Simultaneous Determination of Saponins in Radix Glycyrrhizae, Notoginseng and Ginseng by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

To establish a method for determining five saponins(notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1 and ammonium glycyrrhizinate) in Glycyrrhizae, Notoginseng and Ginseng, the high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector(HPLC-DAD) method was applied to an Inertsil ODS-SP column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.05% phosphoric acid in a gradient elution manner. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was 30 ℃ and the detection wavelengths were 203 nm and 237 nm, respectively. The linear ranges were 0.700,0—7.000,0 μg for R1(r=1.000,0), 0.751,1— 7.511,4 μg for Rg1(r=1.000,0), 0.677,2—6.771,6 μg for Re(r=1.000,0), 0.733,9—7.339,1 μg for Rb1(r= 1.000,0), and 0.540,0—5.399,8 μg for ammonium glycyrrhizinate(r=0.999,9), respectively. In addition, their average recoveries were 100.28%, 105.83%, 104.09%, 99.36% and 98.54%, respectively. The relative standard deviations(RSDs) of precision, reproducibility and recovery were all less than 1.5%. The results indicate that the method is simple, accurate and reproducible so that it can be used for the simultaneous determination of the five saponins in Chinese patent medicines containing the three kinds of herbs.

Anti-fatigue effect from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma:a suggestive and promising treatment for long COVID

Two years after the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)outbreak,an increasing number of patients continue to suffer from long COVID(LC),persistent symptoms,and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond the initial 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms.Constant fatigue is one of the most common LC symptoms,leading to severely reduced quality of life among patients.Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma—known as the King of Herbs in traditional Chinese medicine—has shown clinical anti-fatigue effects.In this review,we summarize the underlying anti-fatigue mechanisms of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma extracts and their bioactive compounds,with a special focus on anti-viral,immune remodeling,endocrine system regulation,and metabolism,suggesting that Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is a potentially promising treatment for LC,especially regarding targeting fatigue.

The Effects of Radix Ginseng Rubra on cAMP of Experimental Ischemic Myocardium in Rats

The model of SD rats ligated at the proximate left anterior descend (LAD) of coronary was used. The number and dissociation constant of β receptor were studied by using receptor autoradiography to observe the changes in β receptor and the effects of Radix Ginseng Rubra on cAMP in experimental ischemic myocardium. The result showed that the number of binding site in simple ligation group (B max =0.279) was obviously higher than that in sham operation group (B max =0.093) and the dissociation constant of simple ligation group (Kd=12.431) was higher than that of sham operation group (k d=1.319). There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P <0.05). It proved that the number of β receptor was increased and the activity was elevated in myocardial cell membranes after ligation of LAD. The myocardial cAMP level in simple ligation group (1293.96±519.36)×10 -3 nmol/g was much higher than that in sham operation group (774.44±210.55)×10 -3 nmol/g ; but the level of cAMP in ligation group after receiving Radix Ginseng Rubra treatment (805.02±362.48 pm/g) was obviously lower than that in simple ligation group ( P <0.01), which was close to the result of sham operation. The results indicated that Radix Ginseng Rubra could decrease the cAMP level in ischemic myocardium.

Neuroprotective mechanism of Kai Xin San: upregulation of hippocampal insulin-degrading enzyme protein expression and acceleration of amyloid-beta degradation

Kai Xin San is a Chinese herbal formula composed of Radix Ginseng, Poria, Radix Polygalae and Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome. It has been used in China for many years for treating amnesia. Kai Xin San ameliorates amyloid-β （Aβ） induced cognitive dysfunction and is neuroprotective in vivo, but its precise mechanism remains unclear. Expression of insulin-degrading enzyme （IDE）, which degrades Aβ, is strongly correlated with cognitive function. Here, we injected rats with exogenous Aβ42 （200 μM, 5 μL） into the hippocampus and subsequently administered Kai Xin San （0.54 or 1.08 g/kg/d） intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. Hematoxylin eosin and Nissl staining revealed that Kai Xin San protected neurons against Aβ-induced damage. Furthermore, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, western blot and polymerase chain reaction results showed that Kai Xin San decreased Aβ42 protein levels and increased expression of IDE protein, but not mRNA, in the hippocampus. Our findings reveal that Kai Xin San facilitates hippocampal Aβ degradation and increases IDE expression, which leads, at least in part, to the alleviation of hippocampal neuron injury in rats.

