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.

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.

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.

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.

Molecular Mechanism of Ginseng in Treating Nephrotic Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

[Objectives]To study the potential molecular mechanism of ginseng in treating nephrotic syndrome(NS)by using network pharmacology,molecular docking and experimental verification methods.[Methods]The active components and targets of ginseng were obtained through the network pharmacology database,and the potential targets for the treatment of NS were predicted.The STRING data platform and Cytoscape software were used to construct protein interaction network,and carry out GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.Molecular docking of active components of ginseng and core targets was performed.The in vitro experiment verified the improvement effect of kaempferol,a key active ingredient of ginseng,on podocyte injury.[Results]After screening,17 active components of ginseng and 38 key targets for treating NS were obtained.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that NF-κB,MAPK and other inflammatory pathways were involved.Molecular docking results show that the core components had good binding activity to key targets.The results of in vitro experiments show that kaempferol can reduce the phosphorylation level of AKT1,down-regulate the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65,play an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway,and improve podocyte injury.[Conclusions]Ginseng may play a role in the treatment of NS by regulating multiple targets and pathways such as inflammatory response,substance metabolism,and signal transduction.

Effects of Ginseng Protein on Gut Microbiota and BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway in Alzheimer s Disease Mice

[Objectives] To investigate the effects of ginseng protein on gut microbiota and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in Alzheimer s disease (AD) mice. [Methods] D-galactose/AlCl 3 co-induction was used to establish AD model, and mice were randomly divided into normal group 1, normal group 2, model group 1, model group 2, ginseng protein group, and microbiota transplantation group. Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate learning and memory ability, and Western blot method was used to detect the expression of APP, p-Tau, BDNF, TrkB, p-TrkB proteins in brain tissue, and 16S rDNA was used to detect diversity of fecal microbiota. [Results] Ginseng protein and microbiota transplantation can shorten the escape latency of mice ( P <0.05), increase the number of crossing platforms ( P <0.05), reduce the expression of APP and p-Tau proteins in brain tissue ( P <0.05, P <0.01), increase the expression of BDNF, p-TrkB, p-TrkB/TrkB proteins ( P <0.05, P <0.01), and reduce the abundance of Alloprevotella, Ruminococcaceae _UCG-014, Prevotellaceae _UCG-001, and Ruminococcus _1 ( P <0.05, P <0.01). [Conclusions] The action mechanism of ginseng protein anti AD may be through regulating gut microbiota diversity and activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

Effects of ginseng powder on chemical composition, antioxidant and sensory properties of biscuits

This work aimed to evaluate the quality of biscuits incorporated with ginseng powder.This powder was incorporated into wheat flour at levels ranging from 0 to 4%and used in the production of biscuits.The biscuits were analysed for proximate composition,sensory attributes,phytochemical content,and antioxidant properties.Results revealed that the moisture and fat contents of the biscuits significantly decreased with the incorporation of ginseng powder.Conversely,protein(3.15 to 4.55 g/100 g DM),carbohydrate(27.80 to 31.10 g/100 g DM)and fiber contents(6.21 to 13.74 g/100 g DM)significantly increased with incorporation.The total polyphenols,saponins,and total flavonoid contents increased from 1.67 to 1.99 mgGAE/100 g DM,0 to 0.69 mg,and 0.87 to 1.83 QE/100g DM respectively.Ginseng powder also significantly increased the DPPH scavenging activity,from 42.05%to 52.62%,and FRAP value from 2.25 to 7.71μgGAE/g with increased incorporation.However,the sensory attributes of the biscuits were not affected by the incorporation of ginseng.Ginseng powder can therefore be incorporated in wheat flour at up to 4%level for biscuits production as a functional food for the promotion of human health.

