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PloS One 2023Panax notoginseng plays a very important role in medicinal and economic value. The restriction imposed by the hydraulic pathway is considered to be the main limitation...
Panax notoginseng plays a very important role in medicinal and economic value. The restriction imposed by the hydraulic pathway is considered to be the main limitation on the optimal growth state of Panax notoginseng. The flow resistance and water transport efficiency of vessel were affected by vessel type and secondary thickening structure. The vessel structure parameters of Panax notoginseng were obtained by experimental anatomy, and the flow resistance characteristics were analyzed by numerical simulation. The results showed that the xylem vessels had annular thickening and pit thickening walls. The flow resistance coefficient (ξ) of the pitted thickening vessel was significantly lower than that of annular thickening vessel in four cross-sectional types. The ξ of the circular cross-sectional vessel was the largest, followed by the hexagon, pentagon cross-sectional vessel and the lowest was the quadrilateral cross-sectional vessel, and the structure coefficient (S) was just the opposite. The ξ of the vessel model was positively correlated with the annular height, pitted width and pitted height, and negatively correlated with the annular inscribed circle diameter, annular width, annular spacing, pitted inscribed circle diameter and pitted spacing. Among them, annular (pitted) height and the annular (pitted) inscribed circle diameter had a great influence on the ξ. The increasing and decreasing trend of the S and ξ were opposite in the change of annular (pitted) inscribed circle diameter, and consistent in the change of in other structural parameters, indicating that the secondary wall thickening structure limited the inner diameter of the vessel to maintain a balance between flow resistance and transport efficiency.
Topics: Panax notoginseng; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biological Transport; Xylem; Water
PubMed: 36877678
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281080 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2022Ginsenosides, as the most important constituents of ginseng, have been extensively investigated in cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics. Among the ginsenosides,... (Review)
Review
Ginsenosides, as the most important constituents of ginseng, have been extensively investigated in cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics. Among the ginsenosides, Compound K (CK), a rare protopanaxadiol type of ginsenoside, has been most broadly used for cancer treatment due to its high anticancer bioactivity. However, the functional mechanism of CK in cancer is not well known. This review describes the structure, transformation and pharmacological activity of CK and discusses the functional mechanisms of CK and its metabolites, which regulate signaling pathways related to tumor growth and metastasis. CK inhibits tumor growth by inducing tumor apoptosis and tumor cell differentiation, regulates the tumor microenvironment by suppressing tumor angiogenesis-related proteins, and downregulates the roles of immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). There is currently much research on the potential development of CK as a new strategy when administered alone or in combination with other compounds.
Topics: Apoptosis; Ginsenosides; Humans; Neoplasms; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Panax; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35615883
DOI: 10.1177/15347354221101203 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Dec 2022Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), the major bio-active ginsenoside that originated from the root of Panax ginseng, has become a "hot topic" for playing multifunctional roles in... (Review)
Review
Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), the major bio-active ginsenoside that originated from the root of Panax ginseng, has become a "hot topic" for playing multifunctional roles in both tumor treatment and tumor microenvironment (TME) immunomodulation. Up to now, emerging experimental research about Rh2 in tumor therapy and immuno-regulation has been published, however, the specific reviews focused on its role in the TME were limited. Hence, in this article, we briefly summarized existing evidence supporting the anticancer effects and potential mechanisms of Rh2 according to the tumor type, including anti-proliferation, anti-invasion, and metastasis, induction of cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenesis, promotion of reactive oxygen species and differentiation. Meanwhile, we shed light on the role of Rh2 in TME, with an emphasis on regulating tumor immunogenicity, immune cells, cytokines, and physicochemical properties of TME. Finally, the current research limitation and prospects of Rh2 were discussed.
