Ginsenoside Rf2, a new dammarane glycoside from Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng)

A new dammarane glycoside named ginsenoside Rf₂ has been isolated from Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) and its chemical structure has been elucidated as 6-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2) β-D-glucopyranosyl]dammarane-3β, 6α, 12β, 20(R), 25-pentol by chemical and spectral methods.     

Lingans from Korean red ginseng

Two lingans were isolated from hexane-soluble fraction of Korean red ginseng. Their chemical structures were elucidated as gomisin N and gomisin A by spectrometric analysis.     

Ocotillone—type Ginsenoside from Leaves of Pannax ginseng

An ocotillone-type ginsenoside,together with 2 known ginsenosids was isolated from leaves of Panax ginseng and identifed as psudoginsenoside-RT5 on the basis of chemical and physicohemical evidences.It has been so far the first example of ocotillone-type ginsenoside disicovered in Panax giunseng and its plausible biotransforrnation athway also discussed.     

人参叶中Ocotillone-型人参皂苷的分离

从人参叶中分离得到一个Ocotillone 型人参皂苷和两个已知人参皂苷 ,通过化学和理化性质鉴定方法 ,此Ocotil lone 型人参皂苷被鉴定为假人参皂苷 RT5,它是迄今为止在人参中发现的第一个Ocotillone 型人参皂苷 ,同时也讨论了其可能的生物转化途径     

Four new acetylated ginsenosides from processed ginseng (sun ginseng)

Four new acetylated ginsenosides were isolated from the processed ginseng (SG, sun ginseng). Their structures were determined to be 3beta,12beta-dihydroxydammar-20(22),24-diene-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-6"-O-acetylglucopyranoside; 3beta,12beta-dihydroxydammar-20(21), 24-diene-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-6"-O-acetylglucopyranoside; 3beta, 6alpha, 12beta-trihydroxydammar-20(22),24-diene-beta-O-beta-D-6'-O-acetylglucopyranoside and 3beta,6a,12beta-trihydroxydammar-20(21),24-diene-6-O-beta-D-6'-O-acetylglucopyranoside based on spectroscopic evidences. The compounds were named ginsenoside Rs4, Rs5, Rs6 and Rs7, respectively.     

Asian ginseng enhances the anti-proliferative effect of 5-fluorouracil on human colorectal cancer: Comparison between white and red ginseng

Previous studies showed that Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, may have anti-cancer properties. However, there is limited data exploring the use of Asian ginseng as an adjuvant to chemotherapy, and minimal mechanistic studies related to their possible synergistic activities. In this study, the content of 8 ginsenosides, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg1 and Rg3, in the extracts of white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) were determined by HPLC. Using HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells, we compared the efficacy of WG and RG. We evaluated the synergy between ginseng and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and explored the mechanism of their anti-proliferative effects. As single extract, WG or RG used at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/mL, inhibited HCT-116 cell proliferation in a concentration-related manner. WG at 0.2 mg/mL did not show obvious synergy with 5-FU co-treatment, while RG at 0.2 and 0.3 mg/mL significantly enhanced the anti-proliferative effects of 5-FU at concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 μM (P < 0.05). Using flow cytometric assay, RG 0.3 mg/mL did not affect cancer cell apoptotic induction activity. However, the RG induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, while 5-FU arrested the cell in the S phase. Different ginsenoside profiles are responsible for the observed differences in pharmacological effects. The effects of 8 ginsenosides on HCT-116 cells were assayed. Rd and Rg3 showed positive anti-proliferative effect. Our data suggested a potential for RG as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, via a synergistic action.     

Effects of ginseng saponins isolated from red ginseng on ultraviolet B-induced skin aging in hairless mice

It is well-known that chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure at low-dose causes skin photoaging including increases in skin thickness and wrinkle formation and reduction in skin elasticity. This study examined the effects of total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁ isolated from Red Ginseng roots on skin thickness, elasticity, and wrinkle formation caused by long-term, low-dose UVB irradiation in hairless mice. The topical application of total ginseng saponins (10 pg or 100 ng/mouse) and ginsenoside Rb₁ (100 fg, 10 pg, or 1 ng/mouse) significantly inhibited increases in skin thickness and wrinkle formation and the reduction in skin elasticity induced by long-term UVB irradiation. Furthermore, we examined the histological effects of total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁ in the skin of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. The increases in apoptotic, Ki-67-, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine-positive cells induced by UVB exposure were prevented by the topical application of total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁. Furthermore, total saponins and ginsenoside Rb₁ prevented the disruption of collagen fibers induced by the long-term UVB irradiation. Ginsenoside Rb₁ (100 fg, 10 pg, and 1 ng/ml) increased the Bcl-2 expression level in UVB-treated human keratinocytes. The protective effect of ginsenoside Rb₁ on UVB-mediated apoptosis may be due to the up-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. These results suggest that the protective effect of ginsenoside Rb₁ on skin photoaging induced by chronic UVB exposure may be due to the increase in collagen synthesis and/or the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase expression in dermal fibroblasts.     

