Journal of Ginseng Research最新文献

{"title":"The cardioprotective mechanism of total saponins from mountain cultivated ginseng against doxorubicin-induced heart failure: Insights from gut-heart axis modulation based on gut microbiota and fecal metabolomics","authors":"Hao Liu ,&nbsp;Ruiqi Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhixuan Mao ,&nbsp;Haiqiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Jincai Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mountain cultivated ginseng (MCG) has been reported to exert superior therapeutic efficacy in heart failure (HF) models, but the mechanism of total saponins from MCG (TSMCG) remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of TSMCG protects against doxorubicin-induced HF through the gut-heart axis. The phytochemical profile of TSMCG was identified using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. TSMCG (50 or 200 mg/kg) was administered to mice daily for one week before and after doxorubicin exposure. Cardiac function was evaluated via echocardiography, followed by blood biochemical and cardiac histological analyses. Metabolic profiles and gut microbiota composition were analyzed. Fecal microbiota transplantation experiments were employed for mechanistic validation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>TSMCG treatment significantly improved cardiac function in HF mice, as evidenced by increased ejection fraction. TSMCG markedly attenuated doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury (CK-MB, NT-proBNP, AST, LDH), oxidative stress (SOD, MDA, CAT, GSH), and cardiac fibrosis. TSMCG effectively regulated key metabolic pathways, particularly tryptophan and bile acid metabolism, and alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis, particularly <em>Parasutterella</em> and <em>Akkermansia</em>, in HF mice. Close associations between differential microbiota and metabolites were observed. The cardioprotective effects of TSMCG were associated with fecal microbiota transplantation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings elucidated the gut-heart axis-based mechanism by which TSMCG alleviated doxorubicin-induced HF and highlighted its potential as a candidate for HF intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100983"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Korean Red ginseng on the regulation of inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis featuring spike protein overexpression","authors":"JooYeon Jhun ,&nbsp;Young Joon Lee ,&nbsp;Hyun-Sik Na ,&nbsp;Seung Yoon Lee ,&nbsp;Yeon Su Lee ,&nbsp;Se Gyeong Han ,&nbsp;JeongWon Choi ,&nbsp;Mi-La Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101019","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>COVID-19 causes inflammation, autoantibody production, and thrombosis-features commonly observed in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In RA patients infected with COVID-19, immunosuppressive treatments can weaken viral defenses and worsen inflammation. The effects of red ginseng on these patients remain unexplored. We investigated the therapeutic potential of red ginseng extract (RGE) in an RA model with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein overexpression.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Plasmids expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 were delivered into mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). They were orally administered RGE, and effects were assessed via immunohistochemistry, confocal analysis, and ELISA. We analyzed the regulation of Th17 and Treg cells and related cytokines, as well as markers of inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis in splenocytes and fibroblasts. We also examined the combined effects of RGE and methotrexate (MTX).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Oral RGE supplementation improved joint inflammation and damage, increasing Treg cells in the spleen. RGE reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-1β, TNF-α), cell death markers (pMLKL, Caspase1), and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, Col1A1) in synovial tissue. In vitro, RGE decreased the expression of these markers in fibroblasts and splenocytes. RGE and MTX had inhibitory effects in the CIA model, with regulatory effects on immune cells, suppressing Th17 cells and enhancing Treg cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>RGE inhibits inflammatory cell death, fibrosis, and modulates immune cells. Its inhibitory effect with MTX suggests therapeutic benefits for RA patients co-infected with COVID-19.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101019"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protopanaxatriol enhances mucin expression in intestinal epithelial cells and mice","authors":"Yeye Hu ,&nbsp;Ziliang He ,&nbsp;Weijie Dai ,&nbsp;Xuejunlan Hu ,&nbsp;Haiyue Hu ,&nbsp;Yuhao Wang ,&nbsp;Lei Huang ,&nbsp;Canglang Mou ,&nbsp;Jinghan Su ,&nbsp;Weizhaole Wei ,&nbsp;Haifeng Wu ,&nbsp;Long You ,&nbsp;Honggang Wang ,&nbsp;Jae Youl Cho ,&nbsp;Weicheng Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100992","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mucins are critical components of the intestinal mucus layer that protects the gut epithelium and maintains microbiota balance. Protopanaxatriol (PPT), an active metabolite derived from protopanaxatriol-type saponins, has shown promise in modulating gut health, but its effects on mucin expression remain poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the effects of PPT on mucin expression in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells and in a mouse model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Caco-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of PPT, and the expression of mucins was assessed via qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In parallel, mice were administered PPT orally, and tissues were collected for mucin quantification.