Role of ginsenosides, the main active components of Panax ginseng, in inflammatory responses and diseases

Acid-responsive contractile hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel loaded with ginsenoside Rg1 for hemostasis and promotion of gastric wound healing

Due to constant stimulation by stomach acid and local bleeding, gastric tissue wounds tend to heal slowly and complications such as anastomotic leakage have a high incidence. Suturing is often used to treat gastric wounds in clinic, but it still faces risks such as bleeding, slow healing, and leakage. Recently, hydrogel have been widely used to treat various types of wounds. Although hydrogels have shown promising efficacy in wound healing, it is still a challenge in dealing with wounds in gastric tissue for the poor adaptability of traditional materials in acidic environments. Hence, a series of pH responsive and good tissue adhesive hydrogels (MA-HA/AA) based on methacryloyl hyaluronic acid (MA-HA) and acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid (AA) via in situ photo-crosslinking were designed, and anti-inflammatory and pro-healing traditional Chinese medicines ginsenoside Rg1 was incorporated into the hydrogel to treat gastric tissue wound. These acid-responsive hydrogels could form effective acid-resistant barriers and could lead to hemostasis rapidly through its strong adhesion. Besides, the hydrogels contracted under an acidic environment, which could tighten the gastric tissue wounds and sustained release the loaded ginsenoside Rg1. In addition, the hydrogels showed excellent biocompatibility and in vivo degradability. In summary, the acid-responsive contractile hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with ginsenoside Rg1 had good properties for hemostasis and acid-resistance to facilitate the promotion of gastric wounds healing.

Development of liquid chromatography/ultraviolet and evaporating light scattering detector platform for simultaneous quantification of ginsenosides

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive components in ginseng, offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporosis, and neuroprotective effects. For consistent product quality and better understanding of these effects, accurate quantification of ginsenosides is essential. Although liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) can identify up to 200 ginsenosides, it is costly, complex, and requires specialized personnel. In contrast, liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet (UV) or evaporative light scattering detectors (ELSD) is more accessible but typically limited to quantifying no more than 24 ginsenosides. In this study, we developed an LC/UV-ELSD platform that enables the simultaneous quantification of 41 ginsenosides in a single run-38 quantified by UV and 3 by ELSD. The platform demonstrated excellent reproducibility (RSD: 0.341-2.653 %) and sensitivity, with detection limits as low as 0.073 µg/mL for UV and 5-10 µg/mL for ELSD. Application to ginseng samples showed total ginsenoside concentrations of 39.54 ± 10.72 mg/g in field-cultivated roots, 103.68 ± 14.41 mg/g in wild-simulated leaves, and 37.02 ± 5.52 mg/g in wild-simulated roots. Quantification results closely matched those from LC/MS analysis, with a difference of less than 10 %. Our LC/UV-ELSD platform offers a simple, cost-effective, and reliable solution for comprehensive ginsenoside analysis and is well suited for both research and industry use in quality control and functional evaluation of ginseng products.

Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviated experimental colitis in obesity mice by regulating memory follicular T cells via Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway

The pathological mechanisms of ulcerative colitis (UC) are closely related with abnormal memory follicular helper T (mTfh) cell subsets and the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 signaling pathway. Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1) has been confirmed to exhibit therapeutic effects in obese mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of G-Rg1 in obese mice with UC by observing mTfh cell subsets and the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 signaling pathway. Obese mice with UC were treated with G-Rg1 at a dose of 200 mg/kg. Disease activity was assessed macroscopically and microscopically, and cytokine levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to analyze mTfh cell subsets, and Western blotting to assess protein expression related to the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 pathway. qPCR was used to detect the expression of Bcl-6/Blimp-1, and immunofluorescence was utilized to compare Bcl-6/Blimp-1 expression between different groups. G-Rg1 treatment ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis, alleviated the pathological changes in the colonic tissue of obese mice with ulcerative colitis, and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in these mice. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis indicated that G-Rg1 modulated the balanceof mTfh cells subsets by increasing central memory Tfh (cmTfh) cells and decreasing effector memory Tfh (emTfh) cells, thereby mitigating ulcerative colitis in obese mice. qPCR results revealed the significant upregulation of Bcl-6 and the downregulation of Blimp-1 expression in the DSS group, which was effectively reversed by G-Rg1 treatment. These findings were further confirmed by Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Collectively, the qPCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence results demonstrated the pivotal role of the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 signaling pathway in the therapeutic process of G-Rg1 for ulcerative colitis in obese mice. Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates experimental colitis in obese mice by modulating the proportion of mTfh cell subsets via the Bcl-6/Blimp-1 signaling pathway.

Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng modulate lipid mediator profiles in human leukocytes by interference with cellular 5-lipoxygenase activity

Lipid mediators are a superfamily of bioactive molecules that are crucially involved in immune responses, regulating all stages of inflammation. Panax (P.) ginseng has pleiotropic pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginsenosides, unique triterpenoid glycosides from the plant's root, are proposed as active ingredients responsible for the immunomodulating potential of P.ginseng. Here, we comprehensively screened 23 ginsenosides for manipulating the lipid mediator network in various primary human innate immune cells. Several ginsenosides selectively inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)-mediated formation of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4, but not of prostaglandins, in monocyte-derived macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes by a unique irreversible mechanism. Structure-activity relationships revealed (i) higher anti-5-LOX activity of PPD-type ginsenosides, (ii) correlation with lipophilicity (R2 = 0.91), and (iii) eudysmic ratios favoring the 20S-epimers. Our findings highlight ginsenosides as immunomodulatory principles of P. ginseng and reveal abrogation of leukotriene formation rather than interference with prostaglandins as immediate anti-inflammatory mechanism.

Preparation and characterisation of two new malonylated rare ginsenosides by acid hydrolysis and their anti-hepatoma activities

Malonylginsenosides (MGR), the primary bioactive constituents in ginseng, exhibit significant pharmacological properties and constitute 35-60% of the total saponins in the plant's fresh and dried states. In this investigation, two new degradation products of malonylginsenosides, named malonylginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 and malonylginsenoside 20(R)-Rg3 (1 and 2) were prepared through acid hydrolysis. The structural features of these compounds were characterised using IR, ECD, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity of compounds 1 and 2 was assessed via in vitro assays on HepG2 cells, revealing that the two compounds markedly inhibited cancer cell growth, colony formation, and metastatic behaviours, alongside inducing apoptotic cell death. Importantly, these new malonylated rare ginsenosides exhibited more pronounced anticancer effects compared to their precursor malonylginsenosides.

Protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenosides inhibit the key element of α-glucosidase - The glycosyl group

In this study, the inhibitory effects of ten protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenosides on α-glucosidase in vitro were firstly investigated, and selected four ginsenosides with stronger inhibitory effects, namely CY, C-Mc, F2 and CK. The kinetic results of enzyme inhibition indicated that CY, C-Mc, F2 and CK were all non-competitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. Fluorescence quenching and circular dichroism (CD) analyses showed that the inhibition of α-glucosidase by CY, C-Mc, F2, and CK was a static process, and that they altered the structure of α-glucosidase. The interaction of the four ginsenosides with α-glucosidase was a spontaneous reaction, mainly driven by hydrogen bonding. At 298 K, the binding constants of CY, C-Mc, F2, and CK with α-glucosidase were 0.70 × 104 mol/L, 0.75 × 104 mol/L, 1.46 × 104 mol/L, 1.65 × 104 mol/L respectively, and the number of binding sites was about 1 for all of them. The molecular docking results showed that CY, C-Mc, F2 and CK bound to sites other than the active center of the α-glucosidase through hydrogen bonds. All the above results showed the structure and hypoglycemic effects of CY, C-Mc, F2 and CK, and they can be used as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Harnessing nutrients and natural products for sustainable drug development against aging

Developing treatments for age-related diseases requires cost-effective and efficient approaches. Nutrients and natural metabolites offer safer alternatives to synthetic drugs. Aging increases the need for solutions that protect health and repair cells. Recent studies show that nutrients and natural products reduce oxidative stress, regulate metabolism, and influence longevity-related genes. This review focuses on vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural products that improve healthspan and combat aging. It also discusses challenges such as standardization, clinical validation, and regulatory approval. Finally, emerging trends, such as personalized nutrition and advanced delivery systems, highlight the potential of these metabolites for addressing aging.