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。

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。

后熟阶段的人参(Panax ginseng C.A.Mey)种子对脱水和贮存温度的反应

完成形态后熟和生理后熟期中的人参（PanaxyinsenyC．A．Mey）湿润种子的含水量由47％降至9．4％和5．8％，形成于籽后保存于室温，0～5℃和-196℃条件下1～3年。保存后的形态后熟于籽再低温处理，继续完成生理后熟。结果显示：完成形态后熟的种子在1～5℃保存1年后，种子胚根能萌发，但胚轴、胚芽不能正常生长，保存3年，种子丧失生活力；生理后熟期中的种子在0～5℃保存1年尚能正常出苗，出苗率为44．0％，保存3年，种胚已不能正常发育。但是在-196℃保存3年后，出苗率同保存在0～5C1年的相近．仍为43．1％。说明完成形态后熟种子还没有产生足够的脱水耐性，而经低温层积处理于生理后熟期中的种子就具有了这种耐性，并能进行低温短期或超低温长期保存。

Korean red ginseng promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in mice

Neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus plays a major role in cognitive ability of animals including learning and memory.Korean red ginseng (KRG) has long been known as a medicinal herb with the potential to improve learning and memory;however,the mechanisms are still elusive.Therefore,we evaluated whether KRG can promote cognitive function and enhance neurogenesis in the hippocampus.Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received 50 mg/kg of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) intraperitoneally and 100 mg/kg of KRG or vehicle orally once a day for 14 days.Pole,Rotarod and Morris water maze tests were performed and the brains were collected after the last behavioral test.Changes in the numbers of BrdU- and BrdU/ doublecortin (DCX;a marker for neuronal precursor cells and immature neurons)-positive cells in the dentate gyrus and the gene expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (a marker for cell differentiation),cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus were then investigated.KRG-treated mice came down the pole significantly faster and stood on the rotarod longer than vehicle-treated mice.The Morris water maze test showed that KRG administration enhanced the learning and memory abilities significantly.KRG also significantly increased BrdU- and BrdU/DCX-positive cells in the dentate gyrus as well as the proliferating cell nuclear antigen,cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor mRNA expression levels in the hippocampus compared to vehicle.Administration of KRG promotes learning and memory abilities,possibly by enhancing hippocampal neurogenesis.This study was approved by the Pusan National University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (approval No.PNU-2016-1071) on January 19,2016.

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.

Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Aim： To examine the treatment efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng （KRG） in impotent men with erectile dysfunction （ED）. Methods： A total of 60 patients presenting mild or mild to moderate ED were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which the efficacies of KRG and a placebo were compared. The patients received either 1 000 mg （3 times daily） of KRG or a placebo. Results： The five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function （IIEF-5） score after the treatment was significantly higher in the KRG group compared with that before the treatment （from 16.4±2.9 to 21.0±6.3, P 〈 0.0001）. In contrast, there was no difference before and after the treatment in the placebo group （from 17.0±3.1 to 17.7±5.6, P 〉 0.05）. In the KRG group, 20 patients （66.6%）, reported improved erection, significant in the global efficacy question （P 〈 0.01）; in the placebo group there was no significance. Scores on questions 2 （rigidity）, 3 （penetration）, 4 and 5 （maintenance）, were significantly higher for KRG than those for the placebo when those questions were answered after 12 weeks of each treatment （P 〈 0.01）. When the score in the KRG group was compared to the placebo group after the treatment, there was a significant improvement in total score （IIEF-5 score） in questions 3 and 5 for the KRG-treated group （P 〈 0.001 and P 〈 0.0001, respectively）. The levels of serum testosterone, prolactine and cholesterol after the treatment were not statistically significant different between the KRG and the placebo group （P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion： Our data show that KRG can be an effective alternative to the invasive approaches for treating male ED.

Panax ginseng extract attenuates neuronal injury and cognitive deficits in rats with vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Panax ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant.Panax ginseng extract has numerous biological activities,including antitumor,anti-inflammatory and antistress activities.Panax ginseng extract also has a cognition-enhancing effect in rats with alcohol-induced memory impairment.In this study,we partially occluded the bilateral carotid arteries in the rat to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion,a wellknown model of vascular dementia.The rats were then intragastrically administered 50 or 100 mg/kg Panax ginseng extract.Morris water maze and balance beam tests were used to evaluate memory deficits and motor function,respectively.Protein quantity was used to evaluate cholinergic neurons.Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells.Western blot assay was used to evaluate protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor,basic fibroblast growth factor,Bcl-2 and Bax.Treatment with Panax ginseng extract for 8 weeks significantly improved behavioral function and increased neuronal density and VEGF and b FGF protein expression in the hippocampal CA3 area.Furthermore,Panax ginseng extract reduced the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive cells,and it decreased apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax protein expression.The effect of Panax ginseng extract was dose-dependent and similar to that of nimodipine,a commonly used drug for the treatment of vascular dementia.These findings suggest that Panax ginseng extract is neuroprotective against vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion,and therefore might have therapeutic potential for preventing and treating the disease.

