-
Ginsenosides
-
Panaxosides
- Glycoside, Phytochemical, Saponin, Triterpene, [Group: Ginseng]
- Piperine
- Vitamin B Complex
-
-
Untitled Document
Panax ginseng, often referred to as Asian or Korean ginseng, is a well-known and traditionally used herbal medicine touted for its numerous therapeutic benefits.
The main pharmacological compounds in Panax ginseng, called ginsenosides, have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, but researchers have uncovered additional health benefits and believe that ginsenosides may be a safe alternate treatment for a variety of medical conditions.
1. Reduced Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation, characterized as acute inflammation that lasts more than four weeks, can contribute to a variety of diseases like cancer and diabetes. Prolonged inflammation is caused by persistent injury, toxic exposure, infection, or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as many other factors, including obesity and stress. It can be deadly when not corrected.
Researchers have demonstrated that various ginsenosides can reduce chronic inflammation by suppressing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the body, effectively moderating the inflammatory response.
While inflammation is an important way the body responds to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can lead to inflammatory diseases. Ginsenosides can help prevent inflammatory diseases early on and they also exhibit protective and anti-cancer effects.
2. Enhanced Brain Function and Potential Neuroprotective Effects
Researchers discovered that ginsenosides may have a protective effect against neurological disorders and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s, pilepsy, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. Conventional treatment of these disorders includes surgery or medication, but long-term use of medication is often not sustainable and can lead to drug poisoning, while surgery introduces the risk of infection and is not always successful.
In various studies, the administration of ginsenosides improved spatial memory, promoted nerve growth and health, improved mental work capacity, and long-term memory, and regulated multiple signaling pathways in the brain associated with neurological disorders, reducing the risk of disease and improving symptoms in subjects.
While still in the early stages of study, researchers are eager to determine the exact mechanisms behind ginsenosides’ strong neurological benefits.
3. Reduced Fatigue
Ginseng supplements, long believed to improve energy and physical health, are a promising treatment for fatigue, especially for those suffering from chronic illnesses or postoperative fatigue.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, researchers demonstrated that ginsenosides greatly improved fatigue levels in 174 participants after just four weeks of treatment, without any significant adverse effects.
These results could be due to improved energy metabolism, enhancement of mental clarity, and suppression of oxidative stress. Researchers are still unsure as to the exact nature of ginseng’s anti-fatigue properties.
4. Improved Erectile Dysfunction and Sexual Health
One of the claimed health benefits of ginseng is improved sexual performance. In multiple studies, ginsenosides played a therapeutic role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction by increasing endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, an enzyme important for vascular health in corpus cavernosum tissue.
Ginsenosides also increase secretions of luteinizing hormone, a hormone that signals the production of testosterone, and researchers have demonstrated that ginsenosides extracted from Asian Panax ginseng can increase testosterone levels.
Similar studies also showed improved levels of sperm count and sperm motility, suggesting that ginsenosides may be a useful therapeutic tool for the treatment and prevention of male reproductive diseases or disorders.
5.Reduced Risk of Diabetes and Improved Hyperglycemia
Researchers have found that ginsenosides found in the extract of Panax ginseng have anti-diabetic effects, thanks to improved lipid and insulin sensitivity and regulated glycolipid metabolism.
In a report studying the root extracts of ginseng, researchers discovered that ginsenosides actually increase insulin production while decreasing cell apoptosis in pancreatic.
-
Untitled Document
Ginsenoside
Ginsenosides or panaxosides are a class of natural product steroid glycosides and triterpene saponins. Compounds in this family are found almost exclusively in the plant genus Panax (ginseng), which has a long history of use in traditional medicine that has led to the study of pharmacological effects of ginseng compounds. As a class, ginsenosides exhibit a large variety of subtle and difficult-to-characterize biological effects when studied in isolation.
Ginsenosides can be isolated from various parts of the plant, though typically from the roots, and can be purified by column chromatography. The chemical profiles of Panax species are distinct; although Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng, has been most widely studied due to its use in traditional Chinese medicine, there are ginsenosides unique to American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus). Ginsenoside content also varies significantly due to environmental effects.
Classification
Ginsenosides are named according to their retention factor in thin layer chromatography (TLC). They can be broadly divided into two groups based on the carbon skeletons of their aglycones: the four-ring dammarane family, which contains the majority of known ginsenosides, and the oleanane family. The dammaranes further subdivided into 2 main groups, the protopanaxadiols and protopanaxatriols, with other smaller groups such as the ocotillol-type pseudoginsenoside F11 and its derivatives.
