Brief Challenges on Medicinal Plants: An Eye-Opening Look at Ageing-Related Disorders

Berberine: Pharmacological Features in Health, Disease and Aging

BACKGROUND

Berberine is the main active compound of different herbs and is defined as an isoquinoline quaternary botanical alkaloid found in barks and roots of numerous plants. It exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects. Berberine has antibacterial activity against a variety of microbiota, including many bacterial species, protozoa, plasmodia, fungi, and trypanosomes.

OBJECTIVE

This review describes the role of berberine and its metabolic effects. It also discusses how it plays a role in glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, weight loss, how it modulates the gut microbiota, and what are its antimicrobial properties along with its potential side effects with maximal tolerable dosage.

METHODS

Representative studies were considered and analyzed from different scientific databases, including PubMed and Web of Science, for the years 1982-2022.

RESULTS

Literature analysis shows that berberine affects many biochemical and pharmacological pathways that theoretically yield a positive effect on health and disease. Berberine exhibits neuroprotective properties in various neurodegenerative and neuropsychological ailments. Despite its low bioavailability after oral administration, berberine is a promising tool for several disorders. A possible hypothesis would be the modulation of the gut microbiome. While the evidence concerning the aging process in humans is more limited, preliminary studies have shown positive effects in several models.

CONCLUSION

Berberine could serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of several diseases. Previous literature has provided a basis for scientists to establish clinical trials in humans. However, for obesity, the evidence appears to be sufficient for hands-on use.

Antioxidative Impact of Phenolics-Loaded Nanocarriers on Cytoskeletal Network Remodeling of Invasive Cancer Cells

Natural phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties owing to their free radical-scavenging capability. The combined effect of a mixture of phenolic compounds has been studied; however, the detailed investigation for finding a correlation between single phenolic molecules and antioxidant activity has not been explored. Herein, we revealed that the number of phenolic hydroxyl groups in phenolics played a central role in their antioxidant capacity. Based on the finding, tannic acid showed the most effective antioxidant potential, e.g., 76% in tannic acid versus 22% in vitamin C as a standard antioxidant component. Because cancer progression is closely related to oxidative processes at the cellular level, we further applied the surface treatment of tannic acid drug-delivery nanocarriers. Tannic acid-loaded nanocarriers reduced reactive oxygen species of cancer cells as much as 41% of vehicle treatment and remodeled cytoskeletal network. By a gelatin degradation study, TA-loaded nanocarrier-treated cells induced 44.6% reduction of degraded area than vehicle-treated cells, implying a potential of blocking invasiveness of cancer cells.

Anticancer activity of broccoli, its organosulfur and polyphenolic compounds

The use of natural bioactive constituents from various food sources for anticancer purposes has become increasingly popular worldwide. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is on the top of the consumed vegetables by the masses. Its raw matrix contains a plethora of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates and phenolic compounds, along with rich amounts of vitamins, and minerals. Consumption of broccoli-derived phytochemicals provides strong antioxidant effects, particularly due to its sulforaphane content, while modulating numerous molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, control of apoptosis, and tuning enzyme activity. Thus, the inclusion of broccoli in the daily diet lowers the susceptibility to developing cancers. Numerous studies have underlined the undisputable role of broccoli in the diet as a chemopreventive raw food, owing to the content in sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate produced as a result of hydrolysis of precursor glucosinolates called glucoraphanin. This review will provide evidence supporting the specific role of fresh florets and sprouts of broccoli and its key bioactive constituents in the prevention and treatment of different cancers; a number of studies carried out in the in vitro and in vivo conditions as well as clinical trials were analyzed.

Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in rats with hyperlipidaemia

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is a common dietary supplement used by people with dyslipidaemia worldwide to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many studies have found that GBE itself has a variety of pharmacological activities. However, the role of GBE as an adjunct to conventional therapy with chemical drugs remains controversial. Therefore, this study explored the additional benefits of GBE in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia with statins in terms of both pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. A hyperlipidaemia model was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet for a long time. The animals were treated with atorvastatin only, GBE only, or a combination of atorvastatin and GBE. The results showed that statins combined with GBE could significantly improve the blood lipid parameters, reduce the liver fat content, and reduce the size of adipocytes in abdominal fat. The effect was superior to statin therapy alone. In addition, the combination has shown additional liver protection against possible pathological liver injury or statin-induced liver injury. A lipidomic study showed that GBE could regulate the abnormal lipid metabolism of the liver in hyperlipemia. When statins are combined with GBE, this callback effect introduced by GBE on endogenous metabolism has important implications for resistance to disease progression and statin resistance. Finally, in the presence of GBE, there was a significant increase in plasma statin exposure. These results all confirmed that GBE has incremental benefits as a dietary supplement of statin therapy for dyslipidaemia.