Asthma Alleviation by Ginsenoside Rb1 via Promotion of Treg Proliferation and Inflammatory T Cell Inhibition

BACKGROUND

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are living drugs with feasibility, tolerability, and therapeutic benefits. Although Tregs are linked to asthma prognosis through inflammation regulation, no therapeutic agents specifically designed to manage asthma by upregulating Tregs have been developed to date.

METHODS

We screened a library of 250 natural products using a cytometric bead array. Among the selected candidates, gRb1 was identified for further investigation. The effects of gRb1 on Treg and Th17 populations were evaluated in mouse asthma models and human PBMCs from both healthy donors and asthma patients using flow cytometry and cytokine analysis.

RESULTS

In inflammatory conditions, ginsenoside Rb1 (gRb1, a major ginseng component) increased IL-10- and TGF-β-expressing Treg populations and decreased the Th17 population; activated phospho-STAT5 and NFAT1 in Tregs; inhibited NFAT1 activation in conventional T cells (Tconvs); increased Treg proliferation and Tconv-Treg differentiation, inhibiting Tconv proliferation; and reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion by Tconvs. In asthma model mice, suppression of asthma symptoms by gRb1 was associated with elevated Treg and lower Th17, Th1, and Th2 counts. gRb1 treatment of stimulated PBMCs from patients with asthma and healthy donors increased IL-10- and TGF-β-expressing Treg populations and decreased IL-17A-, IL-22-, IFN-γ-, and TNF-α-expressing T-cell populations.

CONCLUSIONS

gRb1 alleviate asthma by shifting the Treg-inflammatory T cell balance. These findings suggest a strategy for enhancing Treg activity through treatment with gRb1. This may provide a novel therapeutic approach for asthma and related disorders.

Radical scavenging effect of skin delivery systems using Korean red ginseng extract and assessment of their biocompatibility with human primary dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes

Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract is proposed for cosmetic use, but no data on biological effects of KRG-loaded vehicles exist. The study aimed to optimize new multi- and monophase vehicles for KRG extract delivery, assess their biocompatibility and evaluate their radical scavenging effect in vitro. Storage stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) and hydroalcoholic gels (2 % w/w KRG) was assessed over twelve weeks using dynamic light scattering, rheology and pH measurements. Release profiles of ginsenosides Rb1 (more hydrophilic) and Rg1 (moderately lipophilic) through a cellulose membrane were also investigated employing Franz diffusion cells. Antioxidant potential and biocompatibility were assessed via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cell viability assays. Vehicles remained stable over twelve weeks at 8 °C (NEs Dh stable, gel viscosity + 3.5 %). Diffusion studies showed higher release of Rg1 vs. Rb1 (7.10 vs. 1.39 µg/cm-2 after 28 h). KRG-formulations demonstrated good biocompatibility with primary human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes (72-94 % viability). Radical scavenging capacity of KRG extract did not differ between pure and incorporated form and was lower than that of a Hypericum extract or ascorbic acid. Results render KRG-formulations a potentially promising alternative to conventional antioxidants used in daily products.

Ginsenosides and gut microbiota: differential effects on healthy individuals and irritable bowel syndrome subtypes

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with poorly understood mechanisms. Variations in gut microbiota composition are observed in different IBS subtypes. Ginsenosides have shown potential in alleviating IBS symptoms, but their interactions with gut microbiota in different IBS subtypes are not well studied.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the effects of ginsenosides on the gut microbiota of both healthy participants and participants suffering from IBS characterized by diarrhea (IBS-D) or constipation (IBS-C), using in vitro fermentation alongside 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses.

Results

The analysis demonstrated that there were no statistically significant alterations in α- or β-diversity between the ginsenosides-treated and control groups across all models. However, the microbial composition assessment revealed the presence of 51 shared genera, with notable variations in composition and a significant enrichment of specific taxa. Specifically, the LEfSe analysis revealed that, following ginsenosides treatment, the healthy model groups exhibited significant enrichment of Stenotrophomonas and Achromobacter, while the IBS-D model groups demonstrated significant enrichment of Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas.

Conclusions

The results elucidate the distinctive microbial signatures associated with ginsenosides treatment across both healthy and IBS-D groups, underscoring the potential therapeutic efficacy of ginsenosides in modulating gut microbiota. This study highlights the necessity for further investigation into targeted microbiome therapies for IBS, which may facilitate the development of more personalized and efficacious treatment strategies for gastrointestinal health.

Recent advances in delivery systems of ginsenosides for oral diseases

BACKGROUND

Ginsenosides, the principal active ingredients in ginseng, have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, osteogenic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Oral diseases afflict about half of the world's population. Ginsenosides' multifunctional properties have led to substantial investigation into their potential to prevent and treat oral disorders. However, their low absorption and poor targeting limit their effectiveness.

PURPOSE

This review summarizes the latest research progress on ginsenoside-based drug delivery systems and the potential of ginsenosides in preventing and treating oral diseases to provide a theoretical basis for clinical applications.

METHODS

Using "ginsenoside", "drug delivery", "nanoparticles", "liposomes", "hydrogel", "oral disease", "toxicology", "pharmacology", "clinical translation" and combinations of these keywords in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The search was conducted until December 2024.

RESULTS

The limitations of natural ginsenosides can be overcome by utilizing drug delivery systems to improve pharmacological activity, bioavailability and targeting. The multifunctional pharmacological activities of ginsenosides offer promising avenues for treating oral diseases. In addition, the susceptibility of the oral cavity to infection by pathogenic bacteria and the diluting effect of saliva pose significant challenges to treatment. The emergence of drug delivery marks a breakthrough in addressing these issues.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenoside-based drug delivery methods improve bioactivity, targeting, and reduce costs. This review emphasizes current advancements in ginsenosides within novel drug delivery systems, specifically on its potential in preventing and treating oral disorders. However, multiple well-designed clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of these drugs.

Network analysis and in vivo experiments reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of total ginsenosides in a Drosophila model of ulcerative colitis

Gut homeostasis is critical for human health, ulcerative colitis (UC) can disrupt gut homeostasis and cause disease. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a widely used traditional herbal medicine known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. However, the protective mechanisms of total ginsenosides (TG) in treating UC remain unclear. In this study, we employed Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to investigate the protective effects of TG on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal injury. Our data showed that TG significantly improved survival rates in female flies, restored intestinal length, maintained intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviated oxidative stress. Additionally, TG may protect against intestinal damage by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. These findings suggest that TG alleviates UC symptoms through multi-target regulation, highlighting its potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for UC.

