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Yang K, Ryu T, Chung BS. A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies to Investigate the Effect of Panax ginseng on Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040841. [PMID: 37107216 PMCID: PMC10135056 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has become a major global concern, but the development of effective drugs remains a challenge despite numerous preclinical and clinical pieces of research on the effects of natural compounds. To address this, a meta-analysis was conducted on the efficacy of Panax ginseng for ALD based on preclinical studies. We identified 18 relevant studies from PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library database and evaluated their methodological quality using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation tool. We analyzed the data using I2, p-values, and fixed effects models to assess overall efficacy and heterogeneity. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that Panax ginseng treatment is effective in reducing the levels of inflammatory markers associated with hepatic injury caused by ALD in animal experiments. Additionally, the administration of Panax ginseng was found to down-regulate inflammatory cytokines and attenuate lipid metabolism in ALD. Moreover, Panax ginseng markedly improved the antioxidant systems in ALD. Therefore, we concluded that Panax ginseng has the potential to be a promising therapeutic agent for ALD. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment for patients with ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keungmo Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Tom Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Sun Chung
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju, Wonju 26426, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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Malík M, Tlustoš P. Nootropic Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees as Potential Cognitive Enhancers. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12061364. [PMID: 36987052 PMCID: PMC10056569 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plant-based nootropics are a diverse group of natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through various physiological mechanisms, especially in cases where these functions are weakened or impaired. In many cases, the nootropics enhance erythrocyte plasticity and inhibit aggregation, which improves the blood's rheological properties and increases its flow to the brain. Many of these formulations possess antioxidant activity that protects brain tissue from neurotoxicity and improves the brain's oxygen supply. They can induce the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids for constructing and repairing neurohormonal membranes. These natural compounds can potentially be present in a great variety of herbs, shrubs, and even some trees and vines. The plant species reviewed here were selected based on the availability of verifiable experimental data and clinical trials investigating potential nootropic effects. Original research articles, relevant animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials were included in this review. Selected representatives of this heterogeneous group included Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim., Ginkgo biloba L., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Paullinia cupana Kunth, Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The study provides brief descriptions of the representative species, their occurrence, history, and the chemical composition of the principle medicinal compounds, with uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosages, possible side effects, and contraindications. Most plant nootropics must be taken at optimal doses for extended periods before measurable improvement occurs, but they are generally very well tolerated. Their psychoactive properties are not produced by a single molecule but by a synergistic combination of several compounds. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits.
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Zhao W, Peng D, Li W, Chen S, Liu B, Huang P, Wu J, Du B, Li P. Probiotic-fermented Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi alleviates alcoholic liver injury by enhancing antioxidant defense and modulating gut microbiota. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:6877-6888. [PMID: 35655427 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (PL) has been used in China to detoxify alcohol and protect the liver for millennia, though its mechanism of liver protection has not been elucidated. However, fermentation is considered to be one of the effective ways to enhance the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective mechanism of probiotic-fermented PL (FPL). Sprague Dawley rats were administered with FPL followed by gavage of alcohol for seven consecutive days; following that, liver injury levels were evaluated in rats. RESULTS FPL ameliorated lipid accumulation and inflammation levels in rats. Meanwhile, the levels of ethanol dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and cytochrome P4502E1 were elevated by FPL treatment. It was observed that the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were elevated, and the expression of nuclear transcriptional factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 genes and proteins were increased by FPL treatment, demonstrating that the Nrf2-mediated signal pathway was activated. Furthermore, FPL restored the composition of the gut microbiota with an increase in the abundances of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus and a decrease in the abundances of Bacteroidota and Akkermansia. Additionally, a strong correlation was found between the gut microbiota and the antioxidant parameters. CONCLUSION The results indicate that FPL possesses an excellent protective effect in alcoholic liver injury. Our findings are beneficial to the development of hepatoprotective nutraceuticals for alcoholics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhao
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Peng
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Li
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suiying Chen
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingxi Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junsong Wu
- Guangzhou Songyuan Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Du
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Li
