PMID: 

Microb Drug Resist. 2019 Aug 1. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31369340

Abstract Title: 

andAntimicrobial Activity of(DC.) Stapf. Againstspp. Isolated from Newborn Babies in an Intensive Care Unit.

Abstract: 

Phytotherapy is an emerging topic of health research, with particular focus on studying the efficiency of essential oils as antimicrobials. In this study, we investigated theandsusceptibility ofstrains isolated from newborns tooil. Thesusceptibility of the microorganisms toessential oil was compared with the activities of standard antibiotics administered to newborns using disk diffusion and microdilution methods. Forassessment, 30 Wistar rats were wounded and subjected to infection ofstrain DRJ080, followed by treatment with the antibiotic vancomycin,, or carbopol polymer gel (control) for 11 days.accounted for 23.36% of the 107sp. strains isolated. Both vancomycin and the essential oil ofinhibited the growth of all microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations for theoil were 0.625 mg/mL in all strains tested. The oil had the same therapeutic effectiveness as vancomycin againstDRJ080 in rats. Thus,strains of newborns are sensitive tooil, bothand, demonstrating its potential as an antibiotic alternative.

read more

PMID: 

Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2019 Jul-Aug;24(4):301-305. PMID: 31333746

Abstract Title: 

Comparison of Rosemary and Mefenamic Acid Capsules on Menstrual Bleeding and Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Clinical Trial.

Abstract: 

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is the most common complaint of women. Imbalance secretion of prostaglandin from the endometrium during menstruation cycle is effective in primary dysmenorrhea and menstrual bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare rosemary capsule and mefenamic acid on menstrual bleeding and primary dysmenorrhea.Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blinded study was conducted on 82 students with primary dysmenorrhea in the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad in 2016. Participants had moderate dysmenorrhea and normal menstrual bleeding. No intervention was carried out at the two cycles. During the next two cycles, participants were randomly divided into two groups (rosemary and mefenamic acid(. Participants in the intervention group received 250 mg rosemary capsules and the control group received 250 mg mefenamic acid capsules in the first 3 days of menstruation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity of pain and Hingham chart to determine the amount of bleeding in menstruation. Independent-tests, Mann–Whitney were used for statistical analysis.

read more

PMID: 

Phytomedicine. 2019 May ;58:152745. Epub 2018 Nov 5. PMID: 31005715

Abstract Title: 

Rare ginsenosides ameliorate lipid overload-induced myocardial insulin resistance via modulating metabolic flexibility.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Rare ginsenosides are found in ginseng and notoginseng, two medicinal plants widely used in China for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. However, their pharmacological studies regarding myocardial fuel metabolism and insulin signaling are not clear.PURPOSE: To explore the effect of a rare ginsenoside-standardized extract (RGSE), derived from steamed notoginseng, on cardiac fuel metabolism and insulin signaling.STUDY DESIGN: We used palmitic acid (PA) to treat H9c2 cells in vitro and high fat diet (HFD) to mice to induce insulin resistance in vivo.METHODS: In vitro, differentiated H9c2 cells were pretreated with RGSE, metformin, mildronate or dichloroacetate (DCA) and stimulated with PA. In vivo, mice were fed with HFD and received RGSE, metformin or DCA for 6 weeks. Protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), glucose uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by fluorescence labeling. Other assessments including oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were also performed.RESULTS: RGSE prevented PA-induced decrease in pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity and increase in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) expression, and ameliorated insulin-mediated glucose uptake and utilization in H9c2 cells. Metformin and mildronate exhibited similar effects. In vivo, RGSE counteracted HFD-induced increase in myocardial expression of p-PDH and CPT1 and ameliorated cardiac insulin signaling. Metformin and DCA also showed beneficial effects. Further study showed that RGSE decreased OCR and mitochondrial complex I activity in PA-treated H9c2 cells, reduced ROS production and relieved mitochondrial oxidative stress, thus decreased serine phosphorylation in IRS-1.CONCLUSION: RGSE ameliorated myocardial insulin sensitivity under conditions of lipid overload, which was tightly associated with the decrease in mitochondrial oxidative stress via modulating glucose and fatty acid oxidation.

read more

PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:7621043. Epub 2019 Jun 4. PMID: 31275419

Abstract Title: 

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Ameliorate A-Mediated Neurotoxicity inthrough Antioxidant Activities.

