- 1. [Application of dannang recipe no. 2 in the perioperative stage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy].
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the significance of application of Dannang Recipe No. 2 (DNR2), a Chinese herbal preparation, in the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
METHODS:
Three hundred and sixty patients with LC were randomly assigned to two groups, 180 in each group. The treatment group was treated with DNR2 in the perioperative period, one dose of the recipe composed of aucklandia root 10 g, red peony root 15 g, giant knotweed rhizome 10 g, scutellaria root 10 g, honeysuckle flower 15 g, forsythia fruit 10 g, rhubarb 9 g, immature bitter orange 10 g, magnolia bark 10 g, peach kernel 10 g, red sage root 20 g and licorice root 4 g, which was boiled with water and taken one dose per day, starting from the previous night of operation. The control group was treated by antibiotic with Ceftizoxime sodium 2.0 g or Levofloxacin 200 mg via intravenous dripping once 0.5 h before operation preventively and 1-3 days after operation according to patients' condition. The indexes, including recovery time of borborygmus, gas elimination and defecation, post-operation body temperature, days needing fluid transfusion, hospitalization time, incidence of infectious complication, as well as the white blood cell counting (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) before and after operation, were analyzed and compared between groups.
RESULTS:
The recovery time of borborygmus, gas elimination and defecation were shorter in the treatment group as compared with that in the control group (10.42 +/- 4.38 h vs. 17.11 +/- 6.25 h, 15.60 +/- 5.03 h vs. 32.74 +/- 9.43 h and 38.81 +/- 9.87 h vs. 56.09 +/- 11.00 h, respectively) and all the other indexes were better in the treatment group than those in the control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), except the incidence of postoperative infectious complication, it was similar in the two groups.
CONCLUSION:
Application of DNR2 in perioperative stage of laparoscopic cholecystectomy can effectively promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal motility and suppress the occurrence of acute inflammation....(more)
Xu L, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008 Dec;28(12):1090-2. Chinese.
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- 2. [Effect of Tangyikang in improving the function of pancreatic islet beta cells in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes mellitus in adults].
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect and mechanism of Tangyikang (TYK) for improving pancreatic islet beta cell function in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes mellitus in adults (LADA).
METHODS:
Seventy-four LADA patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The 37 patients in the treatment group were treated with TYK decoction (one dose consisted of red ginseng 10 g, milkvetch root 30 g, lilyturf root 15 g, wild weed 10 g, coptis root 15 g, cape-jasmine fruit 10 g, giant knotweed rhizome 10 g, safflower 10 g and moutan bark 10 g) combined with insulin therapy, and the 37 in the control group treated with insulin therapy alone, and the course for all was 3 months. Changes of glycosylated hemoglobin, index of pancreatic islet beta-cell function (delta CP(2h)/delta BS(2h)), serum interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were observed before and after treatment.
RESULTS:
All the above-mentioned indexes were improved after treatment in both groups, the post-treatment data showed significant difference between groups in delta CP(2h)/delta BS(2h), (0.258 +/- 0.106 vs 0.168 +/- 0.054, higher in the treatment group, t = 4.626, P < 0.01), but with insignificant difference in glycosylated hemoglobin (t = 0.441, P = 0.660). Besides, the dosage of insulin used in the treatment group was less than that in the control group (t = -4.169, P < 0.01); covariance analysis showed, through excluding impact of different dosages insulin used, IL- 4 level was higher (F = 24.217, P < 0.01) and IFN-gamma level was lower (F = 14.198, P < 0.01) in the treatment group than those in the control group.
CONCLUSIONS:
TYK could improve the function of islet beta-cell, its possible mechanism is related with the regulation on cell immunity and the correction of T-lymphocyte subsets (Th1/Th2 ratio) imbalance....(more)
Xu XW, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008 Oct;28(10):882-5. Chinese.
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- 3. [Analysis depending uniform design on the major herbs in qushi huayu compound for anti-hepatic lipotoxicity].
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the major herbs in Qushi Huayu Compound (QHC) or its various assembles on the fatty deposition and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion induced by free fatty acid (FFA) of human hepatic cancer cell line (HepG2) in vitro, for investigating the analytic methods in seeking the basic material in Chinese compound relevant to the pharmacological effect.
METHODS:
The HepG2 cellular model of fatty deposition and TNF-alpha secretion induced by FFA and seropharmacological technique were adopted. Taking triglyceride (TG) and TNF-alpha inhibitory effect as the indexes of investigation, the effects of 10 combinations assembled by uniform design U1(11) (11(10)) form with drugs chosen from the five herbs in the QHC (oriental wormwood, cape-jasmine fruit, giant knotweed rhizome, Japanese St. John's wort herb and curcuma) were screened to seek the major herbs or optimal combination, which were then validated by grouping in interval.
RESULTS:
High dosage combination of oriental wormwood and Japanese St. John's wort herb remarkably reduced the TG and TNF-alpha content in the model cells, with the effect insignificantly different from the whole compound. Moreover, single use of oriental wormwood showed a similar effect.
CONCLUSION:
Oriental wormwood and its combination with Japanese St. John's wort herb are the major herb/optimum combination in QHC for inhibiting fatty deposition and TNF-alpha secretion in hepatic lipo-toxicity model. The major herb or optimal combination in a certain Chinese compound acted on some sticking point could be discovered by adopting uniform design and pharmacodynamics analytic technique....(more)
Chen SD, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008 May;28(5):421-5. Chinese.
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- 4. Emodin azide methyl anthraquinone derivative triggers mitochondrial-dependent cell apoptosis involving in caspase-8-mediated Bid cleavage.