Topics: Ginsenosides; Tumor Microenvironment; Panax; Neoplasms; Immunomodulation
PubMed: 36288668
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113912 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023The panax genus is a widely used medicinal plant with good biological activity. As one of the main active components of the Panax genus, polysaccharides have various... (Review)
Review
The panax genus is a widely used medicinal plant with good biological activity. As one of the main active components of the Panax genus, polysaccharides have various pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the latest research reports on ginseng, American ginseng, and Panax notoginseng polysaccharides and compares the differences in extraction, isolation and purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities. The current research mainly focuses on ginseng polysaccharides, and the process of extraction, isolation, and structure analysis of each polysaccharide is roughly the same. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these polysaccharides have antioxidants, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, intestinal protection, skin repair, and other biological activities. This review provides new insights into the differences between the three kinds of ginseng polysaccharides which will help to further study the medicinal value of ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine.
Topics: Panax; Polysaccharides; Panax notoginseng; Antioxidants; Plants, Medicinal; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 37175143
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093733 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2021Respiratory tract infections are underestimated, as they are mild and generally not incapacitating. In clinical medicine, however, these infections are considered a... (Review)
Review
Respiratory tract infections are underestimated, as they are mild and generally not incapacitating. In clinical medicine, however, these infections are considered a prevalent problem. By 2030, the third most comprehensive reason for death worldwide will be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the World Health Organization. The current arsenal of anti-inflammatory drugs shows little or no benefits against COPD. For thousands of years, herbal drugs have been used to cure numerous illnesses; they exhibit promising results and enhance physical performance. Ginseng is one such herbal medicine, known to alleviate pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8) formed by macrophages and epithelial cells. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of ginsenoside are still not fully understood. Various clinical trials of ginseng have exhibited a reduction of repeated colds and the flu. In this review, ginseng's structural features, the pathogenicity of microbial infections, and the immunomodulatory, antiviral, and anti-bacterial effects of ginseng were discussed. The focus was on the latest animal studies and human clinical trials that corroborate ginseng's role as a therapy for treating respiratory tract infections. The article concluded with future directions and significant challenges. This review would be a valuable addition to the knowledge base for researchers in understanding the promising role of ginseng in treating respiratory tract infections. Further analysis needs to be re-focused on clinical trials to study ginseng's efficacy and safety in treating pathogenic infections and in determining ginseng-drug interactions.
Topics: Animals; Complementary Therapies; Ginsenosides; Humans; Panax; Phytotherapy; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 34279434
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134095 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021spp. ( family) are widely used medicinal plants and they mainly include C.A. Meyer L. (American ginseng) and (notoginseng). Polysaccharides are the main active... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
spp. ( family) are widely used medicinal plants and they mainly include C.A. Meyer L. (American ginseng) and (notoginseng). Polysaccharides are the main active ingredients in these plants and have demonstrated diverse pharmacological functions, but comparisons of isolation methods, structural features, and bioactivities of these polysaccharides have not yet been reported. This review summarizes recent advances associated with 112 polysaccharides from ginseng, 25 polysaccharides from American ginseng, and 36 polysaccharides from notoginseng and it compares the differences in extraction, purification, structural features, and bioactivities. Most studies focus on ginseng polysaccharides and comparisons are typically made with the polysaccharides from American ginseng and notoginseng. For the extraction, purification, and structural analysis, the processes are similar for the polysaccharides from the three Panax species. Previous studies determined that 55 polysaccharides from ginseng, 18 polysaccharides from American ginseng, and 9 polysaccharides from notoginseng exhibited anti-tumor activity, immunoregulatory effects, anti-oxidant activity, and other pharmacological functions, which are mediated by multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, or redox balance pathways. This review can provide new insights into the similarities and differences among the polysaccharides from the three Panax species, which can facilitate and guide further studies to explore the medicinal properties of the family used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Topics: Animals; Chemical Fractionation; Humans; Panax; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 34443587
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164997 -
Science China. Life Sciences Mar 2016Ginseng is among the oldest traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely used in China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 50 years, considerable research has focused... (Review)
Review
Ginseng is among the oldest traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely used in China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 50 years, considerable research has focused on the chemical constituents, pharmacological action, and clinical applications of ginseng. In this review, we examine the current state of research on ginseng, including the main active ingredient ginsenoside, its pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system, and mechanisms of action. We focus on what is known of the effects of ginseng against atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, and its inhibition of ventricular remodeling, providing a basis for expanding the clinical applications of ginseng.