Omentin-1 as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target in hypertension and heart failure: a comprehensive review

Omentin-1, a novel adipocytokine predominantly secreted by visceral adipose tissue, has emerged as a significant factor in cardiovascular health, particularly regarding hypertension (HTN) and heart failure (HF). This manuscript investigates the multifaceted roles of omentin-1 in these conditions, emphasizing its protective effects on vascular function and its potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target. Clinical studies indicate that reduced circulating levels of omentin-1 are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and increased cardiovascular risk, while animal studies demonstrate its ability to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction and lower blood pressure. Omentin-1 exerts its beneficial effects through various signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein kinase B (Akt), thereby promoting vasodilation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and mitigating inflammation. In the context of HF, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), omentin-1 levels exhibit a negative correlation with diastolic dysfunction and inflammatory markers, suggesting its role in cardiac protection. Additionally, the manuscript discusses the implications of omentin-1 in managing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and its potential utility as a prognostic marker for adverse outcomes in HF patients. Collectively, omentin-1 represents a promising avenue for research in cardiovascular health, with the potential to inform novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving outcomes in patients with HTN and HF. Further research is necessary to elucidate the details of omentin-1 function and evaluate its potential in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Molecular characterization and structural basis of a promiscuous glycosyltransferase for β-(1,6) oligoglucoside chain glycosides biosynthesis

Sugar building blocks are crucial for the chemical diversity and biological activity of secondary metabolites. UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of glycosides in plants by catalysing the attachment of sugar moieties to various bioactive natural products. However, the biosynthesis of oligosaccharide-chain glycosides is often limited by the narrow substrate specificity of UGTs. In this study, we identify a regio-specific β-(1,6) glycosyltransferase, UGT94BY1, from Platycodon grandiflorum. UGT94BY1 exhibits broad substrate promiscuity and can transfer up to three sugar moieties to the C6-OH position of the glucosyl group in various triterpenoids and phenolic glycosides, thereby forming β-(1,6) oligoglucoside chains. To elucidate the mechanism underlying its substrate selectivity, we determined the crystal structure of the UGT94BY1 complex with UDP at a resolution of 2.0 Å. Molecular simulations revealed that a critical structural motif, comprising residues N84-M91, S141-L155 and R179-E186, plays a key role in recognizing sugar acceptors and facilitating chain elongation. Our study unveils a powerful glycosyltransferase for β-(1,6) oligoglucoside chain biosynthesis and highlights key regions involved in substrate recognition and sugar chain extension, providing valuable insights for designing UGTs with customized substrate specificities for biotechnological applications.

Anti-Colorectal Cancer Activity of Panax and Its Active Components, Ginsenosides: A Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health burden worldwide and necessitates novel treatment approaches with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy. Many natural compounds have been tested as possible cancer treatments. Plants in the genus Panax have been widely studied due to their therapeutic potential for various diseases such as inflammatory disorders and cancers. Extracts from plants of genus Panax activate upstream signals, including those related to autophagy and the generation of reactive oxygen species, to induce intrinsic apoptosis in CRC cells. The root extract of Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) regulated the gut microbiota to enhance the T-cell-induced immune response against CRC. Protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenosides, especially Rh2, Rg3, Rb1, and Rb2, significantly reduced proliferation of CRC cells and tumor size in a xenograft mouse model, as well as targeting programmed death (PD)-1 to block the immune checkpoint of CRC cells. Moreover, modified nanocarriers with ginsenosides upregulated drug efficacy, showing that ginsenosides can also be utilized as drug carriers. An increasing body of studies has demonstrated the potential of the genus Panax in curing CRC. Ginsenosides are promising active compounds in the genus Panax, which can also support the activity of conventional cancer therapies.

Bioengineered yeast for preventing age-related diseases

The aging process entails a multifaceted decline in the capacity to restore homeostasis in response to stress. A prevalent characteristic of many age-related diseases is the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation, a risk factor contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Specific lifestyle interventions, such as regular physical activity, targeted diet, and supplementation, can delay the accumulation of chronic age-associated conditions by mitigating inflammation processes. Bioengineered yeast-producing compounds with distinctive bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory properties, have the potential to provide rich dietary alternatives for the prevention of age-related diseases. This review highlights recent achievements in engineering effective yeast platforms, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica, that hold promise in retarding the onset of aging and age-related ailments.

Ginsenoside Rh2(S) maintains cytoskeleton homeostasis and inhibits pyroptosis to resist cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity through FGFR1/HRAS axis

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy frequently experience cardiotoxic side effects that significantly affect their prognosis and survival rates. Our study found that Panax ginseng root extract exerted a significant protective effect against cisplatin-induced myocardial cell injury.

PURPOSE

The present study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which the bioactive components of Panax ginseng mitigate cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC).

METHODS

In vitro, the candidate active components were screened by network pharmacological prediction and in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), and their mechanisms of action were verified by transcriptome sequencing, western blotting, gene overexpression, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and cellular thermal shift assays. A C57BL/6 CIC mouse model was established to verify the protective effects of the candidate components and the in vivo mechanism of the candidate components.

RESULTS

Through network pharmacology prediction and cellular activity screening of ginseng root compounds, ginsenoside Rh2(S) (Rh2) was identified as a significant active component. Transcriptomic, in vitro, and in vivo experiments demonstrated that Rh2 can activate the Pak1/Limk1/cofilin phosphorylation pathway, thereby inactivating the actin-severing protein cofilin and protecting cardiomyocytes from cisplatin-induced actin depolymerization. Additionally, Rh2 suppressed the ROS/caspase-3/GSDME pathway to inhibit cisplatin-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation and overexpression experiments confirmed that Rh2 activated the FGFR1/HRAS axis, thereby simultaneously regulating the two aforementioned pathways to combat CIC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated for the first time that Rh2 is the main active component in Panax ginseng that maintains cytoskeletal homeostasis and inhibits pyroptosis by regulating the FGFR1/HRAS pathway to resist CIC. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for expanding the targets and pathways of CIC treatment, and for the development of related drugs.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Six Ginsenosides and Rg1 Regulation of Macrophage Polarization and Metabolites to Alleviate Colitis

In ginseng, several ginsenosides have been demonstrated to alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, especially the six ginsenosides in this study. However, which ginsenoside has the most potent anti-inflammatory effect and may be selected as a promising candidate for the treatment of colitis remains unclear. A cell inflammation model was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 12 h and mouse colitis was induced by sterile water containing DSS lasting seven days. Cytokines associated with inflammation, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in macrophage polarization were tested by flow cytometry, and analysis of intestinal metabolites by LC-MS/MS was performed. The results in this study displayed that among the six ginsenosides, Rf, Rg1, and Rg3 were the most effective in reducing LPS-induced inflammation in cells. Compared with Rg3 and Rf, Rg1 was superior in restoring body weight and the length of colon, decreasing the disease activity index (DAI), and reducing splenomegaly and colon inflammation. Meanwhile, Rg1 significantly decreased the expression of M1-related pro-inflammation cytokines and increased the expression of M2-related anti-inflammation cytokines. Rg1 also decreased CD86+M1 macrophages and polarized them towards CD206+M2 macrophages. The 700 targeted gut metabolite assays revealed that Rg1 treatment brought the metabolite composition closer to that of DSS-naive mice, while six key metabolites, including dodecanoylcarnitine, isobutyric acid, and decanoylcarnitine, and so on, all were significantly reversed. Our results demonstrated that among the six ginsenosides, Rg1 had the most extraordinary anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-induced cells and DSS-induced mice, and, more importantly, it blunted colitis through regulating macrophage polarization and intestinal metabolites.