Biological active metabolites from microalgae for healthcare and pharmaceutical industries: A comprehensive review

Microalgae are photoautotrophic microorganisms which comprise of species from several phyla. Microalgae are promising in producing a varieties of products, including food, feed supplements, chemicals, and biofuels. Medicinal supplements derived from microalgae are of a significant market in which compounds such as -carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and polysaccharides such as -glucan, are prominent. Microalgae species which are commonly applied for commercial productions include Isochrysis sp., Chaetoceros (Chlorella sp.), Arthrospira sp. (Spirulina Bioactive) and many more. In this present review, microalgae species which are feasible in metabolites production are being summarized. Metabolites produced by microalgae as well as their prospective applications in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, are comprehensively discussed. This evaluation is greatly assisting industrial stakeholders, investors, and researchers in making business decisions, investing in ventures, and moving the production of microalgae-based metabolites forward.

The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions

The current review provides an up-to-date analysis of scientific data on astaxanthin (ASX) sources and experimental studies on its health benefits as a potent antioxidant in the aging process. ASX is a liposoluble carotenoid nutrient and reddish-orange pigment, naturally synthesized by numerous microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria as secondary metabolites. Provides a reddish hue to redfish and shellfish flesh that feed on ASX-producing microorganisms. The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is the most important source for its industrial bioproduction. Due to its strong antioxidant properties, numerous investigations reported that natural ASX is a more significant antioxidant agent than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene. Furthermore, several data show that ASX possesses important nutraceutical applications and health benefits, especially in healthy aging processes. However, further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the potential mechanisms through which ASX could lead to its effective role in the healthy aging process, such as supporting brain health and skin homeostasis. This review highlights the current investigations on the effective role of ASX in oxidative stress, aging mechanisms, skin physiology, and central nervous system functioning, and shows the potential clinical implications related to its consumption.

Natural Compounds and Products from an Anti-Aging Perspective

Aging is a very complex process that is accompanied by a degenerative impairment in many of the major functions of the human body over time. This inevitable process is influenced by hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental influences such as xenobiotic pollution, infectious agents, UV radiation, diet-borne toxins, and so on. Many external and internal signs and symptoms are related with the aging process and senescence, including skin dryness and wrinkles, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, etc. Oxidative stress, a consequence of the imbalance between pro- and antioxidants, is one of the main provoking factors causing aging-related damages and concerns, due to the generation of highly reactive byproducts such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species during the metabolism, which result in cellular damage and apoptosis. Antioxidants can prevent these processes and extend healthy longevity due to the ability to inhibit the formation of free radicals or interrupt their propagation, thereby lowering the level of oxidative stress. This review focuses on supporting the antioxidant system of the organism by balancing the diet through the consumption of the necessary amount of natural ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, probiotics, plants’ fibers, nutritional supplements, polyphenols, some phytoextracts, and drinking water.

Polyphenols in Metabolic Diseases

Polyphenols (PPs) are a large group of phytochemicals containing phenolic rings with two or more hydroxyl groups. They possess powerful antioxidant properties, multiple therapeutic effects, and possible health benefits in vivo and in vitro, as well as reported clinical studies. Considering their free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties, these substances can be used to treat different kinds of conditions associated with metabolic disorders. Many symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MtS), including obesity, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, elevated blood sugar, accelerating aging, liver intoxication, hypertension, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, are substantially relieved by dietary PPs. The present study explores the bioprotective properties and associated underlying mechanisms of PPs. A detailed understanding of these natural compounds will open up new opportunities for producing unique natural PP-rich dietary and medicinal plans, ultimately affirming their health benefits.

Effect of methylmercury on fetal neurobehavioral development: an overview of the possible mechanisms of toxicity and the neuroprotective effect of phytochemicals

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a global environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects. Exposure to MeHg via consumption of seafood and fish can severely impact fetal neurobehavioral development even when MeHg levels in maternal blood are as low as about 5 μg/L, which the mother tolerates well. Persistent motor dysfunctions and cognitive deficits may result from trans-placental exposure. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms of MeHg toxicity during the period of nervous system development. Although cerebellar Purkinje cells are MeHg targets, the actions of MeHg on thiol components in the neuronal cytoskeleton as well as on mitochondrial enzymes and induction of disturbances of glutamate signaling can impair extra-cerebellar functions, also at levels well tolerated by adult individuals. Numerous herbal substances possess neuroprotective effects, predominantly represented by natural polyphenolic molecules that might be utilized to develop natural drugs to alleviate neurotoxicity symptoms caused by MeHg or other Hg compounds.