Ginsenoside Rg5, a genuine dammarane glycoside from Korean red ginseng

A genuine dammarane glycoside, named ginsenoside Rg₅, has been isolated by repeated column chromatography and preparative HPLC from the MeOH extract of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). The chemical structure of ginsenoside Rg₅ was determined as 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] dammar-20(22),24-diene-3β,12β-diol by spectral and chemical methods. The stereostructure of a double bond at C-20(22) of ginsenoside Rg₅ was characterized as (E) from the chemical shift of C-21 in the¹³C-NMR and a NOESY experiment in the¹H-NMR.     

Simultaneous quantification of 14 ginsenosides in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Korean red ginseng) by HPLC-ELSD and its application to quality control

A new method of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) was developed for the simultaneous quantification of 14 major ginsenosides, which are the marker compounds of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Korean red ginseng). Various types of ginseng samples were extracted, and the amounts of the 14 ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rf, Rh1, Rg2, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rd, Rg3, Rk1, Rg5, and Rh2) were determined by reverse-phase HPLC-ELSD using digoxin as an internal standard. The mobile phase consisted of a programmed gradient of aqueous acetonitrile. Calibration curves for each ginsenoside were determined for the quantification. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. This quantification method was applied to several finished ginseng products including white ginseng, red ginseng powder, and red ginseng concentrate. The amounts of the 14 ginsenosides in the various ginseng samples could be analyzed simultaneously. This validated HPLC method is expected to provide a new basis for the quality assessment of ginseng products.     

中国红参中2-甲基-4-吡喃酮-3-O-β-D葡萄糖甙的分离及鉴定

A new compound, 2-methyl-4-pyrone-3-o-β-D-glucoside was isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. This compound has been identified by mp and spectral data.     

Synergistic immunostimulating activity of pidotimod and red ginseng acidic polysaccharide against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression

We investigated the synergistic effect of combined treatment with red ginseng acidic polysaccharide (RGAP) from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and pidotimod in cyclophosphamide-treated mice. The combination of pidotimod and RGAP restored concanavalin A-induced splenic T cell proliferation and LPS-stimulated B cell proliferation significantly. The production of nitric oxide from peritoneal macrophages was increased by the combinations. NK cell activity was increased by RGAP alone or in combination with pidotimod. A synergistic increase in the level of serum IL-12 and interferongamm was observed when the combination of the two was used. RGAP alone or in combination with pidotimod modulated the level of serum C-reactive protein to a near-normal level. These results indicate that combinations of pidotimod and RGAP are synergistic and suggest that combination therapy using pidotimod and RGAP for improving immune activity may provide an additional benefit over the use of the two drugs by themselves.     

中国红参化学成分的研究(Ⅱ)

从中国红参(Panax ginseng C.A.Meyer)中分离出十种单体(RG 1～10),用IR.MS(FD-MS.FAB-MS)、¹³C-NMR以及化学方法等鉴定了化学结构,分别为20(R)-ginsenoside Rh,(RG-1),ginsenoside-Rg,(RG-2),20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg₂(RG-3),20(R)proto-panaxatriol(RG-4)以及人参皂甙Rg.(RG-5),—Re(RG-6)—Rd(RG-7),—RC(RG-8),—Rd₂(RG-9),—Rb,(RG-10);其中RG-1、RG-3、RG-4系首次从中国红参分离得到的人参皂甙成分。用薄层对照未炮制前的白参不含以上三种成分,这可能是红参与白参药理作用上差异的原因之一。     

Effects of Korean red ginseng extract on cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, is well known as a tonic medicine for restoring and enhancing human health. In traditional medicine, ginseng is utilized for the alleviation of emesis, which includes nausea and vomiting. However, it has not yet been demonstrated whether ginseng exhibits in vivo anti-nausea and anti-vomiting properties. In this study, we examined the anti-emetic effect of Korean red ginseng total extract (KRGE) on cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting using ferrets. Intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg) induced both nausea and vomiting with one-hour latency. The episodes of nausea and vomiting reached a peak after 1.5 h and persisted for 3 h. Treatment with KRGE via oral route significantly reduced the cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-emetic effect was 12.7 +/- 8.6, 31.8 +/- 6.9, and 67.6 +/- 4.0% with doses of 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 g/kg of KRGE, respectively. Pretreatment with KRGE via oral route 1 and 2 h before cisplatin administration also significantly attenuated the cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting. However this did not occur with a pretreatment 4 h before cisplatin administration. These results are supportive of KRGE being utilized as an anti-emetic agent against nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy (i.e. cisplatin).     

