{"title":"The role of ginseng in aging: Insights into regulatory T cells activation and mitochondrial regulation","authors":"Hamid Iqbal , Dong-Kwon Rhee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A hallmark of aging is the progressive decline in resilience to stress and mitochondrial activity. As mitochondrial function decreases with aging, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is shed under apoptotic stress, resulting in a persistent low-level of sterile inflammation (called inflammaging) that induces the aging program. In response to inflammaging, the body activates a compensatory anti-inflammatory response, including the activation of regulatory T (Treg) cells, to prevent excessive tissue damage. Recent studies have highlighted the dysfunction of Treg cells in elderly patients, suggesting that their critical role in the mitigation of aging. Additionally, mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, particularly complexes II and III, are essential for the function of Th1 and Treg cells, respectively. Since centenarians experience less inflammaging, this review aims to explore the anti-aging properties of ginseng. Research has shown that ginseng and its active compounds, ginsenosides, increase Treg cells population in aged mice and convert pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Furthermore, ginseng enhances antioxidant protein expression, decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, restores mitochondrial ATP and membrane potential, and exerts anti-aging effects. Ginseng has been shown to extend lifespan, promote beneficial gut bacteria, and slow cognitive decline through its influence on immune cell circulation. Future research, including clinical trials, is needed to clarify the regulatory effects of ginseng on Treg cells, mitochondrial complexes, and their associated metabolites, as well as the interconnected mechanisms between them.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 376-388"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307198","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}
In-Ho Seo , Byoungjin Park , Heejung Kim , Seok-Jae Heo , Dong-Hyuk Jung
{"title":"The effects of G1899 Korean red ginseng extract powder on long COVID for acute COVID19 infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"In-Ho Seo , Byoungjin Park , Heejung Kim , Seok-Jae Heo , Dong-Hyuk Jung","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential effects of G1899 Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder(G1899) on long COVID in a general population using flow cytometry and follow-up by questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a 12-week clinical pilot study on 220 COVID19 patients who were recently infected. The study was completed by 108 participants in the G1899 group and 108 participants in the placebo group. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the G1899 and placebo groups. We evaluated the long COVID by questionnaire including GAD-7, FSS and BFI-K at baseline and 12 weeks. To investigate the changes in the levels of CD4/CD8 T cell ratio and regulatory T cell population, multicolor flow cytometry was performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The G1899 group showed significantly chronic fatigue symptoms relieving compared with placebo group at 12 weeks in women. The CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly in the G1899 group, rising from 1.71 (95 % CI: 1.35–2.07) at Visit 1 to 2.31 (95 % CI: 1.83–2.78) at Visit 4 (p = 0.0029). Unlike the G1899 group, there was a significant reduction in the Treg population, from 2.02 % at Visit 1–1.22 % at Visit 4 (p = 0.0005) in the placebo group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that G1899 has beneficial effects on the amelioration of long COVID symptoms, with more prominent effects observed in women. Although the changes in Treg population were not statistically significant in the G1899 group, the significant reduction observed in the placebo group suggests a potential protective effect of G1899 against Treg depletion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 470-477"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307029","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}
YiSi Yang , DeYu Tian , Kyoung-Jin Jang , Myeong Soo Lee , Hye Won Lee , Seung-Jin Lee , Wook-Joon Yu , Changbao Chen , Ling Li , Jong Dae Park , YoungJoo Lee
{"title":"The clearing-up of misunderstanding on body temperature changes and heat responses after Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolium intake","authors":"YiSi Yang , DeYu Tian , Kyoung-Jin Jang , Myeong Soo Lee , Hye Won Lee , Seung-Jin Lee , Wook-Joon Yu , Changbao Chen , Ling Li , Jong Dae Park , YoungJoo Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The roots of <em>Panax ginseng</em>, known as Korean ginseng, have been widely used worldwide for treating many diseases and general health maintenance. Korean ginseng is perceived as safe owing to its natural origin, extensive historical uses, and accumulated scientific clinical studies in humans. According to oriental medicine theory, <em>Panax ginseng</em> is categorized as having warm properties, while <em>Panax quinquefolium</em>, called American ginseng, is classified as having cool properties. Based on this, it is said that <em>Panax ginseng</em> might cause an elevation of body temperature, such as sensations of warmth or heat, whereas <em>Panax quinquefolium</em> provides cooling effects. However, scientific evidence for comparing these parallel thermogenic effects of two species is scarce. This focused review summarizes clinical trials and animal studies regarding the heat responses of two Panax species. This review aims to provide an overview of current scientific data on the thermogenic effects inducing a heat sensation and a hot feeling of Korean ginseng and American ginseng.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 389-394"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307199","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}
