Journal of Ginseng Research最新文献

{"title":"Ginsenoside Rs3 (G-Rs3) inhibits agonist- and oxLDL-mediated platelet activation and attenuates in vivo arterial thrombosis","authors":"Jung-Hae Shin ,&nbsp;Abdul Wahab Akram ,&nbsp;Evelyn Saba ,&nbsp;Myung Chul Kim ,&nbsp;Sung Dae Kim ,&nbsp;Sang Joon Park ,&nbsp;Dongmi Kwak ,&nbsp;Hyuk-woo Kwon ,&nbsp;Man Hee Rhee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Platelet hyperactivation and thrombo-inflammatory processes are critical drivers of cardiovascular diseases. Although conventional antiplatelet therapies reduce thrombotic risk, their use is limited by bleeding complications and drug resistance. Ginsenoside Rs3 (G-Rs3) exhibits anti-inflammatory potential; however, the specific mechanisms underlying the antiplatelet and thrombo-inflammatory activity of ginsenoside Rs3 (G-Rs3) remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Human platelets were treated with G-Rs3 <em>in vitro</em> to evaluate its effects on aggregation, intracellular signaling, granule secretion, and thrombo-inflammatory signaling markers. Network pharmacological analyses were performed to predict pathway-level modulations. The <em>in vivo</em> antithrombotic efficacy of G-Rs3 was assessed using a murine FeCl₃-induced thrombosis model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>G-Rs3 inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner following stimulation with collagen, thrombin, and U46619. It suppressed Ca²⁺ mobilization, dense granule secretion, and phosphorylation of key signaling molecules, including InsP₃R, ERK1/2, MAPKs, PI3K, Akt, GSK3, and Syk. Additionally, G-Rs3 inhibited integrin αIIbβ3 activation, reduced platelet adhesion, and enhanced cyclic nucleotide–mediated negative regulation, as evidenced by elevated VASP phosphorylation and increased cAMP/cGMP levels. Notably, G-Rs3 attenuated oxLDL-enhanced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory platelet markers CD62P and CD162, highlighting its potential to suppress platelet-driven thrombo-inflammatory responses under atherogenic conditions. Further, network pharmacology analysis revealed that G-Rs3 targets multiple interconnected thrombo-inflammatory pathways, including MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Ras, calcium, and cyclic nucleotide signaling. <em>In vivo</em>, G-Rs3 significantly delayed thrombus formation and moderately prolonged occlusion time.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings highlight G-Rs3 as a novel natural antithrombotic agent with anti-thrombo-inflammatory properties. Further studies are required to determine its translational potential and establish its therapeutic viability and safety profile.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101020"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807301","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":"GinDB-AI: An integrated ginsenoside database and AI-driven platform for multidimensional information and biological activity prediction","authors":"Nguyen Doan Hieu Nguyen ,&nbsp;Vinoth Kumar Sangaraju ,&nbsp;Duong Thanh Tran ,&nbsp;Nhat Truong Pham ,&nbsp;Jae Youl Cho ,&nbsp;Balachandran Manavalan","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>GinDB is a comprehensive database containing 753 standardized ginsenosides with curated and corrected data from 1963 to 2024. Integrated with GinDB-AI, a deep learning module for predicting bioactivity and physicochemical properties, the platform enables rapid structure-activity analysis and visualization. The freely accessible resource accelerates ginsenoside-based drug discovery and natural product research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100986"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807303","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":"No distinct estrogenic or androgenic activity was observed in Korean Red Ginseng metabolites prepared using a S9 system","authors":"NamKyu Lee ,&nbsp;YiSi Yang ,&nbsp;DeYu Tian ,&nbsp;Sun Hee Hyun ,&nbsp;Youn Ji Lee ,&nbsp;YoungJoo Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We determined whether Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract and ginsenosides (Rb1, Rg1, or Rg3) have estrogen receptor-mediated or androgen receptor-mediated activities using OECD TG455/458 assays with S9 metabolic activation. They did not elicit both hormonal receptor-mediated responses. KRG extract and ginsenosides do not have male and female sex hormone-like activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100989"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807338","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":"20(S)-protopanaxatriol ameliorates cardiac hypertrophy by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling pathway","authors":"Xue Yan ,&nbsp;Huajie Zheng ,&nbsp;Ju Ye,&nbsp;Donglin Zhang,&nbsp;Rong Lv,&nbsp;Li Yang,&nbsp;Qiong Lai,&nbsp;Lili Ding,&nbsp;Zhengtao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pathological cardiac hypertrophy, a critical precursor to heart failure, presents a significant therapeutic