Isolation of Organochlorine Pesticide from Ginseng with Supercritical CO_2

The feasibility of removal of the organochlorine pesticides residues of hexachlorocyclohexane(BHC) from radix ginseng with supercritical CO2 was explored. Some factors, such as extraction pressure, extraction temperature, and kinds of co-solvents were investigated. The experimental results indicate that it is possible to reduce BHC residues in radix ginseng to the level of 0.1 × 10^-6 with supercritical CO2 in the presence of suitable amount of co-solvent, such as water.

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.

An online automatic sorting system for defective Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra using deep learning

Objective:To establish a deep-learning architecture based on faster region-based convolutional neural networks(Faster R-CNN)algorithm for detection and sorting of red ginseng(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra)with internal defects automatically on an online X-ray machine vision system.Methods:A Faster R-CNN based classifier was trained with around 20000 samples with mean average precision value(mAP)of 0.95.A traditional image processing method based on feedforward neural network(FNN)obtained a bad performance with the accuracy,recall and specificity of 69.0%,68.0%,and70.0%,respectively.Therefore,the Faster R-CNN model was saved to evaluate the model performance on the defective red ginseng online sorting system.Results:An independent set of 2000 red ginsengs were used to validate the performance of the Faster RCNN based online sorting system in three parallel tests,achieving accuracy of 95.8%,95.2%and 96.2%,respectively.Conclusion:The overall results indicated that the proposed Faster R-CNN based classification model has great potential for non-destructive detection of red ginseng with internal defects.

DNA metabarcoding analysis of fungal community on surface of four root herbs

Objective: Angelicae Sinensis Radix(ASR, Danggui in Chinese), Cistanches Herba(CH, Roucongrong in Chinese), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(PG, Renshen in Chinese), and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQ,Xiyangshen in Chinese), widely used as medicine and dietary supplement around the world, are susceptible to fungal and mycotoxin contamination. In this study, we aim to analyze their fungal community by DNA metabarcoding.Methods: A total of 12 root samples were collected from three main production areas in China. The samples were divided into four groups based on herb species, including ASR, CH, PG, and PQ groups. The fungal community on the surface of four root groups was investigated through DNA metabarcoding via targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 region(ITS2).Results: All the 12 samples were detected with fungal contamination. Rhizopus(13.04%-74.03%),Aspergillus(1.76%-23.92%), and Fusarium(0.26%-15.27%) were the predominant genera. Ten important fungi were identified at the species level, including two potential toxigenic fungi(Penicillium citrinum and P. oxalicum) and eight human pathogenic fungi(Alternaria infectoria, Candida sake, Hyphopichia burtonii, Malassezia globosa, M. restricta, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Ochroconis tshawytschae). Fungal community in ASR and CH groups was significantly different from other groups,while fungal community in PG and PQ groups was relatively similar.Conclusion: DNA metabarcoding revealed the fungal community in four important root herbs. This study provided an important reference for preventing root herbs against fungal and mycotoxin contamination.

Effect of Extracts from Radix Ginseng,Radix Notoginseng and Rhizoma Chuanxiong on Delaying Aging of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Aged Rats

Objective： To observe the effect of extracts from Radix Ginseng, Radix Notoginseng and Rhizoma Chuanxiong （EXT） on delaying vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） aging in aged rats. Methods： VSMCs were obtained by the modified tissue explants technique and were shown to be positive for smooth muscle α-actin （SM-α-actin） by immunohistochemistry staining. VSMCs obtained from the young rats were served as the young control group; VSMCs obtained from the old rats were treated with no drug （the old group）, with low dose extracts （20 mg/L, the EXT low-concentration group） and high dose extracts （40 mg/L, the EXT highconcentration group）, and with Probucal （106 mol/L, the Probucal group） as a positive control. All groups were cultured for 24 h in the medium with 10% serum for 24 h followed by another 24 h in the serum-free medium. At the end of the 48-h culture, the following analyses were performed including determination of senescenceassociated β-galactosidase （SA β-Gal） activity, flow cytometry analysis of cell cycle, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） analyses of p16, Cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 （CDK4） and retinoblastoma （Rb） mRNA expression, and Western blotting analyses of p16, cyclin D1, CDK4 and phosphoretinoblastoma （pRb） protein expressions. Results： （1） In comparison to the younger rats, VSMCs from aged rats had significantly more SA β-Gal positive cells （P〈0.01） and more cells in S phase （P〈0.05）. VSMCs from the all treated groups showed a significant decrease in both SA β-Gal positive cells （P〈0.05） and S phase （P〈0.05） compared to the old rats. （2） Compared with the young group, VSMCs in the old group had a significant decrease in p16 and Rb mRNA expression and a significant increase in Cyclin D1 and CDK4 mRNA expression. Compared with the old group, VSMCs in the treated groups had a significant increase in p16 and Rb mRNA expression and a significant decrease in Cyclin D1 and CDK4 mRNA expression （P〈0.05）. （3） Compared with the young group, VSMCs in the old group had a significant decrease in p16 protein expression and a significant increase in Cyclin D1, CDK4 and pRb protein expressions （P〈0.05）. Compared with the old group, VSMCs in the treated groups had a significant increase in p16 protein expression and a significant decrease in cyclinD1, CDK4 and pRb protein expressions （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： VSMCs obtained from old rats showed typical signs of cellular senescence and vascular aging. EXT had an effect on delaying senescence of VSMCs in vitro by altering the p16-cyclinD/CDK-Rb pathway.