Protective effect of Panax ginseng extract on cisplatin-induced AKI via downregulating cell death associated genes

This study is designed to assess the effect of root extract of P. ginseng on kidney tissue injury attributed to cisplatin and its molecular mechanism involved in this process in the AKI rat model. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 experimental groups including: the control group, the cisplatin group, the extract 100 mg/kg group, and the extract 200 mg/kg group. The duration of the investigation was 7 days, and all rats except the control group received a single dose of 10 mg/kg cisplatin on the 4th day. Our findings exhibited a significant reduction in blood concentration of creatinine in extract groups compared to the cisplatin group. In the cisplatin group, severe renal histopathological alterations were observed compared to the control group. In extract groups, significantly less tissue damage was observed than in the cisplatin group. Ginseng extract 200 showed minimal tissue damage as compared to extract 100. The expression of p21, p27, p53, TIMP2, IGFBP7, and NF-κB decreased significantly in extract groups compared to the cisplatin group. Our findings displayed amelioration of cisplatin-induced AKI and dose-dependent decrease of the NF-κB gene expression and cell death-inducing genes by administration of P. ginseng extract.

Ginsenoside Rk2 alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by enhancing AKT membrane translocation and activation

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) poses a significant threat to clinical outcomes and graft survival during hemorrhagic shock, hepatic resection, and liver transplantation. Current pharmacological interventions for hepatic IRI are inadequate. In this study, we identified ginsenoside Rk2 (Rk2), a rare dehydroprotopanaxadiol saponin, as a promising agent against hepatic IRI through high-throughput screening. The pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of Rk2 on hepatic IRI were further evaluated and elucidated in vitro and in vivo. Rk2 significantly reduced inflammation and apoptosis caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion in hepatocytes and dose dependently protected against hepatic I/R-induced liver injury in mice. Integrated approaches, including network pharmacology, molecular docking, transcriptome analysis, and isothermal titration calorimetry, along with experimental validation, indicated that Rk2 protects against hepatic IRI by targeting and activating the AKT (RAC serine/threonine protein kinase) signaling pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of AKT pathway or knockdown of AKT1 effectively diminished protective effects of Rk2. Rk2 directly binds to AKT1, facilitating its translocation from the cytoplasm to plasma membrane. This process markedly enhanced AKT interaction with PDPK1, promoting the activation of AKT1 and its downstream signaling. Our findings demonstrate that Rk2 protects against hepatic IRI by activating AKT signaling through direct binding to AKT1 and facilitating its membrane translocation.

Ethanol extract of lymphanax with gypenoside 17 and ginsenoside Re exerts anti-inflammatory properties by targeting the AKT/NF-κB pathway

Background

Ginseng is processed into several types such as white ginseng, red ginseng, and black ginseng, according to the processing methods such as drying, steaming, and heating. These processing conditions can change the portion of the useful ingredients. Recently, new processing method was established to develop 'lymphanax', an aged fresh white ginseng prepared under anaerobic condition. This aging process was revealed to increase the content of gypenoside 17 (Gyp17) as well as ginsenoside Re, known to have anti-inflammatory effects. As the next step, therefore, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of lymphanax using its ethanol extract of lymphanax (Lymphanax-EE).

Methods

LC-MS/MS identified the ginsenoside content of lymphanax-EE. A nitric oxide (NO) assay revealed the anti-inflammatory activity of lymphanax-EE. Pro-inflammatory gene expression was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Finally, we identified the underlying mechanism for the anti-inflammatory activity of lymphanax-EE through luciferase analysis, Western blotting, and CETSA.

Results

The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed lymphanax-EE to contain more protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides, and Gyp17 than fresh ginseng. Lymphanax-EE (0-200 μg/ml) suppressed NO release and mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, lymphanax-EE (200 μg/ml) reduced the activity of NF-κB and phosphorylation of NF-κB signal proteins such as p65, p50, IκBα, and IKKα/β. Finally, lymphanax-EE (200 μg/ml) decreased the phosphorylation of IKKα/β induced by AKT overexpression. Among the components of lymphanax-EE, ginsenoside Re and Gyp17 were found to suppress AKT1 activity.

Conclusions

Lymphanax-EE-containing ginsenosides and Gyp17 with anti-inflammatory properties suppressed LPS-induced inflammation by reducing the NF-κB signal.

Comprehensive PRISMA Based Systematic Review: Exploring the Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Profile and Clinical aspects of Panax ginseng

INTRODUCTION

Ginseng, a perennial herb belonging to the Araliaceae family, is renowned for its traditional and folk uses. The Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer species is predominantly found in Asian countries, including Japan, China, and Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This manuscript offers valuable insights into the cultivation, collection, morphology, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and clinical studies of Ginseng. The data was meticulously gathered from diverse electronic resources, such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science, spanning from 1963 to 2023.

RESULTS

Ginseng contains various bioactive components, including carbohydrates, polyacetylenic alcohols, polysaccharides, ginsenosides, peptides, vitamins, and fatty acids. The biological attributes of ginsenosides, which include anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, render them especially remarkable.

CONCLUSION

This manuscript comprehensively explores the versatile therapeutic applications of ginseng in the treatment of various types of cancers.

Protopanaxadiol synergizes with glucocorticoids to enhance the therapeutic effect in adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome

To date, glucocorticoids remain the mainstay of treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS). However, serious side effects and development of drug-resistance following long-term use limit the application of glucocorticoids. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) possesses activity of dissociating transactivation from transrepression by glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which may serve as a potential selective GR modulator. However, steroid-like effects of PPD in vivo are unclear and not defined. How to translate PPD into clinical practice remains to be explored. The current study explored the renoprotection and potential mechanism of PPD and its combination with steroid hormones using adriamycin-induced NS rats. Adriamycin was given intravenously to rats to induce nephropathy. The determination of proteinuria, biochemical changes and inflammatory cytokines were performed, and pathological changes were examined by histopathological examination. Immunostaining and PCR were used to analyze the expression of interesting proteins and genes. The results showed that PPD, alone and in combination with prednisone, efficiently alleviate the symptoms of NS, attenuate nephropathy, improve adriamycin-induced podocyte injury by reducing desmin and increasing synaptopodin expression. In addition, the combined treatment reduced the expression of NF-κB protein and mRNA, as well as cytokine levels, and yet increased the expression of GR protein and mRNA. PPD modulated the transactivation of GR, manifested as repressing TAT, PEPCK and ANGPTL4 mRNA expressions mediated by GR. Meanwhile, PPD inhibited elevation of blood glucose and immune organ atrophy induced by prednisone. In summary, PPD increases the therapeutic effect of prednisone in NS while effectively prevents or decreases the appearance of side effects of glucocorticoids.

Rare ginsenosides: A unique perspective of ginseng research

BACKGROUND

Rare ginsenosides (Rg3, Rh2, C-K, etc.) refer to a group of dammarane triterpenoids that exist in low natural abundance, mostly produced by deglycosylation or side chain modification via physicochemical processing or metabolic transformation in gut, and last but not least, exhibited potent biological activity comparing to the primary ginsenosides, which lead to a high concern in both the research and development of ginseng and ginsenoside-related nutraceutical and natural products. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review on these promising compounds is not available yet.