AMAD, an emodin azide methyl anthraquinone derivative, was extracted from the nature giant knotweed rhizome of traditional Chinese herbs. Here, we investigated the anticancer activities and signaling pathways implicated in AMAD-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-453 and human lung adenocarcinoma Calu-3 cells. AMAD was found to have a potent cytotoxic effect on both cell lines. Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining exhibited the typical nuclear features of apoptosis and increased the proportion of apoptotic Annexin V-positive cells in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. Moreover, this apoptotic induction was associated with a collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activated caspases (cysteine aspartase) cascade involving in caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage in a concentration-dependent manner. It was noteworthy that AMAD also effectively cleaved Bid, a BH3 domain-containing proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member, and induced the subsequent release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol. Furthermore, suppression of caspase-8 activity with Z-IETD-FMK partially inhibited release of cytochrome c and Bid cleavage induced by AMAD, whereas exposure to Z-LETD-FMK, a caspase-9 inhibitor, had no effect. Additionally, there was significant change in other mitochondrial membrane proteins triggered by AMAD, such as Bcl-xl and Bad. It was intriguing that AMAD decreased the generation of reactive oxygen species in both cell lines. DNA-binding assay exhibited apoptosis induced by AMAD was not involved in intercalating to DNA. Taken together, these data suggested that AMAD induced apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway involving caspase-8/Bid activation in both cell lines....(more)
Yan Y, et al. Mol Cancer Ther 2008 Jun;7(6):1688-97.
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- 5. [Effect of assorted use of Chinese drugs for detoxifying and activating blood circulation on serum high sensitive C-reactive protein in apolipoprotein E gene knock-out mice].
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the regulatory effect of assorted use of Chinese drugs for detoxifying and activating blood circulation on serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in apolipoprotein E gene knock-out [ApoE (-/-)] mice.
METHODS:
ApoE (-/-) mice of 13-week old were devided into two groups, 12 in Group A fed with common forage and 98 in Group B with high lipid forage. Besides, 12 C57 BL/6J mice, 13-week old, were set as Group C fed with common forage. After being fed for 19 weeks, and the formation of vulnerable plaque had been confirmed in 2 mice of Group B, the other 96 mice were sub-divided into 8 groups, 12 in each group. Except that 0.4 mL normal saline was infused to the Group B1 as well as Group A and C, the other 7 sub-groups of Group B were respectively medicated with various drugs as follows: B2, Polydatin (PD, an extract from giant knotweed rhizome for detoxicating) 26. 6 mg/kg; B3, Xiongshao Capsule (XS, a Chinese herbal preparation for activating blood circulation), 110 mg/kg; B4, PD 53.2 mg/kg + XS 220 mg/kg; B5, PD 26. 6 mg/kg + XS 110 mg/kg; B6, PD 13.3 mg/kg + XS 55 mg/kg; B7, Lovastatin 3.3 mg/kg; and B8, Xuezhikang (XZK, a Chinese patent drug) 0.2 g/kg, all were administered by dissolving in 0.4 mL of distilled water for gastrogavage. The serum contents of hs-CRP were detected, with blood sample drawing from inferior vena cava, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 17 weeks after medication.
RESULTS:
The hs-CRP level was significantly higher in Group B1 than in Groups A and C (P <0.05, P <0.01). Comparisons between various sub-groups of Group B in hs-CRP content showed that hs-CRP in Group B2, B4 and B7 was lower than that in B1 (P <0.01), hs-CRP in Group B4 was the lowest, and hs-CRP was lower in Group B2 than in Group B3.
CONCLUSION:
Assorted use of Chinese drugs for detoxifying and activating blood circulation could reduce serum hs-CRP level in ApoE (-/-) mice....(more)
Zhang JC, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008 Apr;28(4):330-3. Chinese.
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- 6. [Effects of some active ingredients of Chinese drugs for activating blood circulation and detoxicating on blood lipids and atherosclerotic plaque inflammatory reaction in ApoE-gene knockout mice].
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of active ingredients from Chinese drugs for activating blood circulation and detoxicating, including notoginseng saponins (drug 1), Coptis chinensis (drug 2), giant knotweed rhizome (drug 3) and rhubarb (drug 4), on blood lipids and inflammatory reaction of aortic atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE knockout mice.
METHODS:
ApoE knockout mice were fed with high-fat diet for 26 weeks, then they were randomized into 6 groups, the untreated model group and the test groups treated with various test drugs respectively. After ending the 13 weeks of treatment, all the mice were sacrificed with their blood lipids detected, and their heart and aorta were taken out to make slices with paraffin embedding. Four sections from aortic root of each mouse were chosen to measure and calculate the percentage of lipid core (LC) in the total area of plaque (TP) and the lipid/collagen ratio (L/C) in the plaque by HE and Movat staining respectively, and the mean value of the four sections was taken for analysis. The expressions of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in mice's aorta root were determined by immunohistochemical staining as well.
RESULTS:
After being treated for 13 weeks, either the percentage of LC in TP and the L/C ratio was significantly lower in all the test drug treated groups than those in the model group, respectively (P < 0.01), especially prominent in the group treated with drug 3. Although lowering of the two indexes presented in all the 3 groups treated by drug 1, 2 and 3, significant difference still presented between drug 3 treated group vs drug 1 and 2 treated group (P < 0.05). As for the expressions of GM-CSF and TNF-alpha, in comparing with the untreated model group, significant decreasing of the TNF-alpha showed only in the drug 4 treated group, while that of GM-CSF could be found in all the test drug treated groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
All the 4 drugs tested in the recommended dosage can stabilize the vulnerable plaques in ApoE knockout mice by improving the constitution of plaque, among them, drug 3 and 4, the drugs possess both the actions of activating blood circulation and detoxicating, show more significant effect, and their mechanisms may be related to their actions in regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory reaction....(more)
Zhou MX, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2008 Feb;28(2):126-30. Chinese.
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- 7. Selection of component drug in activating blood flow and removing blood stasis of Chinese herbal medicinal formula for dairy cow mastitis by hemorheological method.
OBJECTIVE:
In order to select the component drug in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis of Chinese herbal medicinal formula for dairy cow mastitis.
METHODS:
25 healthy rabbits were allocated randomly into five equal groups. The rabbits in four experimental groups were administered with decoctions of giant knotweed rhizome (GKR, rhizoma polygoni cuspidati), safflower (SF, flos carthami), red sage root (RSR, radix salviae miltiorrhizae) and chuanxiong rhizome (CXR, rhizoma Chuanxiong) by gastrogavage, respectively, in control group, physiological saline, once a day for seven successive days. After the last administration, all rabbits were intravenously injected with 10% macromolecular dextran to induce blood stasis. The blood samples of all rabbits were collected before the first administration, at 2h after the last administration and 1h after injection of dextran, respectively for determination of hemorheologic parameters by MVIS-2035 hemorheology auto-analyzing system.