Efficacy of Renshen(Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) on myocardial infarction by enhancing autophagy in rats

OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the protective effects of Renshen(Radix Ginseng)and Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)on myocardial infarction(MI)through regulating myocardial autophagy.METHODS:Thirty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups(n=6 or 7 for each).After treatment for 3 weeks,electrocardiogram(ECG)and cardiac function were recorded.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to detect pathological changes in the heart.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect serum B-type brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cardiac troponin T(c Tn T),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and serum inflammatory cytokines.Metabolomic analysis was used to identify differential biomarkers of MI in rats.Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect BNP,cTnT,TNF-α,LC3B,Beclin-1,p62,and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase(AMPK)expression in cardiac tissue.RESULTS:Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)alone or Renshen(Radix Ginseng)plus Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)markedly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and abnormal ECGs,demonstrated by decreases in the heart weight/body weight ratio,BNP,and c Tn T.Pro-inflammation cytokine interleukin(IL)-1αsignificantly decreased and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 significantly increased in Renshen(Radix Ginseng)single or Renshen(Radix Ginseng)plus Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)groups compared with the control group.HE results suggested that co-treatment produced a greater reduction in cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area than Renshen(Radix Ginseng)or Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)alone.Renshen(Radix Ginseng)plus Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)reversed these changes to different degrees in MI rats.Furthermore,Renshen(Radix Ginseng)plus Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)down-regulated LC3 B,Beclin-1,and AMPK expression in cardiac tissue and upregulated p62 expression.CONCLUSIONS:Renshen(Radix Ginseng)plus Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)may have a greater effect on heart injury induced by MI in rats than Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)treatment alone,and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the regulation of myocardial autophagy and anti-inflammation effects.These results provide fresh insight into the mechanism of co-treatment with Renshen(Radix Ginseng)and Fuzi(Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)for MI.

Effects of Radix Ginseng on microbial infections: a narrative review

OBJECTIVE: To summarized the antimicrobial-like effects of Radix Ginseng, which provide important information to the relevant researchers and clinicians, and will benefit the clinical treatment of infectious diseases.METHODS: PubMed and Google were used to search for and collect scientific publications related to Radix Ginseng and microbial infections. The authors read, classified, and discussed the associated scientific results or evidences, and summarized the corresponding results.RESULTS: In this review, recent studies on the bene-ficial effects of Radix Ginseng extracts on microbial and biofilm infections were reviewed. The importance and significance of Radix Ginseng's beneficial effects are discussed. Evidence for the favorable effects of Radix Ginseng extracts on viral, bacterial,fungal, and parasitic infections and the possible underlying mechanisms are summarized.CONCLUSION: Radix Ginseng might be a promising supplemental remedy for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Protective Effect of Radix Ginseng on Peroxidation Injury in Myocardium and Erythrocytes of Streptozocin－Induced Diabetic Rats

The authors have investigated the effect ot Radix Ginseng on peroxidation injury in my-ocardium and erythrocytes of streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. In the ginseng administered group (gin-seng solution 0. 2 g/200 g body weight once daily lasting 15-16 days) . there was a significant decreasein the level of fasting blood glucose and lipid peroxide in myocardium and erythrocytes, in comparison withthose of the model group (P<0. 05) . The superoxide dismutase activities in myocardium and erythrocytesof the ginseng group were increased (P<0. 05) . compared with those of the model group and the vitaminE treated group (vitamin E 10 mg/200 g.body weight once daily, lasting 15-16 days) . The results sug-gest that the mechanisms of antiperoxidation injury of ginseng might include the following: (1) loweringthe level of fasting blood glucose, decreasing monosaccharide autooxidation and partially protecting theproduction of free radicals; (2) elevating the activity of enzymatic free radical scavenger in cells, such assuperoxide dismutase, and (3) directly eliminating the superfluous free radicals.

