Journal of Ginseng Research最新文献

{"title":"Ginsenoside Rg5 modulates the TLR4 and BCL-2 pathways by inhibiting NOX1, thereby alleviating inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis in hyperuricemia nephropathy","authors":"Yu-Xin Zhang ,&nbsp;Hui Wan ,&nbsp;Guan-Yue Shan ,&nbsp;Jun-Ya Cheng ,&nbsp;Zhi-Cheng Gao ,&nbsp;Yi-Ying Liu ,&nbsp;Wen-Na Shi ,&nbsp;Zi-Jun Sun ,&nbsp;Hai-Jun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hyperuricemia nephropathy (HN) is a form of renal injury caused by hyperuricemia, which can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Ginsenoside Rg5, a major bioactive compound isolated from Panax ginseng, is recognized for its notable effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The toxic doses of MSU crystals and Rg5-induced HK-2 cell damage were assessed using the CCK-8 assay and quantifying oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD). Intracellular stress was evaluated with JC-1 and DCFH-DA probes. Bioinformatics analysis identified NOX1, TLR4, and Bcl-2 as potential targets. The protein expression associated with stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and apoptosis in HK-2 cells was evaluated through a combination of Western blotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and overexpression methods. An HN mice model was established through administration of YE and adenine, and the effects of Rg5 were evaluated. The in vivo mechanisms were further verified.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Rg5 reduced serum uric acid, BUN, ADH, and creatinine levels in MSU crystals-stimulated HK-2 cells and hyperuricemic mice, alleviating renal damage. Rg5 inhibited NOX1 and suppressed the TLR4 pathway, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and apoptosis. NOX1 overexpression reversed the effects of Rg5, while TLR4 overexpression had no effect. Rg5's efficacy was similar to NOX1 inhibitor ML171.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results indicate that Rg5 can modulate the TLR4 and BCL-2 pathways by inhibiting NOX1, thereby alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, pyroptosis, and apoptosis in HN, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic approach for controlling HN.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 426-437"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307212","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 Rb2 demonstrates potent antiviral activity against Zika virus infection","authors":"Tong Wu ,&nbsp;Ting Wang ,&nbsp;Hanlin Chen ,&nbsp;Zhongyuan Tan ,&nbsp;Yuanjiu Miao ,&nbsp;Ning Chen ,&nbsp;Zhenhua Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can result in severe neurological complications, yet no approved antiviral treatments are currently available. Ginseng, a medicinal herb extensively utilized in Asian traditional medicine, has demonstrated efficacy against various diseases, which has sparked interest in exploring its potential antiviral properties for the treatment of ZIKV.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We evaluated the antiviral effects of ginsenoside Rb2 (G-Rb2) in human neuronal cell lines (SK-N-SH and CCF-STTG) and in a lethal ZIKV-infected mouse model. The antiviral efficacy was assessed using bioluminescence imaging with a NanoLuc luciferase reporter ZIKV. <em>In vitro</em> assays were conducted to determine the direct impact of G-Rb2 on ZIKV, while surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was employed to analyze its interaction with ZIKV envelope proteins and viral particles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>G-Rb2 (200 μM) significantly inhibited ZIKV infection <em>in vitro</em> and protected mice from ZIKV-induced mortality. Bioluminescence imaging validated its antiviral efficacy. <em>In vitro</em> studies demonstrated that incubation with G-Rb2 reduced viral infectivity, and SPR analysis confirmed direct binding between G-Rb2 and ZIKV components.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>G-Rb2 effectively inhibits ZIKV infection both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>, presumably through direct interaction with viral particles. Given the accessibility of ginseng and its established processing methods, G-Rb2 emerges as a promising candidate for the treatment of ZIKV in humans. Further research is warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its clinical potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 406-414"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307197","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":"Compound K suppresses epidermal aging induced by IL-17A treatment and UVB irradiation","authors":"A Young Kim,&nbsp;Ji-Yong Jung,&nbsp;Donghyun Kim,&nbsp;Jeong Hun Cho,&nbsp;Yong Deog Hong,&nbsp;Hyoung-June Kim,&nbsp;Si-Young Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We evaluated the anti-accelerated epidermal skin aging effects of compound K (CK) on keratinocytes using IL-17A and ultraviolet B. CK restored epidermal functions and reduced the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB and p38 MAPK activation. CK plays a significant role in controlling accelerated epidermal skin aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 3","pages":"Pages 326-330"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870503","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":"The antitumor effects and apoptotic mechanism of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol in acute myeloid leukemia","authors":"Ye Zhang ,&nbsp;Saisai Ma ,&nbsp;Yichen Xu ,&nbsp;Shuaida Wu ,&nbsp;Shuangshuang Wu ,&nbsp;Minmin Liu ,&nbsp;Yingjie Guo ,&nbsp;Yang Zhan","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Panax ginseng Meyer is a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine, with ginsenosides being its primary bioactive components. Among these, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD) has demonstrated anti-tumor effects in various cancers. However, its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>MTT assays were conducted to assess the impact of 20(S)-PPD on AML cell proliferation, while flow cytometry was used to analyze its effects on apoptosis. Western blotting and network pharmacology analyses were employed to explore the signaling pathways and protein expression levels modulated by 20(S)-PPD in AML. c-Myc mRNA levels in AML cells were quantified using RT-PCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>20(S)-PPD effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in AML cells, both in vitro and in patient samples. It achieves this by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and activating the PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway. Additionally, 20(S)-PPD reduces c-Myc protein and mRNA levels, primarily by decreasing c-Myc mRNA stability. Moreover, combining 20(S)-PPD with ABT-199 significantly enhances pro-apoptotic effects and markedly reduces c-Myc protein and mRNA levels in both AML and cytarabine-resistant (AraC-R) AML cells. This combination therapy holds promise for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes in AML.