RESULTS:
The results showed that all of four kinds of herbs presented different degree of activating blood flow and removing blood stasis.
CONCLUSION:
Red sage root was the best especially in resisting blood stasis induced by dextran, and would be selected as main component drug of the prescription for dairy cow mastitis....(more)
Lu Y, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2008 Mar 5;116(2):313-7.
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- 8. [Use W303-1A/hER-ERE-Lac Z to determine estrogenic compounds in traditional Chinese materia medica].
OBJECTIVE:
To study the content of phytoestrogen in dissimilarity herbs.
METHOD:
The activity of phytoestrogen in heat-clearing drugs, drugs for relieving exterior syndrome, diuretic, anastaltics, tonics and astringents were detected based on the recombinant yeast cell (W303-1A/hER-ERE-Lac Z). The estrogenic activity in traditional Chinese materia medica were assayed quantitatively by determining the expression of beta-galactosidase.
RESULT:
The phytoestrogen concentration (6.35 x 10(-3) nmol x g(-1) E2 equivalent) in heat-clearing drugs was the highest while that in anastaltic and tonic drugs was the lowest, which was less than the detected limit.
CONCLUSION:
Compared with the other traditional Chinese materia medica, the content of phytoestrogen, which can bind to estrogen receptor, in giant knotweed rhizome, forsythia suspense, ash bark, baical skullcap root and ophiopogonis tuber were higher....(more)
Zhu PT, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2007 Dec;32(24):2636-9. Chinese.
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- 9. Effect of enteral feeding with ginger extract in acute respiratory distress syndrome.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of an enteral diet enriched with ginger extract on inflammatory factors, respiratory profile, and outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Thirty-two patients with ARDS were randomized to receive a high-protein enteral diet enriched with ginger or placebo. Serum levels of interleukin (IL) 1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and leukotriene B4; red blood cell glutathione; oxygenation; and static compliance were measured on days 0, 5, and 10.
RESULTS:
Patients fed enteral diet enriched with ginger had significantly lower serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α and higher level of RBC glutathione on days 5 and 10 compared with control group (P < .05). Significant improvement in oxygenation was observed on day 5 (P = .02) and 10 (P = .003) in ginger group compared with control group. Static compliance was increased on day 5 (P = .01) in ginger group compared with control group. A significant difference was found in duration of mechanical ventilation (P = .02) and length of intensive care unit stay (P = .04) in favor of ginger group. We did not find any difference in barotraumas, organ failure, and mortality between the study groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
An enteral diet supplemented with ginger in patients with ARDS may be beneficial for gas exchange and could decrease duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in intensive care unit.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved....(more)
Vahdat Shariatpanahi Z, et al. J Crit Care 2013 Apr;28(2):217.e1-6.
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- 10. Ginger extract and zingerone ameliorated trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis in mice via modulation of nuclear factor-κB activity and interleukin-1β signalling pathway.
Ginger is a commonly used spice with anti-inflammatory potential. Colitis is the common pathological lesion of inflammatory bowel diseases. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of ginger and its component zingerone in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Ginger and zingerone ameliorated TNBS-induced colonic injury in a dose-dependent manner. Pathway analysis of ginger- and zingerone-regulated gene expression profiles showed that ginger and zingerone significantly regulated cytokine-related pathways. Network analysis showed that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were key molecules involved in the expression of ginger- and zingerone-affected genes. Ex vivo imaging and immunohistochemical staining further verified that ginger and zingerone suppressed TNBS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-1β protein level in the colon. In conclusion, ginger improved TNBS-induced colitis via modulation of NF-κB activity and IL-1β signalling pathway. Moreover, zingerone might be the active component of ginger responsible for the amelioration of colitis induced by TNBS....(more)
Hsiang CY, et al. Food Chem 2013 Jan 1;136(1):170-7.
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- 11. Ginger phytochemicals exhibit synergy to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation.
Dietary phytochemicals offer nontoxic therapeutic management as well as chemopreventive intervention for slow-growing prostate cancers. However, the limited success of several single-agent clinical trials suggest a paradigm shift that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables are not ascribable to individual phytochemicals, rather may be ascribed to synergistic interactions among them. We recently reported growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing properties of ginger extract (GE) in in vitro and in vivo prostate cancer models. Nevertheless, the nature of interactions among the constituent ginger biophenolics, viz. 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, and 6-shogoal, remains elusive. Here we show antiproliferative efficacy of the most-active GE biophenolics as single-agents and in binary combinations, and investigate the nature of their interactions using the Chou-Talalay combination index (CI) method. Our data demonstrate that binary combinations of ginger phytochemicals synergistically inhibit proliferation of PC-3 cells with CI values ranging from 0.03 to 0.88. To appreciate synergy among phytochemicals present in GE, the natural abundance of ginger biophenolics was quantitated using LC-UV/MS. Interestingly, combining GE with its constituents (in particular, 6-gingerol) resulted in significant augmentation of GE's antiproliferative activity. These data generate compelling grounds for further preclinical evaluation of GE alone and in combination with individual ginger biophenols for prostate cancer management....(more)
Brahmbhatt M, et al. Nutr Cancer 2013 Feb;65(2):263-72.
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- 12. Ginger and its pungent constituents non-competitively inhibit activation of human recombinant and native 5-HT3 receptors of enteric neurons.
BACKGROUND:
Beneficial effects of ginger in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) problems and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are well accepted. In rodents, the action of ginger seems to be mediated by the inhibition of 5-HT3 receptors, which are established targets to combat emesis and irritable bowel syndrome.
METHODS:
Heterologously expressed human 5-HT3 A or 5-HT3 AB receptors were characterized by means of Ca(2+) influx studies using HEK293 cells. Complementing Ca(2+) measurements in Fluo-4-AM-stained whole-mount preparations of the human submucous plexus were carried out. Furthermore, [3H]GR65630 binding assays were performed to reveal the mode of action of ginger and its pungent compounds.
