Panax ginseng extract rich in ginsenoside protopanaxatriol offers combinatorial effects in nitric oxide production via multiple signaling pathways

Abstract

The root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer has been shown to induce nitric oxide (NO) release resulting in a hypotensive effect. However, the main active component contributing to vascular endothelium relaxation remains uncertain. In this study, we hypothesized that multiple components of ginseng extract might have combinatory effects providing greater health benefits than a single ginsenosides. To test this hypothesis, we compared the NO-releasing and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activating potency of wide range of ginseng extracts (crude extract, CE; protopanaxatriol-enriched extract, TE; protopanaxadiol-enriched extract, DE) and individual ginsenosides (Rg1, Re and Rb1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We found that TE had the highest potency in NO production, followed by CE, DE, and Rg1. We also observed that TE-treatment resulted in rapid activation of intracellular signaling pathways, immediate linear rise of NO, and increased eNOS activation. TE-induced activation of eNOS was abolished by pretreatment with wortmannin (inhibitor for PI3K-Akt), compound C (inhibitor for AMP activated protein kinase, AMPK) or L-NAME (inhibitor for NOS), whereas Rg1-induced eNOS phosphorylation was only partially attenuated. Further analysis revealed that TE, but not Rg1, results in AMPK phosphorylation at Thr172. These novel finding add evidence that the multiple components of Panax ginseng extract rich in protopanaxatriol offers combinatorial effects in NO production and vascular endothelium relaxation via multiple signaling pathways.

Blood Pressure Lowering Effect of Korea Ginseng Derived Ginseol K-g1

“…Previously, PPT-rich extract was shown to promote NO production more effectively than a PPD-rich extract or individual ginsenosides. The stronger ability of the PPT-rich extract to induce NO production was associated with the activation of multiple mechanisms, such as PI3K/AKT-and AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS (Ahn et al, 2013).…”

“…Meyer) roots were cut into small pieces, extracted with ethanol, and then eluted on a Diaion HP-20 ion-exchange resin (Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan). Quantitative determination of major ginsenosides revealed that Ginseol K-g1 is composed of Rg1 (137 mg/g), Re (326 mg/g), Rb1 (63.1 mg/g), Rb2 (29.2 mg/g), Rc (73.2 mg/g), and Rd (11.5 mg/g) (Ahn et al, 2013). Ginseol K-g1 was previously shown to significantly decrease BP in an animal model and induce NO from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells via multiple signaling pathways (Hong et al, 2012;Ahn et al, 2013).…”

Effects of different polyaniline emeraldine compositions in electrodepositing ginsenoside encapsulated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microcapsules coating: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation

“…Numerous studies have focused on each ginsenoside for their therapeutic effects on CVDs such as improving cardiac and vascular functions (He, Guo, Wu, Sun, & Li, ; Park et al, ), blood pressure (Rhee et al, ), antioxidant (Zhu et al, ) and inhibiting platelet aggregation (Zhou et al, ). Interestingly, several studies have shown effects of ginsenosides in protecting and proliferating EC (Ahn, Hong, Kim, & Kwon, ; Shin, Yoon, Oh, & Ryoo, ), which will be beneficial in DES development.…”

“…Interestingly, several studies have shown effects of ginsenosides in protecting and proliferating EC (Ahn, Hong, Kim, & Kwon, 2013;Shin, Yoon, Oh, & Ryoo, 2013), which will be beneficial in DES development.…”

Second look at the potential use of ginseng berry extract for treating erectile dysfunction

“…2 Given that augmented nitric oxide activity also results from the action of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (such as sildenafil) used to treat male erectile dysfunction, 3 ginsenosides are being assessed for the same indication. To this end, Choi et al conducted a well-designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II trial of Korean ginseng berry extract (KGBE) in a cohort of 119 men with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction.…”