Chemical structure
Most known ginsenosides are classified as members of the dammarane family. The structure of these dammarane ginsenosides consists of a 4-ring, steroid-like structure. To each ginsenoside is bound at least 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups at the carbon-3 and -20 positions or the carbon-3, -6, and -20 positions respectively. In protopanaxadiols, sugar groups attach to the 3-position of the carbon skeleton, while in comparison sugar groups attach to the carbon-6 position in protopanaxatriols. Well known protopanaxadiols include Rb1, Rb2, Rg3, Rh2, and Rh3. Well known protopanaxatriols include Rg1, Rg2, and Rh1.
Ginsenosides that are a member of the oleanane family are pentacylic, composed of a five ring carbon skeleton.
Biosynthesis
The biosynthetic pathway of ginsenosides is not entirely characterized, though as steroids they derive from pathways that lead to the synthesis of isoprene units. A proposed pathway converts squalene to 2,3-oxidosqualene via the action of squalene epoxidase, at which point dammaranes can be synthesized through dammarenediol synthase, oleananes through beta-amyrin synthase, and another class of molecules, the phytosterols, through cycloartenol synthase.
In the proposed pathway, squalene is synthesized from the assembly of two farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) molecules. Each molecule of FPP is in turn the product of two molecules of dimethylallyl diphosphate and two molecules of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). IPP is produced by the mevalonic pathway in the cytosol of a ginseng plant cell and by the methylerythritol phosphate pathway in the plant's plastid.
Ginsenosides likely serve as mechanisms for plant defense. Ginsenosides have been found to have both antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Ginsenoside molecules are naturally bitter-tasting and discourage insects and other animals from consuming the plant.
Metabolism
Ginseng is generally consumed orally as a dietary supplement, and thus its component ginsenosides may be metabolized by gut flora. For example, ginsenosides Rb1 and Rb2 are converted to 20-b-O-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol or 20(S)-protopanaxadiol by human gut bacteria. This process is known to vary significantly between individuals. In some cases the metabolites of ginsenosides may be the biologically active compounds.
Biological effects
Most studies of the biological effects of ginsenosides have been in cell culture or animal models and thus their relevance to human biology is unknown. Effects on the cardiovascular system, central nervous system and immune system have been reported, primarily in rodents. Antiproliferative effects have also been described.
Many studies suggest that ginsenosides have antioxidant properties. Ginsenosides have been observed to increase internal antioxidant enzymes and act as a free-radical scavenger. Ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 have been observed in cell models as having an inhibitory effect on the cell growth of various cancer cells while studies in animal models have suggested that ginsenosides have neuroprotective properties and could be useful in treating neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Two broad mechanisms of action have been suggested for ginsenoside activity, based on their similarity to steroid hormones. They are amphiphilic and may interact with and change the properties of cell membranes. Some ginsenosides have also been shown to be partial agonists of steroid hormone receptors. It is not known how these mechanisms yield the reported biological effects of ginsenosides. The molecules as a class have low bioavailability due to both metabolism and poor intestinal absorption.
Source
Note 2: Ginseng Ginsenoside Pharmacology in the Nervous System: Involvement in the Regulation of Ion Channels and Receptors
Note 4: Stem-leaves of Panax as a rich and sustainable source of less-polar ginsenosides: comparison of ginsenosides from Panax ginseng, American ginseng and Panax notoginseng prepared by heating and acid treatment
Note 5: Prebiotics enhance the biotransformation and bioavailability of ginsenosides in rats by modulating gut microbiota
-
Untitled Document
Panax Ginseng tends to be taken in doses of 200 to 400 mg daily for general 'preventative' medicine, although some studies on the inclusion of Panax Ginseng in a multivitamin suggest doses as low as 40mg might be bioactive. The 400 mg dose appears to confer most cognitive benefit.
These doses refer to standard 'Ginseng Extract' which is around 2-3% total Ginsenosides, and is a once daily dosage.
Trials using Korean Red Ginseng extract for erectile health and libido enhancement tend to use 3 grams of total KRG extract daily, in three doses of 1000 mg. *
Korean ginseng is usually made into a powdered form from the dry root and taken by mouth as a supplement. Although there is a tincture (a liquid preparation made with alcohol) and tea form available, most of the clinical research studies are performed using ginseng in the powdered/supplement form.
Ginseng should be stored at room temperature and kept dry, away from heat.
Always take Korean ginseng (and any other herbal supplement) as directed by the healthcare provider. The average dose of Korean ginseng is about 200 to 400 mg per day as an overall health promotion/preventative herbal supplement. The 400 mg dose may provide the highest cognitive benefit from Korean ginseng.
