Isolation and hypoglycemic activity of quinquefolans A, B, and C, glycans of Panax quinquefolium roots.
Oshima Y,Sato K,Hikino H
Journal of natural products
An H2O extract of the American crude drug "Amerika-ninjin" (American ginseng), Panax quinquefolium roots, exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity in mice. Activity-guided fractionation of the extract led to isolation of three glycans, quinquefolans A, B, and C, which displayed hypoglycemic effects in normal and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic mice.
A New Mechanism for Ginsenoside Rb1 to Promote Glucose Uptake, Regulating Riboflavin Metabolism and Redox Homeostasis.
Metabolites
Glucose absorption promoters perform insulin mimic functions to enhance blood glucose transport to skeletal muscle cells and accelerate glucose consumption, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. In our screening exploration of food ingredients for improving glucose transportation and metabolism, we found that the saponins in American ginseng ( L.) showed potential activity to promote glucose uptake, which can be used for stabilizing levels of postprandial blood glucose. The aim of this study was to identify key components of American ginseng with glucose uptake-promoting activity and to elucidate their metabolic regulatory mechanisms. Bio-guided isolation using zebrafish larvae and 2-NBDG indicator identified ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) as the most potential promotor of glucose uptake. Using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS combined with RT-qPCR and phenotypic verification, we found that riboflavin metabolism is the hinge for GRb1-mediated facilitation of glucose transport. GRb1-induced restoration of redox homeostasis was mediated by targeting riboflavin transporters (SLC52A1 and SLC52A3) and riboflavin kinase (RFK).
10.3390/metabo12111011
Ginseng on hyperglycemia: effects and mechanisms.
Luo John Zeqi,Luo Luguang
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
It has been reported that American ginseng attenuates hyperglycemia and may present itself as a supplement to diabetes therapy. However, the lack of standardization in the usage of ginseng root leads to inconclusive results when applied to diabetes treatment. The mechanisms of American ginseng root in the treatment of diabetes remains a mystery. This greatly limits the effective utilization of American ginseng in facilitating diabetic therapy. Initiating studies have shown that American ginseng increases insulin production and reduces cell death in pancreatic beta-cells. Also, studies have revealed American ginseng's ability to decrease blood glucose in type II diabetes patients as well as in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals (STZ-diabetic mice). These data suggest that effects of ginseng in improving hyperglycemia may alter mitochondrial function as well as apoptosis cascades to ensure cell viability in pancreatic islet cells. This review briefly summarizes current knowledge of ginseng components and clinical studies related to diabetes. Further research will be needed to explore and identify the component(s) of ginseng, which may be responsible for the beneficial effects observed in animal studies which could then be extrapolated to human islets.
10.1093/ecam/nem178
Antioxidant protection by American ginseng in pancreatic beta-cells.
Lin Elaine,Wang Yong,Mehendale Sangeeta,Sun Shi,Wang Chong-Zhi,Xie Jing-Tian,Aung Han H,Yuan Chun-Su
The American journal of Chinese medicine
Hyperglycemia in diabetic conditions may cause oxidative stress in pancreatic beta-cells, leading to their dysfunction and insulin resistance within peripheral tissues. Previous studies suggest that American ginseng berry extract may have hypoglycemic effects, as well as offer antioxidant protection. We examined effects of American ginseng berry extract and ginsenoside Re in a pancreatic beta-cell line, MIN-6, to determine if these two properties are related. Cells were exposed to oxidative stress via hydrogen peroxide incubation and oxidative stress was measured by oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. These cells showed a concentration-related response to hydrogen peroxide at 100-500 microM. In acute conditions where cells were treated with the extract for 10 min, we observed reduced oxidant injury suggesting direct scavenging effects. Chronic incubation of cells with the extract for 48 hours also demonstrated attenuation of oxidative stress. At high concentrations, Re showed a mild antioxidant effect in MIN-6 cells. Our insulin release observations also showed that the extract may help to increase insulin secretions from the cells. Our data suggest that the observed ability of ginseng to reduce blood glucose levels may be linked to its antioxidant effects on pancreatic beta-cells.