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrates the potent antitumor activity of 20(S)-PPD in AML and elucidates its underlying mechanisms. Notably, 20(S)-PPD exhibits significant antitumor effects against AML cells, both as a single agent and in combination with ABT-199, where it displays pronounced synergy. These results suggest a promising new therapeutic strategy for AML treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 3","pages":"Pages 306-314"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870185","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":"Current clinical trends in developing strategies for dementia disorders and the role of Korean Red Ginseng","authors":"Manho Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recently, the development of the FDA approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting amyloid proteins, such as aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab, etc. Although these are in initial stage, developing mAbs is believed to proposed as next stage of AD therapeutics. However, their high cost makes them impractical as main stream of dementia treatments, and efficacies might not overcome the current AchEI (Acetyl choline Esterase Inhibitors). AchEI compliance issues are caused by side effects, such as nausea or vomiting due to Ach's adverse event. There are several categories of medicines, nootropics, functional foods that enhance cognition. These usually have used together or sometimes independently. In addition to conventional anti-AD medication, however, efficacy re-evaluation in Korea to assess which may for the physicians to prohibit further prescription.</div><div>These situations, too-high-cost of advanced new drugs, compliance issues of current medications and re-evaluation of nootropics are facing the ultra-expanding dementia population in South Korea. Korean Red Ginseng has been recognized for cognitive enhancement properties. Additionally, pleiotropic phenomena of KRG, not only cognition but also overall human health systems, warranting further underling medical evidence. These efficacies and multi-effectiveness can be a high potential candidate for the current trends in developing strategies for dementia disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 342-347"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307031","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 Re promotes osteogenic differentiation via BMP2/p38 pathway in vivo and in vitro","authors":"Yunjia Wang ,&nbsp;Gengming Zhang ,&nbsp;Linhua Deng ,&nbsp;Hongqi Zhang ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Alonge ,&nbsp;Zhongjing Jiang","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ginsenosides have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fractures. Ginsenoside Re, a key component of P. ginseng, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain inadequately understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of Ginsenoside Re on bone formation in fractures and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, respectively. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were employed to quantify mRNA and protein expression levels. To assess bone formation <em>in vivo</em>, a zebrafish caudal fin regeneration model was utilized, with calcein staining applied to visualize mineralized tissue. Additionally, a bone morphogenetic protein 2a (<em>bmp2a</em>) knockout zebrafish model was generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ginsenoside Re-mediated bone formation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ginsenoside Re promotes normal development and survival in zebrafish. In a zebrafish model, ginsenoside Re enhances bone regeneration, accompanied by upregulated expression of osteogenic markers. Following a 10-day treatment with 20 μM ginsenoside Re, mRNA sequencing (mRNA-Seq) analysis identified <em>bmp2a</em> as a critical regulator of bone formation. <em>In vitro</em>, ginsenoside Re stimulates osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells, elevating both mRNA and protein levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). Co-treatment with noggin or SB203580 reverses ginsenoside Re-induced osteogenesis: noggin suppresses BMP2 expression and p38 phosphorylation, whereas SB203580 specifically inhibits p38 activity. In a <em>bmp2a</em> knockout zebrafish model, the pro-osteogenic effects of ginsenoside Re are completely abolished. Similarly, in wild-type zebrafish, both noggin and SB203580 attenuate the bone-promoting effects of ginsenoside Re. Noggin reduces the expression of <em>bmp2a</em> and <em>p38a</em>, while SB203580 specifically targets <em>p38a</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In conclusion, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that ginsenoside Re at an optimal concentration of 20 μM enhances bone formation by modulating the osteogenic system. Mechanistically, we reveal that this pro-osteogenic effect is mediated through the BMP2/p38 signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 395-405"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307035","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":"Can Panax ginseng help protect the body from the harmful effects of airborne particulate matter?","authors":"Tae Woo Kwon ,&nbsp;Yujeong Ha ,&nbsp;Hyo-Sung Jo ,&nbsp;Won Myoung Lee ,&nbsp;Seung-Yeol Nah ,&nbsp;Hyun Jeong Yang ,&nbsp;Ik-Hyun Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent studies have shown that exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) adversely affects human health through various mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Natural products have a wide range of physiological and pharmacological activities but with less toxicity than synthetic drugs; in recent years, natural products have become increasingly popular in the field of food and drug development. <em>Panax (P.) ginseng</em> is one of the more well-known natural products, and there have recently been increasing reports indicating that <em>P. ginseng</em> may alleviate toxicity caused by exposure to PM. In the current review, we summarize the positive potential role that <em>P. ginseng</em>-derived substances (total extract, saponin fraction, non-saponin fraction, their ingredients, etc.) have on PM-induced adverse reactions, and we also discuss their potential utility in