AIM OF REVIEW

In this review, recent advances of Rare ginsenosides (RGs) were summarized dealing with the structurally diverse characteristics, traditional usage, drug discovery situation, clinical application, pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms, structure-activity relationship, toxicity, the stereochemistry properties, and production strategies.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

A total of 144 RGs with diverse skeletons and bioactivities were isolated from Panax species. RGs acted as natural ligands on some specific receptors, such as bile acid receptors, steroid hormone receptors, and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptors. The RGs showed promising bioactivities including immunoregulatory and adaptogen-like effect, anti-aging effect, anti-tumor effect, as well as their effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system, central nervous system, obesity and diabetes, and interaction with gut microbiota. Clinical trials indicated the potential of RGs, while high quality data remains inadequate, and no obvious side effects was found. The stereochemistry properties induced by deglycosylation at C (20) were also addressed including pharmacodynamics behaviors, together with the state-of-art analytical strategies for the identification of saponin stereoisomers. Finally, the batch preparation of targeted RGs by designated strategies including heating or acid/ alkaline-assisted processes, and enzymatic biotransformation and biosynthesis were discussed. Hopefully, the present review can provide more clues for the extensive understanding and future in-depth research and development of RGs, originated from the worldwide well recognized ginseng plants.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Alleviates Blood-Milk Barrier Disruption in Subclinical Bovine Mastitis by Regulating Oxidative Stress-Induced Excessive Autophagy

As a critical disease usually infected by Staphylococcus aureus, with a worldwide effect on dairy animals, subclinical mastitis is characterized by persistence and treatment resistance. During mastitis, the blood-milk barrier (BMB)'s integrity is impaired, resulting in pathogen invasion and milk quality decline. In this study, it was found that ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound derived from ginseng, inhibited the onset of tight junction (TJ) dysfunction and ameliorated lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced BMB disruption inside and outside the organisms. According to subsequent mechanistic studies, Rg1 inhibited excessive autophagy and inactivated the NLRP3 inflammasome by blockading ROS generation, thereby alleviating TJ dysfunction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was identified as a potential target of Rg1 by means of molecular docking plus network pharmacology analysis. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that Rg1 inhibited the oxidative stress levels by activating PPARγ, and regulating the upstream autophagy-related AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, thus decreasing excessive in vivo and in vitro autophagy. The ROS/autophagy/NLRP3 inflammasome axis was identified as a promising target for treating subclinical bovine mastitis in this study. In conclusion, Rg1 is proven to alleviate BMB disruption by activating PPARγ to inhibit oxidative stress and subsequent excessive autophagy in the case of subclinical bovine mastitis.

Stochasticity-dominated rare fungal endophytes contribute to coexistence stability and saponin accumulation in Panax species

Fungal communities inhabiting plant tissues are complex systems of inter-species interactions, consisting of both the "abundant biosphere" and "rare biosphere". However, the composition, assembly, and stability of these subcommunities, as well as their contributions to productivity remain unclear. In this study, the taxonomic and functional composition, co-occurrence, and ecological assembly of abundant and rare fungal subcommunities in different tissues of three Panax species were investigated. Abundant subcommunities were dominated by potential plant pathogens belonging to Microbotryomycetes, while saprotrophic fungi like Agaricomycetes and Mortierellomycetes were more prevalent in rare subcommunities. The rare taxa played a central role in upholding the stability of the fungal networks as driven by Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes. Homogeneous selection played a larger role in the assembly of abundant fungal subcommunities compared to the rare counterparts, which was more dominated by stochastically ecological drift in all plant species. Rare biospheres played a larger role in the accumulation of saponin compared to their abundant counterparts, especially in the leaf endosphere, which was mainly affected by environmental factors (Mg, pH, OC, and etc.). Furthermore, we found that rare species belonging to unidentified saprotrophs were associated with saponin formation. This study provides hypotheses for future experiments to understand mechanisms accounting for the variations in the composition and function of rare fungal subcommunities across different Panax species.

Overview of Panax ginseng and its active ingredients protective mechanism on cardiovascular diseases

ETHNIC PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and it is still widely used to improve the clinical symptoms of various CVDs. However, there is currently a lack of summary and analysis on the mechanism of Panax ginseng exerts its cardiovascular protective effects. This article provides a review of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies on Panax ginseng and its active ingredients in reducing CVDs damage.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

This review summarized the latest literature on Panax ginseng and its active ingredients in CVDs research, aiming to have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the cardiovascular protection mechanism of Panax ginseng, and to provide new ideas for the treatment of CVDs, as well as to optimize the clinical application of Panax ginseng.

METHODS

Enrichment of pathways and biological terms using the traditional Chinese medicine molecular mechanism bioinformatics analysis tool (BATMAN-TCM). The literature search is based on electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, CNKI, with a search period of 2002-2023. The search terms include Panax ginseng, Panax ginseng ingredients, ginsenosides, ginseng polysaccharides, ginseng glycoproteins, ginseng volatile oil, CVDs, heart, and cardiac.

RESULTS

132 articles were ultimately included in the review. The ingredients in Panax ginseng that manifested cardiovascular protective effects are mainly ginsenosides (especially ginsenoside Rb1). Ginsenosides protected against CVDs such as ischemic reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and heart failure mainly through improving energy metabolism, inhibiting hyper-autophagy, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and promoting secretion of exosomes.

CONCLUSION

Panax ginseng and its active ingredients have a particularly prominent effect on improving myocardial energy metabolism remodeling in protecting against CVDs. The AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways are the key targets through which Panax ginseng produces multiple mechanisms of cardiovascular protection. Extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles as carriers are potential delivery ways for optimizing the bioavailability of Panax ginseng and its active ingredients.

Plant-derived saponins and their prospective for cosmetic and personal care products

Plants are industrially cultivated and processed serving for specified sectors for human consumptions including cosmetic and personal care products. Where, the consumers' awareness towards sustainability are increasing year by year. Among which, those of the materials derived from the plants produced with good agricultural and manufacturing practices abided with bio-circular-green economy theme, are of eminence. This perspective is in line with the researchers' bioprospective onto natural products. Special attention sheds on saponins, the biosurfactants that will not cause detrimental effects on the environment. Which, plants are regarded as the sustainable sources of these cosmetic substances. However, among tremendous plants that have been continuously explored upon their potential applications. Most of the studies focus on preparation of the saponins and biological activities. Surprisingly, those that are abided with the list published in the European Commission (CosIng) that are of crucially for cosmetic regulation are insufficiently demonstrated, which burden their applications in the sector. This context summarizes the industrial crops that are registered as plant saponin in the CosIng database. Those that are insufficiently exploited on the information required for cosmetic formulations are therefore encouraged to be examined. In addition, multidirectional cosmetic beneficials of the filled plants saponin would be encouraged to be explored. These plants will be properly knowledge managed for their sustainable utilizations as the bio-based materials promising for cosmetic and personal care industrial perspectives.

Nutrition Modulation of Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Advancements in breast cancer therapeutics, such as anthracyclines, are improving cancer survival rates but can have side effects that limit their use. Cardiotoxicity, defined as damage to the heart caused by cancer therapeutics, is characterised by a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and symptoms of cardiac dysfunction. Multiple oral supplements exist with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have the potential to lower cardiotoxicity risk and ameliorate the complications associated with left ventricular dysfunction. In this review, we evaluate the current status of using nutritional interventions to modulate cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

We used specific keywords to search for articles that met our predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to review the evidence and provide insights for future research.

RESULTS

Seven studies were identified as eligible for this review: six focused on oral supplementation strategies in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and one focused on nutritional counselling and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in breast cancer survivors' post-treatment. There was a significantly attenuated reduction in LVEF in five studies that monitored cardiometabolic health, and there were significant improvements in blood serum levels of cardiac biomarkers across all studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that appropriate nutritional interventions, alongside chemotherapy, can modulate the risk of cardiotoxic side effects. This highlights the potential of oral antioxidant supplementation and Mediterranean diet counselling to decrease tertiary cancer therapy costs associated with cardiovascular complications.