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu Y, Xia K, Liu S, Wang W, Li G. Ginseng as a Key Immune Response Modulator in Chinese Medicine: From Antipandemic History to COVID-19 Management. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 51:19-34. [PMID: 36419254 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x23500027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine storm plays an indispensable role in the severe and critical illness and death of the COVID-19 vulnerable population. Thus, suppressing the cytokine storm is of great significance. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese herb originally used for improving physiological conditions and ameliorating disease. Common throughout the history of ancient Chinese medicine is utilizing ginseng as a major ingredient to successfully fight various pandemics, and the most famous decoction is Renshen Baidu powder. In recent years, ginseng has been observed to provide preventive and therapeutic benefits in the treatment of various conditions by suppressing hyper-inflammation, inhibiting virus intrusion, and balancing the host's immunity. This paper summarizes the ancient Chinese medicine books' recordings of, the clinical practice of, and the laboratory exploration of ginseng for the treatment of pandemics and COVID-19. Ginseng and its active ingredients were found to downregulate inflammatory cytokines, upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines, stimulate the secretion of the antiviral cytokine IFN-[Formula: see text], prevent viral entry and replication, and improve viral clearance. Furthermore, ginseng modulates both natural and acquired immunity during viral infection. Collectively, we propose that ginseng can act as a key immune response modulator against the cytokine storm of COVID-19. This paper may provide a new approach to discover specific medications using ginseng to combat COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyi Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P. R. China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Kun Xia
- Department of Respiratory, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P. R. China
| | - Shixu Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P. R. China
| | - Guangxi Li
- Department of Respiratory, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, P. R. China
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Wang DS, Wang JM, Zhang FR, Lei FJ, Wen X, Song J, Sun GZ, Liu Z. Ameliorative Effects of Malonyl Ginsenoside from Panax ginseng on Glucose-Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Resistance via IRS1/PI3K/Akt and AMPK Signaling Pathways in Type 2 Diabetic Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:863-882. [PMID: 35282802 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study has revealed that malonyl-ginsenosides from Panax ginseng (PG-MGR) play a crucial role in the treatment of T2DM. However, its potential mechanism was still unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic mechanisms of action of PG-MGR in high fat diet-fed (HFD) and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and determined the main constituents of PG-MGR responsible for its anti-diabetic effects. Our results showed that 16 malonyl ginsenosides were identified in PG-MGR by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. PG-MGR treatment significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and improved insulin resistance and glucose tolerance. Simultaneously, PG-MGR treatment improved liver injury by decreasing aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) expression. Furthermore, Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ACC/ACC and GLUT4 in liver and skeletal muscle were significantly up-regulated after PG-MGR treatment, and the protein expression levels of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, Fas and SREBP-1c were significantly reduced. These findings revealed that PG-MGR has the potential to improve glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance by activating the IRS-1/PI3K/AKT and AMPK signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sheng Wang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Mei Wang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Rui Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Jie Lei
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wen
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Jia Song
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Zhi Sun
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
| | - Zhi Liu
- College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, P. R. China
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Je J, Song M, Baek JH, Kang JS, Chung HJ, Lee K, Park SW, Kim HJ. Combined Water Extracts from Oxidation-Treated Leaves and Branches of Hovenia dulcis Has Anti-Hangover and Liver Protective Effects in Binge Alcohol Intake of Male Mice. Nutrients 2021; 13:4404. [PMID: 34959956 PMCID: PMC8707081 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hovenia dulcis, known as the oriental raisin tree, is used for food supplements and traditional medicine for the liver after alcohol-related symptoms. However, little information exists about the use of its leaves and branches. In this study, we established a method to use the leaves and branches to develop anti-hangover treatment and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Oxidation-treated leaves (OL) exhibited high antioxidant content comparable to that of the peduncles and showed an anti-hangover effect in male mice. The branch extract (BE) was enriched in the flavonoid catechin, approximately five times more than OL extract. The mixture of OL and BE (OLB) was formulated in a 2:1 ratio with frozen-dried extract weight and was tested for anti-hangover effects and protective properties against binge alcohol-induced liver injury. OLB showed better anti-hangover effect than OL. In addition to this anti-hangover effect, OLB protected the liver from oxidative/nitrosative damage induced by binge alcohol intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Je
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University Medical School, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Korea;
| | - Miyoung Song
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University Medical School, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Korea; (M.S.); (J.H.B.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Ji Hyeong Baek
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University Medical School, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Korea; (M.S.); (J.H.B.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Jae Soon Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University Medical School, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Korea; (M.S.); (J.H.B.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Hye Jin Chung
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Gyeongnam, Korea;
| | - Kwonsu Lee
- Malgeunsan Agricultural Union Corp., 991 Wolasan-ro, Munsan-eup, Jinju 52839, Gyeongnam, Korea;
| | - Sang Won Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University Medical School, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Korea;
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Anti-Aging Bio Cell Factory Regional Leading Research Center, Gyeongsang National University Medical School, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beongil, Jinju 52727, Gyeongnam, Korea; (M.S.); (J.H.B.); (J.S.K.)
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