Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of PgSQE08-01 Gene in Ginsenoside Biosynthesis in Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.

Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.is an important plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine,whose primary active ingredient is a ginsenoside.Ginsenoside biosynthesis is not only regulated by transcription factors but also controlled by a variety of structural genes.Nonetheless,the molecular mechanism underlying ginsenoside biosynthesis has always been a topic in the discussion of ginseng secondary metabolites.Squalene epoxidase(SQE)is a key enzyme in the mevalonic acid pathway,which affects the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenoid.Using ginseng transcriptome,expression,and ginsenoside content databases,this study employed bioinformatic methods to systematically analyze the genes encoding SQE in ginseng.We first selected six PgSQE candidates that were closely involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis and then identified PgSQE08-01 to be highly associated with ginsenoside biosynthesis.Next,we constructed the overexpression vector pCAMBIA3301-PgSQE08-01 and the RNAi vector pART27-PgSQE08-01 and transformed ginseng adventitious roots using Agrobacterium rhizogenes,to obtain positive hairy-root clones.Thereafter,quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to determine the expression of relevant genes and ginsenoside content,respectively.Then,we focused on the function of PgSQE08-01 gene,which was noted to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis.Thus,these findings not only provided a molecular basis for the identification of important functional genes in ginseng but also enriched genetic resources for the biosynthesis of ginsenosides using synthetic biology.

Efficacy of ginseng-based Renshenguben oral solution for cancer-related fatigue among patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma:A prospective multicenter cohort study

Background:Cancer-related fatigue(CRF)is a common and debilitating symptom experienced by patients with advanced-stage cancer,especially those undergoing antitumor therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Renshenguben(RSGB)oral solution,a ginseng-based traditional Chinese medicine,in alleviating CRF in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)receiving antitumor treatment.Methods:In this prospective,open-label,controlled,multicenter study,patients with advanced HCC at BCLC stage C and a brief fatigue inventory(BFI)score of≥4 were enrolled.Participants were assigned to the RSGB group(RSGB,10 mL twice daily)or the control group(with supportive care).Primary and secondary endpoints were the change in multidimensional fatigue inventory(MFI)score,and BFI and functional assessment of cancer therapy-hepatobiliary(FACT-Hep)scores at weeks 4 and 8 after enrollment.Adverse events(AEs)and toxicities were assessed.Results:A total of 409 participants were enrolled,with 206 assigned to the RSGB group.At week 4,there was a trend towards improvement,but the differences were not statistically significant.At week 8,the RSGB group exhibited a significantly lower MFI score(P<0.05)compared to the control group,indicating improved fatigue levels.Additionally,the RSGB group showed significantly greater decrease in BFI and FACT-Hep scores at week 8(P<0.05).Subgroup analyses among patients receiving various antitumor treatments showed similar results.Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that the RSGB group experienced a significantly substantial decrease in MFI,BFI,and FACT-Hep scores at week 8.No serious drug-related AEs or toxicities were observed.Conclusions:RSGB oral solution effectively reduced CRF in patients with advanced HCC undergoing antitumor therapy over an eight-week period,with no discernible toxicities.These findings support the potential of RSGB oral solution as an adjunctive treatment for managing CRF in this patient population.

Dynamic of Soil Microorganisms from Root Region of Ginseng with Different Growing Years

Objective To see the dynamic of fungi, bacilli and actinomyces communities from root region of ginseng with different growing years.Method With ginseng root region soils from several sampling sites of Jilin Province as materials, concentrations of fungi, bacilli and antinomyces were evaluated by spread-plate method. Result Though there are differences on statistic data among soil samples, commonly with the increasing of growing years, concentration of fungi in ginseng root region increased, which were on the contrary for bacilli and antinomyces, and bacilli changed even more significant than antinomyces. Conclusion Concentrations of soil microorganisms can be influenced by soil type, planting mode and growing years simultaneously, but growing years influenced even more significantly.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatographical Analysis of Ginsenosides in Panax ginseng,P.quinquef(?)lium and P.notoginseng

