Comparative analysis of physicochemical properties,ginsenosides content andα-amylase inhibitory effects in white ginseng and red ginsen

Ginseng(Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer)as a common dietary adjunct is widely applied in Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its health-promoting properties,but the differences between white ginseng and red ginseng was rarely studied.In the present study,color parameters and scanning electron microscope(SEM)were determined to evaluate the differences of ginseng color and microstructure induced by processing procedure.Quantitative analysis of multi-components by a single-marker(QAMS)method and anti-α-amylase activity test were used to assess variations of chemical ingredients and pharmacological activity between white and red ginseng.Finally,molecular docking studies were carried out to screen out the most effective compound againstα-amylase.Results indicated that processing had a significant impact on the physicochemical properties and pharmacological activity of white and red ginseng.After processing,the color value of L*declined significantly.Red ginseng sample displayed a compact structure and presented of a gel layer on the surface compared to white ginseng.Additionally,the content of ginsenosides and the activity of anti-α-amylase decreased.The contents of total ginsenosides were positively correlated with the anti-α-amylase activities of ginseng,and ginsenoside Rb1 might be the most effective compound to inhibit the activity ofα-amylase.

Effect of the structure of ginsenosides on the in vivo fate of their liposomes

To utilize themultiple functions and give full play of ginsenosides,a variety of ginsenosides with different structures were prepared into liposomes and evaluated for their effect on the stability,pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting capability of liposomes.The results showed that the position and number of glycosyl groups of ginsenosides have significant effect on the in vitro and in vivo properties of their liposomes.The pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides liposomes indicated that the C-3 sugar group of ginsenosides is beneficial to their liposomes for longer circulation in vivo.The C-3 and C-6 glycosyls can enhance the uptake of their liposomes by 4T1 cells,and the glycosyls at C-3 position can enhance the tumor active targeting ability significantly,based on the specific binding capacity to Glut 1 expressed on the surface of 4T1 cells.According to the results in the study,ginsenoside Rg3 and ginsenoside Rh2 are potential for exploiting novel liposomes because of their cholesterol substitution,long blood circulation and tumor targeting capabilities.The results provide a theoretical basis for further development of ginsenoside based liposome delivery systems.

Synergistic anti-liver cancer effects of curcumin and total ginsenosides

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer in the world and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality.The pathogenesis of liver cancer is closely associated with inflammation and immune response in the tumor microenvironment.New therapeutic agents for liver cancer,which can control inflammation and restore cellular immunity,are required.Curcumin(Cur)is a natural anti-inflammatory drug,and total ginsenosides(TG)are a commonly used immunoregulatory drug.Of note,both Cur and TG have been shown to exert anti-liver cancer effects.AIM To determine the synergistic immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Cur combined with TG in a mouse model of subcutaneous liver cancer.METHODS A subcutaneous liver cancer model was established in BALB/c mice by a subcutaneous injection of hepatoma cell line.Animals were treated with Cur(200 mg/kg per day),TG(104 mg/kg per day or 520 mg/kg per day),the combination of Cur(200 mg/kg per day)and TG(104 mg/kg per day or 520 mg/kg per day),or 5-fluorouracil combined with cisplatin as a positive control for 21 d.Tumor volume was measured and the protein expression of programmed cell death 1 and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1),inflammatory indicators Toll like receptor 4(TLR4)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),and vascular growth-related factors nitric oxide synthases(iNOS)and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were analyzed by Western blot analysis.CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T cells(Tregs)were counted by flow cytometry.RESULTS The combination therapy of Cur and TG significantly inhibited the growth of liver cancer,as compared to vehicle-treated animals,and TG showed dose dependence.Cur combined with TG-520 markedly decreased the protein expression of PD-L1(P<0.0001),while CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs regulated by the PD-L1 signaling pathway exhibited a positive correlation with PD-L1.Cur combined with TG-520 also inhibited the cascade action mediated by NF-κB(P<0.0001),thus inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway(P=0.0088,P<0.0001),which is associated with inflammation and acts on PD-L1.It also inhibited the NF-κB-MMP9 signalling pathway(P<0.0001),which is associated with tumor angiogenesis.CONCLUSION Cur combined with TG regulates immune escape through the PD-L1 pathway and inhibits liver cancer growth through NF-κB-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis.

