Ginseng-derived compounds as potential anticancer agents targeting cancer stem cells

Ginsenoside Rk1 inhibits the malignant progression of lung cancer by inactivating the INSR/PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer continues to be a primary contributor to global cancer deaths. The urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions has led researchers to explore natural compounds with potential anti-cancer properties. Ginsenoside Rk1 (Rk1), a pharmacologically active component derived from ginseng, has garnered attention for its reported anti-cancer effects, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its action against lung cancer remain poorly understood.

METHODS

This study employed a series of in vitro assays, including cell counting kit-8, cell colony formation, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, to assess the effects of Rk1 on lung cancer cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression, respectively. Bioinformatics tools such as Genecards, Swiss Target Prediction, and Cytoscape 3.9.1 were utilized for network pharmacological analysis and pathway mapping. The interaction between Rk1 and INSR was analyzed using a cellular thermal shift assay. Animal experiment was performed to validate the effect of Rk1 and INSR overexpression on the malignant progression of lung cancer cells.

RESULTS

Rk1 treatment significantly inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inducing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Importantly, we identified insulin receptor (INSR) as a pivotal target of Rk1. Notably, INSR expression was found to be upregulated in lung cancer tissues and cells. In addition, Rk1 treatment heat-stabilized INSR and reduced its protein expression in A549 cells. Depletion of INSR mimicked the inhibitory effects of Rk1, whereas overexpression of INSR mitigated these effects. Furthermore, Rk1 inactivated the PI3K/AKT pathway through the regulation of INSR. Further, INSR overexpression attenuated Rk1 treatment-induced inhibitory effect on the malignant progression of lung cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

This study provided novel insights into the molecular mechanisms by which Rk1 exerted its anti-cancer effects in lung cancer, specifically through targeting the INSR/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings not only contributed to the understanding of Rk1's therapeutic potential but also offered a rationale for its further development as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of lung cancer. The identification of INSR as a key target represents a significant advancement in the field, highlighting the importance of natural compounds in modern cancer therapy.

Ginseng Soluble Dietary Fiber Reverses Obesity via the PPAR/AMPK Signaling Pathway and Improves Intestinal Flora in Mice

BACKGROUND

Ginseng soluble dietary fiber (GSDF) has been shown to have good physicochemical properties; however, its in vivo benefits in obesity are yet to be fully elucidated.

METHODS

To explore this, C57BL/6J obese mice were given metformin hydrochloride and different doses of GSDF for 60 days. The levels of blood lipids and inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA, and the pathological alterations were detected through the application of HE staining. The level of adipose tissue protein in epididymis was detected by Western blotting and through the effects of 16S rRNA sequencing on gut microbiota.

RESULTS

The results showed that GSDF significantly improved basal physiological indices, lipid levels, and serum cytokine levels in the obese mice. GSDF increased the expression levels of PPAR-γ, AMPK, and P-AMPK proteins, and lowered the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and other proteins in the adipose tissues of the epididymis, in turn inhibiting adipogenesis and ameliorating lipid metabolism disorders. By lowering the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut and altering the abundance of thick-walled bacteria and mycobacterium, the abundance of species such as Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, and Faecalibaculum was altered to improve cecum health.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that GSDF may have a positive effect on growth, obesity, and cecal health in obese mice.

Exploring Ginseng Bioactive Compound's Role in Hypertension Remedy: An In Silico Approach

Background/Objectives: Ginseng has been a traditional remedy for centuries, known for its diverse benefits such as anti-inflammation, antioxidant, bactericidal, fungicidal antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. This study employs a network pharmacology approach with molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the potential mechanisms through which ginseng-derived compounds control hypertension. Methods: The total of 70 bioactive compounds were identified from the literature and classified as ginsenosides, which fall under Protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, Protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides, and Ocotillol-type saponins. The target proteins related to hypertension were collected from the drug bank, and interactions between proteins network were examined using STRING 12.0 and Cytoscape 3.10.1. Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the biological enrichment of genes. The core targets extracted through network pharmacology were subjected to molecular docking studies. Similarly, the docking score below -6.0 kcal/mol was further visualized by performing molecular dynamics simulation to see the binding affinity between the complexes. Finally, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of the compounds were evaluated using computational tools. Results: Molecular docking and simulation results revealed that Floralquinquenoside C, Ginsenoside Rg6, Notoginsenoside T1, and Floralquinquenoside B exhibited strong binding and stability with Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and Carbonic Anhydrase-I (CA-I), which alters the renin-angiotensin system, calcium signaling pathway, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, c-GMP-PKG signaling pathway, etc., to regulate high blood pressure. Conclusions: The results show that the phytochemicals from ginseng could act as potential candidates for the management of hypertension, which may help minimize the side effects caused by synthetic anti-hypertensive drugs available on the market.

Identification of Active Ingredients in Ginseng Volatile Oil: A Strategy Combining Computer Virtual Screening With Experimental Validation

BACKGROUND

Ginseng volatile oil (GVO) is a valuable active ingredient in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) with high research potential. Drying procedures alter the real composition of the fresh material, for example, the evaporation of compounds with low boiling point. In this study, the composition of volatile oil in fresh ginseng (FG), sun-dried ginseng (SDG), and red ginseng (RD) was systematically analyzed to clarify the dominant components of FG and their potential pharmacological effects, which provides a basis for application and development of FG.

METHODOLOGY

GVO was obtained through water vapor distillation and analyzed using GC-MS. Pattern recognition analysis was employed to differentiate components in three processed types of ginseng. Based on this analysis, the active ingredients and key targets were screened. The binding mode and affinity were verified using molecular docking technology. Finally, the anticancer activity of GVO was verified by cell experiments.

RESULTS

A total of 53 components were identified in three processed types of ginseng by GC-MS. Among them, 32 differential components were screened by pattern recognition analysis. Ultimately, 6 active ingredients (panaxydol, nerolidyl acetate, falcarinol, cis-β-farnesene, γ-elemene, and β-elemene) and 15 key targets were determined by network pharmacology analysis. Molecular docking results revealed that β-elemene exhibited a higher affinity with EGFR, ESR1, and ERK2. Cell experiments indicated that GVO promotes apoptosis in cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

This research proposed a strategy that integrated "component detection-virtual multitarget screening-active component prediction-experimental verification" to expedite the identification of active ingredients, providing insights for application of FG and the development of functional products.

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.