Ginsenoside Rg1 Regulates the Activation of Astrocytes Through lncRNA-Malat1/miR-124-3p/Lamc1 Axis Driving PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway, Promoting the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury

AIM

To investigate the regulation of ginsenoside Rg1 on the PI3K/AKT pathway through the lncRNA-Malat1/miR-124-3p/ Laminin gamma1 (Lamc1) axis, activating astrocytes (As) to promote the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict miRNA targeting Lamc1 and lncRNA targeting miR-124-3p, which were then validated through a dual-luciferase assay. Following transfection, the relationships between Malat1, miR-124-3p, and Lamc1 expression levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot (WB). Immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were utilized to measure Lamc1 expression, while changes in cavity area were observed through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale and footprint analysis were used to evaluate functional recovery. WB was performed to assess the expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related protein.

RESULTS

Rg1 was found to upregulate Malat1 expression, which in turn modulated the Malat1/miR-124-3p/Lamc1 axis. Furthermore, Rg1 activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, significantly reducing the SCI cavity area and improving hind limb motor function. However, knockout of Malat1 hindered these effects, and inhibition of miR-124-3p reversed the silencing effects of Malat1.

CONCLUSIONS

Rg1 can induce Malat1 expression to activate the Lamc1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by sponging with miR-124-3p, thereby regulating As activity to repair SCI.

Optimization of saponin extraction from the leaves of Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium and evaluation of their antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory activities

Panax notoginseng and Panax quinquefolium are important economic plants that utilize dried roots for medicinal and food dual purposes; there is still insufficient research of their stems and leaves, which also contain triterpenoid saponins. The extraction process was developed with a total saponin content of 12.30 ± 0.34% and 12.19 ± 0.64% for P. notoginseng leaves (PNL) and P. quinquefolium leaves (PQL) extracts, respectively. PNL and PQL saponin extracts showed good antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and RAW264.7 cells. A total of 699 metabolites were identified in PNL and PQL saponin extracts, with the majority being triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids and amino acids. Fourteen ginsenosides, 18 flavonoids or alkaloids, and 16 amino acids were enriched in both saponin extracts. Overall, the utilization of saponins from medicinal plants PNL and PQL has been developed to facilitate systematic research in the functional food and natural product industries.

Comparison in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Cheonggukjang Containing Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Using Two Bacillus Genus

In this study, the nutrients, phytochemicals (including isoflavone and ginsenoside derivatives), and antioxidant activities of cheonggukjang with different ratios (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) were compared and analyzed using microorganisms isolated from traditional cheonggukjang. The IDCK 30 and IDCK 40 strains were confirmed as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, based on morphological, biological, biochemical, and molecular genetic identification, as well as cell wall fatty acid composition. The contents of amino acids and fatty acids showed no significant difference in relation to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, isoflavone glycoside (such as daidzin, glycitin, and genistin) contents decreased, while aglycone (daidzein, glycitein, and genistein) contents increased. However, total ginsenoside contents were higher according to the ratio of MCG. After fermentation, ginsenoside Rg2, F2, and protopanaxadiol contents of cheonggukjang decreased. Conversely, ginsenoside Rg3 (2.5%: 56.51 → 89.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 65.56 → 94.71 μg/g, and 10%: 96.05 → 166.90 μg/g) and compound K (2.5%: 28.54 → 69.43 μg/g, 5.0%: 41.63 → 150.72 μg/g, and 10%: 96.23 → 231.33 μg/g) increased. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were higher with increasing ratios of MCG and fermentation (fermented cheonggukjang with 10% MCG: 13.60 GAE and 1.87 RE mg/g). Additionally, radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing/antioxidant power were significantly increased in fermented cheonggukjang. This study demonstrates that the quality of cheonggukjang improved, and cheonggukjang with MCG as natural antioxidants may be useful in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Exploring the antimicrobial activity of rare ginsenosides and the progress of their related pharmacological effects

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey is a precious medicinal resource that could be used to treat a variety of diseases. Saponins are the most important bioactive components of, and rare ginsenosides (Rg3, Rh2, Rk1 and Rg5, etc.) refer to the chemical structure changes of primary ginsenosides through dehydration and desugarization reactions, to obtain triterpenoids that are easier to be absorbed by the human body and have higher activity.

PURPOSE

At present, the research of P. ginseng. is widely focused on anticancer related aspects, and there are few studies on the antibacterial and skin protection effects of rare ginsenosides. This review summarizes the rare ginsenosides related to bacterial inhibition and skin protection and provides a new direction for P. ginseng research.

METHODS

PubMed and Web of Science were searched for English-language studies on P. ginseng published between January 2002 and March 2024. Selected manuscripts were evaluated manually for additional relevant references. This review includes basic scientific articles and related studies such as prospective and retrospective cohort studies.

CONCLUSION

This paper summarizes the latest research progress of several rare ginsenosides, discusses the antibacterial effect of rare ginsenosides, and finds that ginsenosides can effectively protect the skin and promote wound healing during use, so as to play an efficient antibacterial effect, and further explore the other medicinal value of ginseng. It is expected that this review will provide a wider understanding and new ideas for further research and development of P. ginseng drugs.

Ocotillol Derivatives Mitigate Retinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injury can lead to various retinal diseases. Oxidative stress is considered an important pathological event in RIR injury. Here, we designed and synthesized 34 ocotillol derivatives, then examined their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities; we found that compounds 7 (C24-R) and 8 (C24-S) were most active. To enhance their water solubility, sustained release, and biocompatibility, compounds 7 and 8 were encapsulated into liposomes for in vivo activity and mechanistic studies. In vivo studies indicated that compounds 7 and 8 protected normal retinal structure and physiological function after RIR injury, reversed damage to retinal ganglion cells, and the S-configuration exhibited significantly stronger activity compared with the R-configuration. Mechanistic studies showed that compound 8 exerted a therapeutic effect on RIR injury by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway; compound 7 did not influence this pathway. We also demonstrated that differential isomerization at the C-24 position influenced protection against RIR injury.

Mechanistic Insights into Bisphenol A-Mediated Male Infertility: Potential Role of Panax Ginseng Extract

Male infertility is identified by the inability of a man to successfully impregnate his fertile female partner, even following a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. About half of all infertility cases are attributed to what is known as "male factor" infertility. The escalating prevalence of male infertility in the contemporary era across the globe can be largely attributed to environmental pollution, which is the common etiological factor due to the ubiquitous presence of the environmental contaminants. Bisphenol A is recognized as an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has adverse effects on both male and female reproductive systems. On the other hand, numerous studies have demonstrated that Panax ginseng possessed the potential to improve male infertility parameters; promote spermatogenesis, recover the quality and motility of sperm and enhance testicular functions as it acted as a natural androgen supplement. The objective of this review is to offer a summary of the findings obtained from the current research data on the insult of bisphenol A (BPA) on male infertility and its supposed mode of action, as well as shed light on the potent ameliorative role of Panax ginseng extract, with a special focus on the mechanism behind its action. This review delivers a clear understanding of BPA mechanism of action on male infertility and the presumed risks deriving from its exposure. Also, this review provides evidence for the functional role of Panax ginseng extract in restoring male fertility.