Recent advances in systemic and local delivery of ginsenosides using nanoparticles and nanofibers

Ginsenosides are the main pharmacologically active constituents of ginseng which have been used in East Asian countries for centuries to modulate blood pressure,metabolism and immune function.Following the technological advances in isolation,purification and mass production,their mechanisms of action are gradually elucidated,providing solid basis for clinical applications.Ginseng extracts(total ginsenosides)and ginsenoside Rg3,CK,Rd have been marketed or entered clinical trials as drugs or dietary supplements.Despite the proven safety and efficacy of some ginsenosides,their applications are hindered by inferior pharmacokinetics such as low solubility,poor membrane permeability and metabolic instability.Nanoparticle formulation of drugs and implantable drug depots are effective strategies to improve the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic agents by enhancing solubility,providing protection,facilitating intracellular transport,and enabling sustained and controlled release.This mini-review summarizes the recent advances in systemic delivery of ginsenosides using liposomes,micelles,albumin-based nanoparticles,and inorganic nanoparticles,as well as local delivery of ginsenosides by electronspun fibrous membranes and hydrogels.

Trace determination and characterization of ginsenosides in rat plasma through magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction based on core-shell polydopamine-coated magnetic nanoparticles

Enrichment of trace bioactive constituents and metabolites from complex biological samples is challenging.This study presented a one-pot synthesis of magnetic polydopamine nanoparticles(Fe3O4@-SiO2@PDA NPs)with multiple recognition sites for the magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction(MDSPE)of ginsenosides from rat plasma treated with white ginseng.The extracted ginsenosides were characterized by combining an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a highresolution mass spectrometry with supplemental UNIFI libraries.Response surface methodology was statistically used to optimize the extraction procedure of the ginsenosides.The reusability of Fe3O4@-SiO2@PDA NPs was also examined and the results showed that the recovery rate exceeded 80%after recycling 6 times.Furthermore,the proposed method showed greater enrichment efficiency and could rapidly determine and characterize 23 ginsenoside prototypes and metabolites from plasma.In comparison,conventional methanol method can only detect 8 ginsenosides from the same plasma samples.The proposed approach can provide methodological reference for the trace determination and characterization of different bioactive ingredients and metabolites of traditional Chinese medicines and food.

Effects of Ginsenosides and Ketoprofen on Smoke Inhalation Injury in Rabbits and Rats

Six hours after smoke inhalation injury in rabbits, the permeability of pulmonary vesselsand the aggregation of circulating platelets increased markedly accompanied with apparent patholog-ical changes in the trachea and lungs. Fifteen minutes after smoke inhalation injury in rabbits, an intravenous dose of ginsenosides or ketoprofenwas given to the animals respectively. 6 hours after medication, it was found that both the drugscould significantly alleviate the platelet aggregation, but only ginsenosides could alleviate theaugmentation of pulmonary vascular permeability and the pathological lesions in the trachea andlungs. In those rats injured by smoke inhalation, l hour after an intravenous dose of ginsenosides, theplasma PGI2 level was elevated and TXA2/PGI2 ratio decreased significantly.

Effects of ginsenosides on vascular reactivity in rat cerebral and renal arteries

Objective To investigate possible mechanisms underlying the antioxidant property(1)and the in vitro vasodilator effects(2)of the two ginsenosides,Rb1 and Rg1,in isolated rat renal and cerebral arteries.Methods Arterial rings were mounted in a multi-channel myograph for recording of isometric tension.To examine the antioxidant activity,some rings were exposed to a free radical-generating reaction(hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase)with and without pre-treatment with ginsenosides.The calcium antagonistic effects were tested on rings contracted by membrane depolarization in elevated extracellular potassium ions,a condition that promoted Ca2+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells.Results Ginsenosides protected endothelial function(endothelial nitric oxide-dependent relaxation)against oxidative stress;(2)ginsenoside Rb1 reduced the high K+-induced contractions of both renal and cerebral arteries while ginsenoside Rg1 relaxed the rat cerebral artery but not the renal artery.Conclusions Ginsenosides are vaso-protective via(1)the antioxidant activity which protects endothelial cell function and(2)the inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle.The vasodilator effects may suggest the potential preventive or therapeutic values of ginsenosides against stroke and renal hypertension.