KEY RESULTS:
We show for the first time that ginger extracts and its pungent arylalkane constituents concentration-dependently inhibit activation of human 5-HT3 receptors. Ginger extracts inhibited both receptors with increasing content of pungent compounds, confirming that these are part of ginger's active principle. Inhibition potencies of the arylalkanes 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol on both receptors were in the low micromolar range. A lipophilic ginger extract and 6-gingerol had no influence on 5-HT potency, but reduced the 5-HT maximum effect, indicating non-competitive inhibition. The non-competitive action was confirmed by [(3) H]GR65630 binding, showing that the ginger extract did not displace the radioligand from 5-HT3 A and 5-HT3 AB receptors. The potential relevance of the inhibitory action of ginger on native 5-HT3 receptors in the gut was confirmed in whole-mount preparations of the human submucous plexus. While a general neurotoxic effect of 6-gingerol was ruled out, it inhibited the 2-methyl-5-HT-mediated activation of 5-HT3 receptors residing on enteric neurons.
CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES:
Our findings may encourage the use of ginger extracts to alleviate nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to treat functional GI disorders.
© 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd....(more)
Walstab J, et al. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013 May;25(5):439-e302.
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- 13. Effect of ginger extract on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice produced by main bile duct ligation.
BACKGROUND:
Obstructive jaundice is one of the most important surgical causes of childhood jaundices. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of ginger (Gingiber officinalis) extracts on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice produced by main bile duct ligation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Forty two Wistar-albino rats were randomly allocated into 7 groups (n = 6). Nothing was performed in the control (C) group. Only laparatomy was performed in the sham (Sh) group. The ginger 1 and 2 (G1 and G2) groups received only 100 and 200 mg/kg/day doses of ginger extract for 1 week orally. In study group, common bile duct ligation was done. In treatment 1 and 2 (T1 and T2) groups common bile duct ligation was followed by administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day doses of ginger extract for 1 week orally from the third post operative day, respectively. Blood samples and liver were harvested in order to evaluate the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gama glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (bil), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver tissue SOD, GSH, MDA levels and liver apoptosis. Results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test statistically.
RESULTS:
Ginger administration did not result in any differences of serum or tissue levels of the studied parameters and liver apoptosis between the groups statistically (except AST levels in group T2). Tissue GSH and serum SOD levels were only mildly increased in groups receiving ginger alone.
CONCLUSIONS:
There is no evidence for protective, inhibitive and decreasing effects of ginger extract on liver injury in experimental obstructive jaundice with these findings....(more)
Altug E, et al. Acta Chir Belg 2013 Jan-Feb;113(1):8-13.
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- 14. Histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies on the protective effect of ginger extract against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in male rats.
Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used anticancer drug; however, it has several side effects such as nephrotoxicity. Ginger, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, consumed since ancient times has numerous health benefits. The objective of this work was to evaluate the protective effect of ginger extract (GE) against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. CP group displayed a marked renal failure characterized by a significant increase in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in addition to severe histopathological and ultrastructural renal alterations. Also, CP group showed an increase in the immunohistochemical expression of Bax proapoptotic protein. In contrast, GE+CP group showed significant decrease in the elevated serum creatinine and BUN levels and an improvement in the histopathological and ultrastructural renal injury induced by CP. The overexpression of Bax proapoptotic protein was significantly decreased in the GE+CP group. Hence, the present results indicated that GE has a protective effect against CP-induced renal damage in rats. Thereby, such findings recommended the usage of GE to prevent and/or decrease the renal damage induced by CP chemotherapeutic treatment....(more)
Ali DA, et al. Toxicol Ind Health 2013 Apr 3.
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- 15. Ginger: Is it Ready for Prime Time?
On the basis of substantial preclinical data showing the preventive efficacy of ginger and its constituents in vitro and in animal models, as well as a phase I pilot trial indicating that ginger extract is well tolerated in humans, Citronberg and colleagues conducted a pilot trial of ginger extract (2 g/day for 28 days) on biomarkers of cell proliferation [human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), MIB-1], differentiation (p21waf1/cip1), and apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2) in colonic mucosa from individuals at high-risk for colorectal cancer. Results from the trial suggest that ginger may reduce proliferation in normal-appearing colorectal epithelium and increase apoptosis relative to proliferation, especially in the differentiation zone of colon crypts. The authors suggest that these results support a larger study to confirm the pilot data. Before proceeding with a larger trial, however, it seems prudent to confirm ginger as a chemopreventive for colorectal cancer in animals, particularly when tested in postinitiation protocols and to identify reliable molecular biomarkers of effect that could be evaluated in clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic studies to examine the distribution and localization of ginger compounds and metabolites in the differentiation and proliferative zones of colonic crypts in animals and humans would also be informative. Finally, because the effects of ginger on normal colonic mucosa seem minimal, consideration should be given to the conduct of future trials in humans with premalignant colorectal disease. Cancer Prev Res; 6(4); 257-62. ©2013 AACR....(more)
Stoner GD. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2013 Apr;6(4):257-62.
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- 16. Efficiency of ginger (Zingbar officinale) against Schistosoma mansoni infection during host-parasite association.
The possible protective effect of ethanolic extract of ginger against infection with Schistosome mansonii was evaluated in mice. The extract was given daily for 45days beginning at either 2nd day or 45days post infection. Oral supplementation of ginger extract to infected animals was effective in reducing worm burden and the egg load in the liver and intestine which coincided with the reduction in granuloma diameters. Ginger extract had also the effect to offset liver fibrosis in response to S. mansoni infection indicated by reduced liver hydroxyproline level and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The extract reduces some inflammatory mediators that play a crucial role in schistosomal liver fibrosis and its complications. These include liver xanthine oxidase (XO); nitric oxide (NO); tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); immunoglobins E, G, and M (Ig-E, Ig-G and Ig-M, respectively), and interleukin 4, 10 and 12 (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12, respectively). Administration of ginger extract ameliorated the infection-induced alterations in serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine amintransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It was concluded that oral administration of ginger extract to S. mansoni infected mice could minimize the deleterious effects of this parasite on the vital functions of infected animals....(more)
Aly HF, et al. Parasitol Int 2013 Apr 10.
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- 17. Preventive and curative effects of ginger extract against histopathologic changes of gentamicin-induced tubular toxicity in rats.
BACKGROUND:
Gentamicin (GM) is a commonly used aminoglycoside, however, renal toxicity has limited its usage. This study was designed to evaluate the curative and protective effects of Zingiber officinale (ginger) against gentamicin tubular toxicity in rats. The phenolic and flavonoid components and antioxidant activity of ginger were also evaluated.