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PPT treatment significantly upregulated mucin expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in Caco-2 cells. <em>In vivo</em>, mice administered with PPT exhibited significantly elevated mucin expression in the colon. In addition, PPT administration also induced mucin expression in both lung and stomach tissues.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PPT promoted mucin expression in human intestinal epithelial cells and in the gut of mice, suggesting their potential as natural agents for maintaining gut health and preventing intestinal disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100992"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Red ginseng-derived components attenuate UVB-induced keratinocyte senescence via senomorphic mechanisms","authors":"Sung Ha Lim,&nbsp;Hee-Seok Seo,&nbsp;Hyun Kang,&nbsp;Seung-Phil Hong","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Senescent cells progressively accumulate within tissues and induce further senescence in neighboring cells through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), thereby contributing to tissue dysfunction and aging. While senolytics selectively eliminate senescent cells, senomorphics modulate SASP without inducing cell death. Although red ginseng has been studied for anti-photoaging properties, its role in directly modulating SASP-driven keratinocyte senescence and paracrine aging signaling remains insufficiently defined. This study aimed to investigate whether Korean red ginseng-derived components (RGCs) exert senolytic or senomorphic activity in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced senescent primary human keratinocytes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cellular senescence was induced by repeated UVB irradiation in primary human keratinocytes. A transwell co-culture system was employed to evaluate SASP-mediated paracrine effects on neighboring keratinocytes. Three RGC fractions were examined. Senescence markers (p16 and p21), SASP factors (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TNF-α), and differentiation/proliferation markers were analyzed. Representative major ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, Rc) and stress signaling pathways (MAPK/JNK and AKT) were also evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>RGCs did not exhibit significant senolytic activity or apoptosis induction. Instead, they demonstrated pronounced senomorphic effects by attenuating UVB-induced upregulation of p16, p21, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β. RGCs enhanced keratinocyte proliferation and partially restored early-to-intermediate differentiation markers. In the co-culture model, RGCs mitigated SASP-mediated paracrine effects, reducing senescence and inflammatory signaling in adjacent keratinocytes. These effects were associated with modulation of stress-responsive MAPK/JNK pathways and were partially recapitulated by ginsenosides.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings demonstrate that RGCs function predominantly as senomorphic modulators in UVB-induced keratinocyte senescence, attenuating SASP propagation and stress signaling without inducing cell death.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101018"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ginsenoside Rg5 alleviates allergic rhinitis in rats by modulating nasal microbiota by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3/BCL-2 and MAPK signaling","authors":"Chen Bai ,&nbsp;Yue Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaohui Huo ,&nbsp;Huifang Liu ,&nbsp;Jiyue Sha ,&nbsp;Yinshi Sun ,&nbsp;Jianbo Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a non infectious chronic inflammatory disease of nasal mucosa mediated by IgE and driven by type 2 immune response. Ginsenoside Rg5 (Rg5) is a bioactive compound derived from ginseng, but its effect on AR is unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Rg5 in toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced AR and explored its potential mechanism involving JAK2/SATAT3/BCL-2 and MAPK signaling pathways as well as nasal microbiota regulation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>AR model was established by TDI sensitization and different doses of Rg5 were administered to assess symptom scores, IgE, His and cytokine levels. Nasal mucosal tissues and lung tissues were analyzed histopathologically for key proteins in the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-2 and MAPK pathways in the nasal mucosa. Nasal microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and signaling pathway correlation analysis was performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Rg5 significantly reduces IgE, His, and pro-inflammatory factors, increases anti-inflammatory factors, mitigates damage to the nasal mucosa and lung tissues, thereby alleviates nasal symptoms. It suppresses the activation of JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK pathways and upregulates BCL-2 expression. It also increases the abundance of <em>Actinobacteria</em> and <em>Acidobacteria</em>, decreases that of <em>Bacteroidetes</em> and <em>Desulfobacteria</em>, and restores the diversity of nasal microbiota. Rg5 ameliorates AR symptoms by enriching beneficial bacteria (e.g., <em>Campylobacterota</em>, <em>Patescibacteria</em>, and <em>Acidobacteriota</em>), regulating cytokine levels, and synergistically modulating the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-2 and MAPK pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Ginsenoside Rg5 acts synergistically through the JAK2/STAT3/BCL-2 and MAPK signaling pathways while restoring nasal microbiota homeostasis