Comparision of FAB and MALDI Mass Spectrometry of Ginsenosides

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Antitumor Effect of Ginsenosides: A Systematic Review

Tumor is a serious disease that threatens human health and has a high mortality. Chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment, but it has a lot of side effects due to its toxicity. It has been found that ginsenosides exert an effective antitumor role. Ginsenosides are a class of triterpenoid saponins primarily found in the plant genus Panax. Many monomer components are studied, the most often investigated are Rg3, and Rh2, etc. Reports have shown that ginsenosides can inhibit tumor cells by suppressing proliferation and metastasis, and promoting apoptosis. In addition, ginsenosides can enhance sensitivity to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. In this review, the recent articles about anti-tumor of ginsenosides were reviewed to promote the further development of anti-tumor therapy.

Determination of Seven Major Ginsenosides in Different Parts of Panax quinquefolius L.(American Ginseng) with Different Ages

Ginsenosides Rgl, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd in different parts of the American ginseng plant were investigated. The extraction process was a pressurized microwave-assisted extraction（PMAE）. The seven ginsenosides were separated and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） with a ultraviolet（UV） detector, at 203 nm. The experiment results showed significant variations in the individual ginsenoside contents of the American ginseng in different parts and ages of the plant. The results demonstrated that the leaves, root hairs, and rhizomes of Panax quinquefolius L. contained higher ginsenoside contents, followed by the main roots and stems. The leaves contained dramatically higher levels of ginsenoside Rg1 Rb3, and Rd than the other four parts. Higher contents of Rb1 and Re were present in the main roots, root hairs, and rhizomes. The amount of ginsenoside content in the stems was the lowest. The total content of the seven ginsenosides in main roots, root hairs and rhizomes increased with the age of the plant. In contrast, the ginsenoside contents in the leaves and stems decreased with a year of growth.

Analysis of Low-polar Ginsenosides in Steamed Panax Ginseng at High-temperature by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrome try（HPLC-ESI-MS/MS） method was developed for the analysis and identification of ginsenosides in the extracts of raw Panax ginseng（RPG） and steamed Panax ginseng at high temperatures（SPGHT）. A total of 25 ginsenosides were extracted include of which 10 low-polar ginsenosides, such as ginsenosides F4, Rk3, Rh4, 20S-Rg3, 20R-Rg3 and so on, were identified according to their HPLC retention time and MS/MS data. The results indicated that the low polar ginsenosides were seldom found in RPG. For the exploration of the transformation pattern of the ginsenosides in steam processing, the standards of ginsenosides Re, Rg1, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3 and Rd were selected and hydrolyzed at a temperature of 120 oC. The results show that these polar ginsenosides can be converted to low-polar ginsenosides such as Rg2, Rg6, F4, Rk3 and Rg5 by hydrolyzing the sugar chains.

Two new acetylated ginsenosides from the roots of Panax quinquefolium

Two new acetylated ginsenosides, 20（S）-protopanaxatriol-6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl （1 → 2）-β-D-6＇-O-acetylglucopyranoside （1） and 20（R）-protopanaxatrol-6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl （1 → 2）-β-o-6＇-O-acetylglucopyranoside （2）, were isolated from the roots of Panax quinquefolium. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical means.

The Effects of Ginsenosides on Smoke Inhalation Injury in Rats

A rat model was used to explore the therapeutic effects of ginsenosides (GS)on smoke inhalation long injury.It was found that GS could markedly alleviate the in-crease of pulmonary microvascular permeability (PMVP),reduction of protein and leu-cocyte content in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the smoke inhalation injur-ed rats.Histopathological studies of the lungs revealed that GS could distinctly reduceleucocyte accumulation in the vessels,interstitial infiltration of leucocytes,interstitial andintra-alveolar edema,hemorrhage and vascular congestion.Meanwhile,GS could inhibitthe elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lungs and serum and reverse the decrea-sed activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the lungs after smoke inhalation.In addi-tion experiments in vitro also showed the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in lung homo-genate and elimination of superoxide anions hydroxyl radicals effectively by GS in properdoses.These results imply that there is close interrelationship between the therapeuticefficiency of GS on smoke inhalation lung injury and its capability of antioxidation.