Abstract: 

The deposition of amyloid beta (A) is the main hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and there is no effective drug to cure the progressive cognitive loss or memory deficits caused by the aggregative toxicity of Aprotein. Oxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a role in progressive neurodegenerative diseases like AD. Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) from the rhizome of""exhibits potent antioxidant effects on aging process in neuron cells and animals. By usingas an ideal model organism, the present study shows that PNS (0.5-4 mg/mL) can significantly inhibit AD-like symptoms of worm paralysis and enhance resistance to oxidative stress induced by paraquat and aging conditions. Additionally, PNS extends lifespan and maintains healthspan ofby improving the swimming prowess and fertility at old age. It markedly activates the expression of SKN-1 mRNA, which further supports SKN-1 signaling pathway which is involved in the therapeutic effect of PNS on AD. Our results provide direct evidence on PNS for treating AD on gene level and theoretical foundation for reshaping medicinal products of PNS in the future.

read more

PMID: 

Biomed Res Int. 2019 ;2019:8407683. Epub 2019 Feb 24. PMID: 30915362

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rg3 Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells and Suppresses Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition.

Abstract: 

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly invasive and metastatic head and neck cancer. Distant metastasis becomes the predominant mode of treatment failure in NPC patients. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), an active pharmaceutical component extracted from traditional Chinese medicine ginseng, shows antitumor effects in various cancers. In this study, we aimed to determine whether Rg3 inhibits the migration and invasion activity of NPC cells and to explore the possible mechanisms. Our results revealed that Rg3 hampers cell migration and invasion in both HNE1 and CNE2 cell lines. A reduced level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 was induced by Rg3 treatment. In addition, Rg3 significantly altered the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers with increased E-cadherin but decreased Vimentin and N-cadherin expression. Transforming growth factor- (TGF–) induced morphological transition and marker proteins change of EMT were reversed by Rg3. What is more, Rg3 suppressed the expression of EMT-related transcription factors, especially the Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1). In summary, our data suggested that Rg3 could inhibit migration and invasion of NPC cells. This effect of Rg3 might be mediated through regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions and suppressing EMT. Thus, Rg3 may be a potentially effective agent for the treatment of NPC.

read more

PMID: 

Mediators Inflamm. 2019 ;2019:6453296. Epub 2019 Feb 24. PMID: 30918470

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rg1 Regulates SIRT1 to Ameliorate Sepsis-Induced Lung Inflammation and Injury via Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammation.

Abstract: 

Objectives: To investigate the protective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on relieving sepsis-induced lung inflammation and injuryand.Methods: Cultured human pulmonary epithelial cell line A549 was challenged with LPS to induce cell injury, and CLP mouse model was generated to mimic clinical condition of systemic sepsis. Rg1 was applied to cells or animals at indicated dosage. Apoptosis of cultured cells was quantified by flow cytometry, along with ELISA for inflammatory cytokines in supernatant. For septic mice, lung tissue pathology was examined, plus ELISA assay for serum cytokines. Western blotting was used to examine the activation of inflammatory pathways and ER stress marker proteins in both cells and mouse lung tissues. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was quantified by DCFDA kit.Results: Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment remarkably suppressed apoptosis rate of LPS-induced A549 cells, relieved mouse lung tissue damage, and elevated survival rate. Rg1 treatment also rescued cells from LPS-induced intracellular ROS. In both A549 cells and mouse lung tissues, further study showed that Rg1 perfusion significantly suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) alpha and interleukin- (IL-) 6 and relieved cells from ER stress as supported by decreased expression of marker proteins via upregulating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).Conclusion: Our results showed that ginsenoside Rg1 treatment effectively relieved sepsis-induced lung injuryand, mainly via upregulating SIRT1 to relieve ER stress and inflammation. These findings provide new insights for unrevealing potential candidate for severe sepsis accompanied with lung injury.

read more

PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Jun 6 ;24(11). Epub 2019 Jun 6. PMID: 31174251

Abstract Title: 

Neuroprotective Effects of Red Ginseng Saponins in Scopolamine-Treated Rats and Activity Screening Based on Pharmacokinetics.

Abstract: 

Ginseng has been used to alleviate age-related dementia and memory deterioration for thousands of years. This study investigated the protective effect of red ginseng saponins against scopolamine-induced cerebral injury. Meanwhile, pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides in normal and scopolamine-treated rats were compared. After scopolamine injection, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly decreased when compared with control group. Compared with SA group, pretreatment of rats with red ginseng saponins could increase glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase level. Treatment with red ginseng saponins significantly decreased malondialdehyde level. In the pharmacokinetic analysis, a pattern recognition analysis method was used to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the absorbed compounds in blood. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Rg1, Rg2, Rh3, Rg5 and Rk1 in model group had higher area under the curve (AUC), mean residence time (MRT) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) values; area under the curve (AUC) values and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of model group was significantly different from that of normal group (

read more

PMID: 

Biochem Pharmacol. 2019 Jul 10 ;168:285-304. Epub 2019 Jul 10. PMID: 31301277

Abstract Title: 

Ginsenoside Rg5 induces G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis and autophagy via regulating ROS-mediated MAPK pathways against human gastric cancer.