food and drug development for prevention and treatment. Despite some promising findings, current research may be limited by a lack of comprehensive clinical studies and standardized methodologies. Future research should prioritize the investigation of <em>P. ginseng</em>'s clinical efficacy and the development of advanced formulations to maximize its protective potential against PM-induced health risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 4","pages":"Pages 331-341"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307304","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 black ginseng extract alleviates Alzheimer's disease-related cognitive impairment by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and suppressing the p38 MAPK/NF-κB/STAT3 pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome via TLR2 and TLR4 modulation","authors":"Yujeong Ha ,&nbsp;Hyo-Sung Jo ,&nbsp;Tae Woo Kwon ,&nbsp;Seung Ho Jeon ,&nbsp;Sang-Kwan Moon ,&nbsp;Ji Hoon Jung ,&nbsp;Min Soo Kim ,&nbsp;Seung-Yeol Nah ,&nbsp;Jong Kil Lee ,&nbsp;Ik-Hyun Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.02.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Korean black ginseng, a specially processed ginseng through repeat steaming and drying, has various pharmacological effects. However, its role <em>i</em><em>n</em> cognitive impairment remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose and methods</h3><div>This study examined whether Korean black ginseng extract (BGE; 50 and 100 mg/kg, orally, 18 weeks) may mitigate cognitive impairment in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>BGE significantly improved cognitive performance in 5xFAD mice, associated with reduced Aβ accumulation in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. BGE suppressed microglial and astrocytic activation, alongside the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and enzymes (cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase). These changes coincided with the inhibition of key inflammatory signaling pathways, such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Furthermore, BGE reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species and enhanced the nuclear-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in the brains linked to the downregulation of toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 in the brain.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Taken together, BGE could improve AD-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration by simultaneously regulating anti-inflammatory pathways (p38 MAPK/NF-κB/STAT3 and NLRP3 inflammasome) and an antioxidant pathway (Nrf2/HO-1) via modulation of TLR2/4.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 3","pages":"Pages 294-305"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870184","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":"Roles and mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg1 in coronary artery disease: Progress and perspectives","authors":"Lixiao Zhang ,&nbsp;Pengfei Chen ,&nbsp;Lin Xu ,&nbsp;Ming Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Panax ginseng Meyer, esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine as the “King of Herbs,” has garnered scientific attention for its cardiovascular benefits. Among its bioactive components, ginsenoside Rg1 stands out as a potent therapeutic candidate. This review consolidates current research on Rg1's multifaceted mechanisms in CAD management, including its roles in enhancing endothelial function, inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation, modulating inflammation, regulating lipid metabolism, preventing thrombosis, and promoting angiogenesis. Furthermore, Rg1 exhibits cardioprotective properties by mitigating ischemic myocardial injury, reducing myocardial hypertrophy, and preventing fibrosis. Despite promising preclinical findings, the clinical translation of Rg1 is hindered by challenges such as poor bioavailability, potential drug interactions, and limited clinical trial data. This review underscores the need for rigorous clinical studies to validate Rg1's efficacy and safety, paving the way for its incorporation into CAD therapeutic regimens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 3","pages":"Pages 225-236"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870505","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 Rg2, a principal effective ingredient of Panax ginseng, attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis through NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway","authors":"Ji Zhang ,&nbsp;Jing Xie ,&nbsp;Zhiqiang Niu ,&nbsp;Long You ,&nbsp;Yanan Liu ,&nbsp;Rui Guo ,&nbsp;Guigui Yang ,&nbsp;Ziliang He ,&nbsp;Ting Shen ,&nbsp;Honggang Wang ,&nbsp;Qi Yan ,&nbsp;Weicheng Hu","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ginsenoside Rg2 (G-Rg2), a major active compound of <em>Panax ginseng</em>, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. However, the mechanisms by which G-Rg2 mitigates ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been clearly elucidated.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which G-Rg2 mitigated UC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, we investigated the efficacy of G-Rg2 in ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC and its potential mechanisms using a DSS-induced UC mouse model and Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/nigericin (Nig)-induced NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation on immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages (iBMDMs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Oral administration of G-Rg2 at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg significantly mitigated weight loss, normalized food and water intake, and improved colon histopathology in DSS-induced UC mice. G-Rg2 also restored mRNA expression levels of occludin, claudin-3, zona occluden (ZO)-1 and mucin 2, thereby enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. G-Rg2 significantly suppressed the nuclear translocation of p65, the subunit of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), as well as downregulated NLRP3, cleaved IL-1β and caspase1 p20 expression induced by LPS/Nig in iBMDMs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>G-Rg2 effectively reduced colon inflammation in DSS-induced UC mice and diminishes inflammatory responses under LPS/Nig conditions by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which may serve as a potent therapeutic agent for UC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"49 3","pages":"Pages 282-293"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143870183","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}