Heejun Ha , Heeseon Shin , Sukhyun Min , Natasha Christabella Sutopo , Khamit Yerkesh , Eunsun Jung , Minkyung Song , Jae Youl Cho , Jongsung Lee
{"title":"Therapeutic potential of ginsenosides in circadian rhythm-based skin disorders","authors":"Heejun Ha , Heeseon Shin , Sukhyun Min , Natasha Christabella Sutopo , Khamit Yerkesh , Eunsun Jung , Minkyung Song , Jae Youl Cho , Jongsung Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The circadian rhythm, a biological system all living organisms possess, has become increasingly important as sleep patterns become more irregular. Circadian rhythms affect various cell types (fibroblasts, fat cells, muscles, etc.) and organs (the liver, pancreas, gut, etc.). This review focuses on the effects of the circadian rhythm on skin physiology. Under normal conditions, the circadian rhythm is involved in maintaining skin health, including DNA repair and wound healing. Disrupted circadian rhythm can cause skin disorders, including hyperpigmentation, melanoma, skin aging, sunburn, impaired wound healing, and an abnormal skin barrier.</div><div>Furthermore, the effects of ginsenosides, the primary bioactive component of <em>Panax ginseng</em>, were examined on recovery from skin disorders associated with circadian rhythm disruptions. Therefore, this review explains the relationship between skin physiology and circadian rhythm and suggests the potential of ginseng as a treatment for circadian rhythm-mediated skin disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 366-375"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307034","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}
Abdul Wahab Akram , Jung-Hae Shin , Uyanga Batmunkh , Evelyn Saba , Yong-Myung Kang , Sunjun Jung , Jee Eun Han , Sung Dae Kim , Dongmi Kwak , Hyuk-woo Kwon , Man Hee Rhee
{"title":"Ginsenoside Rg5 inhibits platelet aggregation by regulating GPVI signaling pathways and ferric chloride-induced thrombosis","authors":"Abdul Wahab Akram , Jung-Hae Shin , Uyanga Batmunkh , Evelyn Saba , Yong-Myung Kang , Sunjun Jung , Jee Eun Han , Sung Dae Kim , Dongmi Kwak , Hyuk-woo Kwon , Man Hee Rhee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Platelet hyperactivation is a major factor in thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Ginsenoside Rg5 is a minor ginsenoside, and among its various beneficial pharmacological effects, its antithrombotic potential has not been extensively studied.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Human platelets were isolated and treated with Rg5 (35-100 μM) before stimulation with agonists such as collagen, thrombin, and U46619. Platelet aggregation, granule secretion, calcium mobilization, thromboxane A<sub>2</sub> production, fibrinogen binding, and clot retraction were evaluated. The effects of Rg5 on signaling pathways were determined via Western blot analysis of key proteins. <em>In vivo</em>, the antithrombotic efficacy was assessed using ferric chloride (FeCl<sub>3</sub>)-induced thrombosis in mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Rg5 dose-dependently inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation (IC<sub>50</sub> = 42.5 μM) and selectively inhibited GPVI-mediated signaling compared to thrombin and U46619. Rg5 suppressed intracellular calcium mobilization, granule secretion, and thromboxane A<sub>2</sub> production, with no cytotoxicity observed. Rg5 downregulated key signaling proteins (p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-cPLA2, and p-p38) while upregulating p-VASP (S157 and S239), suggesting its role in elevating cyclic nucleotide signaling. Additionally, Rg5 inhibited CD162 expression that was induced in the presence of collagen and oxidized low-density lipoprotein. It also prevented fibrinogen and fibronectin binding and significantly reduced clot retraction. <em>In vivo</em>, Rg5 (20 mg/kg) significantly prolonged the carotid artery occlusion time and prevented thrombus formation, outperforming aspirin (100 mg/kg).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Ginsenoside Rg5 exhibits potent antiplatelet activity by selectively targeting GPVI-mediated platelet activation and modulating key intracellular signaling pathways. These results suggest that Rg5 could be utilized to develop safer and natural antiplatelet therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 460-469"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307215","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}
Jung Ho Hwang , Se Yong Park , Ju-Hee Kang , Hyun Jin Jung , Jiwon Park , Han-Joo Maeng , Min-Koo Choi , Ha Suk Song , Im-Sook Song , Seung Hyun Oh
