor Function in a Normal Population / 대한정신약물학회지

OBJECTIVE : There have been few studies to examine the effect of Korean red-ginseng on autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Korean red-ginseng on beta-adrenergic receptor function in a normal population. METHODS : Thirty four healthy normal subjects who were 20-40 years old were recruited for the study. They were randomized into the two groups ; red-ginseng group (n=19) and placebo group (n=15). Three gram of red-ginseng or placebo per day was administered to the study subjects for 3 weeks. Before and after the medications, we measured the lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptor function (Bmax, cAMP, and Kd), and psychological scales such as the Stress Response Inventory (SRI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, comparative study. RESULTS : There were no significant differences in the changes of beta-adrenergic receptor density (Bmax) and sensitivity (cAMP) and psychological assessments between the two groups according to the medications. However, we found significant (group x time) effects for Kd, and beta-adrenergic receptor affinity (1/Kd) was increased significantly in the Korean red-ginseng group. CONCLUSION : In a normal population, Korean red-ginseng showed a potential effects on the beta-adrenergic receptor function, which may play an important role in the regulation of stress responses

The Role of Adrenergic and Cholinergic Receptors on the Antinociception of Korean Red Ginseng in the Spinal Cord of Rats / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: Experimental evidence indicates that ginseng modulate the nociceptive transmission. Authors examined the role of adrenergic and cholinergic receptors on the antinociceptive action of Korean red ginseng against the formalin-induced pain at the spinal level. METHODS: Catheters were inserted into the intrathecal space of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Fifty microl of 5% formalin solution was injected to the hindpaw for induction of pain and formalin-induced pain (flinching response) was observed. The role of spinal adrenergic and cholinergic receptors on the effect of Korean red ginseng was assessed by antagonists (prazosin, yohimbine, atropine and mecamylamine). RESULTS: Intrathecal Korean red ginseng produced a dose-dependent suppression of the flinching response in the rat formalin test. All of prazosin, yohimbine, atropine and mecamylamine antagonized the antinociception of Korean red ginseng. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal Korean red ginseng is effective against acute pain and facilitated pain state evoked by formalin injection. All of alpha 1, alpha 2, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors may play an important role in the antinociceptive action of Korean red ginseng at the spinal level.