and attenuating TDI-induced AR symptoms, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for AR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100984"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiplatelet activity of a Korean red ginseng–derived saponin fraction and its inhibition of influenza A virus–induced thrombosis","authors":"Ga Hee Lee ,&nbsp;Jueun Oh ,&nbsp;Jin Pyo Lee ,&nbsp;Na Yoon Heo ,&nbsp;SangJoon Lee ,&nbsp;Dong-Ha Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Platelets play a central role in thrombus formation, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Viral infections have been reported to further promote thrombus formation, posing a critical risk in unpredictable pandemic situations. Therefore, we evaluated whether a Korean red ginseng–derived saponin fraction could serve as a safe and effective antithrombotic agent by assessing its inhibitory effects.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Human platelets were examined using an aggregometer, flow cytometry, fluorescence assays, ELISA kits, and western blotting to assess cGMP, intracellular Ca²⁺ levels, fibrinogen binding, granule secretion (ATP and serotonin), and phosphorylation of IP₃R, VASP, MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, and cPLA₂. Thrombin-induced clot retraction was quantified. The in vivo effects were further evaluated in influenza A virus (IAV)-infected mice using a FeCl₃-induced carotid artery thrombosis model, where thrombus formation and blood flow were monitored.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The saponin fraction markedly inhibited platelet aggregation, enhanced cGMP production, and increased phosphorylation of IP₃R and VASP Ser²³⁹. Conversely, it suppressed phosphorylation of MAPKs (JNK and p38), PI3K/Akt, and cPLA₂, thereby blocking downstream signaling pathways. In vivo, IAV infection accelerated thrombus formation and reduced blood flow, whereas administration of the saponin fraction significantly attenuated these pathological changes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The saponin fraction effectively suppressed platelet activation in vitro and thrombus formation in vivo, even under virus-induced prothrombotic conditions. These findings suggest that the saponin fraction has potential as a safe and effective natural antithrombotic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100981"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Natural compounds for diabetes-related wounds or ulcers therapy: Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies","authors":"Jia Teng ,&nbsp;Guanchi Yan ,&nbsp;Ming Yang ,&nbsp;Shuangyue Wang ,&nbsp;Yuezhu Zhao ,&nbsp;Yanyan Wang ,&nbsp;Jia Mi","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diabetes-related wounds or ulcers are one of the complications of diabetes that can cause a variety of functional losses. Treatment of diabetic skin ulcer (DSU) focuses on alleviating foot pressure and enhancing local circulation. Despite the availability of these treatments, the number of drugs for wound application is limited. In recent years, natural compounds obtained from plants have demonstrated positive effects on DSU and have effective in preclinical and clinical studies.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The objective of the study was to assess the diabetes-related wounds or ulcers of natural compounds and the potential mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>and Methods: The study searched PubMed database up to January 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the review, the efficacy and safety of natural compounds in treating diabetes-related wounds or ulcers are summarized from 42 preclinical and 13 clinical studies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, these preclinical and clinical studies advocate for the use of natural compounds in diabetes-related wounds or ulcers, indicating that ursolic acid, paeoniflorin, and <em>Curcuma zedoaria</em> polysaccharide (ZWP) could be effective and well-tolerated potential medications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100990"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proteomic profiling reveals the mechanism of ginsenoside synthesis in Panax notoginseng","authors":"Zheng-Wei Liang ,&nbsp;Shi-Cheng Tang ,&nbsp;Yan Ma ,&nbsp;Teng Wang ,&nbsp;Zheng Lv ,&nbsp;Yan-Hui Guan ,&nbsp;Jun-Wen Chen ,&nbsp;Ming Zhao ,&nbsp;Sheng-Chao Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Panax notoginseng</em>, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, holds significant historical and clinical value due to its ability to promote blood circulation, alleviate blood stasis, and provide neuroprotective effects. The primary bioactive constituents of this herb are <em>P. notoginseng</em> saponins (PNS). However, the mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis and regulation of PNS remain inadequately understood.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The contents of notoginsenoside R1, ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, and Rd in <em>P. notoginseng</em> roots were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The protein composition of <em>P. notoginseng</em> roots was digested and labeled by tandem mass tags, and high pH reverse phase separation, analyzed using low pH nano high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (pH nano-HPLC-MS/MS) analysis system. Key protein data and regulatory pathways in the roots of <em>P. notoginseng</em> were analyzed to identify the essential enzymes and their corresponding genes involved in ginsenoside synthesis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 7578 proteins were identified, among which 252 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were characterized. Specifically, 155 were found to be downregulated, while 93 were upregulated in the comparison of high to low (H/L) ginsenoside content. The DEPs were primarily associated with biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components, as classified by Gene Ontology. Additionally, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed a significant involvement of the ribosomal pathway. Notably, 19 enzymes identified among the DEPs are linked to ginsenoside biosynthesis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study analyzed the differences in the content of five major ginsenosides in <em>P. notoginseng</em> roots and identified the key proteins (enzymes) involved in regulating ginsenoside synthesis. The findings highlight the regulatory roles of the cytochrome P450 (<em>CYP450</em>) and UDP-glycosyltransferase (<em>UGT</em>) enzyme families in the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites, providing valuable insights into the biosynthesis of the active medicinal components in <em>P. notoginseng</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101017"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ginsenosides exhibit potential therapeutic potential in photoaging by regulating keratinocyte ferroptosis","authors":"Lulu Tang ,&nbsp;Xianjie Chen ,&nbsp;Keyue Chen ,&nbsp;Xinlei Zheng ,&nbsp;Min Ye ,&nbsp;Zhongqiu Liu ,&nbsp;Wang Li ,&nbsp;Xiaoyi Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.11.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.11.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Skin photoaging is a chronic inflammatory state induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ferroptosis has recently emerged as a critical mechanism implicated in the pathogenesis of photoaging. Ginsenosides, active compounds in ginseng, hold potential for treating skin photoaging, but their molecular mechanisms in regulating ferroptosis remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze murine skin after UVB irradiation, focusing on keratinocyte subpopulations and ferroptosis-related genes. Molecular docking assessed ginsenoside binding to ferroptosis regulators. Embryotoxicity of ginsenosides was evaluated using zebrafish embryos. Ferroptosis gene expression in UVB-exposed keratinocytes with or without ginsenoside treatment was analyzed by Western blot and RT-qPCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>scRNA-seq revealed a significant increase in keratinocyte numbers and ferroptosis signals following UVB irradiation. We observed that UVB exposure reduced SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression while increasing HMGB1 in keratinocytes. Molecular docking experiments further indicated that ginsenosides C-K and C-Mc can target ferroptosis-related proteins, and are non-toxic in zebrafish embryos. Treatment with ginsenosides effectively attenuated skin photoaging by modulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis and suppressing HMGB1 expression, thereby reducing UVB-induced reactive oxygen species levels and restoring keratinocyte viability. Additionally, we also identified three differentiation trajectories of keratinocytes and found that bone marrow-derived cell Gas6 signaling may influence ferroptosis via the Axl/Tyro3 pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings suggest that ginsenosides may represent promising therapeutic candidates for alleviating UVB-induced skin photoaging via modulation of the ferroptosis-associated SLC7A11/GPX4 axis and HMGB1 expression, providing novel mechanistic insights and therapeutic strategies against skin photoaging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100914"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Panax notoginseng saponins on functional outcome in obese patients with acute ischemic stroke","authors":"Sijin Wang ,&nbsp;Peipei Du ,&nbsp;Longfei Wu ,&nbsp;Ziwen Xu ,&nbsp;Yixuan Li ,&nbsp;Ying Gao ,&nbsp;Xunming Ji ,&nbsp;Haiqing Song ,&nbsp;Chi Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100991","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Obesity exacerbates acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcomes through metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Although <em>Panax notoginseng</em> saponins (PNS) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of AIS in the large-scale PANDA trial (N = 3,072; ChiCTR1800016363), their benefits in patients with obesity specifically, remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PNS on functional outcomes in patients with obesity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This analysis utilized individual patient data from the PANDA trial. Participants were stratified by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and a combination of both metrics. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 2,779 patients (mean age 60.7 ± 9.3 years), 58.3% were classified as overweight or obese by BMI, and 65% met criteria for abdominal obesity based on WC. PNS significantly improved rates of functional independence at 90 days across overweight (aOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.39–3.06), obesity (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.11–4.41), and abdominal obesity (aOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.73–3.28) subgroups. Consistent benefits were observed in patients with abdominal obesity irrespective of BMI category: lower BMI (aOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.34–4.61) and higher BMI (aOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.64–3.54).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results indicate that PNS may improve 90-day functional outcomes in patients with AIS and obesity, including those with abdominal obesity, warranting further prospective validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100991"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}