The compositions and contents of ginsenbsides in Panax ginseng,P.quinquefolium and P.notoginseng were determined and compared by reversed-phase High-Performance Liquid Chro- matography(HPLC).The method was performed on an Alltech Adsorbosphere HS C_(18) column,using 5×10^(-3)M NaH_2PO_4-H_3PO_4 buffer solution(pH 3.0)and acetonitrile-water(50:50)as gradient eluents. The baseline separation of ginsenosides Rb_1,Rb_2,Rb_1,Rc,Rd,Rf,Ro,and Re+Rg_1 was obtained in one analytical run.The ginsenosides are directly detected at 203 nm.The detection limit is 40μg at a signal to noise ratio of 3:1.The improved sample preparation and clean-up prior to injection with SEP-PAK C_(18)cartridge strongly reduced the front peaks caused by the impurities in the methanolic extracts of samples to afford a smooth baseline and clear background.The HPLC patterns of methanolic extracts mainly including the ginsenosides were found capable of serving as chemical fingerprints to differentiate the three species from each other.It was also found that there are no significant diffe- rences of the HPLC patterns between the wild Panax ginseng and the cultivated,the white and the red ginsengs,Chinese and Korean red ginsengs,and the tap roots of Panax ginseng collected in four consecutive months,only certain differences in contents of ginsenosides do exist.The contents of the nine major ginsenosides present in the rhizome,tap root and rootlet as well as the leaf of Panax quinquefolium were also determined and compared.

Establishment of Optimization Conditions of SRAP-PCR System in Ginseng

[Objective]The research aimed study the amplification condition of SRAP-PCR of ginseng genome and set up the optimized amplification system/[Method]The effects of template DNA,primer,dNTP mixture and Mg^2＋ on PCR results were discussed.[Result] The optimized amplification procedure was as follows：pre-denaturing at 94 ℃ for 2 min;denaturing at 94 ℃ for 30 s,annealing at 48 ℃ for 30 s and extending at 72 ℃ for 1 min,40 cycles;extending at 72 ℃ for 7 min.The optimum reaction system was as follows：30 ng DNA template,2.0 μM upstream primer and downstream primer,0.3 mM dNTP mixture,2.5 Mm Mg2＋,the total volume was 25 μl.[Conclusion]The optimization amplification system for SRAP-PCR of ginseng was set up,which provided rapid and simplified test methods with good repeatability for SRAP analysis of the genetic relationship and genetic diversity of ginseng.

Screening of Two Biocontrol Strains of Bacillus subtilis against Ginseng Soil-borne Disease and Their Antifungal Activities

[ Objective] The paper was to obtain biocontrol strains with good control effects against ginseng soil-borne disease through screening. [ Method] Dilu- tion plate method and plate confrontation culture method were used to isolate and screen biocontrol bacteria from the rhizosphere soil of diseased ginseng. The strains were identified through morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA. [ Result ] With Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Fu- sarium solani as the indicator strains, two biocontrol strains B59 and X1 with strong antagonistic effects were screened from the rhizosphere soil of diseased ginseng in Tieli farm of Heilongjiang Province, and they were identified to be Bacillus subtilis. The inhibition rates of two biocontrol strains against eight different fungi were all greater than 90%. The primary study indicated that B59 and X1 strains could secrete antifungal active substances. [ Conclusion] Two biocontrol Bacillus subti- lis strains 1359 and X1 all had strong antagonistic effect against ginseng soil-borne disease, which had certain potential for development and utilization.

Study on Detection of Organochlorine Pesticide Residue in Ginseng

To investigate the residue situation of pesticides in ginseng, total 17 samples of ginseng-growing soil, ginseng roots and ginseng seeds were collected from 5 regions of Fusong County, and the contents of organochlorine pesticide residues in the samples were detected by using ultrasonic-assisted extraction and gas chromatography with acetone-ligroin as the solvent, thereby providing suitable recommendations and scientific basis for the selection of ginseng-growing soil.

The Mediation of Defense Responses of Ginseng Cells to an Elicitor from Cell Walls of Colletotrichum lagerarium by Plasma Membrane NAD(P)H Oxidases

NAD(P)H oxidases were detected in suspension cultured cells of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer). The activities of these enzymes were induced by an elicitor (Cle) extracted from cell walls of Col-letotrichum lagerarium. In addition, Cle induced an oxidative burst and enhanced the synthesis of saponin, activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) , accumulation of chalcone synthase (CHS) and the transcription of a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein gene ( hrgp ) . Pre-treatments with DPI and quinacrine (two inhibitors of mammalian neutrophil plasma membrane NADPH oxidase) for 30 min prior to Cle addition blocked the NAD(P)H oxidase activity induced by Cle. These inhibitors also inhibited the release of H2C2, the synthesis of saponin, PAL activity and CHS accumulation. Our data revealed homology between plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidases of mammalian neutrophil cells and ginseng suspension cells. They also indicated that deactivated NAD(P)H oxidases catalysed the release of H2O2 and that H2O2 was functioning as a second messenger stimulating PAL activity, saponin synthesis and hrgp transcription. Elevations of Ca2 + and protein phos-phorylation/dephosphorylation were required for this defense process. We propose that NAD(P)H oxidases mediate the processes of Cle-induced defense responses in ginseng suspensions, and postulate the existence of a signalling cascade including extracellular Cle stimulation, activation of plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidases, release of H2O2, and the intracellular responses of metabolism and gene transcription in ginseng suspension cells.