METHODS:
In a preclinical study, 50 male Wistar rats were designated into 5 groups of 10 and treated as follows: Group I: vehicle. Group II: 200 mg/kg/d of ginger for 3 days then, GM (80 mg/kg) for 7 days. Group III: 200 mg/kg ginger orally for 3 days, then ginger plus GM for 7 days. Group IV: GM for 7 days. Group V: GM for 10 days. Group VI: GM for 7 days, then 200 mg/kg ginger orally for 10 days. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and their kidneys were histologically evaluated.
RESULTS:
Ginger could prevent degeneration of the renal cells and reduce the severity of tubular damage caused by gentamicin. However, it could not regenerate the GM degeneration.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results indicate that ginger is effective as a prophylaxis agent, but has not curative effect....(more)
Nasri H, et al. Int J Prev Med 2013 Mar;4(3):316-21.
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- 18. Ginger Rogers? No, Ginger Ale and its invisible proteome.
The trace proteome of a Ginger drink, stated to be produced with a ginger root extract, has been investigated via capture with combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (ProteoMiner). Although in traces, we could confirm the presence of five grape proteins and one apple protein, but not even the faintest trace of any ginger root proteins. The first two findings are correct, as the producer stated that this beverage had been reinforced with 12% grape juice and 6% apple juice, but the absence of even traces of ginger proteins does not permit the classification of this beverage as a ginger extract on a proteomics scale. However, organoleptic tasting has confirmed the presence of a ginger extract, due to its piquant and tongue-biting taste. Nevertheless, any ginger root extract must be considered as a minor component as compared to the presence of grape and apple juice. At the light of these findings, it is hoped that the competent authorities will in the future make compulsory the proper labelling also of beverages so that all amounts of compounds utilized will be clearly stated in the label, including the presumptive main component....(more)
Fasoli E, et al. J Proteomics 2012 Mar 16;75(6):1960-5.
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- 19. Evaluation of Ginkgo biloba extract as an activator of human glucocorticoid receptor.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Ginkgo biloba, which is one of the most frequently used herbal medicines, is commonly used in the management of several conditions, including memory impairment. Previously, it was reported to decrease the expression of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and the biosynthesis of glucocorticoids, thereby regulating glucocorticoid levels. However, it is not known whether Ginkgo biloba extract regulates the function of the glucocorticoid receptor.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
We determined whether Ginkgo biloba extract and several of its chemical constituents affect the activity of human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR).
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A hGR-dependent reporter gene assay was conducted in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and hGR target gene expression assays were performed in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.
RESULTS:
Multiple lots and concentrations of the extract and several of its chemical constituents (ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, ginkgolide J, and bilobalide) did not increase hGR activity, as assessed by a cell-based luciferase reporter gene assay. The extract did not influence the expression of hGR target genes, including tyrosine aminotransferase (hTAT), constitutive androstane receptor (hCAR), or pregnane X receptor (hPXR), in primary cultures of human hepatocytes. Moreover, hGR antagonism by mifepristone (also known as RU486) did not attenuate the extent of induction of hCAR- and hPXR-regulated target genes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 by Ginkgo biloba extract.
CONCLUSION:
Ginkgo biloba extract, ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, ginkgolide J, and bilobalide are not activators of hGR. Furthermore, the extract does not influence the hGR-hCAR or the hGR-hPXR signaling pathway in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Lau AJ, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2013 Jan 30;145(2):670-5.
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- 20. The protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen and Ginkgo biloba extract on Aβ25-35-induced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in rats.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation and deposition of Aβ peptides in human brains. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of HBO and EGB761 on Aβ25-35 peptides induced cognitive impairment and neuronal toxicity in rats. Characteristics of AD were induced in rats by the administration of Aβ25-35 in hippocampus. Rats were treated with HBO (2ATA 60min/day), EGB761 (20mg/kg/day), and the combination of HBO+EGB761 (20mg/kg/day+2ATA). The Morris water maze was used to detect the protective effects of HBO and EGB761 against cognitive impairment. The activities of SOD and GSH, the apoptosis-related genes and proteins and the apoptosis rate of hippocampus were detected. Compared to the model group, EGB761 and HBO treatments synergistically improved the escape latency. Furthermore, the activities of SOD and GSH in rat hippocampal tissue were found to have increased with a concomitant reduction in MDA levels, Bax expression, cytochrome c release, and the activity of caspase-9/3. Accordingly, a significant reduction was observed in the apoptosis rate following the treatment with EGB761 and HBO in this model of AD. Our findings suggest that HBO and EGB761 reduce cell toxicity and oxidative stress by blocking mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling in AD, and the combined treatment of HBO and Ginkgo further enhances these effects....(more)
Tian X, et al. Behav Brain Res 2013 Apr 1;242:1-8.
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- 21. Antioxidative activities of Ginkgo biloba extract on oil/water emulsion system prepared from an enzymatically modified lipid containing alpha-linolenic acid.
The desired mix of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)-enriched structured lipid (SL) and physically blended lipid (PB) was prepared from grape seed oil and perilla oil at a weight ratio of 3:1. The major triacylglycerol species (LnLnL) in PB was drastically increased after interesterification (SL), from 0.5% to 16.8%. After the reaction, the total unsaturated fatty acid at the sn-2 position was decreased from 98.83% in PB to 91.36% in SL. The reduction of vitamin E compounds was also observed. Compared with a PB-based emulsion, SL-based emulsions showed oxidative instability, as assessed by lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) values, which was mainly due to the SL which contained less LA, ALA, and ΣUSFA at the sn-2 position and less γ-tocopherol than did PB. PB-, and SL-based emulsions with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) which showed significantly lower values of LOOH and TBARS compared to a blank control. GBE was effective in retarding the oxidation of the emulsion by quenching the free radicals in the water phase of the emulsion and inhibiting the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products. These results indicate that GBE could be used as an antioxidant additive for stabilizing ALA-enriched emulsions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results suggest the possibility to supplement Ginkgo biloba extract in alpha linolenic acid-enriched structured lipid-based emulsions which would increase the therapeutic value and enhance the antioxidant potential of the emulsions....(more)
Yang D, et al. J Food Sci 2013 Jan;78(1):C43-9.