Ameliorative Potential of Resveratrol in Dry Eye Disease by Restoring Mitochondrial Function

Methods

The mitochondrial dysfunction of HCE-2 human corneal epithelial cells was induced by high osmotic pressure exposure and treated with resveratrol (50 μM). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the antioxidant proteins SOD2, GPx, and SIRT1, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and ROS production. The DED mouse model was induced by 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and treated with resveratrol. The tear yield was measured by the phenol cotton thread test, the density of cup cells in the conjunctiva was measured by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and the expression levels of SIRT1, GPx, and SOD2 in lacrimal glands were detected by Western blotting.

Results

In hypertonic conditions, the apoptosis of HCE-2 cells increased, the expression of the antioxidant proteins SOD2 and GPx decreased, ROS production increased, and the expression of SIRT1 protein, an essential regulator of mitochondrial function, was downregulated. Treatment with resveratrol reversed the mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by high osmotic pressure. In the DED mouse model, resveratrol treatment promoted tear production and goblet cell number in DED mice, decreased corneal fluorescein staining, upregulated SIRT1 expression, and induced SOD2 and GPx expression in DED mice.

Conclusion

Resveratrol alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction by promoting SIRT1 expression, thus reducing ocular surface injury in mice with dry eye. This study suggests a new path against DED.

Effect of natural leaf extracts as phytomedicine in curing geriatrics

Old age is viewed as an unavoidable, undesirable, and problem-ridden phase of life. As people age, they become more susceptible to disease and disability due to various factors like low immunity, decreased functionality of cells, DNA damage, higher incidence of inflammation, etc. Healthy aging is very important. The nutrition and health of the elderly is often neglected. Nutritional interventions could play an important part in the prevention of degenerative conditions of the elderly and an improvement of their quality of life. The medicinal properties of plants are always believed for its therapeutic effect and its efficiency in treating many without adverse effects. The role of phytomedicine in aging is very crucial as it possesses important bioactive compounds and constituents (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and others) which are considered to provide anti-aging properties as well as helps in reducing age-associated problems. Some natural leaves such as Moringa oleifera, curry leaves, guava leaves, green tea, olive leaves, Ginkgo biloba, thankuni leaves, grape leaves, vasaka leaves, and kulekhara leaves are found to have therapeutic effects against diseases like cancer, diabetes, immunosuppression, hepatic damage, and neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this review aims at understanding the effectiveness of these natural products in curing the geriatric population and the mechanism by which the therapeutic effects are exerted by them.

Health Potential of Aloe vera against Oxidative Stress Induced Corneal Damage: An "In Vitro" Study

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is characterized by the gradual deterioration of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and is the most common cause of corneal transplantation worldwide. CECs apoptosis caused by oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of FECD. Antioxidant compounds have been of considerable significance as a candidate treatment in the management of corneal diseases. Based on these findings, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an aloe extract with antioxidant properties, in an “in vitro” model of FECD. Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells were preincubated with aloe extract 100 μg/mL, two hours before hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) stimulus. H₂O₂ challenge significantly reduced the cell viability, increased the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, m-RNA expression and activity of Nrf-2, Catalase and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were reduced together with an enhanced expression of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Furthermore, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 expression were down-regulated while Bax was up-regulated by H₂O₂ stimulus. Aloe extract blunted the oxidative stress-induced inflammatory cascade triggered by H₂O₂ and modulated apoptosis. Aloe extract defends HCE cells from H₂O₂-induced injury possibly due its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, indicating that eye drops containing aloe extract may be used as an adjunctive treatment for FECD.

New Insight into the Mechanisms of Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Vascular Aging Prevention

BACKGROUND

Aging-associated vascular dysfunction promotes cardiovascular diseases. Recently, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has attracted considerable attention in the prevention of aged vasculature.

METHODS

This review discusses the pathophysiological alterations in aged vasculature and the underlying mechanisms of GBE in vascular aging suppression.

RESULTS

Both arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction are critical aging-related vascular phenotypes that result in the progression of cardiovascular diseases in the general population. Consistent oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction lead to vascular dysfunction. GBE ameliorates aging-related vascular dysfunction, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The main effects of GBE in aged vasculature might be associated with the longevity signaling pathways. GBE also attenuates the progression of vascular aging in diabetes mellitus via regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

GBE plays an important role in the prevention of vascular aging process. It is a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate aging-related vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.

