人参皂苷Rb1对小鼠性功能的改善作用及其机制探讨

目的　研究人参皂苷Rb1对小鼠性功能的影响及其作用机制。方法　小鼠ip Rb₁,每天进行性行为检测, 3周后,测定小鼠血清睾酮浓度、阴茎海绵体组织(MCC)cGMP及NO水平; 离体温孵破坏内皮组织的兔海绵体组织(RCC),检测在NO供体硝普钠（SNP）存在下,Rb1对RCC中cGMP水平的影响。结果　Rb₁ 5.0,10.0 mg.kg^-1给药后d 14及d 16,小鼠跨骑和交配次数显著增加,血清睾酮浓度、MCC中cGMP及NO水平提高;Rb₁ 0.05,0.50, 5.00 μmol.L^-1可明显提高离体RCC cGMP浓度。结论　Rb₁可显著改善小鼠性功能,其作用机制可能通过提高雄激素水平、激活NO/cGMP通路而起作用。     

人参皂甙Rb1降低细胞内Ca2+作用的机制

使用荧光探针Fura-2/AM,采用双波长荧光分光光度法观察到,人参皂甙Rb₁(10,50,100μmol·L^-1)能剂量依赖性减少新生鼠脑细胞内钙浓度,并能增加由硫酸亚铁及半胱氨酸所降低的膜流动性,Rb₁(10μmol·L^-1)能使离体大鼠尾动脉去甲肾上腺素量—效曲线右移,最大效应降低;Rb₁(10,100μmol·L^-1)能降低离体鼠基底动脉5-HT所引起的收缩。使用全细胞膜片钳技术发现人参皂甙Rb₁(50,100μmol·L^-1)对钙电流无明显影响;Rb₁在低剂量能增加大鼠突触体Na⁺-K⁺ATPase及Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺ATPase活性。从而揭示Rb₁降低胞内钙含量可能通过增加ATP酶活性而产生。     

基于近红外光谱分析技术的注射用益气复脉(冻干)红参醇提过程在线监测

目的 利用近红外光谱分析技术建立注射用益气复脉（冻干）主要原料红参醇提过程中3种单体皂苷——人参皂苷Rg₁、Re和Rb₁的定量模型,实现提取过程中关键指标的快速检测。方法 在线采集红参醇提过程的近红外光谱,以超高效液相色谱（UPLC）法测定提取过程药液中人参皂苷Rg₁、Re和Rb₁的量为参考值,采用偏最小二乘法建立光谱与测定值之间的定量校正模型,进而对提取过程进行在线分析。结果 人参皂苷Rg₁和Re的建模波段均为9 403.7～7 498.3 cm^-1和6 102～5 446.3 cm^-1组合波段;人参皂苷Rb₁的建模波段为5 774.1～5 446.3 cm^-1。人参皂苷Rg₁、Re、Rb₁定量模型的交叉验证决定系数（R²）分别为99.40、99.44、99.41,交叉验证均方根误差分别为5.18、2.77、11.00。结论 所建立的3种单体皂苷定量模型预测性能良好,能够有效测定红参醇提过程中人参皂苷Rg₁、Re和Rb₁的量。     

三七根、叶、花皂甙对麻醉犬血流动力学的影响

本文研究了三七根、叶、花总甙及三七皂甙C₁和E₁对麻醉犬血流动力学的作用。结果表明:根总甙明显降低动脉血压和总外周阻力,增加心输出量和减慢心率,降低心肌耗氧指数。根总甙中含量最多的单体皂甙C₁(即人参皂甙Rg₁)可使血压短时下降,但LV dp/dt_max和心输出量显著增加,伴总外周阻力明显下降。叶总甙及其含量较多的皂甙E₁(即人参皂甙Rb₁)对上述指标均无明显影响。花总甙的作用温和短暂。这些结果提示三七根皂甙是心血管药理作用的活性成分,地上部分皂甙无明显心血管作用,且毒性较大。     