{"title":"Compound K-enriched Korean red ginseng prevents lung cancer progression by targeting cancer cells and fibroblasts","authors":"Jung Ho Hwang , Se Yong Park , Ju-Hee Kang , Hyun Jin Jung , Jiwon Park , Han-Joo Maeng , Min-Koo Choi , Ha Suk Song , Im-Sook Song , Seung Hyun Oh","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite the efficacy of anticancer drugs, patients frequently experience relapse, metastasis, and resistance. A promising therapeutic approach not only targets cancer cell growth but also modulates cancer-associated fibroblasts, which support malignancies. Compound K (CK), a metabolite derived from red ginseng, has demonstrated anticancer properties. Recently, we developed a CK-enriched red ginseng extract (CKP) and explored its potential to suppress lung cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inactivating fibroblasts.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To evaluate the <em>in vitro</em> efficacy of CKP in inhibiting lung cancer cell proliferation, MTT and colony formation assays were performed. The apoptotic effects of CKP on lung cancer cells were assessed using Western blot and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the ability of CKP to inhibit TGF β1-induced migration of cancer cells was investigated through Western blot, RT-PCR, and a wound healing assay. Additionally, the impact of CKP on lung fibroblast inactivation was examined via Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. For <em>in vivo</em> experiments, a xenograft model was utilized, incorporating a combination of lung cancer cells and lung fibroblasts in xenografts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>CKP significantly reduced the proliferation and invasiveness of TGF-β1-stimulated A549 cells, demonstrating its potential to inactivate lung fibroblasts. Additionally, CKP inhibited the secretion of cytokines, such as interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and TGF-β1, by activated fibroblasts. <em>In vivo</em>, CKP markedly inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft model.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, CKP effectively induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells, suppressed metastasis, and inactivated fibroblasts, thereby preventing cancer invasion and reducing extracellular matrix production, highlighting its potential as a novel anticancer agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 438-450"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307213","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}
Jaeuk Hwang , Musung Keum , Young Min Choe , Guk-Hee Suh , Hye Ji Choi , Boung Chul Lee , Shin Gyeom Kim , Hyun Soo Kim , Dahyun Yi , Jee Wook Kim
{"title":"Panax ginseng: A modulator of amyloid, tau pathology, and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Jaeuk Hwang , Musung Keum , Young Min Choe , Guk-Hee Suh , Hye Ji Choi , Boung Chul Lee , Shin Gyeom Kim , Hyun Soo Kim , Dahyun Yi , Jee Wook Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, is characterized by the presence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. Despite advancements in Aβ-targeting therapies, the multifaceted nature of AD underscores the need for complementary treatments. <em>Panax ginseng</em>, renowned for its cognitive-enhancing properties, has demonstrated potential in addressing AD pathology. This review systematically explores the therapeutic potential of <em>P. ginseng</em> and its bioactive ginsenosides, focusing on their effects on Aβ, tau proteins, and cognitive function. We summarize the findings from preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting neuroprotective mechanisms, such as the inhibition of Aβ production, enhanced Aβ clearance, and suppression of tau hyperphosphorylation. Research on <em>P. ginseng</em> and its bioactive ginsenosides has shown potential for improving cognitive function in AD models. Clinical studies further suggest its cognitive benefits in mild cognitive impairment, subjective memory impairment, and as adjunctive therapy in AD, with particularly pronounced effects in individuals lacking apolipoprotein ε4 allele. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of <em>P. ginseng</em> as both a therapeutic and preventive agent for AD, highlighting the scientific basis for further exploration of <em>P. ginseng</em>-derived compounds to optimize their efficacy and clinical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 348-355"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307032","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}
Natasha Christabella Sutopo , Nurinanda Prisky Qomaladewi , Hye Won Lee , Myeong Soo Lee , Ji Hye Kim , Jae Youl Cho
{"title":"Comprehensive understanding and underlying molecular mechanisms of the adaptogenic effects of Panax ginseng","authors":"Natasha Christabella Sutopo , Nurinanda Prisky Qomaladewi , Hye Won Lee , Myeong Soo Lee , Ji Hye Kim , Jae Youl Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Panax ginseng</em> Meyer, a traditional herbal remedy with a long history, has been widely used worldwide. Phytochemical studies have shown that its physiological activity is due to a variety of active compounds, and extensive research has demonstrated the adaptogenic potential of ginseng in various physiological and pathological contexts. However, the molecular mechanisms supporting its adaptogenic effects remain inadequately elucidated, leading to undervaluation of its adaptogenic properties. This review uses a comprehensive literature analysis to examine five major health benefits attributed to ginseng extracts or derivatives: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive enhancement. Moreover, it categorizes the biomarkers identified in each efficacy study and analyzes their interaction networks using KEGG pathway information. In that way, four key biomarkers pivotal to the adaptogenic attributes of <em>P. ginseng</em> are identified: superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and caspase-1. These biomarkers play an integral role in the manifestation of <em>P. ginseng</em>'s five major effects, contributing significantly to its adaptogenic efficacy. This novel approach to understanding adaptogenic mechanisms is intended to offer innovative insights into the pharmacological effects of <em>P. ginseng</em> and its derivatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 356-365"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307033","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}