Activation of Plasma Membrane NADPH Oxidase and Generation of H_2O_2 Mediate the Induction of PAL Activity and Saponin Synthesis byEndogenous Elicitor in Suspension-Cultured Cells of Panax ginseng

Endogenous elicitor, termed cellulase-degraded cell wall (CDW), was prepared from the cell wall of suspension-cultured ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) cells via cellulase degradation. CDW activated the NADPH oxidase activity of isolated plasma membranes and stimulated in vivo H2O2 generation in ginseng cell suspensions. CDW also increased the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), expression of a P. ginseng squalene epoxidase (sqe) gene and saponin synthesis. NADPH oxidase inhibitors inhibited both in vitro NADPH oxidase activity and in vivo H2O2 generation. Induction of PAL activity, saponin synthesis and sqe gene expression were all inhibited by such inhibitor treatments and reduced by incubation with catalase and HA scavengers. These data indicate that activation of NADPH oxidase and generation of H2O2 are essential signalling events mediating defence responses induced by the endogenous elicitor(s) present in CDW.

Research Progress on the Control of Ginseng Gray Mold

This review article describes the research progresses on the control of ginseng gray mold, summarizes domestic and international related experimental re-sults and literature data using chemical fungicide, plant extracts, microbial prepara-tion and antagonistic bacteria to control ginseng gray mold, and final y puts forward the existing problem and future research direction of the treatment and control of ginseng gray mold.

Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng （Panax ginseng CA Meyer） extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction

Korean ginseng and mountain ginseng （Panax ginseng CA Meyer） are important traditional herbal plants whose ginsenosides are generally accepted as serving to improve sexual functions, such as penile erection. We investigated the effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng extract （TMGE） on male patients with erectile dysfunction （ED）. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 143 patients experiencing ED. Over the course of 8 weeks, one group took 1 000 mg of TMGE twice a day, and the other group took 1 000 mg of placebo twice a day. The effects of the TMGE and the placebo were analyzed using the Korean version of the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF） questionnaire. A total of 86 patients completed 8 weeks of treatment. The scores on the five domains of the IIEF after medication were significantly higher than the baseline scores in the group treated with TMGE （P 〈 0.05）, whereas no significant improvement was observed in the placebo group （P 〉 0.05）. Erectile function and overall satisfaction scores after medication were significantly higher in the TMGE group than in the placebo group （P 〈 0.05）. Erectile function of patients in the TMGE-treated group significantly improved, suggesting that TMGE could be utilized for improving erectile function in male patients.

Antagonistic Effects of Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on 4 Kinds of Pathogenic Bacteria of Ginseng

[Objectives]To explore effective biocontrol methods for diseases in the process of ginseng cultivation,and develop an efficient and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent.[Methods]In this study,2 strains were isolated from biogas slurry,and Cylindrocarpon destructans(XF),Fusarium solani(GF),Botrytis cinerea Pers(HM)and Alternaria panax Whetz(HB)were used as test materials.The strains were isolated and identified by dilution plate method,16S rDNA sequence identification method,confrontation culture method,filter paper method and ultraviolet spectrophotometer method,and the bacteriostatic activity and bacteriostatic rate were tested.[Results]Strain 15(Sphingomonas)and strain 19(Pseudomonas aeruginosa)were screened out through identification and analysis,and they grew stably within 8-10 d.The bacteriostatic rates of strain 15 against A.panax and B.cinerea were 47.37%and 43.40%,respectively,and the bacteriostatic rates of strain 19 against A.panax and B.cinerea were 62.30%and 63.27%,respectively.The bacteriostatic activity of the extract of strain 19 increased with the increase of OD_(600) value,and the bacteriostatic effect was optimal when the OD_(600) value was in the range of 0.8-1.0,up to 70%,so it had a strong biocontrol potential.[Conclusions]This experiment provides convenience for more effective inoculation,establishes a fast,simple and accurate method for the determination of the best bacteriostatic rate of P.aeruginosa culture solution to HM,and lays a foundation for large-scale culture of P.aeruginosa culture solution.Besides,it is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the efficient control of ginseng B.cinerea in field production,use it for the prevention and control of ginseng shoot diseases,and provide a reference for the efficient and diverse development of biocontrol agents for ginseng shoot diseases.