人参皂甙Rb1和Rg1对小鼠中枢神经递质受体和脑内蛋白质合成的影响

应用放射配基结合法测定了人参皂甙Rb₁和Rg₁对α₁,α₂,β肾上腺素能受体、M胆碱能受体、5-羟色胺、多巴胺及GABA等七种受体的作用。结果均不能证明它们对这七种受体有亲和力。但给动物ip药物连续5天,Rb₁和Rg₁均能使中枢M胆碱受体密度显著增高。Rb₁及Rg₁还能显著增加脑内蛋白质的含量。上述实验结果对解释人参的中枢作用提供了重要证据。     

大孔吸附树脂富集参血胶囊中人参皂苷Rb1的工艺研究

目的 研究大孔吸附树脂富集参血胶囊中人参皂苷Rb₁的工艺条件。方法 采用HP1100高效液相色谱仪ZORBAX SB-C₁₈柱(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm),紫外检测波长：203 nm,流动相：乙腈-水(30∶70)对人参皂苷Rb₁进行测定。以树脂的比吸附量、比洗脱量及人参皂苷Rb₁含量为指标,对树脂类型进行筛选,同时进行洗涤溶剂的选择,及应用L₉(3⁴)正交实验进行洗脱条件的研究,从而确定大孔吸附树脂纯化工艺参数。结果 人参皂苷Rb₁在0.752~9.4 μg内呈现良好的线性关系,确定洗涤溶剂为0.5 mol·L^-1 NaOH溶液,最佳洗脱条件：提取液上柱后静置12 h,用15倍60%的乙醇溶液,以流速1.0 mL·min^-1进行洗脱。在此条件下,所得的人参皂苷Rb₁含量较高。结论 该法简便、专属性强,可用于参血胶囊中人参皂苷Rb₁的提取。     

三七皂苷的口服吸收机制

目的研究三七总皂苷(PNS)的口服吸收机制。方法采用Caco-2细胞和动物等模型研究PNS中人参皂苷Rb_l(Rb_l)和人参皂苷Rg_l(Rg_l)的胃肠道内稳定性、肠道黏膜吸收机制及吸收过程中胃、肠及肝对药物的影响。结果Rb_l和Rg_l在胃液酸性环境下易被破坏，而在近中性环境内基本保持稳定。Rb_l和Rg_l在大肠内容物中易降解，尤以Rb_l降解较为明显；二者在小肠内容物中则相对稳定。Rb_l和Rg_l在Caco-2细胞层的摄取受温度的影响，而pH的变化及环孢菌素A的加入对二者摄取均无显著性影响。在实验考察的浓度范围内，细胞内Rb_l(或Rg_l)的摄取量随Rb_l(或Rg_l)的浓度的增加而呈线性增加，Rb_l(或Rg_l)单体与总皂苷中的Rb_l(或Rg_l)在Caco-2细胞模型中的吸收特性无明显差异。而Rg_l的细胞摄取量［(1.07±0.16) μg·mg^-1(protein)］(C₀=1 mg·mL^-1)相对Rb_l［(0.77±0.03) μg·mg^-1(protein)］(C₀=1 mg·mL^-1)较高。Caco-2细胞转运实验表明，Rb_l和Rg_l单体的转运透过系数(P_app)分别为(5.9±1.0)×10^{-8cm·s-1和(2.59±0.17)×10-7 cm·s-1(C₀=1 mg·mL-1)，二者转运都不受环孢菌素A影响。PNS溶液灌胃、十二指肠及门静脉给药后测得Rb_l大鼠绝对生物利用度分别为0.71%，2.75%和65.77%；Rg_l分别为3.29%，6.60%和50.56%。结论三七总皂苷(包括Rb_l和Rg_l)的肠道吸收机制为单纯被动扩散，吸收过程不受细胞膜内P-gp和MRP外排载体的调控，PNS中其他成分对Rb_l或Rg_l的吸收特性无明显影响。胃液的酸性环境、大肠菌丛产生的酶及肝脏的首过作用均对其口服吸收产生影响，而肠道黏膜的透过性低是其口服吸收差的主要影响因素。}     