Ginsenoside-Rg_6, a Novel Triterpenoid Saponin from the Stem-Leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.

A novel dammarane-type triterpene oligoglycoside, named ginsenoside-Rg6 3, was isolated from the stem-leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., together with two known ones, 20(S)-ginsenoside-Rg2 1 and 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg2 2. On the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence , the structure of ginsenoside-Rg6 have been elucidated as 6-O-(-L-rhamnosyl-(1?2)-(-D-glucopyranosyl-dammarane-(E)-20(22), 24-diene-3(, 6(, 12(-triol.

Optimizing SSR-PCR system of Panax ginseng by orthogonal design

An orthogonal design was used to optimize SSR-PCR amplification system using Panax ginseng genomic DNA as template. Four levels of five factors （DNA template, Taq DNA polymerase, Mg^2＋, primer, and dNTP） and annealing temperature have been tested separately in this system. The results demonstrated the reaction efficiency was affected by these factors. Based on the results, a stable, productive and reproducible PCR system and cycling program for amplifying a ginseng SSR locus were obtained： 20 μL system containing 1.0 U Taq DNA polymerase, 2.0 mmol·L^-1 Mg^2＋, 0.2 mmol·L^-1 dNTPs, 0.3 μmol·L^-1 SSR primer, 60 ng· μla^-1 DNA template, performed with a program of 94℃ for 5 min, 94℃ for 30 s, annealing at 56.3℃ for 30 s, 72℃ for 1 min, 37 cycles, finishing at 72℃ for 7 min, and storing at 4℃.

Discoursing on Soxhlet extraction of ginseng using association analysis and scanning electron microscopy

Soxhlet extraction is a common method of sample preparation. However, there has been no discussion about the efficiency of Soxhlet extraction from different batches and the factors that cause content fluctuation. In this study, Panax ginseng was selected as a model sample. Soxhlet extraction by means of a water bath, which has always been neglected, was identified as a novel key factor in the poor repeat- ability in different batches of Soxhlet extraction, as it can affect the siphon times and reflux time, which have been positively correlated with the ginsenoside contents. By substituting round bottom flasks in the same column, the relative standard deviation of the most fluctuated compound, ginsenoside Rbl, was decreased from 24.6% to 5.02%. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the breakdown of the surface of the ginseng powder in the Soxhlet extraction led to a better dissolution of ginsenosides, indicating that chloroform may promote the extraction of ginsenosides by disrupting the cell structure. Moreover, 70% methanol was regarded as the better solvent for extracting the ginsenosides. Overall, this work offers a practical and effective protocol for improving the accuracy and repeatability of Soxhlet extraction methodology for ginsenosides and other analytes.

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.

Study on Agricultural Intellectual Property Protection and High-Quality Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Ginseng

Agricultural intellectual property has the functions of carrying forward agricultural cultural heritage,encouraging agricultural scientific and technological innovation,cultivating the brand of agricultural products and so on. The protection and application of agricultural intellectual property rights can enhance the vitality,innovation and competitiveness of agricultural economy,and promote the strategy of high-quality agricultural development and rural revitalization. Ginseng is a traditional medicinal variety with superior characteristics in Northeast China,and it is one of the most famous " three treasures" in Northeast China. This paper introduces ginseng( Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) and its medicinal value,analyzes the traditional knowledge,biological genetic resources,new plant varieties,patents,geographical indications,trademarks and other agricultural intellectual property resources of ginseng,studies the traditional Chinese medicine GAP certification and certification of " Three Agricultural Products" and the construction of the dominant area of agricultural product( Fusong ginseng) with Chinese characteristics,and explores the rural revitalization strategy and traditional Chinese medicine development strategy,ginseng agricultural intellectual property protection and high quality development strategy.

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.