challenge. The triterpenoid 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT), derived from Panax ginseng Meyer, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. However, its efficacy against cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, limiting clinical translation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We evaluated PPT’s anti-hypertrophic effects in murine models of transverse aortic constriction (TAC), phenylephrine (PE)-infusion, and myocardial infarction (MI). In vitro analyses assessed oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Network pharmacology identified targets, with AMPK inhibitors validating pathway involvement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 18 tested ginsenosides, PPT demonstrated the strongest anti-hypertrophic activity in vitro. In murine models, PPT attenuated myocardial remodeling, improved echocardiographic parameters, and delayed heart failure progression. Mechanistically, PPT suppressed ROS, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, and promoted fatty acid oxidation through AMPK/PGC-1α/PPARγ activation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PPT mitigates cardiac hypertrophy by modulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism through AMPK/PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling, highlighting its therapeutic promise for cardiac pathologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100920"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807339","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":"Alleviating effects of KGC19b on periodontal inflammation through anti-inflammatory and induction of osteogenic differentiation in in vitro and in vivo experimental models","authors":"Da Eun Lee ,&nbsp;Eun-Nam Kim ,&nbsp;Nguyen Minh Trang ,&nbsp;Jong Han Kim ,&nbsp;Gi-Bang Koo ,&nbsp;You Hee Jung ,&nbsp;Gil-Saeng Jeong","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Panax ginseng</em> Meyer of the Araliaceae family have various biological activities and pharmacological actions such as anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory. In many studies on ginseng, studies on ginseng fruit are still new, and the effect and potential of ginseng fruit on periodontitis in HPDL cells have been investigated <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo.</em></div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>HPDL cells were stimulated with PG-LPS for 12 h to evaluate the effects of KGC19b (50–200 μg/mL) on periodontitis. Cell viability, pro-inflammatory markers, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and osteogenesis-related markers were assessed. In the rat model, periodontitis was induced using ligature and PG-LPS, and KGC19b was administered orally for 6 days. The effects of KGC19b were evaluated by micro-CT analysis and H&amp;E staining.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>KGC19b reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, restored osteogenic markers, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and decreased ROS in HPDL cells. In the rat model, KGC19b alleviated periodontal inflammation and prevented bone mass loss.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this study, KGC19b shows the possibility of improving and treating periodontitis through anti-inflammatory, osteogenesis, and antibacterial effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101014"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807340","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":"Optimizing Component Formula Extracted from Ginseng and Salvia Inhibits Lung Cancer Metastasis and EMT via Suppressing AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin Pathway","authors":"Yanxia Ma ,&nbsp;Ze Chen ,&nbsp;Tangxiaoxiao He ,&nbsp;Qinwei Lu ,&nbsp;Zhiwei Pan ,&nbsp;Weiping Chen ,&nbsp;Lei Bi","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.100970","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.100970","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>EMT plays a pivotal role in the metastatic progression of lung cancer. Ginseng and salvia are widely used combinations in Chinese medicine for cancer therapy, but their role in regulating cancer metastasis remains unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This investigation seeks to examine the efficacy and potential mechanism of optimizing component formula (OCF) extracted from ginseng and salvia on metastasis-associated EMT reprogramming in lung cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The inhibitory effects of OCF on tumor growth and metastatic cascades were systematically characterized <em>in vitro</em>. The tail vein injection method for lung metastasis model was used to observe anti-tumor metastasis effect of OCF <em>in vivo</em>. Molecular profiling involving PCRArray screening, quantitative PCR verification, and immunoblotting analysis elucidated the mechanistic basis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>OCF markedly suppressed the proliferative capacity, migratory and invasive behaviors in H1299 