Exploring the Potential Therapeutic Approach Using Ginsenosides for the Management of Neurodegenerative Disorders

There is a need for an efficient and long-lasting treatment due to the population's increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders. In an effort to generate fresh ideas and create novel therapeutic medications, scientists have recently started to investigate the biological functions of compounds derived from plants and herbs. Ginseng, famous Chinese herbal medicine, has therapeutic value by virtue of its compounds ginsenosides or panaxosides, which are triterpene saponins and steroid glycosides. Research revealed positive impacts on ameliorating various disease conditions and found it as a possible drug candidate. Several neuroprotection mechanisms followed by this compound are inhibition of cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and tumor activity. It has been demonstrated that controlling these mechanisms enhances cognitive performance and safeguards the brain against neurodegenerative disorders. The main objective of this review is to give a description of the most recent studies on ginsenoside's possible therapeutic application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Using organic compounds like ginseng and its various components may create new avenues for innovative treatment approaches development for neurological diseases. However, further research is necessary to confirm the stability and effectiveness of ginsenosides for neurodegenerative disease.

Ginsenoside Rh2 Regulates the Calcium/ROS/CK1α/MLKL Pathway to Promote Premature Eryptosis and Hemolysis in Red Blood Cells

Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) exhibits significant potential as an anticancer agent; however, progress in developing chemotherapeutic drugs is impeded by their toxicity toward off-target tissues. Specifically, anemia caused by chemotherapy is a debilitating side effect and can be caused by red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis and eryptosis. Cells were exposed to GRh2 in the antitumor range and hemolytic and eryptotic markers were examined under different experimental conditions using photometric and cytofluorimetric methods. GRh2 caused Ca2+-independent, concentration-responsive hemolysis in addition to disrupted ion trafficking with K+ and Cl- leakage. Significant increases in cells positive for annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate, Fluo4, and 2,7-dichlorofluorescein were noted upon GRh2 treatment coupled with a decrease in forward scatter and acetylcholinesterase activity. Importantly, the cytotoxic effects of GRh2 were mitigated by ascorbic acid and by blocking casein kinase 1α (CK1α) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) signaling. In contrast, Ca2+ omission, inhibition of KCl efflux, and isosmotic sucrose aggravated GRh2-induced RBC death. In whole blood, GRh2 selectively targeted reticulocytes and lymphocytes. Altogether, this study identified novel mechanisms underlying GRh2-induced RBC death involving Ca2+ buildup, loss of membrane phospholipid asymmetry and cellular volume, anticholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress. These findings shed light on the hematologic toxicity of GRh2 which is crucial for optimizing its utilization in cancer treatment.

Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Periodontal Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Periodontal diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions affecting oral health, are primarily driven by microbial plaque biofilm and the body's inflammatory response, leading to tissue damage and potential tooth loss. These diseases have significant physical, psychological, social, and economic impacts, necessitating effective management strategies that include early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and innovative therapeutic approaches. Recent advancements in biomanufacturing have facilitated the development of natural bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and peptides, which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regenerative properties. This review explores the biomanufacturing processes-microbial fermentation, plant cell cultures, and enzymatic synthesis-and their roles in producing these bioactive compounds for managing periodontal diseases. The integration of these natural compounds into periodontal therapy offers promising alternatives to traditional treatments, potentially overcoming issues like antibiotic resistance and the disruption of the natural microbiota, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Several major herb pairs containing Coptidis rhizoma: a review of key traditional uses, constituents and compatibility effects

Herb compatibility is the soul of traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. Coptidis rhizoma (CR) (Coptis chinensis Franch., Coptis deltoidea C.Y.Cheng et Hsiao, or Coptis teeta Wall.; family Ranunculaceae), is a well-known herb. The bitter and cold nature of CR can irritate the spleen and stomach, and certain ingredients in CR may trigger allergic reactions. Herb combinations can help alleviate the side effects caused by CR. Through data analysis and literature research, there are many herbs combined with CR have a high frequency, but only a few are currently used as formulae in clinical practice. The results showed that these six herb pairs are usually widely studied or used as prescriptions in the clinic. This paper describes the six herb pairs from the key traditional uses, changes in bioactive constituents, and compatibility effects, especially with Euodiae fructus (family Rutaceae), Scutellariae radix (family Lamiaceae), Magnoliae Officinalis cortex (family Magnoliaceae), Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma (family Fabaceae), Ginseng radix et rhizoma (family Araliaceae), and Aucklandiae radix (family Asteraceae), and found that herbs are more effective when used in combination. Therefore, it is feasible to establish some methods to study herb pairs comprehensively from different perspectives. This paper aims to provide the latest and most comprehensive information on the six herb pairs and summarize the pattern of CR compatibility effects. It aims to attract more attention, and further experimental studies will be conducted to investigate and evaluate the effects of herb pairs containing CR. These data can also provide valuable references for researchers and also provide more possibilities for future applications in clinical practice and new drug development.

Genome-wide identification and integrated analysis of the FAR1/FHY3 gene family and genes expression analysis under methyl jasmonate treatment in Panax ginseng C. A. Mey

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) is an important and valuable medicinal plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its metabolite ginsenoside is the primary active ingredient. The FAR1/FHY3 gene family members play critical roles in plant growth and development as well as participate in a variety of physiological processes, including plant development and signaling of hormones. Studies have indicated that methyl jasmonate treatment of ginseng adventitious roots resulted in a significant increase in the content of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides. Therefore, it is highly significant to screen the FAR1/FHY3 gene family members in ginseng and preliminarily investigate their expression patterns in response to methyl jasmonic acid signaling. In this study, we screened and identified the FAR1/FHY3 family genes in the ginseng transcriptome databases. And then, we analyzed their gene structure and phylogeny, chromosomal localization and expression patterns, and promoter cis-acting elements, and made GO functional annotations on the members of this family. After that, we treated the ginseng adventitious roots with 200 mM methyl jasmonate and investigated the trend of the expression of four genes containing the largest number of methyl jasmonate cis-acting elements at different treatment times. All four genes were able to respond to methyl jasmonate, the most significant change was in the PgFAR40 gene. This study provides data support for subsequent studies of this family member in ginseng and provides experimental reference for subsequent validation of the function of this family member under methyl jasmonic acid signaling.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential: Bioactive Molecules and Dietary Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis Management

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, the etiology of which is still unclear. Its hallmarks are inflammation and axonal damage. As a disease primarily impacting younger individuals, the social cost of MS is high. It has been proposed that environmental factors, smoking, and dietary habits acting on a genetic susceptibility play a role in MS. Recent studies indicate that diet can significantly influence the onset and progression of MS. This review delves into the impact of natural bioactive molecules on MS development and explores the dietary interventions that hold promise in managing the disease. Dietary patterns, including ketogenic and Mediterranean diets, are discussed. Theories about the potential mechanistic associations beneath the noted effects are also proposed. Several dietary components and patterns demonstrated the potential for a significant impact on MS. However, extensive prospective clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the role of natural bioactive molecules as disease modifiers in MS.

Mini-encyclopedia of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals protecting health in primary and secondary care-clinically relevant 3PM innovation

Despite their subordination in humans, to a great extent, mitochondria maintain their independent status but tightly cooperate with the "host" on protecting the joint life quality and minimizing health risks. Under oxidative stress conditions, healthy mitochondria promptly increase mitophagy level to remove damaged "fellows" rejuvenating the mitochondrial population and sending fragments of mtDNA as SOS signals to all systems in the human body. As long as metabolic pathways are under systemic control and well-concerted together, adaptive mechanisms become triggered increasing systemic protection, activating antioxidant defense and repair machinery. Contextually, all attributes of mitochondrial patho-/physiology are instrumental for predictive medical approach and cost-effective treatments tailored to individualized patient profiles in primary (to protect vulnerable individuals again the health-to-disease transition) and secondary (to protect affected individuals again disease progression) care. Nutraceuticals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds demonstrating health-promoting, illness-preventing, and other health-related benefits. Keeping in mind health-promoting properties of nutraceuticals along with their great therapeutic potential and safety profile, there is a permanently growing demand on the application of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals. Application of nutraceuticals is beneficial only if meeting needs at individual level. Therefore, health risk assessment and creation of individualized patient profiles are of pivotal importance followed by adapted nutraceutical sets meeting individual needs. Based on the scientific evidence available for mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals, this article presents examples of frequent medical conditions, which require protective measures targeted on mitochondria as a holistic approach following advanced concepts of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) in primary and secondary care.