中国辽宁栽培西洋参化学成分的研究

中国辽宁栽培西洋参(Panax quinquefolius Linn)的总皂甙用低压硅胶柱和反相Rp18Labar柱层析分离得到18种化合物,用IR,MS(FD-MS,FAB-MS),¹³C-NMR及化学方法鉴定了16种化合物的化学结构;分别为棕榈酸(1),齐墩果酸(2),胡萝卜甙(daucosterin 3),人参皂甙-Rh₁(4),—Rg₃(5),—Rg₂(6),—Rg₁(7),—Rf(8),—Re(9),—Rd(10),—Rb₂(11),—Rb₁(12)、—R₀(13),蔗糖(14),人参三糖(15)及一种新皂甙(16),结构为:20(s)原人参二醇-3-[-O-β-D-吡喃糖基(1→2)β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基(1→2)β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基],20-[-O-β-D-葡萄吡喃糖基(1→6)β-D-葡萄吡喃糖甙,命名为人参皂甙-RAO(ginsenoside-RA₀)。化合物(4)和(5)系首次从西洋参中分离出的已知皂甙。     

人参皂苷Rb1调控MAPK通路改善小鼠脑缺血再灌注诱导血脑屏障损伤的作用研究

目的 探讨人参皂苷Rb₁对小鼠脑缺血再灌注诱导的血脑屏障（BBB）损伤的作用及机制。方法 将C57BL/6小鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组和人参皂苷Rb₁低、中、高剂量（5、10、20 mg·kg^-1）组,采用线栓法栓塞颈内动脉1 h后复灌建立脑缺血再灌注损伤模型,假手术组不栓塞,其余操作同模型小鼠。缺血1 h后ip相应药物,于再灌注24 h后处死取材。采用伊文思蓝染色法检测各组小鼠BBB损伤程度;采用实时荧光定量PCR （qRT-PCR）法检测各组小鼠脑组织中炎症因子白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）以及紧密连接蛋白1（ZO-1）、闭合蛋白（Occludin）的mRNA表达水平;同时采用Western blotting检测各组小鼠脑组织中ZO-1、Occludin蛋白,金属基质蛋白酶-2（MMP-2）、基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）以及MAPK通路相关蛋白磷酸化的表达水平。结果 与模型组相比,人参皂苷Rb₁可显著减少脑缺血再灌注小鼠脑组织中伊文思蓝的渗漏量（P<0.05）,显著降低脑组织中IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的mRNA转录水平（P<0.05、0.01）;显著上调ZO-1和Occludin的mRNA转录和蛋白表达水平（P<0.05、0.01）;显著降低MMP-2、MMP-9的蛋白表达水平（P<0.05、0.01）;显著抑制MAPK通路p38、JNK及ERK磷酸化蛋白的表达（P<0.05、0.01）。结论 人参皂苷Rb₁对小鼠脑缺血再灌注诱导的BBB损伤具有一定的改善作用,其作用机制可能与抑制MAPK信号通路激活,减少MMP-2、MMP-9蛋白的表达,进而减轻对ZO-1、Occludin等紧密连接蛋白的降解有关。     