Other medical experts recommend 200 mg per day and suggest taking a two-week break from taking ginseng every two to three weeks. This is to avoid the possibility of getting a toxic reaction from the build-up of ginseng in the body. “Most published research studies have used a standardized Panax ginseng extract in a dosage of 200 mg per day,” says American Family Physicians.
Do not take Korean ginseng at bedtime since the side effect of insomnia has been reported. Also, do not take Korean ginseng for long time spans (no more than three months). Be sure to discuss the specific safety precautions of taking Korean ginseng with your healthcare provider. *
Note 7: Single- and Multiple-Dose Trials to Determine the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, Tolerability, and Sex Effect of Oral Ginsenoside Compound K in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
-
Untitled Document
There are several side effects that have been reported from Korean ginseng use, these include:
- • Insomnia (the most common side effect)
- • Increasing the side effects of caffeine (such as jitteriness)
- • Headaches
- • Diarrhea
- • Agitation
- • Nausea
- • Menstrual problems
- • Vaginal bleeding
- • Breast pain
- • Dizziness
- • An increase or decrease in blood pressure
Serious Side Effects
Although ginseng is generally considered safe—particularly when taken for short periods of time—serious reactions can occur. It’s important to stop taking the supplement and seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur:
- • Irregular, fast heartbeat
- • Serious allergic reaction (rash, itching, or swelling around the face, lips, tongue, and throat while spreading to the upper body, dizziness, or breathing problems)
Signs of Overdose
It’s possible to overdose on Korean ginseng. This is the reason that experts recommend taking regular breaks from the daily use of the herb. Signs and symptoms of toxicity or overdose may include:
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Restlessness
- • Irritability
- • Fever
- • An increase in blood pressure and respiration (breathing)
- • Changes in heart rate
- • Inability to control urinary or bowel function
- • Cyanosis (bluish discoloration around lips and nails)
- • Reddened skin (particularly in the face and neck)
- • Seizures (convulsions)
- • Delirium (a severely disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, delusions, illusions, or incoherent speech)
Contraindications
Always follow the instructions of the prescribing healthcare provider about any type of food, drink (such as alcoholic beverages or caffeinated drinks), or activity restrictions as well as any drug contraindications (medications that should not be taken with other medications or supplements).
Medications (such as oral hypoglycemics and insulin) and other herbs or supplements that lower blood sugar should not be taken with Korean ginseng. Check with a credentialed naturopathic doctor about combining Korean ginseng with other herbal medicines to check for interactions.
Other Precautions
There are several health conditions in which ginseng should not be taken without first consulting the healthcare provider. These include:
- • Blood pressure problems
- • Heart conditions (such as arrhythmias or rheumatic heart disease)
- • Clotting or bleeding problems
- • Schizophrenia
- • Immune system disorders (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis)
- • Female conditions impacted by estrogen (such as uterine fibroids, breast cancer, uterine cancer or ovarian cancer, or endometriosis)
- • Diabetes (Korean ginseng may lower blood sugar)
- • Insomnia
Do not take Korean ginseng with:
- • Aspirin (aspirin causes a decreased blood clotting time to prevent blood clots, and in rare instances, ginseng could cause bleeding)
- • Phenelzine (Nardil) and warfarin (Coumadin) as it could increase bleeding
- • Any type of heart medications such as nifedipine (calcium channel blocker)
Do not take Korean ginseng when:
- • Drinking alcoholic beverages
- • Drinking caffeinated beverages
- • Smoking marijuana or using cannabis
- • A scheduled surgery or dental work is impending (stop taking ginseng at least two weeks prior) *
Note 1: Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improves Brain Uptake of Ginsenosides by Increasing Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability via Activating A1 Adenosine Receptor Signaling Pathway
Note 3: Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Ginsenosides between Fermented and Non-Fermented Red Ginseng in Healthy Volunteers
Note 6: Pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside Rb1 and its metabolite compound K after oral administration of Korean Red Ginseng extract
Note 7: Single- and Multiple-Dose Trials to Determine the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, Tolerability, and Sex Effect of Oral Ginsenoside Compound K in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Note 8: Pharmacokinetics of Ginsenoside Rh2, the Major Anticancer Ingredient of Ginsenoside H Dripping Pills, in Healthy Subjects
Note 9: Influence of B-Complex Vitamins on the Pharmacokinetics of Ginsenosides Rg1, Rb1, and Ro After Oral Administration
2024-06-26