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- 22. Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in the treatment of dementia: a pharmacoeconomic analysis of the Austrian setting.
OBJECTIVE:
We used efficacy data from three clinical trials to investigate the pharmacoeconomic implications of treating noninstitutionalized Austrian dementia patients with a drug based on EGb 761R, a standardized extract from Gingkgo biloba. In a separate analysis, we compared the pharmacoeconomic aspects of achieving treatment success with EGb 761R and cholinesterase inhibitors.
METHODS:
A fixed-effect model was used to conduct a metaanalysis of activities of daily living data from 1,201 patients diagnosed with dementia and treated with either EGb 761R (240 mg/day) or matched placebo for 22 or 24 weeks under double-blind conditions. From this analysis, the delay in activities of daily living (ADL)-based disease progression was estimated. Current Austrian drug reimbursement prices, physician fees, and federal subsidies for seven stages of home care were applied to calculate overall costs in four scenarios. For the comparison with cholinesterase inhibitors, metaanalysis data pertaining to overall clinical impression as published by the Cochrane Group were compared to corresponding data from our EGb 761R studies.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
The benefit of treatment with EGb 761R (240 mg/day) corresponds to a delay in ADL deterioration by 22.3 months compared to placebo. Overall net savings with EGb 761R treatment ranged from EUR 3,692 to EUR 29,577, mainly driven by delays in progression towards higher home care subsidies. For one additional therapy success with EGb 761R, EUR 530.88 was required. In a tentative cost comparison, cholinesterase inhibitors required higher expenses to achieve treatment success....(more)
Rainer M, et al. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2013 Jan;125(1-2):8-15.
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- 23. ACP Journal Club. Ginkgo biloba extract did not reduce risk for Alzheimer disease in elderly patients with memory complaints.
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- 24. [Role of energy metabolism in retinal pigment epithelium].
The universal energy source adenosine triphosphate (ATP)is reduced by approximately 30 % in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of elderly persons. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidative capacity, such as glutathione in aging eyes cause impairment of energy-dependent RPE processes and lead to loss of visual function. We developed a cell culture model of aging RPE using atractyloside to inhibit mitochondrial ATP synthesis and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. The ATP levels were reduced by 30 % and oxidative damaged proteins and DNA increased whereas antioxidative glutathione decreased. Autophagy as an internal cellular repair mechanism and phagocytosis of photoreceptors were impaired. Antioxidative and mitochondria-activating Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® increased the intracellular ATP level and antioxidative glutathione. This cell culture model seems to be suitable to investigate in vitro the effect of protective substances and their compounds on aging processes in RPE....(more)
Schütt F, et al. Ophthalmologe 2013 Apr;110(4):346-52.
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- 25. Ginkgo biloba extract and long-term cognitive decline: a 20-year follow-up population-based study.
BACKGROUND:
Numerous studies have looked at the potential benefits of various nootropic drugs such as Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb761®; Tanakan®) and piracetam (Nootropyl®) on age-related cognitive decline often leading to inconclusive results due to small sample sizes or insufficient follow-up duration. The present study assesses the association between intake of EGb761® and cognitive function of elderly adults over a 20-year period.
METHODS AND FINDINGS:
The data were gathered from the prospective community-based cohort study 'Paquid'. Within the study sample of 3612 non-demented participants aged 65 and over at baseline, three groups were compared: 589 subjects reporting use of EGb761® at at least one of the ten assessment visits, 149 subjects reporting use of piracetam at one of the assessment visits and 2874 subjects not reporting use of either EGb761® or piracetam. Decline on MMSE, verbal fluency and visual memory over the 20-year follow-up was analysed with a multivariate mixed linear effects model. A significant difference in MMSE decline over the 20-year follow-up was observed in the EGb761® and piracetam treatment groups compared to the 'neither treatment' group. These effects were in opposite directions: the EGb761® group declined less rapidly than the 'neither treatment' group, whereas the piracetam group declined more rapidly (β=-0.6). Regarding verbal fluency and visual memory, no difference was observed between the EGb761® group and the 'neither treatment' group (respectively, β=0.21 and β=-0.03), whereas the piracetam group declined more rapidly (respectively, β=-1.40 and β=-0.44). When comparing the EGb761® and piracetam groups directly, a different decline was observed for the three tests (respectively β=-1.07, β=-1.61 and β=-0.41).
CONCLUSION:
Cognitive decline in a non-demented elderly population was lower in subjects who reported using EGb761® than in those who did not. This effect may be a specific medication effect of EGb761®, since it was not observed for another nootropic medication, piracetam....(more)
Amieva H, et al. PLoS One 2013;8(1):e52755.
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- 26. Chemopreventive effects of Ginkgo biloba extract in estrogen-negative human breast cancer cells.
Excessive level of estrogen is considered as a main cause of breast cancer, therefore, many studies have focused on estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, even though ER-negative cancer has a poor prognosis than ER-positive breast cancer. We evaluated the anti-cancer effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) in estrogen-independent breast cancer. GBE has been traditionally used as a platelet activating factor, a circulatory stimulant, a tonic, and anti-asthmatic drug, and anti-cancer agent. However, anti-cancer effects of GBE on ER-negative breast cancer have not been proved yet. In this study, we tested chemotherapeutic potential of GBE in the MDA-MB-231 (ER-negative) human breast cancer cell line. Our results showed that cytotoxicity effects of GBE in MDA-MB-231 lead to DNA fragmentation at high concentrations (500 and 1,000 μg/ml). Caspase-3 was significantly activated and mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2 and Bax) were altered. These results indicate that GBE induces apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. It is presumed that GBE has chemopreventive effects in ER-independent breast cancer through anti-proliferation and apoptosis-inducing activities....(more)
Park YJ, et al. Arch Pharm Res 2013 Jan;36(1):102-8.
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- 27. Ginkgo biloba extract reduces high-glucose-induced endothelial reactive oxygen species generation and cell adhesion molecule expression by enhancing HO-1 expression via Akt/eNOS and p38 MAP kinase pathways.