Analysis of Ginsenosides by SPE-HPLC and Its Application to Quality Control

A rapid and effective method, solid phase extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography（SPE-HPLC）, was applied to the separation and analysis of ginsenosides. Waters OASIS HLB was used for concentrating and purifying samples and Alltima C18（53 mm×7 mm, 3 μm） chromatography column was used for separating ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2 and Rd. These ginsenosides were analyzed within 20 min in our gradient elution process and the equilibrium time of the chromatography column cost only 5 min. Moreover, there was no obvious baseline drift in our experiment. This method was used to analyze the contents of ginsenosides in different ginseng products for quality control. Four ginseng products were studied, including two kinds of capsules, one kind of tablet and one kind of injection. The results show that the method developed in this paper had good accuracy, linearity and precision. Therefore, this method could be applied in quality control of ginseng products.

Advance in glycosyltransferases, the important bioparts for production of diversified ginsenosides

Ginsenosides are a series of glycosylated triterpenoids predominantly originated from Panax species with multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-aging, mediatory effect on the immune system and the nervous system. During the biosynthesis of ginsenosides, glycosyltransferases play essential roles by transferring various sugar moieties to the sapogenins in contributing to form structure and bioactivity diversified ginsenosides, which makes them important bioparts for synthetic biology-based production of these valuable ginsenosides. In this review, we summarized the functional elucidated glycosyltransferases responsible for ginsenoside biosynthesis, the advance in the protein engineering of UDP-glycosyltransferases(UGTs) and their application with the aim to provide in-depth understanding on ginsenoside-related UGTs for the production of rare ginsenosides applying synthetic biology-based microbial cell factories in the future.

Anti-obesity Effects of Ginsenosides in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Objective: To examine the anti-obesity effects of ginsenosides in Korea Red Ginseng(KRG, Panax ginseng) in rats fed with a high-fat diet(HFD). Methods: Twenty-five 4-week-old obesity rats after receiving an HFD for 5 weeks;subsequently, they were additionally treated with ginsenosides Rb1, Rd, Rg1, or Re(10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) for a further 3 weeks(n=5 in each group). The control rats were fed a normal diet. The food consumption, body weight, locomotor activity, serum lipids, adipose tissues, nitric oxide(NO) expression, leptin, neuropeptide Y(NPY), cholecystokinin(CCK) in the brains were measured. Results: In the HFD-fed rats, body weight, body fat mass, serum levels of leptin and NO were significantly higher than in the control rats(P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, the treatment of Rd, Re, and Rb1 markedly decreased body fat mass and body weight(P<0.05). The serum level of leptin and NO in ginsenoside-treated rats were markedly lower than the control group(P<0.01). The expression of NPY and CCK in the hypothalamic nuclei showed insignificant difference among groups. However, the expression of NPY immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamus was significantly reduced in the Rb1-treated group(P<0.05). Conclusion: PD-type ginsenoside Rb1 from the crude saponins of KRG may be a useful compound for the treatment of obesity and related disorders through the modulation of peripheral and central appetite-regulating signals.

Penicillium sp.YJM-2013 induces ginsenosides biosynthesis in Panax ginseng adventitious roots by inducing plant resistance responses

Objective:Fusarium oxysporum is a common pathogenic fungus in ginseng cultivation.Both pathogens and antagonistic fungi have been reported to induce plant resistance responses,thereby promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites.The purpose of this experiment is to compare the advantages of one of the two fungi,in order to screen out more effective elicitors.The mechanism of fungal elicitor-induced plant resistance response is supplemented.Methods:A gradient dilution and the dural culture were carried out to screen strains.The test strain was identified by morphology and 18 s rDNA.The effect of different concentrations(0,50,100,200,400 mg/L)ofPenicillium sp.YJM-2013 and F.oxysporum on fresh weight and ginsenosides accumulation were tested.Signal molecules transduction,expression of transcription factors and functional genes were investigated to study the induction mechanism of fungal elicitors.Results:Antagonistic fungi ofF.oxysporum was identified as Penicillium sp.YJM-2013,which reduced root biomass.The total ginsenosides content of Panax ginseng adventitious roots reached the maximum(48.95±0.97 mg/g)treated with Penicillium sp.YJM-2013 at 200 mg/L,higher than control by 2.59-fold,in which protopanoxadiol-type ginsenosides(PPD)were increased by 4.57 times.Moreover,Penicillium sp.YJM-2013 activated defense signaling molecules,up-regulated the expression of PgWRKY 1,2,3,5,7,9 and functional genes in ginsenosides synthesis.Conclusion:Compared with the pathogenic fungi F.oxysporum,antagonistic fungi Penicillium sp.YJM-2013 was more conducive to the accumulation of ginsenosides in P.ginseng adventitious roots.Penicillium sp.YJM-2013 promoted the accumulation of ginsenosides by intensifying the generation of signal molecules,activating the expression of transcription factors and functional genes.

