Journal of Ginseng Research最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Dual-targeted liposomes delivering ginsenoside CK attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppressing PANoptosis via O-GlcNAcylation of RIPK1/RIPK3","authors":"Suping Li ,&nbsp;Ping Ni ,&nbsp;Haifeng Shao ,&nbsp;Qiao Chen ,&nbsp;Jing Fu ,&nbsp;Fei Xu ,&nbsp;Chaohui He ,&nbsp;Gang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100978","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100978","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ischemic stroke remains a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, with limited treatment options. This study aimed to develop dual-targeted liposomes containing ginsenoside CK and evaluate their neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Liposomes modified with transferrin, rabies virus glycoprotein, and ginsenoside CK were prepared and characterized. Their uptake and protective effects were assessed in neuronal and endothelial cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). A rat model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to evaluate neuroprotection <em>in vivo</em>. Molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance, and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the mechanism. Western blot data were analyzed by densitometric quantification.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The dual-targeted liposomes exhibited enhanced cellular uptake and brain accumulation. They protected against mitochondrial fission and PANoptosis <em>in vitro</em> and reduced infarct volume and neuronal death <em>in vivo</em>. Quantitative analysis revealed that the ginsenoside CK-containing liposomes significantly reversed OGD/R-induced changes in apoptotic, pyroptotic, and necroptotic markers. Mechanistically, ginsenoside CK bound to O-GlcNAcase with a K_D = 3.89 μM and enhanced O-GlcNAcylation of RIPK1/RIPK3, disrupting PANoptosome formation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Dual-targeted liposomes containing ginsenoside CK represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. This approach overcomes blood-brain barrier limitations through targeted delivery. Besides, ginsenoside CK as a liposome component inhibits PANoptosis via enhanced protein O-GlcNAcylation. Further optimization and safety studies are warranted to advance this strategy toward clinical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100978"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807423","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 Rk3 and Rh4: Efficient transformation, modern pharmacological effects, and applications potential","authors":"Meng Sun ,&nbsp;Ying Liu ,&nbsp;Meng-yang Wang ,&nbsp;Wei Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.101015","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Panax ginseng</em> Meyer is an important medicinal herb widely used in Asia, with high medical and nutritional value. Ginsenosides are the most important crucial key components in <em>P. ginseng</em>. After transformation, it can produce rare ginsenoside, which has the characteristics of remarkable activity, improved absorption and broader application. Ginsenosides Rk3 (G-Rk3) and ginsenosides Rh4 (G-Rh4) respectively, are rare ginsenosides derived from <em>P. ginseng</em>, and can also be obtained by biological or chemical conversion of the original ginsenosides (G-Rg1/Re). Compared to the original ginsenosides, G-Rk3 and G-Rh4 exhibit higher activity and bioavailability and have garnered significant attention for their remarkable biological activities. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that G-Rk3 and G-Rh4 have outstanding roles in anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, treatment of heart failure, protection of the nervous system, anti-diabetes, and intestinal protective activities. It fully demonstrates that the rare ginsenosides have significant development potential. In this review, G-Rk3 and G-Rh4 were detailed literature reviewed in terms of efficiency transformation, modern pharmacological action and application potential. It is expected to provide material basis for digging the potential value of <em>P. ginseng</em> and promoting the deep development of its physiological active substances in the medical and health industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 101015"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807336","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 Rb1-engineered nanocomposite hydrogel promotes pressure injury repair through SIRT1-AMPK-mediated ferroptosis inhibition and angiogenesis activation","authors":"Hongbo Zhu ,&nbsp;Hang Li ,&nbsp;Yinong Shi ,&nbsp;Jinhui Liu ,&nbsp;Hua Zhi ,&nbsp;Xuelu Zhao ,&nbsp;Zhiwen Wang ,&nbsp;Fumin Ping","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a therapeutic challenge due to persistent inflammation and ferroptosis-driven tissue damage. Ginsenoside Rb1, a key bioactive component of <em>Panax ginseng</em>, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptotic properties, but its clinical application is limited by poor bioavailability and rapid degradation in wound environments.