Assessing the Impact of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) on Growth Performance, Anti-Oxidative, and Immune Activities in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

In this study, the basal diet was supplemented with ethanolic extract of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and the possible effects on growth performance, anti-oxidative, and immune activities of grass carp were evaluated. Fish with initial weight 1.23 ± 0.11 g were randomly divided into four groups (triplicates) and fed purslane extract at 0% (T0), 0.5% (T1), 1% (T2), and 1.5% (T3) for 56 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the results showed that growth parameters were enhanced in T1 groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Lipase activity in T1 and T2 groups increased, whereas no significant changes were noticed in cases of amylase and protease activities (P>0.05). Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were enhanced in all groups fed the supplemented diets in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). However, no significant alteration was noticed in the case of glutathione peroxidase activity following the administration of purslane extract (P>0.05). A significant increase in total immunoglobulin level was noted in the T1 group, but lysozyme activity was higher in T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of grass carp diet with the purslane ethanolic extract, especially at 0.5%, can improve growth performance, lipase activity, the antioxidant enzyme activities as well as the immune response of grass carp fingerlings.

Production of Vegetables and Artichokes Is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality: An Ecological Study

Mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), including cerebrovascular disease (CED) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD), was considerably different in eight municipalities of the province of Castellón, Community of Valencia (Spain) during the period of 1991-2011. In addition, these villages showed differences in agricultural practices and production. Since high vegetable consumption has been linked to decreased all-cause, CVD, and CED mortalities, we hypothesized that the diversity in vegetable and artichoke production, used as proxies for their consumption, could be associated with the diversity of mortality rates. In order to test our hypothesis, we estimated the smoothed standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of CVD, CED, and IHD mortalities and a directed, age-adjusted mortality rate (AMR). We used a multilevel linear regression analysis to account for the ecological nature of our study. After adjustment, the CVD and CED SMRs were inversely associated with vegetable and artichoke production, with a reduction in SMRs for CVD: -0.19 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] -0.31 to -0.07) and -0.42 (95% CI -0.70 to -0.15) per hectare/10³ inhabitants, respectively. The SMRs for CED also decreased: -0.68 (95% CI -1.61 to -0.19) and -1.47 (95% CI -2.57 to -0.36) per hectare/10³ inhabitants, respectively. The SMRs for IHD were not associated with vegetal and artichoke production. When the directed AMR was used, CED mortality was consistent with the previous results, whereas the CVD mortality association was lost. Our results indicate that vegetable and artichoke production may act as protective factors of CED and CVD mortalities.

Arsenic intoxication: general aspects and chelating agents

Arsenic (As) is widely used in the modern industry, especially in the production of pesticides, herbicides, wood preservatives, and semiconductors. The sources of As such as contaminated water, air, soil, but also food, can cause serious human diseases. The complex mechanism of As toxicity in the human body is associated with the generation of free radicals and the induction of oxidative damage in the cell. One effective strategy in reducing the toxic effects of As is the usage of chelating agents, which provide the formation of inert chelator–metal complexes with their further excretion from the body. This review discusses different aspects of the use of metal chelators, alone or in combination, in the treatment of As poisoning. Consideration is given to the therapeutic effect of thiol chelators such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonate, 2,3-dimercaptopropanol, penicillamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and other recent agents against As toxicity. The review also considers the possible role of flavonoids, trace elements, and herbal drugs as promising natural chelating and detoxifying agents.

Bioactive potential of fruit and vegetable wastes

Fruits and vegetables are essential for human nutrition, delivering a substantial proportion of vitamins, minerals, and fibers in our daily diet. Unfortunately, half the fruits and vegetables produced worldwide end up as wastes, generating environmental issues caused mainly by microbial degradation. Most wastes are generated by industrial processing, the so-called by-products. These by-products still contain many bioactive compounds post-processing, such as macronutrients (proteins and carbohydrates) and phytochemicals (polyphenols and carotenoids). Recently, the recovery of these bioactive compounds from industry by-products has received significant attention, mainly due to their possible health benefits for humans. This chapter focuses on the bioactive potential of fruit and vegetable by-products with possible applications in the food industry (functional foods) and in the health sector (nutraceuticals).

Efficacy and Mechanism of Panax Ginseng in Experimental Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. However, effective therapeutic approaches are still limited. The disruption of blood supply triggers complicated temporal and spatial events involving hemodynamic, biochemical, and neurophysiologic changes, eventually leading to pathological disturbance and diverse clinical symptoms. Ginseng (Panax ginseng), a popular herb distributed in East Asia, has been extensively used as medicinal and nutritional supplements for a variety of disorders worldwide. In recent years, ginseng has displayed attractive beneficial effects in distinct neurological disorders including stroke, involving multiple protective mechanisms. In this article, we reviewed the literature on ginseng studies in the experimental stroke field, particularly focusing on the in vivo evidence on the preventive or therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of ginseng and ginsenosides in various stroke models of mice and rats. We also summarized the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of ginseng and ginsenosides on short- and long-term stroke outcomes.