and 95D cells. Signal Transduction PathwayFinder PCRArray and qRT-PCR analysises confirmed that suppressing EMT was a potential way of OCF to inhibit metastasis in lung cancer. Mechanistically, OCF exhibited a good affinity with AKT resulting in inhibition of the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Co-treatment of OCF with SC79 or MK-2206 demonstrated that OCF weakened EMT progress via repressing AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway in lung cancer. Furthermore, OCF treatment inhibited lung cancer growth and metastasis <em>in vivo</em>. Importantly, IHC and IF assays showed that OCF has also restrained the development of EMT and AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>OCF weakened EMT progression in lung cancer by suppressing AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway, which positions OCF as a therapeutic candidate for lung cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100970"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807421","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":"Therapeutic potential of panax ginseng-derived nanovesicles in osteoporosis through enhanced osteoblast","authors":"Sang-Hoon Lee ,&nbsp;Jae-Hee Kwon ,&nbsp;Hyun-Woo Kim ,&nbsp;Se Hwan Mun ,&nbsp;Young Yang ,&nbsp;Jihoon Kim ,&nbsp;Kwang-Won Seo ,&nbsp;Do-Kyun Kim ,&nbsp;Young-Eun Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, which leads to reduced bone density and increased fracture risk. Plant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as safe, biocompatible biomaterials with therapeutic potential for bone regeneration.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this work, the biological effects of <em>Panax ginseng</em>-derived nanovesicles (PNVs) were evaluated with a focus on osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and mineralization. PNVs were successfully isolated, characterized, and tested for their osteogenic capacity using MC3T3-E1 cells, mouse primary osteoblasts, and osteoclasts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Treatment with PNVs (0-10 μg/mL) for 3 or 7 days markedly promoted osteoblastic maturation and matrix mineral deposition, as confirmed by Alizarin-red and Von Kossa staining. In addition, PNVs exposure upregulated key osteogenic genes, including Runx2, ALP, and OPN, while activating major signaling cascades such as BMP2/4 and phosphorylated p38, implying their involvement in osteogenic regulation. Moreover, in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model, oral administration of PNVs improved bone microarchitecture by stimulating osteoblast-driven bone regeneration and attenuating osteoclast-mediated bone degradation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Collectively, our findings indicate that PNVs promote osteoblast differentiation and bone matrix formation, thereby enhancing mineralization and demonstrating their potential as a natural nanotherapeutic approach for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101016"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807307","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 Rg1 ameliorates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis by regulating T cell subsets, inhibiting PI3K-AKT pathway and modulating gut microbiota and metabolites","authors":"Yan Li ,&nbsp;Yu-nan Shan ,&nbsp;Lin Xu ,&nbsp;Zhi-lin He ,&nbsp;Guan-qing Wang ,&nbsp;Qing Wang ,&nbsp;Yan-bin Li ,&nbsp;Wei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100988","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100988","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ginsenoside Rg1 (GRg1), a bioactive saponin derived from ginseng, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. However, its role in myasthenia gravis (MG) remains unexplored. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of GRg1 in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The EAMG model was established in Lewis rats using the AChR97-116 peptide. ELISA was employed to determine serum anti-AChR antibody levels in rats, while Flow cytometry or PCR was used to analyze T cell subsets. Gut microbiota composition was assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing, while non-targeted metabolomics identified metabolic changes. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to predict GRg1’s therapeutic targets in EAMG, followed by experimental validation using immunohistochemistry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GRg1 administration significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms of EAMG rats, reduced serum anti-AChR antibody levels, and modulated T cell responses. KEGG analysis implicating the PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between GRg1 and key PI3K-AKT proteins. Immunohistochemistry revealed GRg1-mediated inhibition of PI3K/AKT phosphorylation in splenic tissues. Additionally, GRg1 restored gut microbiota homeostasis. Metabolomic analysis further revealed significant differences in metabolites between EAMG and CFA rats, which were inhibited after GRg1 treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>GRg1 ameliorates EAMG through immunomodulation, PI3K-AKT pathway inhibition, gut microbiota restoration, and metabolic reprogramming, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for MG.