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to develop a chitosan/alginate nanocomposite hydrogel loaded with ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1@CS@ALG) to enhance Rb1 delivery and investigate its therapeutic mechanisms in PI repair, focusing on SIRT1-AMPK-mediated ferroptosis inhibition and angiogenesis promotion.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The pH-responsive Rb1@CS@ALG hydrogel was synthesized and characterized (TEM/DLS/HPLC). In vitro studies evaluated ferroptosis markers (GPX4, SLC7A11), ROS levels, and cell migration in HaCaT cells under ischemia-reperfusion. A rat PI model (n = 6/group) assessed wound closure rates, histopathology (H&amp;E/Masson's), and protein expression (CD31/Col I). RNA-seq analyzed differential gene expression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The hydrogel showed sustained Rb1 release (82.3 % at 24 h) and pH-dependent drug delivery. Treatment upregulated GPX4/SLC7A11 (2.3-fold) while reducing ROS (58 %) and ACSL4 (45 %) via SIRT1-AMPK activation (p-AMPK↑2.9-fold). In vivo, it accelerated wound closure by 75 % (vs. controls, p &lt; 0.001), increased angiogenesis (CD31↑3.1-fold), and improved collagen organization (Col I/III ratio↑2.7-fold). RNA-seq confirmed enrichment in ferroptosis and extracellular matrix pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study establishes ginsenoside Rb1 as a potent therapeutic agent for PIs when delivered via nanocomposite hydrogel, with dual mechanisms of ferroptosis inhibition and angiogenesis activation. The findings provide a scientific foundation for applying ginseng-derived compounds in chronic wound management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 3","pages":"Article 100987"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147807341","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":"Ginseng acetylcholine from various ginsengs and its in vivo physiological effect","authors":"Rami Lee ,&nbsp;Ji-Hun Kim ,&nbsp;Jang-Uk Kim ,&nbsp;Sung-Hee Hwang ,&nbsp;Seung-Yeol Nah","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2026.100979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We determined acetylcholine (ACh) amount from live <em>Panax ginseng</em> (PG), <em>Panax quinquefolius</em> (PQ), and other ginsengs. We found that PG has more ACh content than that of PQ. PG-derived ACh fraction decreased <em>Daphnia pulex</em> heart rate, which was inhibited by atropine. PG-ACh-mediated regulations of heart rate involve muscarinic cholinergic pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 2","pages":"Article 100979"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365405","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":"Quantitative description and microscopic mechanism of ginsenosides’ reactions during the thermal-driven processing of Panax ginseng","authors":"Zhubin Zhang ,&nbsp;Jin Cheng ,&nbsp;Xin Chen ,&nbsp;Huaying Wang ,&nbsp;Ruiyi Li ,&nbsp;Hancong Shao ,&nbsp;Yufei Yang ,&nbsp;Deping Wu ,&nbsp;Xiaobin Jia ,&nbsp;Bing Yang ,&nbsp;Liang Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jgr.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>P. ginseng is prized for its nutritional and medicinal properties, primarily due to the presence of ginsenosides. During thermal processing, ginsenosides undergo complex chemical reactions, including hydrolysis and elimination, generating rare ginsenosides with enhanced bioactivity. Deciphering these reaction patterns and mechanisms is crucial for optimizing processing techniques.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>P. ginseng samples were processed at various temperatures and for different durations, and ginsenoside content was analyzed using UPLC. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated using Gaussian software, and molecular mechanics and frontier orbital theories were applied to predict reaction sites and explore mechanisms. Simulated reactions of reference solutions were used to verify the quantitative rules.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant variations in ginsenoside content were observed across different temperatures and durations. Rb1 transformation peaks under moderate heat, selectively forming Rg5. Rg1 was readily transformed, producing Rh4 under harsh conditions and Rk3 under mild ones, allowing for product-specific tuning. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that most reactions had negative Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG), indicating spontaneity, with ΔG decreasing at higher temperatures. The HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of ginsenosides were less than 0.4, indicating high ginsenoside reactivity, and the energy difference between the LUMO of ginsenosides and the HOMO of H₂O influenced hydrolysis reaction rates.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study provides valuable insights into the chemical reaction patterns of ginsenosides during thermal processing. Temperature significantly impacts reaction direction, extent, and product selectivity. The findings establish a mechanistic foundation for optimizing P. ginseng processing conditions to achieve the desired ginsenoside profiles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16035,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ginseng Research","volume":"50 2","pages":"Article 100915"},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147365526","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}