Abstract: 

Ginsenoside Rg5, a rare saponin belonging to the family of protopanaxadiol ginsenosides, has been demonstrated to have potential anti-tumor effects in various cancers. However, the effect of Rg5 on human gastric cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, Rg5 could suppress cell proliferation by causing G2/M phase arrest. Treatment with Rg5 could induce apoptosis through the extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways. Autophagy induction was demonstrated by the formation of autophagosomes and autophagy-related proteins. Rg5-induced cell death was inhibited by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Moreover, the suppression of apoptosis weakened Rg5-induced autophagy, while the inhibition of autophagy attenuated Rg5-induced apoptosis. Further studies revealed that Rg5 induced ROS production and activated MAPK signaling pathways. The ROS scavenger NAC markedly diminished G2/M arrest, apoptosis, autophagy and activation of MAPK pathways induced by Rg5. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 or knockdown of p38 by siRNA clearly reversed Rg5-induced apoptosis and G2/M arrest. The JNK inhibitor SP600125 or knockdown of JNK by siRNA markedly attenuated Rg5-induced G2/M arrest, apoptosis and autophagy. The inhibition of ERK inhibitor U0126 or knockdown of ERK by siRNA clearly restored Rg5-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, Rg5 significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft gastric tumors with fewer side effects. Overall, the evidence suggested that Rg5 is a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer owing to its high efficacy, multiple mechanisms and fewer side effects.

read more

PMID: 

J Ginseng Res. 2019 Jul ;43(3):335-341. Epub 2018 Apr 28. PMID: 31308803

Abstract Title: 

Ameliorative effects of ginseng and ginsenosides on rheumatic diseases.

Abstract: 

Background: Inflammation is a host-defensive innate immune response to protect the body from pathogenic agents and danger signals induced by cellular changes. Although inflammation is a host-defense mechanism, chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for the development of a variety of inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases are systemic inflammatory and degenerative diseases that primarily affect connective tissues and are characterized by severe chronic inflammation and degeneration of connective tissues. Ginseng and its bioactive ingredients, genocides, have been demonstrated to have antiinflammatory activity and pharmacological effects on various rheumatic diseases by inhibiting the expression and production of inflammatory mediators.Methods: Literature in this review was searched in a PubMed site of National Center for Biotechnology Information.Results: The studies reporting the preventive and therapeutic effects of ginseng and ginsenosides on the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases were discussed and summarized.Conclusion: Ginseng and ginsenosides play an ameliorative role on rheumatic diseases, and this review provides new insights into ginseng and ginsenosides as promising agents to prevent and treat rheumatic diseases.

read more

PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jul 14 ;243:112090. Epub 2019 Jul 14. PMID: 31315027

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy of Panax ginseng supplementation on blood lipid profile. A meta-analysis and systematic review of clinical randomized trials.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in several traditional Chinese medicine formulation, mainly as a prophylactic and restorative agent. Ginseng's Chinese traditional formulations have shown protective effects against atherosclerosis, suggesting that ginseng may be useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders.AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate whether the supplementation with Panax ginseng (PG) has an effect on blood lipid profile in humans.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis and a systematic review were conducted to evaluate the effects of PG on blood lipid profile.RESULTS: A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, from which 10 studies were performed in volunteers with at least one component of metabolic syndrome, 3 in postmenopausal women, 2 in healthy volunteers and 3 with other types of inclusion criteria. The doses employed ranged from 0.2 to 20 g/day (median 3 g/day, 95% CI 1.7, 5.8), while the treatment time ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (median 8 weeks, 95% CI 6, 9). Few studies reported the composition of the PG extract employed. The main ginsenosides reported were Rb1 and Rg1 (content ranging from Rb1 0.023-6.44 mg/g and Rg1 0.028-3.21 mg/g). Significant modification in blood profile was described in 7 studies, in which 5 studies observed a reduction in total cholesterol, 4 in LDL-cholesterol, and 2 in triacylglycerides. The meta-analysis of 10 studies in volunteers with parameters related with metabolic syndrome describes that PG may induce a mean difference compared to a placebo of -2.30 (95% CI -3.79,-0.80) and -1.47 (95% CI -1.90,-1.05) mg/dL per g/day of PG in the levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, with no significant effects in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerides.CONCLUSIONS: PG extract may induce an improvement in blood lipid profile mainly by a reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels.

read more