Topics: Animals; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Ginsenosides; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Panax
PubMed: 26798041
DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-5007-8 -
Biomolecules Jul 2020Ginseng () is an herb popular for its medicinal and health properties. Compound K (CK) is a secondary ginsenoside biotransformed from major ginsenosides. Compound K is... (Review)
Review
Ginseng () is an herb popular for its medicinal and health properties. Compound K (CK) is a secondary ginsenoside biotransformed from major ginsenosides. Compound K is more bioavailable and soluble than its parent ginsenosides and hence of immense importance. The review summarizes health-promoting in vitro and in vivo studies of CK between 2015 and 2020, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-aging/skin protective, and others. Clinical trial data are minimal and are primarily based on CK-rich fermented ginseng. Besides, numerous preclinical and clinical studies indicating the pharmacokinetic behavior of CK, its parent compound (Rb1), and processed ginseng extracts are also summarized. With the limited evidence available from animal and clinical studies, it can be stated that CK is safe and well-tolerated. However, lower water solubility, membrane permeability, and efflux significantly diminish the efficacy of CK and restrict its clinical application. We found that the use of nanocarriers and cyclodextrin for CK delivery could overcome these limitations as well as improve the health benefits associated with them. However, these derivatives have not been clinically evaluated, thus requiring a safety assessment for human therapy application. Future studies should be aimed at investigating clinical evidence of CK.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Ginsenosides; Health Promotion; Humans; Panax
PubMed: 32664389
DOI: 10.3390/biom10071028 -
BMC Genomics Jun 2023Panax ginseng is a perennial herb and one of the most widely used traditional medicines in China. During its long growth period, it is affected by various environmental...
BACKGROUND
Panax ginseng is a perennial herb and one of the most widely used traditional medicines in China. During its long growth period, it is affected by various environmental factors. Past studies have shown that growth-regulating factors (GRFs) and GRF-interacting factors (GIFs) are involved in regulating plant growth and development, responding to environmental stress, and responding to the induction of exogenous hormones. However, GRF and GIF transcription factors in ginseng have not been reported.
RESULTS
In this study, 20 GRF gene members of ginseng were systematically identified and found to be distributed on 13 chromosomes. The ginseng GIF gene family has only ten members, which are distributed on ten chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis divided these PgGRFs into six clades and PgGIFs into two clades. In total, 18 of the 20 PgGRFs and eight of the ten PgGIFs are segmental duplications. Most PgGRF and PgGIF gene promoters contain some hormone- and stress- related cis-regulatory elements. Based on the available public RNA-Seq data, the expression patterns of PgGRF and PgGIF genes were analysed from 14 different tissues. The responses of the PgGRF gene to different hormones (6-BA, ABA, GA3, IAA) and abiotic stresses (cold, heat, drought, and salt) were studied. The expression of the PgGRF gene was significantly upregulated under GA3 induction and three weeks of heat treatment. The expression level of the PgGIF gene changed only slightly after one week of heat treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study may be helpful for further study of the function of PgGRF and PgGIF genes and lay a foundation for further study of their role in the growth and development of Panax ginseng.
Topics: Phylogeny; Panax; Transcription Factors; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Hormones; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 37328802
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09435-w -
Phytochemistry Jun 2011Ginseng occupies a prominent position in the list of best-selling natural products in the world. Compared to the long history of use and widespread research on Asian... (Review)
Review
Ginseng occupies a prominent position in the list of best-selling natural products in the world. Compared to the long history of use and widespread research on Asian ginseng, the study of American ginseng is relatively limited. In the past decade, some promising advances have been achieved in understanding the chemistry, pharmacology and structure-function relationship of American ginseng. To date, there is no systematic review of American ginseng. In this review, the different structures of the ginsenosides in American ginseng are described, including naturally occurring compounds and those resulting from steaming or biotransformation. Preclinical and clinical studies published in the past decade are also discussed. Highlighted are the chemical and pharmacological diversity and potential structural-activity relationship of ginsenosides. The goal is that this article is a useful reference to chemists and biologists researching American ginseng, and will open the door to agents in drug discovery.
Topics: Biological Products; Ginsenosides; Molecular Structure; Panax
PubMed: 21396670
DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.02.012