A Survey of the History and Applications of American Ginseng(西洋参)

American ginseng(Panax Quinquefolium L),also known as Xi Yang Shen(西洋参 Radix Panacis Quinquefolii),is indigenous to the United States and Canada.Its discovery in the 1700s paved the way for international trade,which boosted the economy of the New World and helped build commercial ties between the US and China.Due to its therapeutic effects,the demand for American ginseng grew steadily,eventually causing the volume of wild ginseng to dwindle.As a result,laws and regulations were introduced requiring farmers and exporters to engage in harvesting practices that would preserve wild American ginseng.Nowadays,wild American ginseng is considered an endangered and protected species.This article discusses the history,properties,and applications of American ginseng to optimize its use and protection.

Ocotillone-type Ginsenoside from Leaves of Panax ginseng

An ocotillone type ginsenoside, together with 2 known ginsenosides was isolated from leaves of Panax ginseng and identified as pseudoginsenoside RT 5 on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidences. It has been so far the first example of ocotillone type ginsenoside discovered in Panax ginseng and its plausible biotransformation pathway also discussed.

High-throughput transcriptional profiling of perturbations by Panax ginseng saponins and Panax notoginseng saponins using TCM-seq

Panax ginseng(PG)and Panax notoginseng(PN)are highly valuable Chinese medicines(CM).Although both CMs have similar active constituents,their clinical applications are clearly different.Over the past decade,RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)analysis has been employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of extracts or monomers.However,owing to the limited number of samples in standard RNA-seq,few studies have systematically compared the effects of PG and PN spanning multiple conditions at the transcriptomic level.Here,we developed an approach that simultaneously profiles transcriptome changes for multiplexed samples using RNA-seq(TCM-seq),a high-throughput,low-cost workflow to molecularly evaluate CM perturbations.A species-mixing experiment was conducted to illustrate the accuracy of sample multiplexing in TCM-seq.Transcriptomes from repeated samples were used to verify the robustness of TCM-seq.We then focused on the primary active components,Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)and Panax ginseng saponins(PGS)extracted from PN and PG,respectively.We also characterized the transcriptome changes of 10 cell lines,treated with four different doses of PNS and PGS,using TCM-seq to compare the differences in their perturbing effects on genes,functional pathways,gene modules,and molecular networks.The results of transcriptional data analysis showed that the transcriptional patterns of various cell lines were significantly distinct.PGS exhibited a stronger regulatory effect on genes involved in cardiovascular disease,whereas PNS resulted in a greater coagulation effect on vascular endothelial cells.This study proposes a paradigm to comprehensively explore the differences in mechanisms of action between CMs based on transcriptome readouts.

Community Structure of Endophytic Fungi in Ginseng and Its Correlation Analysis with Active Components

[Objectives]The paper was to explore the correlation between active components of ginseng and community structure of endophytic fungi in ginseng under different cultivation methods.[Methods]Using ginsengs under two main planting patterns in Huanren County,Liaoning Province as the samples,the community structure of endophytic fungi was studied by molecular means,and the chemical components were identified and the content of chemical markers was measured via LC-MS.Moreover,the correlation between medicinal components of ginseng and diversity of endophytic fungal flora was analyzed.[Results]The diversity and active components of endophytic fungi of ginseng were different.The diversity analysis showed that the medicinal components of ginseng were positively correlated with some fungal groups in ginseng.[Conclusions]Artificial intervention in the planting process would affect the endophytic fungi in medicinal materials,and further affect the chemical components of ginseng medicinal materials.

