Synergistic Effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract and the Conventional Systemic Therapeutics of Atopic Dermatitis in a Murine Model

The synergistic effects of Korean Red ginseng (KRG, Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) on conventional systemic therapeutics of atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been studied yet. To analyze the synergistic effects of KRG extract and the conventional systemic therapeutics of AD in TNCB-induced AD mouse model, we determined the change in modified scoring of index, the transepidermal water loss, the skin pathology, serum IgE, and the expression of various cytokines after combination treatment to the five-week-old NC/Nga female mice. The severity of AD was significantly decreased in the KRG + hydroxyzine (AH) group than AH group, and in the KRG + evening primrose oil (EPO) group than EPO group. A significant decrease in dermal inflammation was observed in the KRG + AH group than that in the AH group, and in the KRG + EPO group than that in the EPO group (p = 0.008), respectively. A decrease in CD1a expression was observed in the KRG + AH group when compared to the AH group (p = 0.008), and KRG + EPO group when compared to the EPO group. Compared to the CS group, the KRG + CS group showed a significant decrease in IL-17 expression. A combination of KRG and conventional systemic therapeutics can safely and effectively manage the AD.

Korean Red Ginseng Enhances Immunotherapeutic Effects of NK Cells via Eosinophils in Metastatic Liver Cancer Model

Metastasis decreases the survival rate of patients with liver cancer. Therefore, novel anti-metastatic strategies are needed. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is often ingested as a functional food with an immune-boosting effect. We investigated a combination of KRG and natural killer (NK) cells as a novel immunotherapy approach. SK-Hep1 cells were injected into the tail vein of NRGA mice to establish an experimental metastasis model. KRG, NK cells, or a combination of KRG and NK cells were administered. Tumor growth was observed using an in vivo imaging system, and metastatic lesions were evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemistry. Bioluminescence intensity was lower in the KRG and NK cell combination group than in the other groups, indicating that the combination treatment suppressed the progression of metastasis. CD56 expression was used as a NK cell marker and hematological analysis was performed. The combination treatment also decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and the area of metastatic lesions in liver and bone tissues, as well as increased the eosinophil count. Expression of cytokines-related eosinophils and NK cells was determined by Western blotting analysis. The expression of interleukin 33 (IL33) was induced by the combination of KRG and NK cells. High IL33 expression was associated with prolonged overall survival in the Kaplan–Meier plotter. Our results suggest that KRG enhances the immune activity of NK cells by IL-33 through eosinophils and suppresses metastatic liver cancer progression.

Korean Red Ginseng Improves Astrocytic Mitochondrial Function by Upregulating HO-1-Mediated AMPKα–PGC-1α–ERRα Circuit after Traumatic Brain Injury

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) exerts beneficial effects, including angiogenesis and energy metabolism via the peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)–estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) pathway in astrocytes. However, the role of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) in HO-1-mediated mitochondrial function in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not well-elucidated. We found that HO-1 was upregulated in astrocytes located in peri-injured brain regions after a TBI, following exposure to KRGE. Experiments with pharmacological inhibitors and target-specific siRNAs revealed that HO-1 levels highly correlated with increased AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) activation, which led to the PGC-1α-ERRα axis-induced increases in mitochondrial functions (detected based on expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (MTCO2) and cytochrome c as well as O2 consumption and ATP production). Knockdown of ERRα significantly reduced the p-AMPKα/AMPKα ratio and PGC-1α expression, leading to AMPKα–PGC-1α–ERRα circuit formation. Inactivation of HO by injecting the HO inhibitor Sn(IV) protoporphyrin IX dichloride diminished the expression of p-AMPKα, PGC-1α, ERRα, MTCO2, and cytochrome c in the KRGE-administered peri-injured region of a brain subjected to TBI. These data suggest that KRGE enhanced astrocytic mitochondrial function via a HO-1-mediated AMPKα–PGC-1α–ERRα circuit and consequent oxidative phosphorylation, O2 consumption, and ATP production. This circuit may play an important role in repairing neurovascular function after TBI in the peri-injured region by stimulating astrocytic mitochondrial biogenesis.

Clinical Effects of Korean Red Ginseng in Postmenopausal Women With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Although many menopausal Asian women use herbal remedies for joint pain, there are no studies evaluating the efficacy of Korean red ginseng on osteoarthritis symptoms in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to analyze antioxidant enzyme activity, oxidative stress markers, and pain scores before and after red ginseng consumption, to assess its effect in postmenopausal women. Methods. This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled 52 postmenopausal women who presented with hand edema and/or pain and were diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the hand. Patients were randomly assigned to the red ginseng (RG) group (supplemented with 3 g/d of RG for 12 weeks) or the placebo group. Changes in pain and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, antioxidant enzyme, oxidative stress markers, serum estradiol levels, and endometrial thickness were analyzed. Results. The pain score and DASH score were significantly improved in the RG group (both p < 0.05). The improvement of pain score at rest, during work or sport, and DASH score was significant compared to that of the placebo group. The superoxide dismutase level increased (p < 0.05) and the malondialdehyde level decreased (p < 0.05) significantly in the RG group, while none of the antioxidative factors showed a significant change in the placebo group. Serum estradiol levels and endometrial thickness were not affected by RG supplementation. Conclusion. RG may be an effective dietary supplement for postmenopausal women with degenerative osteoarthritis of the hand. It may relieve pain and improve antioxidative activity without the risk of endometrial thickening.