基于网络药理学预测三七治疗幽门螺杆菌相关疾病机制及实验验证

目的 基于网络药理学预测三七治疗幽门螺杆菌（Hp）相关疾病机制,研究三七中有效活性成分人参皂苷Rb₃对Hp造成的胃上皮细胞损伤的保护作用及机制。方法 使用Herb数据库收集“三七”的相关预测靶点,使用Gene Cards数据库收集Hp相关疾病的靶点;使用Draw Venn Diagram网站绘制Venn图,得到靶点交集;进行蛋白互作（PPI）网络分析、基因本体（GO）和京都基因与基因组百科全书（KEGG）富集分析。将GES-1细胞分为对照组、模型组及人参皂苷Rb₃低、中和高浓度（1、5、10 μ mol· L^-1）组,人参皂苷Rb₃组使用相应浓度的人参皂苷Rb₃预处理,培养过夜12 h至融合度为70%～80%。Hp悉尼株1 （SS1）按感染复数（MOI） 100加入细胞中制备损伤模型,人参皂苷Rb₃继续给药,共培养48 h。对照组不加SS1,对照组和模型组不加药。改良吉姆萨染色后通过光学显微镜观察细胞形态;结合Hoechst 33342荧光染色和Annexin V/PI双染流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;试剂盒法检测活性氧（ROS）水平;采用实时荧光定量PCR（qRT-PCR）检测凋亡相关基因TP53、Bax、Bcl-2表达量;Western blotting法检测P53、p-Akt、cleaved/pro-Caspase 9、Bcl-2、Bax、cleaved/pro-Caspase 3的蛋白表达情况。结果 网络药理学结果表明三七治疗Hp相关疾病的靶点共16个,其PPI网络分析得到按度值大小排名前6位靶点为TP53、CASP3、PTGS2、IL6、TNF、IL1β。GO富集分析与KEGG富集分析结果均显示与凋亡相关。与模型组比较,经人参皂苷Rb₃处理后,GES-1细胞的细胞核染色质致密深染,破裂的细胞逐渐减少;Hoechst 33342荧光染色细胞核强荧光数目明显减少;细胞凋亡率显著降低（P＜0.05）;ROS水平显著降低（P＜0.05）;TP53与Bax的mRNA水平显著降低,Bcl-2 mRNA水平显著升高（P＜0.05）; p-Akt、Bcl-2蛋白表达显著升高（P＜0.05）,P53、Bax、cleaved/pro-Caspase 9与cleaved/pro-Caspase 3蛋白表达显著降低（P＜0.05）。结论 三七可能通过包括炎症及凋亡在内的多种途径治疗Hp相关疾病,人参皂苷Rb₃对Hp诱导的胃上皮细胞凋亡发挥显著改善作用,其可能机制是降低氧化应激水平,并调节Akt的磷酸化和P53的表达。     

Simultaneous determination of ginsenoside Rb(1) and Rg(1) in human plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric (LC/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of ginsenoside Rb(1) and Rg(1) in human plasma was developed. The method involved the protein precipitation followed by analysis of ginsenoside Rb(1) and Rg(1) in an Atlantis C(18) column with the gradient elution of acetonitrile and ammonium formate (10mM, pH 3.0) at a flow rate of 0.2 ml/min. The analytes were determined using electrospray negative ionization mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode. The standard curves for ginsenoside Rb(1) and Rg(1) were linear over the concentration range of 10.0-1000 ng/ml. The lower limit of quantification was 10.0 ng/ml using 100 microl plasma sample. The coefficient of variation of intra- and inter-day assays for ginsenoside Rb(1) and Rg(1) at three quality control levels ranged from 1.0 to 6.8% and 5.4 to 9.8%, respectively. Ginsenoside Rb(1) and Rg(1) were stable in blank human plasma at room temperature for 24h and following three freeze-thaw cycles.     

Ginsenoside Rb1 Modulates Level of Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Mice Frontal Cortex and Cerebellum in Response to Immobilization Stress

Cerebral monoamines play important roles as neurotransmitters that are associated with various stressful stimuli. Some components such as ginsenosides (triterpenoidal glycosides derived from the Ginseng Radix) may interact with monoamine systems. The aim of this study was to determine whether ginsenoside Rb1 can modulate levels of the monoamines such as dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EP), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 5-hydorxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA), and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) in mice frontal cortex and cerebellum in response to immobilization stress. Mice were treated with ginsenoside Rb1 (10 mg/kg, oral) before a single 30 min immobilization stress. Acute immobilization stress resulted in elevation of monoamine levels in frontal cortex and cerebellum. Pretreatment with ginsenoside Rb1 attenuated the stress-induced changes in the levels of monoamines in each region. The present findings showed the anti-stress potential of ginsenoside Rb1 in relation to regulation effects on the cerebral monoaminergic systems. Therefore, the ginsenoside Rb1 may be a useful candidate for treating several brain symptoms related with stress.     