AIM:
Hyperglycemia is one of the major risk factors leading to vascular complications in clinical diabetes mellitus. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), an antioxidant herbal medicine, possesses anti-inflammatory effects. We examined whether GBE can reduce high glucose-induced endothelial adhesiveness to monocytes, an in vitro sign mimicking in vivo early atherogenesis, through selective regulation of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression.
METHODS:
Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were cultured with normal glucose or high glucose (25 mM) for 4 days and subsequently combined with GBE (EGb761, Dr. Willmar Schwabe, Karlsruhe, Germany) treatment in the last 18 h of the 4-day period. The endothelial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, adhesion molecule expression and the adhesiveness to monocytes were examined. The specific signal pathways such as HO-1 were also examined.
RESULTS:
High glucose increased ROS generation, adhesion molecule expression and the adhesiveness to monocytes in HAECs. These high glucose-induced phenomena could be suppressed by GBE (100 μg/ml)-induced HO-1 expression in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. In addition, jun N-terminal kinases inhibitor or phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor could reduce GBE-induced HO-1 expression. Furthermore, HO-1 inhibitor, HO-1 siRNA, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) siRNA, or nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf) 2 siRNA blocked the cytoprotective effects of GBE. Meanwhile, p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor could also reduce the effects of GBE on HO-1 induction.
CONCLUSION:
GBE could reduce high glucose-induced endothelial adhesion via enhancing HO-1 expression through the Akt/eNOS and p38/MAPK pathways. Our findings suggest a potential strategy targeting on HO-1 induction by GBE for endothelial protection in the presence of high glucose such as that in diabetes mellitus.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved....(more)
Tsai HY, et al. Eur J Pharm Sci 2013 Mar 12;48(4-5):803-11.
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- 28. Development of a novel niosomal system for oral delivery of Ginkgo biloba extract.
BACKGROUND:
The aim of this study was to develop an optimal niosomal system to deliver Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) with improved oral bioavailability and to replace the conventional GbE tablets.
METHODS:
In this study, the film dispersion-homogenization method was used to prepare GbE niosomes. The resulting GbE niosome suspension was freeze-dried or spray-dried to improve the stability of the niosomes. GbE-loaded niosomes were formulated and characterized in terms of their morphology, particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and angle of repose, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis was performed. In vitro release and in vivo distribution studies were also carried out.
RESULTS:
The particle size of the optimal delivery system prepared with Tween 80, Span 80, and cholesterol was about 141 nm. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in drug entrapment efficiency between the spray-drying method (about 77.5%) and the freeze-drying method (about 50.1%). The stability study revealed no significant change in drug entrapment efficiency for the GbE niosomes at 4°C and 25°C after 3 months. The in vitro release study suggested that GbE niosomes can prolong the release of flavonoid glycosides in phosphate-buffered solution (pH 6.8) for up to 48 hours. The in vivo distribution study showed that the flavonoid glycoside content in the heart, lung, kidney, brain, and blood of rats treated with the GbE niosome carrier system was greater than in the rats treated with the oral GbE tablet (P < 0.01). No flavonoid glycosides were detected in the brain tissue of rats given the oral GbE tablets, but they were detected in the brain tissue of rats given the GbE niosomes.
CONCLUSION:
Niosomes are a promising oral system for delivery of GbE to the brain....(more)
Jin Y, et al. Int J Nanomedicine 2013;8:421-30.
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- 29. Effects of Korean red ginseng extract on the prevention of atopic dermatitis and its mechanism on early lesions in a murine model.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to possess various biological activities including anti-inflammatory properties.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of KRG on the prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD) using a mouse model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The effect of KRG in trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice was assessed by measuring ear thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), total serum IgE, histologic changes of lesional skin, mRNA and protein expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, immunohistochemistry for tissue interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and interferon (IFN)-γ.
RESULTS:
KRG significantly reduced ear thickness. Oral administration of KRG significantly prevented the increase in TEWL induced by TNCB. The serum IgE level was significantly lower in the KRG group. Histologically, lymphocyte infiltration was markedly decreased by KRG. CD1a positive (CD1a+) cells were diminished by KRG. Immunohistochemically, KRG significantly suppressed the protein expression of TSLP and TNF-α. The mRNA expression of TSLP in the lesions was significantly reduced by KRG. These results demonstrate that oral administration of KRG may inhibit the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice by modifying TSLP, DCs, and at least in part, the Th2 response.
CONCLUSION:
KRG may be a potential therapeutic modality for the prevention of AD.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved....(more)
Cho E, et al. J Ethnopharmacol 2013 Jan 9;145(1):294-302.
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- 30. Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) prevents obesity by inhibiting angiogenesis in high fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice.
Adipose tissue growth and development are thought to be associated with angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Because ginseng has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, we hypothesized that adipose tissue growth and obesity can be regulated by Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). Wild-type C57BL/6J mice were fed for 8 weeks with a low fat diet, a high fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with 0.5% or 5% Korean red ginseng extract. We measured body weight, adipose tissue mass, food intake, MMP activity, and the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and MMPs. Administering ginseng to HFD-induced obese mice produced reductions in body weight and adipose tissue mass compared with untreated counterparts. Ginseng treatment decreased blood vessel density and MMP activity in adipose tissues. Ginseng also reduced mRNA levels of angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF-A and FGF-2) and MMPs (e.g., MMP-2 and MMP-9), whereas it increased mRNA levels of angiogenic inhibitors (e.g., TSP-1, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2) in adipose tissues. These results demonstrate that ginseng effectively reduces adipose tissue mass and prevents obesity in diet-induced obese mice and that this process may be mediated in part through the anti-angiogenic actions of ginseng....(more)
Lee H, et al. Food Chem Toxicol 2013 Mar;53:402-8.
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- 31. Cerebroprotective effects of red ginseng extract pretreatment against ischemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant and has beneficial effects due to pharmacological properties. Although ginseng is thought to be protective under abnormal conditions, the effects of pretreatment with red ginseng (RG) extract on ischemic stroke have not been fully elucidated. We investigated the protective effects of RG extract after focal cerebral ischemia in mice. Crude RG extract (360 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. Mice were then subjected to occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1 hour, followed by reperfusion for 4 and 24 hours. Pretreatment with RG extract followed by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) resulted in significant reduction of oxidized hydroethidine signals in ischemic areas. At 4 and 24 hours after I/R, the number of 8-hydroxyguanosine and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-positive cells decreased in the ischemic penumbra as seen using immunofluorescent staining. Western blotting showed that RG efficiently attenuated the protein levels of activated ASK1 in the ischemic penumbra. Consequently, DNA fragmentation and the infarct volume were reduced by RG extract pretreatment 24 hours after I/R. Also, RG extract resulted in better performance in rotarod test after I/R. Thus, RG pretreatment demonstrates a protective effect at suppressing ischemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in ischemic lesions. Pretreatment with crude RG extract may be an effective strategy for preventing brain injury after an ischemic stroke....(more)
Cheon SY, et al. Int J Neurosci 2013 Apr;123(4):269-77.
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- 32. Bioactivity and bioavailability of ginsenosides are dependent on the glycosidase activities of the A/J mouse intestinal microbiome defined by pyrosequencing.
PURPOSE:
To investigate the ability of bacteria in the intestinal microbiome to convert naturally occurring primary ginsenosides in red ginseng extract to active secondary ginsenosides.
METHODS:
Anti-proliferative ginsenoside activity was tested using mouse lung cancer LM1 cells. Permeabilities were evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Systemic exposure of secondary ginsenosides was determined in A/J mice. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing was used to determine membership and abundance of bacteria in intestinal microbiome.
RESULTS:
Secondary ginsenoside C-K exhibited higher anti-proliferative activity and permeability than primary ginsenosides. Significant amounts of secondary ginsenosides (F2 and C-K) were found in blood of A/J mice following oral administration of primary ginsenoside Rb1. Because mammalian cells did not hydrolyze ginsenoside, we determined the ability of bacteria to hydrolyze ginsenosides and found that Rb1 underwent stepwise hydrolysis to Rd, F2, and then C-K. Formation of F2 from Rd was the rate-limiting step in the biotransformation of Rb1 to C-K.
CONCLUSION:
Conversion to F2 is the rate-limiting step in bioactivation of primary ginsenosides by A/J mouse intestinal microbiome, whose characterization reveals the presence of certain bacterial families capable of enabling the formation of F2 and C-K in vivo....(more)
Niu T, et al. Pharm Res 2013 Mar;30(3):836-46.
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- 33. Improvement of erectile function by Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) in a male rat model of metabolic syndrome.
The seriousness of metabolic syndrome is not due to the disease itself but its promotion of other diseases, such as erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG, Panax ginseng) extract on erectile function in a rat model of metabolic syndrome. We divided the rats into three groups: control, metabolic syndrome+normal saline (N/S) and metabolic syndrome+KRG. To determine the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in all groups, body weight and various biochemical parameters (e.g., blood glucose, insulin, cholesterol) were measured, and the intra-abdominal glucose tolerance test was performed. To investigate penile erection, the peak intracavernosal pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and Masson's trichrome stain were evaluated. Erectile function was also investigated by measuring the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels of the corpus cavernosum. We found that the various biochemical parameters and body weight were similar in the metabolic syndrome+KRG group and the control group, although the values were slightly higher. The peak ICP/MAP ratio of the metabolic syndrome+N/S group was markedly decreased compared to the other groups. The cGMP level of the corpus cavernosum in the metabolic syndrome+N/S group was significantly lower than that of the other groups. As demonstrated in this model of metabolic syndrome with erectile dysfunction, KRG may improve erectile function....(more)
Kim SD, et al. Asian J Androl 2013 May;15(3):395-9.
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- 34. The potent effects of ginseng root extract and memantine on cognitive dysfunction in male albino rats.
The study determined the maximum intraperitoneal (ip) scopolamine dose inducing memory impairment in rats (2 mg/kg) compared to 0.5 or 1 mg/kg dose. The effect reflected by significant increase from normal in the latency time required for rats to find the hidden platform in water maze task and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in cortex, hippocampus and striatum. The dose-related histopathological effect via the hemorrhage, vacuolation and gliosis in cortex and hippocampus is assessed. Then the study investigated the potency of Panax ginseng root extract on scopolamine cognitive dysfunction rat model compared to memantine hydrochloride as reference Food and Drug Administration approved. Ginseng extract was administered at dose 100 or 200 mg/kg/day and memantine at 20 mg/kg/day orally for 2 weeks. All treatments showed improvement in the water maze task, however, ginseng (200 mg/kg) group acquired the advantage without statistical difference control. Scopolamine (2 mg/kg ip) group showed significant increase in AChE reactivity and glutamate level and reduced monoamines (norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin) and γ-aminobutyric acid contents in cortex, hippocampus and striatum. Ginseng extract in a dose-dependent manner appears effective as memantine and can improve memory impairment through the retrieved homeostasis via neurotransmitter levels and AChE activities in rat brain areas with partial effect on the histological feature of the brain tissue....(more)
Al-Hazmi MA, et al. Toxicol Ind Health 2013 Feb 13.
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- 35. Korean Red Ginseng Extract Attenuates 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Huntington's-Like Symptoms.
Korean red ginseng (KRG) possesses neuroprotective activity. However, the potential neuroprotective value of KRG for the striatal toxicity is largely unknown. We investigated whether KRG extract (KRGE) could have a neuroprotective effect in a 3-nitropropionic acid- (3-NP) induced (i.p.) Huntington's disease (HD) model. KRGE (50, 100, and 250 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administrated 10 days before 3-NP injection (pre-administration), from the same time with 3-NP injection (co-administration), or from the peak point of neurological impairment by 3-NP injection (post-administration). Pre-administration of KRGE produced the greatest neuroprotective effect in this model. Pre-administration of KRGE significantly decreased 3-NP-induced neurological impairment, lethality, lesion area, and neuronal loss in the 3-NP-injected striatum. KRGE attenuated microglial activation and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signal pathway. KRGE also reduced the level of mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and OX-42. Interestingly, the intrathecal administration of SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor) or PD98059 (an inhibitor of MAPK Kinase, MEK) increased the survival rate in the 3-NP-induced HD model. Pre-administration of KRGE may effectively inhibit 3-NP-induced striatal toxicity via the inhibition of the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB pathways, indicating its therapeutic potential for suppressing Huntington's-like symptoms....(more)
Jang M, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2013;2013:237207.
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