In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of panaxytriol isolated from ginseng

This study investigated the effect that some polyacetylenes and protopanaxatriol, which were isolated from heated ginseng (family Araliaceae), have on inhibiting Helicobacter pylori (HP) growth. Among the compounds tested, panaxytriol was quite effective in inhibiting HP growth with an MIC of 50 microg/ml. Ginsenoside Rh1 and protopanaxatriol weakly inhibited H+/K+-ATPase from a rat stomach.     

Two new dammarane-type triterpene saponins from red American ginseng

Two new dammarane-type triterpene saponins were isolated from the red American ginseng. The new saponins were named as pseudoginsenoside G₁ (1) and pseudoginsenoside G₂ (2). Their structures were elucidated by the combined analysis of NMR and mass spectrometry as 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-dammar-12-one-20S,24R-epoxy-3β,25-diol (pseudoginsenoside G₁) (1) and 3-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-dammar-12-one-20S,24S-epoxy-3β,25-diol (pseudoginsenoside G₂) (2).     

Ginsenoside RB<Subscript>1</Subscript> the anti-ulcer constituent from the head of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax ginseng</Emphasis>

We previously reported that the butanol (BuOH) fraction of the head of Panax ginseng exhibited gastroprotective activity in peptic and chronic ulcer models. In order to identify the active constituent, an activity-guided isolation of the BuOH faction was conducted with a HCl x ethanol-induced gastric lesion model. The BuOH fraction was passed through a silica-gel column using a chloroform-methanol gradient solvent system, and six fractions (frs. 1-6) were obtained. The active fr. 5 was further separated by silica-gel column, to yield 6 subfractions (subfrs. a-f). Subfr. d was composed of ginsenosides Re, Rc and Rb1. The most active constituent was ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), a protopanaxadiol glycoside, which was investigated for its anti-ulcer effect. Gastric injury induced by HCl x ethanol, indomethacin and pyloric ligation (Shay ulcer) was apparently reduced with oral GRb1 doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg. GRb1 at these dosage significantly increased the amount of mucus secretion in an ethanol-induced model. The anti-ulcer effects were consistent with the result of histological examination. These results suggest that the major active constituent in the head of Panax ginseng is GRb1, and that anti-ulcer effect is produced through an increase in mucus secretion.     

Two new triterpenoid saponins from ginseng medicinal fungal substance

Two new dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins, namely ginsenosides Rb₄ (1) and Rb₅ (2), were isolated from ginseng medicinal fungal substance. The structures of 1 and 2 were established as 3β,12β,20(S)-trihydroxydammar-24(25)-ene-3-O-[α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and 3β,12β,20(S)-trihydroxydammar-24(25)-ene-3-O-[α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-20-O-β-d-glucopyranoside on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical analysis, respectively.     

Effect ofPanax ginseng extract on passive avoidance retention in old rats

Female rats of two groups (6 and 27 months) were tested in the passive avoidance test to investigate the age-dependency of the learning ability. The results showed a significantly better avoidance behavior in the young adult animals compared to the older ones. The influence of a 13-day treatment with Panax ginseng (30 mg/kg/d, oral) on 27 month old rats caused a considerably prolonging of the latency time in comparison to the untreated control group of the same age. In the open field the treated rats exhibited neither an altered locomotion nor exploration nor a changed emotional reactivity which could explain the improved avoidance reaction.     

红参中总皂苷及人参皂苷Rg1、Re、Rb1

目的测定不同产地的26批红参药材中总皂苷及人参皂苷Rg₁、Re、Rb₁的含量。方法采用紫外可见分光光度法测定红参中总皂苷的含量,高效液相色谱法测定红参中人参皂苷Rg 1、Re、Rb 1的含量。结果26批红参药材中总皂苷含量为1.2%~3.0%,人参皂苷Rg₁、Re含量之和为0.17%~0.61%,人参皂苷Rb₁含量为0.21%~0.81%。结论不同产地的红参药材总皂苷及人参皂苷Rg₁、Re、Rb₁的含量存在差异,提示应进一步规范红参药材的种植、加工炮制及标准的建立。     

人参化学成分研究 9.国产主要商品红参与高丽参中人参皂甙的含量比较研究

以人参皂甙 Re 为标准品,5%(w/V)香兰素冰醋酸—高氯酸为显色剂,用 TLC-比色法和大孔吸附树脂—比色法对红参中总皂甙的含量进行了测定;以11种人参单体皂甙(Ginsenoside-R_0、Rb_1、Rb+2、Rc、Rd、Re、Rg_1、20(R)-Rg_2、Rg_3、20(R)-Rh_1、Rh_2)为标准品作对照,用薄层光密度法对国产主要商品红参与高丽红参中分组皂甙及单体皂甙的含量进行了分析比较,结果表明国产红参总皂甙含量并不低于高丽红参,特别是红参中特征成分 Rh_2、20(R)Rh_1、Rg_3、20(R)Rg_2及三醇组与二醇组的比例均不亚于高丽红参。