Antipruritic effect of ginsenoside rb1 and compound k in scratching behavior mouse models

The antipruritic and vascular permeability-inhibitory effects of ginsenoside Rb1, a main component of ginseng frequently used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries, and its metabolite compound K by intestinal microflora were investigated in scratching behavior animal models induced by compound 48/80, substance P, and histamine. Ginsenoside Rb1 and compound K orally administered 1 and 6 h before the treatment of compound 48/80 showed antipruritic effect. These ginsenosides administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg 6 h before the treatment of compound 48/80 inhibited scratching behaviors by 51% and 64%, respectively, compared with that of the control. These ginsenosides also inhibited the vascular permeability of skin. Compound K intraperitoneally administered 1 h before the treatment of compound 48/80 potently inhibited the scratching behaviors induced by compound 48/80. However, intraperitoneally administered ginsenoside Rb1 did not inhibit scratching behaviors. Compound K inhibited compound 48/80-, substance P-, and histamine-induced scratching behaviors, with 50% inhibitory doses of 4.2, 5.9, and 3.8 mg/kg, respectively, and vascular permeability, with 50% inhibitory doses of 5.8, 6.8, and 4.1 mg/kg, respectively. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rb1 and its metabolite compound K by intestinal microflora can improve scratching behaviors.     

人参皂苷Rb1抑制β淀粉样蛋白25-35诱导的皮层神经元tau蛋白过度磷酸化

目的探讨人参皂苷Rb1对凝聚态β-AP_25-35诱导的胎鼠皮层神经元tau蛋白过度磷酸化的影响及其可能的作用机制。方法通过蛋白免疫印迹法和免疫细胞化学染色法检测神经元tau蛋白磷酸化水平、总tau蛋白水平和糖原合成酶3β(GSK-3β)的蛋白表达水平。结果凝聚态β-AP_25-35(20 μmol·L^-1)作用于皮层神经元12 h，tau蛋白磷酸化水平和总tau蛋白水平均增高，同时GSK-3β蛋白表达也增多。用人参皂苷Rb1或GSK-3β特异性抑制剂氯化锂预处理后，凝聚态β-AP_25-35诱导的tau蛋白的过度磷酸化受到明显抑制，同时GSK-3β的表达也降低。结论人参皂苷Rb1可通过抑制GSK-3β的表达来抑制凝聚态β-AP_25-35诱导的皮层神经元tau蛋白的过度磷酸化。     

Effects of ginseng saponins isolated from Red Ginseng roots on burn wound healing in mice

1. We recently demonstrated that ginsenoside Rb1 (C54H92O23, molecular weight 1108) isolated from ginseng, when intravenously infused into rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, reduced cerebral infarct volume and ameliorated place navigation disability of the animals, through an anti-apoptotic action and possibly promotion of vascular regeneration. To investigate the ginsenoside Rb1-mediated vascular regeneration in vivo in a more easily accessible experimental systems, we made a burn wound on the backs of mice and topically applied either Vaseline (vehicle) alone or Vaseline containing low doses of ginsenoside Rb1 to the wound. 2. Surprisingly, we found that ginsenoside Rb1 at low concentrations (100 pg g(-1), 1 pg g(-1) and 10 fg g(-1) ointment) exhibited the strongest burn wound-healing action. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rb1 (100 fg-1 ng per wound) increased neovascularization in the surrounding tissue and production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-1beta from the burn wound, compared to those mice with burn wounds treated with vehicle alone. 3. In human keratinocyte cultures (HaCaT cells), ginsenoside Rb1 (100 fg ml(-1) to 1 ng ml(-1)) enhanced VEGF production induced by IL-1beta and expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha. 4. These findings suggest that the promotion of burn wound healing by ginsenoside Rb1 might be due to the promotion of angiogenesis during skin wound repair via the stimulation of VEGF production, through the increase of HIF-1alpha expression in keratinocytes, and due to the elevation of IL-1beta resulting from the macrophage accumulation in the burn wound.     

液相色谱-质谱联用法同时测定生脉注射液中人参皂苷Rg_1、Re、Rb_1和五味子醇甲在健康人血浆的浓度

目的建立液相色谱-质谱联用法测定生脉注射液(心血管系统药)中人参皂苷Rg1、Re、Rb1和五味子醇甲在健康人血浆的浓度。方法血浆样品用乙腈沉淀法处理,用电喷雾离子化和正离子多离子反应监测方法,检测人参皂苷Rg1、Re、Rb1和五味子醇甲。结果 Rg1、Re、Rb1和五味子醇甲的线性范围分别为0.64～509.000,.62～501.00,1.180～4725.00,0.10～153.00μg.L-1;定量下线分别为0.64,0.62,1.18,0.10μg.L-1;方法回收率分别为78.55%～91.65%7,8.57%～104.98%,79.62%～93.17%,82.50%～104.80%;日内、日间RSD值均小于15%。结论该法准确、灵敏、特异,适用于血浆中生脉注射液中4种成分浓度的同时测定。     