Quantitative Analysis of Eight Ginsenosides in Red Ginseng Using Ginsenoside Rg1 as Single Reference Standard

Objective:To develop a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of major ginsenosides in red ginseng(RG,the steamed and dried root of the cultivar of Panax ginseng C.A.Mey).Methods:A feasible method was developed in strict accordance with chromatographic properties of eight ginsenosides.Their contents could be unveiled with conventional external standard method,or as an alternative,using ginsenoside Rg1 as the single reference standard by means of seven conversion factors.Those parameters had been validated on different chromatographic columns and instruments.Results:Twenty-one batches of RG samples were determined.In addition,the chromatograms of RG and confusing species,including Panax ginseng,Panax quinquefolium,and Panax notoginseng,were apparently different.Conclusions:The method was proved to be efficient for the quality control of RG.

Research progress on naturally-occurring and semi-synthetic ocotillol-type ginsenosides in the genus Panax L.(Araliaceae)

Ocotillol(OT)-type ginsenosides,one subtype of ginsenosides,consist of a dammarane skeleton and a tetrahydrofuran ring.Most naturally-occurring OT-type ginsenosides exist in Panax species,particularly in Panax quinquefolius,which may be attributed to the warm and humid climate of its native areas.Till now,merely 28 types of naturally-occurring OT-type ginsenosides have been isolated.In contrast,semi-synthesized OT-type ginsenosides are attracted considerable attentions.These ginsenosides can be obtained through oxidation and cyclization of side chains of dammarane-type ginsenosides,and other methods,which may change their physical and chemical properties and further improve their bioavailabilities.It is also notable that the pharmacological activities of ginsenosides are closely related to the stereoisomers caused by the configuration at C-20.Semi-synthesis of OT-type ginsenosides can facilitate our understanding of the biosynthesis,transformation and metabolism of OT-type ginsenosides in the body.This review will systematically summarize the research progress on naturally-occurring and semi-synthetic OT-type ginsenosides,which provides a theoretical basis for their bioactivity-guided research.

GPCR-Gs mediates the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 against oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced astrocyte injury

Objectives:To investigate whether the protective actions of ginsenoside Rb1(Rb1)on astrocytes are mediated through the G_(s)-type G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR-G_(s)).Methods:Primary astrocyte cultures derived from neonatal mouse brain were used.Astrocyte injury was induced via oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation(OGD/R).Cell morphology,viability,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)leakage,apoptosis,glutamate uptake,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)secretion were assessed to gauge cell survival and functionality.Western blot was used to investigate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.GPCR-G_(s)-specific inhibitors and molecular docking were used to identify target receptors.Results:Rb1 at concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 5μM did not significantly affect the viability,glutamate uptake,or BDNF secretion in normal astrocytes.OGD/R reduced astrocyte viability,increasing their LDH leakage and apoptosis rate.It also decreased glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion by these cells.Rb1 had protective effects of astrocytes challenged by OGD/R,by improving viability,reducing apoptosis,and enhancing glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion.Additionally,Rb1 activated the cAMP and Akt pathways in these cells.When the GPCR-G_(s) inhibitor NF449 was introduced,the protective effects of Rb1 completely disappeared,and its activation of cAMP and Akt signaling pathways was significantly inhibited.Conclusion:Rb1 protects against astrocytes from OGD/R-induced injury through GPCR-G_(s) mediation.