Advantageous Extraction, Cleanup, and UHPLC-MS/MS Detection of Patulin Mycotoxin in Dietary Supplements and Herbal Blends Containing Hawberry from Crataegus spp

Patulin (PAT) is a highly genotoxic mycotoxin still found as the common contaminant of various kinds of spoiled fruits and related commodities which are often endorsed as the health-enhancing products. Thus, a fast and convenient liquid-solid extraction followed by a solid-phase cleanup with the MycoSep®228 AflaPat multifunctional column was used for the highly efficient isolation of PAT with an average recovery of 112.7% from commercial dietary supplements and herbal blends formulated with dried hawberry. Analysis of the PAT content was carried out using gradient elution with a Synergi Polar C18 column (150 × 2 mm, 4 μm) and UHPLC system equipped with a mass spectrometer. PAT was detected in all (n=14) commercial single-component dietary supplements formulated with dried hawberry belonging to Crataegus monogyna and/or Crataegus laevigata. Similarly, PAT was detected in 67% of the studied multicomponent commercial herbal blends (n=6) that contained-in addition to hawberry-different amounts of apple, chokeberry, elderberry, hibiscus, or mallow. Moreover, the PAT content was determined in the hawberry collected from the mature wild hawthorn trees belonging to three botanical species, Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Crataegus laevigata (Poiret) DC, and Crataegus rhipidophylla Gand, growing in the recreational forest areas and in the law-protected state national forest park in Poland. In conclusion, to prevent PAT accumulation and reduce the health risk of consumers in globalizing markets, the implementation of improved cultivation/processing practices of hawthorn trees and hawberry as well as increased analytical control related to the presence of PAT in dietary supplements and herbal blends formulated with fresh, dried, or frozen hawberry should be urgently recommended.

Protective Effect of Hydrogen on Sodium Iodate-Induced Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Mice

Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of AMD. Hydrogen has anti-oxidative stress and apoptotic effects on retinal injury. However, the effect of hydrogen on AMD is not clear. In this study, fundus radiography, OCT, and FFA demonstrated that HRW reduced the deposition of drusen-like structures in RPE layer, prevented retina from thinning and leakage of ocular fundus vasculature induced by NaIO₃. ERG analysis confirmed that HRW effectively reversed the decrease of a-wave and b-wave amplitude in NaIO₃-mice. Mechanistically, HRW greatly reduced the oxidative stress reaction through decreased MDA levels, increased SOD production, and decreased ROS content. The OGG1 expression was downregulated which is a marker of oxidative stress. Involvement of oxidative stress was confirmed using oxidative stress inhibitor ALCAR. Moreover, oxidative stress reaction was associated with expression of Sirt1 level and HRW significantly inhibited the downregulation of Sirt1 expression. This result was further confirmed with AICAR which restore Sirt1 expression and activity. In addition, NaIO₃-induced retinal damage was related to apoptosis via caspase 8 and caspase 9, but not the caspase 3 pathways, which led to upregulation of Bax and p53, downregulation of Bcl-2, and increase in Jc-1-positive cells in mice. However, HRW effectively reversed these effects that apoptosis induced. These results suggest that HRW protects retinal functions against oxidative stress injury through inhibiting downregulation of Sirt1 and reducing retinal apoptosis. Therefore, we speculated that hydrogen administration is a promising treatment for AMD therapy.

Panax ginseng improves glucose metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through 5' adenosine monophosphate kinase up-regulation

5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), insulin receptors and transporters are distorted in diabetes mellitus. In this study, the effect of Panax ginseng was assessed on glucose manipulating enzymes activities and gene expression of AMPK, IRA and GLUT2 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Forty male albino rats were randomly divided to four groups 10 rats of each, group I, normal control group (received saline orally); group II, normal rats received 200 mg/kg of Panax ginseng orally; group III, Streptozotocin (STZ) –induced diabetic rats and group IV, STZ-induced diabetic rats received 200 mg/kg of Panax ginseng orally. The duration of experiment was 30 days. Results showed the ability of Panax ginseng to induce a significant decrease in the blood glucose and increase in the serum insulin levels, hepatic glucokinase (GK), and glycogen synthase (GS) activities with a modulation of lipid profile besides high expression levels of AMPK, insulin receptor A (IRA), glucose transporting protein-2 (GLUT-2) in liver of diabetic rats. In conclusion, the obtained results point to the ability of Panax ginseng to improve the glucose metabolism in diabetic models.