Feiyan Chen , Wei Qin , Qianlin Li , Chu Li , Cuihua Chen , Lin Chen , Qi Yao , Zhu Zhu , Yunan Zhao
{"title":"Identification of AIF1 as a protein target of notoginsenosides in brain tissue of mice with intracerebral hemorrhage based on hapten immunoaffinity fishing technique","authors":"Feiyan Chen , Wei Qin , Qianlin Li , Chu Li , Cuihua Chen , Lin Chen , Qi Yao , Zhu Zhu , Yunan Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a deadly stroke with high mortality or disability. Although recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of <em>Panax notoginseng</em> in ICH therapy, it is unclear which proteins may be targeted to achieve these advantages.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>First, we generated polyclonal antibodies against notoginsenosides by immunizing rats with a ginsenoside Rh1-mcKLH conjugate. Second, the potential target proteins of notoginsenosides in brain tissue of ICH mice were identified using LC-MS-based hapten immunoaffinity fishing (HIAF). Third, the disease target databases and these proteins intersected. Fourth, biolayer interferometry (BLI), molecular docking, and site-directed mutagenesis were performed to validate allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1) as a protein target of notoginsenosides. Last, bioinformatics analysis was performed to examine AIF1's biological characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A potential protein target of notoginsenosides, AIF1, was found by intersecting the identified protein targets with the disease target databases via LC-MS-based HIAF. BLI analysis revealed that Compound K (CK) and AIF1 had the highest direct interaction, with an average shift value of 0.1091 nm. Subsequently, site-directed mutagenesis, molecular docking, and BLI kinetic analysis demonstrated that CK specifically bound to AIF1 with an affinity value of 4.33 ± 0.17E-6 M, with a significant reliance on residues L122 and E125. Bioinformatics analysis showed that AIF1 and its directly interacting proteins were associated with microglial activation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study proposed a new technology for screening natural small molecule protein targets, and successfully identified AIF1 as a protein target of notoginsenosides, providing a chemical and biological basis for further research into targeting AIF1 to treat ICH.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 451-459"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307214","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}
Yanlan Wu , Fangming Song , Xiuwei Tan , Jin Huang , Junliang Lu , Baihui Yang , Fang Fang , Xiaoxia Ye , Laoyi Geer , Fengxin Li , Qian Wei , Xuefeng Lu , Jiake Xu , Jie Jiang , Yiji Su
{"title":"Ginsenoside Rh2 alleviates inflammatory response and enhances motor function recovery in spinal cord injury mice via the ROS/MAPK14 signaling pathway","authors":"Yanlan Wu , Fangming Song , Xiuwei Tan , Jin Huang , Junliang Lu , Baihui Yang , Fang Fang , Xiaoxia Ye , Laoyi Geer , Fengxin Li , Qian Wei , Xuefeng Lu , Jiake Xu , Jie Jiang , Yiji Su","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inhibiting inflammation in nervous system is a vital part of treating for spinal cord injury (SCI). Compounds originating from plants can decrease the damage in the spinal cord for recovering the function of nerve and interrupting the inflammatory reaction. 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) from Panax ginseng is an anti-inflammatory property inhibiting the expression of MAPK14 protein by enabling the MAPK pathway. Therefore, this research explored the anti-inflammatory effects of G-Rh2 on SCI using cellular and animal models.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To explore G-Rh2's anti-inflammatory potential in SCI, we employed bioinformatics analysis to anticipate target proteins and signaling pathways associated with G-Rh2 and SCI. We utilized BV2 microglia cells to model inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and a modified Allen's technique in a mouse SCI model. Our investigation utilized a range of methodologies including quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western Blot (WB).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking identified MAPK14 as a key target of G-Rh2. In BV2 cells experiments, G-Rh2 reduced the expression and generation of inflammatory factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and transcription factors involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. G-Rh2 showed a decrease in inflammatory reaction and improvements in motor function in the mouse model using the modified Allen's approach for SCI.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>G-Rh2 mitigates inflammatory responses and enhances motor function recovery in mice with SCI via the ROS/MAPK14 signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 415-425"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307200","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}