10.1142/S0192415X08006399
Traditional chinese medicine in treatment of metabolic syndrome.
Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets
In management of metabolic syndrome, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an excellent representative in alternative and complementary medicines with a complete theory system and substantial herb remedies. In this article, basic principle of TCM is introduced and 25 traditional Chinese herbs are reviewed for their potential activities in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Three herbs, ginseng, rhizoma coptidis (berberine, the major active compound) and bitter melon, were discussed in detail on their therapeutic potentials. Ginseng extracts made from root, rootlet, berry and leaf of Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) and Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng), are proved for anti-hyperglycemia, insulin sensitization, islet protection, anti-obesity and anti-oxidation in many model systems. Energy expenditure is enhanced by ginseng through thermogenesis. Ginseng-specific saponins (ginsenosides) are considered as the major bioactive compounds for the metabolic activities of ginseng. Berberine from rhizoma coptidis is an oral hypoglycemic agent. It also has anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia activities. The action mechanism is related to inhibition of mitochondrial function, stimulation of glycolysis, activation of AMPK pathway, suppression of adipogenesis and induction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression. Bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is able to reduce blood glucose and lipids in both normal and diabetic animals. It may also protect beta cells, enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress. Although evidence from animals and humans supports the therapeutic activities of ginseng, berberine and bitter melon, multi-center large-scale clinical trials have not been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these herbal medicines.
10.2174/187153008784534330
The hypoglycemic effects of American red ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) on a diabetic mouse model.
Yoo Kyung Mi,Lee Cy,Lo Y Martin,Moon BoKyung
Journal of food science
UNLABELLED:American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) root health benefits include treatment of type 2 diabetes and this study evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of American red ginseng (ARG). ARG roots have increased bioactive phenolic contents, such as cinnamic acid and ferulic acid during the steaming process. The antihyperglycemic effects of methanol fraction extract of ARG, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid were examined using a type 2 diabetic mouse model. The ARG treated group presented relatively lower blood glucose levels than the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the glycogen and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents were significantly increased while levels of plasma cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration were significantly decreased in the ARG treated group. The groups treated with ferulic and cinnamic acids showed similar effects as those found in the ARG treated group. Thus, it is suggested that ARG roots, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid have hypoglycemic effects in an animal model. PRACTICAL APPLICATION:This study was conducted to elucidate the hypoglycemic effects of American red ginseng (ARG) using a type 2 diabetic mouse model. ARG showed an enhanced antioxidant capacity and higher antihyperglycemia effect. The glycogen and high density lipoprotein (HDL) contents were significantly increased while levels of plasma cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration were significantly decreased in the ARG treated group. It is suggested that ARG has a potential to be used for human diabetic treatment.
10.1111/j.1750-3841.2012.02748.x
American ginseng stimulates insulin production and prevents apoptosis through regulation of uncoupling protein-2 in cultured beta cells.
Luo John Zeqi,Luo Luguang
Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
American ginseng root displays the ability to achieve glucose homeostasis both experimentally and clinically but the unknown mechanism used by ginseng to achieve its therapeutic effects on diabetes limits its application. Disruption in the insulin secretion of pancreatic beta cells is considered the major cause of diabetes. A mitochondrial protein, uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) has been found to play a critical role in insulin synthesis and beta cell survival. Our preliminary studies found that the extracts of American ginseng inhibit UCP-2 expression which may contribute to the ability of ginseng protecting beta cell death and improving insulin synthesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that ginseng extracts suppress UCP-2 in the mitochondria of pancreatic beta cells, promoting insulin synthesis and anti-apoptosis (a programmed cell-death mechanism). To test the hypothesis, the serum-deprived quiescent beta cells were cultured with or without interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), (200 pg ml(-1), a cytokine to induce beta cell apoptosis) and water extracts of American ginseng (25 mug per 5 mul administered to wells of 0.5 ml culture) for 24 h. We evaluated effects of ginseng on UCP-2 expression, insulin production, anti-/pro-apoptotic factors Bcl-2/caspase-9 expression and cellular ATP levels. We found that ginseng suppresses UCP-2, down-regulates caspase-9 while increasing ATP and insulin production/secretion and up-regulates Bcl-2, reducing apoptosis. These findings suggest that stimulation of insulin production and prevention of beta cell loss by American ginseng extracts can occur via the inhibition of mitochondrial UCP-2, resulting in increase in the ATP level and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2, while down-regulation of pro-apoptotic factor caspase-9 occurs, lowering the occurrence of apoptosis, which support the hypothesis.