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100988"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807342","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 red ginseng on gut microbiome in patients after gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A pilot, randomized controlled trial","authors":"Younsoo Seo ,&nbsp;Ji Eun Jung ,&nbsp;Seyeol Oh ,&nbsp;In Gyu Kwon ,&nbsp;Joon Seong Park","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.100932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.100932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The gut microbiome plays diverse roles in human health. Although Korean red ginseng (KRG) has shown therapeutic potential in animal models, its effects on the human gut microbiome after gastrointestinal (GI) cancer surgery remain underexplored. This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate postoperative safety of KRG and its impact on the gut microbiome and postoperative outcomes after GI cancer surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the red ginseng or control groups. Microbiome analysis of preoperative and postoperative fecal samples was performed using <em>16S rRNA</em> sequencing. The alpha and beta diversities, taxonomic composition changes of microbiome, nutritional index, clinical symptoms, GI symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 60 patients were enrolled and 16 patients in the red ginseng group and 25 in the control group were included in the final analysis. Postoperative alpha diversity decreased significantly in the control group, but remained relatively stable in the red ginseng group<strong>.</strong> Postoperative <em>Lactobacillus</em> levels increased significantly in the red ginseng group compared to the control group (18.34 % vs. 0.23 %; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), whereas <em>Bifidobacterium</em> levels decreased (<em>p</em> = 0.002). Serum albumin levels were significantly higher in the red ginseng group at 3 months postoperatively (<em>p</em> = 0.003), and global health status/QOL scores were improved in the red ginseng group (<em>p</em> = 0.047).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Red ginseng supplementation may play a protective role in gut microbiome, improving clinical outcomes in patients undergoing GI cancer surgery, as a safe and supportive therapy for enhancing postoperative recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100932"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807344","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":"Korean red ginseng complex accelerates alcohol metabolism and relieves hangover symptoms in Humans: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial","authors":"Gunju Song ,&nbsp;Jongwon Kim ,&nbsp;Jong-Cheon Joo ,&nbsp;Byung-Cheol Han ,&nbsp;Sang-Kyu Kim ,&nbsp;Soon-Ki Hong ,&nbsp;Boo-Yong Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alcohol hangovers are caused by delayed ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and physical discomfort. The Korean Red Ginseng Complex (KGC100FYK), composed of Korean red ginseng extract, fermented rice–soybean extract, and yeast extract, was developed to promote alcohol metabolism and relieve hangover symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial investigated the effects of KGC100FYK on alcohol metabolism and hangover-related symptoms in healthy adults. Participants received either KGC100FYK or placebo before alcohol ingestion (0.78 g/kg). Blood samples were obtained at baseline (0 h, before alcohol intake) and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 15 h after alcohol intake to measure serum ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations, and hangover symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>KGC100FYK supplementation accelerated the initial reduction in serum ethanol concentrations and persistently attenuated acetaldehyde accumulation throughout the post-ingestion period relative to placebo. The area under the curve and maximum concentrations for both metabolites were decreased, indicating accelerated alcohol metabolism. Moreover, KGC100FYK alleviated subjective symptoms related to hangover at 6 and 15 h after alcohol consumption, resulting in lower total scores on both the Alcohol Hangover Scale and Alcohol Hangover Severity Scale. No adverse events or clinically relevant changes were observed in vital signs or biochemical parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings demonstrate that KGC100FYK safely accelerates ethanol and acetaldehyde clearance and alleviates hangover symptoms in healthy adults, supporting its effectiveness as a hangover-relief intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100976"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807422","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}