Discovery of novel ocotillol derivatives modulating glucocorticoid receptor/NF-κB signaling for the treatment of sepsis

Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used in the treatment of sepsis because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, their clinical efficacy against sepsis remains controversial because of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) downregulation and side effects. Herein, we designed and synthesized 30 ocotillol derivatives and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities. Ocotillol 24(R/S) differential isomers were stereoselective in their pharmacological action. Specifically, 24(S) derivatives had better anti-inflammatory activity than their corresponding 24(R) derivatives. Compound 20 most effectively inhibited NO release (85.97% reduction), and it exerted dose-dependent inhibitory effects on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Mechanistic studies revealed that compound 20 reduces the degradation of GR mRNA and GR protein. Meanwhile, compound 20 inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, thereby inhibiting the nuclear translocation of p65 and attenuating the inflammatory response. In vivo studies revealed that compound 20 attenuated hepatic, pulmonary, and renal pathology damage in mice with sepsis and suppressed the production of inflammatory mediators. These results indicated that compound 20 is a promising lead compound for designing and developing anti-sepsis drugs.

Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the intestine, which significantly affects patients' quality of life. As a perennial plant with the homology of medicine and food, Panax ginseng is known for its substantial anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory disorders. Ginsenosides, the main bioactive compounds of P. ginseng, are recognized for their efficacy in ameliorating inflammation.

PURPOSE

Over the past decade, approximately 150 studies have investigated the effects of P. ginseng and ginsenosides on IBD treatment and new issues have arisen. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review assessing the potential roles of ginsenosides in IBD therapy.

METHOD

This manuscript strictly adheres to the PRISMA guidelines, thereby guaranteeing systematic synthesis of data. The research articles referenced were sourced from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search strategy employed keywords such as "ginsenoside", "IBD", "colitis", "UC", "inflammation", "gut microbiota", and "intestinal barrier". For image creation, Figdraw 2.0 was methodically employed.

RESULTS

Treatment with various ginsenosides markedly alleviated clinical IBD symptoms. These compounds have been observed to restore intestinal epithelia, modulate cellular immunity, regulate gut microbiota, and suppress inflammatory signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

An increasing body of research supports the potential of ginsenosides in treating IBD. Ginsenosides have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for IBD, attributed to their remarkable efficacy, safety, and absence of side effects. Nevertheless, their limited bioavailability presents a substantial challenge. Thus, efforts to enhance the bioavailability of ginsenosides represent a crucial and promising direction for future IBD research.

Ginsenosides for the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes: Therapeutic perspectives and mechanistic insights

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic disorder of energy metabolism characterized by a sustained elevation of blood glucose in conjunction with impaired insulin action in multiple peripheral tissues (i.e., insulin resistance). Although extensive research has been conducted to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of DM, its global prevalence and associated mortailty rates are still increasing, possibly because of challenges related to long-term adherence, limited efficacy, and undesirable side effects of currently available medications, implying an urgent need to develop effective and safe pharmacotherapies for DM. Phytochemicals have recently drawn attention as novel pharmacotherapies for DM based on their clinical relevance, therapeutic efficacy, and safety. Ginsenosides, pharmacologically active ingredients primarily found in ginseng, have long been used as adjuvants to traditional medications in Asian countries and have been reported to exert promising therapeutic efficacy in various metabolic diseases, including hyperglycemia and diabetes. This review summarizes the current pharmacological effects of ginsenosides and their mechanistic insights for the treatment of insulin resistance and DM, providing comprehensive perspectives for the development of novel strategies to treat DM and related metabolic complications.

Synthesis, Anti-Inflammatory Activities, and Molecular Docking Study of Novel Pyxinol Derivatives as Inhibitors of NF-κB Activation

Pyxinol, an active metabolite of ginsenosides in human hepatocytes, exhibits various pharmacological activities. Here, a series of C-3 modified pyxinol derivatives was designed and virtually screened by molecular docking with the key inflammation-related proteins of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Some of the novel derivatives were synthesized to assess their effects in inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (MtROS) in lipopolysaccharide-triggered RAW264.7 cells. Derivative 2c exhibited the highest NO and MtROS inhibitory activities with low cytotoxicity. Furthermore, 2c decreased the protein levels of interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase 2 and suppressed the activation of NF-κB signaling. Cellular thermal shift assays indicated that 2c could directly bind with p65 and p50 in situ. Molecular docking revealed that 2c's binding to the p65-p50 heterodimer and p50 homodimer was close to their DNA binding sites. In summary, pyxinol derivatives possess potential for development as NF-κB inhibitors.

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Research on the Germination Process of Panax ginseng Overwintering Buds

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a perennial plant with a long dormancy period. While some researchers employ gibberellin and other substances to stimulate premature germination, this method is limited to laboratory settings and cannot be applied to the field cultivation of ginseng. The mechanism underlying the germination of ginseng overwintering buds remains largely unexplored. Understanding the internal changes during the dormancy release process in the overwintering buds would facilitate the discovery of potential genes, metabolites, or regulatory pathways associated with it. In this study, we approximately determined the onset of dormancy release through morphological observations and investigated the process of dormancy release in ginseng overwintering buds using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Our analyses revealed that the germination process of ginseng overwintering buds is regulated by multiple plant hormones, each acting at different times. Among these, abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) serve as classical signaling molecules regulating the dormancy process, while other hormones may promote the subsequent growth of overwintering buds. Additionally, metabolic pathways associated with arginine may be involved in the dormancy release process. Polyamines synthesized downstream may promote the growth of overwintering buds after dormancy release and participate in subsequent reproductive growth. This study provides insights into the germination process of ginseng overwintering buds at the molecular level and serves as a reference for further exploration of the detailed mechanism underlying ginseng overwintering germination in the future.

Pyxinol Fatty Acid Ester Derivatives J16 against AKI by Selectively Promoting M1 Transition to M2c Macrophages

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common, multicause clinical condition that, if ignored, often progresses to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease, with a mortality rate of 40-50%. However, there is a lack of universal treatment for AKI. Inflammation is the basic pathological change of early kidney injury, and inflammation can exacerbate AKI. Macrophages are the primary immune cells involved in the inflammatory microenvironment of kidney disease. Therefore, regulating the function of macrophages is a crucial breakthrough for the AKI intervention. Our team chemically modified pyxinol, an ocotillol-type ginsenoside, to prepare PJ16 with higher solubility and bioavailability. In vitro, using a model of macrophages stimulated by LPS, it was found that PJ16 could regulate macrophage function, including inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors, promoting phagocytosis, inhibiting M1 macrophages, and promoting M1 transition to the M2c macrophage. Further investigation revealed that PJ16 may shield renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) damaged by LPS in vitro. Based on this, PJ16 was validated in the animal model of unilateral ureteral obstruction, which showed that it improves renal function and inhibits renal tissue fibrosis by decreasing inflammatory responses, reducing macrophage inflammatory infiltration, and preferentially upregulating M2c macrophages. In conclusion, our study is the first to show that PJ16 resists AKI and fibrosis by mechanistically regulating macrophage function by modulating the phenotypic transition from M1 to M2 macrophages, mainly M2c macrophages.