10.1093/ecam/nel026
American ginseng modulates pancreatic beta cell activities.
Wu Zonggui,Luo John Zeqi,Luo Luguang
Chinese medicine
The mechanism of the beneficial effects of Panax quinquefolius (Xiyangshen, American ginseng) on diabetes is yet to be elucidated. Recent studies show that Panax quinquefolius increases insulin production and reduces the death of pancreatic beta cells. Mechanism studies indicate that Panax quinquefolius improves cell's immuno-reactivity and mitochondrial function through various factors. Clinical studies show that Panax quinquefolius improves postprandial glycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Further studies to identify the component(s) of Panax quinquefolius linked with pancreatic islets/beta cells in vitro and in vivo are warranted for better understanding of the full effects of Panax quinquefolius.
10.1186/1749-8546-2-11
Study on the mechanism of American ginseng extract for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus based on metabolomics.
Frontiers in pharmacology
American ginseng extract (AGE) is an efficient and low-toxic adjuvant for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the metabolic mechanisms of AGE against T2DM remain unknown. In this study, a rat model of T2DM was created and administered for 28 days. Their biological (body weight and serum biochemical indicators) and pathological (pancreatic sections stained with HE) information were collected for further pharmacodynamic evaluation. Moreover, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based (UHPLC-MS/MS-based) untargeted metabolomics method was used to identify potential biomarkers of serum samples from all rats and related metabolic pathways. The results indicated that body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FINS), blood triglyceride concentration (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI), and impaired islet cells were significantly improved after the high dose of AGE (H_AGE) and metformin treatment. Metabolomics analysis identified 101 potential biomarkers among which 94 metabolites had an obvious callback. These potential biomarkers were mainly enriched in nine metabolic pathways linked to amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. Tryptophan metabolism and glutathione metabolism, as differential metabolic pathways between AGE and metformin for treating T2DM, were further explored. Further analysis of the aforementioned results suggested that the anti-T2DM effect of AGE was closely associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, immune response, insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and T2DM-related complications. This study can provide powerful support for the systematic exploration of the mechanism of AGE against T2DM and a basis for the clinical diagnosis of T2DM.
10.3389/fphar.2022.960050
Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on metabolic syndrome.
Yoon Sang Jun,Kim Seul Ki,Lee Na Young,Choi Ye Rin,Kim Hyeong Seob,Gupta Haripriya,Youn Gi Soo,Sung Hotaik,Shin Min Jea,Suk Ki Tae
Journal of ginseng research
Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to a clustering of at least three of the following medical conditions: high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein level, and high serum triglycerides. MS is related to a wide range of diseases which includes obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There remains an ongoing need for improved treatment strategies for MS. The most important risk factors are dietary pattern, genetics, old age, lack of exercise, disrupted biology, medication usage, and excessive alcohol consumption, but pathophysiology of MS has not been completely identified. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) refers to steamed/dried ginseng, traditionally associated with beneficial effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. KRG has been often used in traditional medicine to treat multiple metabolic conditions. This paper summarizes the effects of KRG in MS and related diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on experimental research and clinical studies.
10.1016/j.jgr.2020.11.002