Effects of extracts from Renshen(Radix Ginseng), Sanqi(Radix Notoginseng), and Chuanxiong(Rhizoma Chuanxiong) on F-actin in senescent microvascular endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of extracts from Renshen(Radix Ginseng), Sanqi(Radix Notoginseng), and Chuanxiong(Rhizoma Chuanxiong) on the endothelial actin cytoskeleton in senescent human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells(HCMECs), and to propose the possible mechanism underlying the actions.METHODS: Lentiviral mediated RNA interference was applied to a replicative senescent HCMEC model by knocking down heat shock protein 27(HSP27)gene. Cells were treated with extracts from Renshen(Radix Ginseng), Sanqi(Radix Notoginseng), and Chuanxiong(Rhizoma Chuanxiong) at final concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/L, respectively and with 10 μM resveratrol for 48 h. Untreated cells were used as controls. Senescence was detected by senescence β-galactosidase staining and cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assays.Secreted nitric oxide levels were detected by nitrate reductase. Morphological changes of F-actin and G-actin were observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. Protein and gene expression of Factin and HSP27 was detected by western blotting.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the proportion of senescent HSP27 shRNA cells treated with the extracts was decreased and their proliferation was increased. In the extract intervention group, F-actin around the cell periphery became irregular and jagged fractures formed gradually and then dissipated. Moreover, some dynamic actin stress fiber filaments appeared. The G-actin stretched to the cell periphery and punctate staining was scattered in the cytoplasm. In addition, the mean optical density value of F/G-actin was decreased significantly and the protein expression of F-actin was downregulated.CONCLUSION: The extracts delayed microvascular endothelial cell senescence by downregulating the expression of F-actin through HSP27.

Effects of Shenlian formula(参连方)on microbiota and inflammatory cytokines in adults with type 2 diabetes:a double-blind randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES:To observe the efficacy of Shenlian formula(SL formula,参连方),which consist of Huanglian(Rhizoma Coptidis)and Renshen(Radix Ginseng),in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and explore the effects on gut microbiota and serum inflammatory cytokines.METHODS:In a double-blind,randomized,placebocontrolled parallel-group clinical trial,31 adults with T2DM were randomly allocated to receive the SL formula or placebo for 12 weeks.Body mass index(BMI),blood lipid indices,glycemic biomarkers including glycated hemoglobin(HbA1C),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),postprandial blood glucose(PBG),fasting insulin levels(FIL),fasting C-peptide(C-P),homoeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and inflammatory cytokines were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.The contents of gut microbiota were determined by pyrosequencing of the V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes.RESULTS:Sixteen cases were allocated in the treatment group and 15 in the placebo group.Compared with the placebo,SL formula resulted in a higher significant reduction in PBG[(-1.318±0.772)vs(-0.008±1.404)mmol/L,P=0.003],BMI[(-0.611±0.524)vs(0.957±2.212)kg/m2,P=0.01],FIL[(-1.627±6.268)vs(3.976±6.85)μIU/mL,P=0.02],HOMA-IR[(-0.530±1.461)vs(1.511±2.288),P=0.006],and C-reactive protein(CRP)[(-1.307±0.684)vs(0.828±0.557)mg/L,P=0.04].In terms of gut microbiota,compared with the placebo,the SL formula resulted in a significant decrease in species richness and evenness.CONCLUSIONS:The SL formula showed the efficacy to improve postprandial blood glucose,insulin resistance,BMI and CRP levels.In addition,it could reduce the total number,richness and evenness of species,meanwhile increase the abundance of probiotics to modulate the structure of gut microbiota in patients with T2DM.However,further studies are required for exploring the deeper mechanism of TCM on gut microbiota.

Study on improving blood flow with korean red ginseng substances using digital infrared thermal imaging and doppler sonography:randomized,double blind,placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel design

OBJECTIVE： To examine ginseng for improving people. the efficacy of Korean red blood flow in healthy METHODS： Participants were randomized and treated with 1500 mg of Korean red ginseng extract or placebo for 8 weeks. The effect of Korean red ginseng was evaluated by digital infrared thermal images, and Doppler sonography, and blood test. RESULTS： Imbalance Forty subjects completed the protoco n local thermal distribution was significantly decreased in the Korean red ginseng group confirmed by digital infrared thermal images. Doppler sonography showed no significant change in maximum and average rates of blood circulation in single or complex areas. Blood analyses for coagulation and lipid metabolism factors revealed no significant changes. No abnormal reactions to the Korean red ginseng were observed. CONCLUSION： Digital infrared thermal imaging showed that the temperature deviation in the whole body decreased safely in the Korean red ginseng group, which mitigated the body- temperature imbalance. This result suggests that the Korean red ginseng improves blood circulation in the human body.