Influence of ginsenoside Rb1 on brain neurosteroid during acute immobilization stress

This study examined whether or not acute stress is linked to increases in the neurosteroid levels, which is a well-known neurotransmitters associated with stress stimuli. The ginsenoside, Rb1, was tested in order to better understand its potential effects on altering the neurosteroid levels and ultimately attenuating stress. The optimal stressed condition was checked by measuring the 5a-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and allopregnanolone (THP) levels in the brain after immobilization stress at various times. Based on this result, an acute stress model was set up to give 30 min of immobilization stress. The DHP and THP brain levels of the stressed mice were then investigated after administering Rb1 orally (10 mg/kg). These results were compared with the neurosteroid level in the stressed mice not given Rbl. Saline was administered orally to the nonstressed mice to check the placebo effect. Acute immobilization stress induced an increase in the THP and DHP concentration in the frontal cortex and cerebellum. When Rb1 was administered orally prior to immobilization stress, the THP level in the frontal cortex and cerebellum was significantly lower than that in the stressed animals not given Rbl. On the other hand, the DHP level was lower in the cerebellum only. This suggests that the metabolism of the brain neurosteroids is linked to psychological stress, and Rb1 attenuates the stress-induced increase in neurosteroids.     

Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm through inactivation of the JNK and p38 signaling pathways

BackgroundAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a life-threatening vascular disease, accounts for approximately 10% of the morbidity in people over 65 years old. No satisfactory approach is available to treat AAA. Ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1 are primary ingredients of Panax notoginseng for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but their impact on AAA is unknown.Methods and resultsAn AAA model was established using an Ang II infusion in ApoE^−/− mice. After continuous stimulation of Ang II for 28 days, suprarenal aortic aneurysms developed in 77% mice and 12% mice died suddenly due to AAA rupture. Administration of ginsenoside Rb1 (20 mg/kg/day), but not ginsenoside Rg1, significantly reduced the incidence and mortality of AAA. Ginsenoside Rb1 treatment dramatically suppressed Ang II-induced diameter enlargement, extracellular matrix degradation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production, inflammatory cell infiltration, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction. Mechanistic studies indicated that the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 were associated with the inactivation of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. A specific activator of JNK and p38, anisomycin, nearly abolished ginsenoside Rb1-driven suppression of MMP secretion by VSMCs.ConclusionsGinsenoside Rb1, as a potential anti-AAA agent, suppressed AAA through inhibiting the JNK and p38 signaling pathways.     

Transformation of ginseng saponins to ginsenoside rh<Subscript>2</Subscript> by acids and human intestinal bacteria and biological activities of their transformants

When ginseng water extract was incubated at 60 degrees C in acidic conditions, its protopanaxadiol ginsenosides were transformed to ginsenoside Rg3 and delta20-ginsenoside Rg3. However, protopanaxadiol glycoside ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2 and Rc isolated from ginseng were mostly not transformed to ginsenoside Rg3 by the incubation in neutral condition. The transformation of these ginsenosides to ginsenoside Rg3 and delta20-ginsenoside Rg3 was increased by increasing incubation temperature and time in acidic condition: the optimal incubation time and temperature for this transformation was 5 h and 60 degrees C resepectively. The transformed ginsenoside Rg3 and delta20-ginsenoside Rg3 were metabolized to ginsenoside Rh2 and delta20-ginsenoside Rh2, respectively, by human fecal microflora. Among the bacteria isolated from human fecal microflora, Bacteroides sp., Bifidobacterium sp. and Fusobacterium sp. potently transformed ginsenoside Rg3 to ginsenoside Rh2. Acid-treated ginseng (AG) extract, fermented AG extract, ginsenoside Rh2 and protopanaxadiol showed potent cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines. AG extract, fermented AG extract and protopanaxadiol potently inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori.