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American Family Physician Oct 2003The herbal remedies referred to as "ginseng" are derived from the roots of several plants. One of the most commonly used and researched of the ginsengs is Panax ginseng,... (Review)
Review
The herbal remedies referred to as "ginseng" are derived from the roots of several plants. One of the most commonly used and researched of the ginsengs is Panax ginseng, also called Asian or Korean ginseng. The main active components of Panax ginseng are ginsenosides, which have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Results of clinical research studies demonstrate that Panax ginseng may improve psychologic function, immune function, and conditions associated with diabetes. Overall, Panax ginseng appears to be well tolerated, although caution is advised about concomitant use with some pharmaceuticals, such as warfarin, oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin, and phenelzine. Panax ginseng does not appear to enhance physical performance. Products with a standardized ginsenoside concentration are available.
Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Herb-Drug Interactions; Humans; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations
PubMed: 14596440
DOI: No ID Found -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2019Black ginseng is a type of processed ginseng that is prepared from white or red ginseng by steaming and drying several times. This process causes extensive changes in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Black ginseng is a type of processed ginseng that is prepared from white or red ginseng by steaming and drying several times. This process causes extensive changes in types and amounts of secondary metabolites. The chief secondary metabolites in ginseng are ginsenosides (dammarane-type triterpene saponins), which transform into less polar ginsenosides in black ginseng by steaming. In addition, apparent changes happen to other secondary metabolites such as the increase in the contents of phenolic compounds, reducing sugars and acidic polysaccharides in addition to the decrease in concentrations of free amino acids and total polysaccharides. Furthermore, the presence of some Maillard reaction products like maltol was also engaged. These obvious chemical changes were associated with a noticeable superiority for black ginseng over white and red ginseng in most of the comparative biological studies. This review article is an attempt to illustrate different methods of preparation of black ginseng, major chemical changes of saponins and other constituents after steaming as well as the reported biological activities of black ginseng, its major saponins and other metabolites.
Topics: Drug Development; Molecular Structure; Panax; Saponins; Secondary Metabolism
PubMed: 31091790
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101856 -
Nutrients May 2023Ginseng is one of the traditional herbal medicines for tonic. Gintonin is a new material derived from white/red ginseng and its lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) play as a...
Ginseng is one of the traditional herbal medicines for tonic. Gintonin is a new material derived from white/red ginseng and its lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) play as a ligand for G protein-coupled LPA receptors. Korean red ginseng marc (KRGM) is a by-product after the KRG processes. We developed a low-cost/high-efficiency method for KRGM gintonin production. We further studied the KRGM gintonin-mediated anti-skin aging effects under UVB exposure using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). KRGM gintonin yield is about 8%. KRGM gintonin contains a high amount of LPA C, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and phosphatidylcholine (PC), which is similar to white ginseng gintonin. KRGM gintonin induced [Ca] transient via LPA1/3 receptors and increased cell viability/proliferation under UVB exposure. The underlying mechanisms of these results are associated with the antioxidant action of KRGM gintonin. KRGM gintonin attenuated UVB-induced cell senescence by inhibiting cellular β-galactosidase overexpression and facilitated wound healing. These results indicate that KRGM can be a novel bioresource of KRGM gintonin, which can be industrially utilized as new material for skin nutrition and/or skin healthcare.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Panax; Nutrients
PubMed: 37299538
DOI: 10.3390/nu15112574 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2018The functional aspect of scalp hair is not only to protect from solar radiation and heat/cold exposure but also to contribute to one's appearance and personality.... (Review)
Review
The functional aspect of scalp hair is not only to protect from solar radiation and heat/cold exposure but also to contribute to one's appearance and personality. Progressive hair loss has a cosmetic and social impact. Hair undergoes three stages of hair cycle: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Through cyclical loss and new-hair growth, the number of hairs remains relatively constant. A variety of factors, such as hormones, nutritional status, and exposure to radiations, environmental toxicants, and medications, may affect hair growth. Androgens are the most important of these factors that cause androgenic alopecia. Other forms of hair loss include immunogenic hair loss, that is, alopecia areata. Although a number of therapies, such as finasteride and minoxidil, are approved medications, and a few others (e.g., tofacitinib) are in progress, a wide variety of structurally diverse classes of phytochemicals, including those present in ginseng, have demonstrated hair growth-promoting effects in a large number of preclinical studies. The purpose of this review is to focus on the potential of ginseng and its metabolites on the prevention of hair loss and its underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Alopecia; Animals; Hair; Hair Follicle; Humans; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 30208587
DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092703 -
Journal of the International Society of... 2018during last decades. At present, some herbs are used to enhance muscle strength and body mass. Emergent evidence suggests that the health benefits from plants are... (Review)
Review
during last decades. At present, some herbs are used to enhance muscle strength and body mass. Emergent evidence suggests that the health benefits from plants are attributed to their bioactive compounds such as Polyphenols, Terpenoids, and Alkaloids which have several physiological effects on the human body. At times, manufacturers launch numerous products with banned ingredient inside with inappropriate amounts or fake supplement inducing harmful side effect. Unfortunately up to date, there is no guarantee that herbal supplements are safe for anyone to use and it has not helped to clear the confusion surrounding the herbal use in sport field especially. Hence, the purpose of this review is to provide guidance on the efficacy and side effect of most used plants in sport. We have identified plants according to the following categories: Ginseng, alkaloids, and other purported herbal ergogenics such as , Cordyceps Sinensis. We found that most herbal supplement effects are likely due to activation of the central nervous system via stimulation of catecholamines. Ginseng was used as an endurance performance enhancer, while alkaloids supplementation resulted in improvements in sprint and cycling intense exercises. Despite it is prohibited, small amount of ephedrine was usually used in combination with caffeine to enhance muscle strength in trained individuals. Some other alkaloids such as green tea extracts have been used to improve body mass and composition in athletes. Other herb (i.e. Rhodiola, Astragalus) help relieve muscle and joint pain, but results about their effects on exercise performance are missing.
Topics: Alkaloids; Astragalus Plant; Athletes; Caffeine; Cordyceps; Dietary Supplements; Ephedrine; Zingiber officinale; Ginkgo biloba; Humans; Panax; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Plants, Medicinal; Rhodiola; Sports; Tribulus
PubMed: 29568244
DOI: 10.1186/s12970-018-0218-y -
Integrative Cancer Therapies Sep 2003Traditional herbal medicine provides several remedies for strengthening the body's resistance to illness through effects on immune system components. This review article... (Review)
Review
Traditional herbal medicine provides several remedies for strengthening the body's resistance to illness through effects on immune system components. This review article examines 3 popular herbal immune stimulants that are often of interest to cancer patients. Echinacea, a native of North America, is widely used to prevent, or provide early treatment for, colds. Preclinical studies lend biological plausibility to the idea that echinacea works through immune mechanisms. Numerous clinical trials have been carried out on echinacea preparations: it appears that the extracts shorten the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections (URIs) when given as soon as symptoms become evident. However, trials of long-term use of echinacea as a preventive have not shown positive results. Ginseng has been studied in some depth as an antifatigue agent, but studies of immune mechanisms have not proceeded so far. Preclinical evidence shows some immune-stimulating activity. There have been several clinical trials in a variety of different diseases. Astragalus is the least-studied agent. There are some preclinical trials that show intriguing immune activity. The herbs discussed appear to have satisfactory safety profiles. Cancer patients may wish to use these botanicals to inhibit tumor growth or to boost resistance to infections. However, passive immunotherapy with herbs, with no mechanism to expose tumor antigens, is unlikely to be effective in inhibiting tumor growth. Although the margin of safety for these herbs is large, more research is needed to demonstrate the clear value of using herbs to improve resistance to infections.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Antigens, Neoplasm; Astragalus Plant; Clinical Trials as Topic; Common Cold; Echinacea; Fatigue; Herbal Medicine; Humans; Immune System; Neoplasms; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 15035888
DOI: 10.1177/1534735403256419 -
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines Jan 2016The ginseng family, including Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (notoginseng), is commonly used herbal... (Review)
Review
The ginseng family, including Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), and Panax notoginseng (notoginseng), is commonly used herbal medicine. White ginseng is prepared by air-drying after harvest, while red ginseng is prepared by a steaming or heating process. The anticancer activity of red ginseng is significantly increased, due to the production of active anticancer ginsenosides during the steaming treatment, compared with that of white ginseng. Thus far, anticancer studies have been mostly focused on Asian ginseng. In this article, we review the research progress made in the anticancer activities of red Asian ginseng, red American ginseng and red notoginseng. The major anticancer mechanisms of red ginseng compounds include cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis/paraptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. The structure-function relationship analysis has revealed that the protopanaxadiol group ginsenosides have more potent effects than the protopanaxatriol group. Sugar molecules in ginsenosides inversely impact the antiproliferative potential of these compounds. In addition, ginsenoside stereoselectivity and double bond position also influence the anticancer activity. Future studies should focus on characterizing active red ginseng derivatives as potential anticancer drugs.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Apoptosis; Ginsenosides; Humans; Neoplasms; Panax; Panax notoginseng; Phytotherapy; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 26850342
DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1009.2016.00007 -
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2023Ginseng is a very commonly used natural product in the world, and its two main species are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. Ginseng is an adaptogenic botanical that... (Review)
Review
Ginseng is a very commonly used natural product in the world, and its two main species are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. Ginseng is an adaptogenic botanical that reportedly protects the body against stress, stabilizes physiological processes, and restores homeostasis. Previously, different animal models and contemporary research methodologies have been used to reveal ginseng's biomedical activities in different body systems and the linked mechanisms of actions. However, human clinical observation data on ginseng effects have attracted more attention from the general public and medical community. In this paper, after an introduction of the phytochemistry of ginseng species, we review positive ginseng clinical studies, mainly conducted in developed countries, performed over the past 20 years. The reported effects of ginseng are presented in several sections, and conditions impacted by ginseng include diabetes; cardiovascular disorders; cognition, memory, and mood; the common cold and flu; cancer fatigue and well-being; quality of life and social functioning, etc. Administration of ginseng demonstrated a good safety record in humans. Although encouraging beneficial effects obtained from clinical data, using the study treatment regimen, the reported ginseng effects in general only ranged from mild to moderate. Nonetheless, these beneficial effects of ginseng could be a valuable add-on therapy for patients receiving standard drug treatments. Additionally, as a dietary supplement, ginseng possesses an important role in maintaining and promoting human health. We believe that the quality of future ginseng trials should be improved, particularly by providing detailed herbal phytochemistry and quality control information. With solid effectiveness data obtained from a well-designed, carefully executed ginseng clinical trial, this meritoriously herbal medicine will be widely used by consumers and patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Phytotherapy; Quality of Life; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Panax; Ginsenosides
PubMed: 37385964
DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X23500507 -
European Journal of Drug Metabolism and... Aug 2017Panax ginseng is widely used as an adaptogen throughout the world. The major active constituents of P. ginseng are ginsenosides. Most naturally occurring ginsenosides... (Review)
Review
Panax ginseng is widely used as an adaptogen throughout the world. The major active constituents of P. ginseng are ginsenosides. Most naturally occurring ginsenosides are deglycosylated by colonic bacteria to intestinal metabolites. Ginsenosides along with these metabolites are widely accepted as being responsible for the pharmacologic activity and drug interaction potential of ginseng. Numerous preclinical studies have assessed the influence of various ginseng components on cytochrome P450 (CYP), glucuronidation, and drug transport activity. Results from these investigations have been largely inconclusive due to the use of different ginseng products and variations in methodology between studies. Drug interaction studies in humans have been conflicting and have largely yielded negative results or results that suggest only a weak interaction. One study using a midazolam probe found weak CYP3A induction and another using a fexofenadine probe found weak P-gp inhibition. Despite several case reports indicating a drug interaction between warfarin and P. ginseng, pharmacokinetic studies involving these agents in combination have failed to find significant pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interactions. To this end, drug interactions involving P. ginseng appear to be rare; however, close clinical monitoring is still suggested for patients taking warfarin or CYP3A or P-gp substrates with narrow therapeutic indices.
Topics: Animals; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Ginsenosides; Glucuronides; Herb-Drug Interactions; Humans; Panax; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Plant Preparations
PubMed: 27864798
DOI: 10.1007/s13318-016-0387-5 -
Current Drug Metabolism Nov 2011Ginseng is an herbal medicine used worldwide. It is reported to have a wide range of pharmacological activities because of a diversified group of steroidal saponins... (Review)
Review
Ginseng is an herbal medicine used worldwide. It is reported to have a wide range of pharmacological activities because of a diversified group of steroidal saponins called ginsenosides. Compared to extensive pharmacological studies of ginseng, the pharmacokinetics, especially the metabolism of this herb, has received less attention. In this article we review the known pharmacokinetic data on ginseng. Understanding ginseng's pharmacokinetics may reduce the potential for interactions in patients who use both ginseng and prescription medications. In addition, bioavailability after taking ginseng orally is low, and the metabolites of ginsenosides produced by gut microbiota may be biologically active. One ginseng metabolite, Compound K, and its potential for cancer chemoprevention is also discussed. An active ginseng metabolite may differ in distribution and clearance from its parent compound, and the parent compound and its metabolite may be bioactive by similar or different mechanisms. Thus, further investigation of ginseng metabolites is needed for predicting the therapeutic outcome with ginseng.
Topics: Animals; Biological Availability; Biotransformation; Ginsenosides; Herb-Drug Interactions; Humans; Panax; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Plant Roots; Saponins
PubMed: 21619519
DOI: 10.2174/138920011797470128