Immunoregulation Effect of Red Ginseng Aqueous Extract on Mice

[Objectives]The paper was to observe the effects of red ginseng aqueous extract on immune function of mice.[Methods]The aqueous extract of red ginseng was obtained by water extraction and concentration,and 10 mL of aqueous extract was equivalent to 2.86 g of raw materials.Total 240 mice were randomly divided into blank control group,low dose,medium dose and high dose groups of red ginseng aqueous extract,60 mice each group.Mice in low dose,medium dose and high dose groups were intragastrically administered with 0.24,0.48,1.43 g/kg red ginseng aqueous extract once a day respectively,and those in blank control group were intragastrically administered with equal volume of deionized water at the dose of 0.1 mL/10 g once a day for consecutive 30 d.The immunoregulation effects of red ginseng aqueous extract on mice were explored by organ/body weight ratio measurement,delayed type hypersensitivity(DTH)reaction,Con A-induced spleen T lymphocyte transformation test,antibody-producing cells test,half hemolytic value(HC 50)test,carbon particle clearance test,phagocytosis test of chicken red blood cells by macrophages and NK cell activity test.[Results]Compared with the blank control group,the degree of toe swelling in low dose group and medium dose group of red ginseng aqueous extract[(0.62±0.14)mm,(0.53±0.12)mm vs.(0.36±0.10)mm]significantly increased(P<0.05).The ability of T lymphocytes proliferation(0.173±0.054,0.189±0.063 vs.0.098±0.012)in low dose group and high dose group significantly increased(P<0.05).The number of haemolytic plaque(137.49×10^(3)±24.73×10^(3),148.43×10^(3)±27.53×10^(3) vs.112.96×10^(3)±26.28×10^(3))in medium dose group and high dose group significantly increased(P<0.05).The phagocytosis rate(35.67%±3.82%,49.26%±6.54%,57.92%±7.36%vs.24.34%±4.22%)and phagocytosis index(0.72±0.23,0.82±0.15,0.91±0.26 vs.0.35±0.11)of low dose,medium dose,high dose groups significantly increased(P<0.05).However,there was no statistical difference in spleen/body weight ratio,thymus/body weight ratio,half hemolytic value,carbon particle clearance and NK cell activity.[Conclusions]Red ginseng aqueous extract could enhance the immunity of mice.

人参(Panax ginseng)根系分泌物成分对人参致病菌的化感效应

采用室内培养结合生物学测定的试验方法,研究了不同浓度人参(Panax ginseng)根系分泌物成分苯甲酸、邻苯二甲酸二异丁酯、十六酸和2,2二-(4羟-苯基)丙烷对人参立枯丝核菌(Rhizoctonia solani)、黑斑菌(Alternaria panax)、疫病菌(Phytophthora cactorum)、菌核菌(Sclerotinia schinseng)、锈腐菌(Cylindrocarpon destructans)和绿色木霉菌(Trichoderma viride)菌落生长及孢子萌发的化感效应。结果显示,不同浓度人参根系分泌物成分对人参致病菌及绿色木霉菌的化感效应存在显著差异。苯甲酸浓度与人参立枯丝核菌、菌核菌和锈腐菌菌落生长以及人参黑斑菌、锈腐菌孢子萌发呈负相关,与人参黑斑菌、绿色木霉菌菌落生长呈正相关;对人参疫病菌菌落生长的化感效应表现为低浓度和高浓度抑制,中浓度促进。邻苯二甲酸二异丁酯浓度与人参立枯丝核菌、黑斑菌、菌核菌和绿色木霉菌菌落生长以及人参黑斑菌孢子萌发呈负相关;对人参锈腐菌菌落生长和孢子萌发表现为低浓度和高浓度抑制,中浓度促进;对人参疫病菌菌落生长表现为低浓度和中浓度抑制,高浓度促进。2,2二-(4羟-苯基)丙烷浓度与人参立枯丝核菌、黑斑菌、疫病菌、绿色木霉菌菌落生长以及人参黑斑菌、锈腐菌孢子萌发呈负相关;对人参菌核菌、锈腐菌菌落生长表现中浓度促进,高浓度抑制。十六酸浓度与人参锈腐菌、疫病菌和绿色木霉菌菌落生长呈正相关,与人参锈腐菌孢子萌发呈负相关,对黑斑菌孢子萌发表现为中浓度抑制。4种根系分泌物的等量混合物浓度与人参致病菌及拮抗木霉菌菌落生长速率呈负相关。

Research on the Extraction Techniques of Ginseng Based on Patent Analysis

Objective To analyze the gaps between patents of ginseng extraction method in China and South Korea,and to provide research and development directions for Chinese companies.Methods By observing the changes in the amount of patent applications over time,the distribution of application countries and regions,the analysis of applicants,the extraction of technical topics,and the development and change of method,an in-depth discussion on the patent of ginseng extraction method in China and South Korea was conducted.Results and Conclusion China lacks the mastery of advanced technology and the exploration of popular fields,while South Korea is just the opposite of China.Therefore,Chinese enterprises should focus on extraction processes and actively explore new technical fields.

人参(Panax ginseng)的氮过剩现象──人参氮毒原因初探

1985-1990年间，我们在长白县及公主岭进行的四次NPK三要素试验中，发现氮肥抑制了人参生长发育，降低了产量（5％显著水准），而倍量氮肥，减产达1％显著水平。继续研究证明，人参硝酸还原酶活力（NRA）甚低，追施氮肥使组织，积累，促进了呼吸作用，植株干物中N、Si及Cu、Zn、Fe、Mn含量增加，Ca、Mg、K、Na等阳离子减少，表现出氮毒征象。本文称氮过剩症，它是指氮素供应超过了由极低NRA催化的转化代谢速率，而引起的一种毒害现象。