Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Antagonistic Effect of Jiawei Shengjiang San on a Rat Model of Diabetic Nephropathy: Related to EGFR/MAPK3/1 Signaling Pathway
Published on: May 10, 2024
Panax ginseng exerts antiproliferative effects on rat hepatocarcinogenesis
Hyemee Kim1, Hae-Jeung Lee, Dae Joong Kim
1Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College station TX 77843, USA.
Abstract:
It has been proposed that ginseng has chemopreventive effects against several types of cancer in animals and humans. However, the mechanisms underlying the chemopreventive activities of fresh ginseng against hepatocarcinogenesis have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we hypothesized that these ginseng species may prevent hepatocarcinogenesis but that the chemopreventive mechanisms may differ by species. To determine the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of 3 different types of fresh ginseng on hepatocarcinogenesis, Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with diethylnitrosamine and fed diets containing 2% Panax japonicus CA Meyer (JN), P. quinquefolius L (QQ), or P. ginseng CA Meyer (GS) for 10 weeks. Glutathione S-transferase P form (GST-P)-positive foci, a stable marker for rat hepatocarcinogenesis, were shown in all carcinogen-injected rats; but only the GS diet significantly reduced the area and number (62% and 68%, respectively; P < .05) of GST-P-positive foci compared with the diethylnitrosamine control group. In addition, the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive hepatocytes in the GST-P-positive area was significantly decreased in the GS group but not in the JN or QQ groups. Using cDNA microarray analyses to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we observed that the p53 signaling pathway was altered by the GS diet and that the expression of Cyclin D1, Cyclin G1, Cdc2a, and Igf-1, which are involved in the p53 signaling pathway, was downregulated by the GS diet. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that GS, but not JN or QQ, induces cell cycle arrest in hepatocarcinogenesis. This study suggests that fresh GS has potential chemopreventive effects and may prove to be a therapeutic agent against hepatocarcinogenesis.
Insights
Fresh Panax ginseng (GS) demonstrated significant chemopreventive effects against liver cancer in rats, unlike other ginseng species. GS induced cell cycle arrest, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatocarcinogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatocarcinogenesis research
- Chemoprevention studies
- Ginseng pharmacology
Background:
- Ginseng is proposed to have chemopreventive effects against various cancers.
- Mechanisms of fresh ginseng's chemopreventive activity against liver cancer are not fully understood.
- Different ginseng species may exhibit distinct chemopreventive mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of three fresh ginseng species (Panax japonicus, Panax quinquefolius, Panax ginseng) on hepatocarcinogenesis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ginseng on liver cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Sprague-Dawley rats were administered diethylnitrosamine and fed diets containing 2% Panax japonicus (JN), P. quinquefolius (QQ), or P. ginseng (GS) for 10 weeks.
- Glutathione S-transferase P form (GST-P)-positive foci were quantified as a marker of hepatocarcinogenesis.
- Cell proliferation was assessed using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining.
- cDNA microarray analysis was employed to investigate molecular pathway alterations.
Main Results:
- Only the Panax ginseng (GS) diet significantly reduced the area and number of GST-P-positive foci compared to the control group.
- GS significantly decreased the number of PCNA-positive hepatocytes within GST-P-positive foci.
- GS altered the p53 signaling pathway, downregulating key genes like Cyclin D1, Cyclin G1, Cdc2a, and Igf-1.
Conclusions:
- Panax ginseng (GS), but not Panax japonicus (JN) or P. quinquefolius (QQ), demonstrated significant chemopreventive effects against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
- GS induces cell cycle arrest, suggesting a specific mechanism of action against liver cancer.
- Fresh Panax ginseng shows promise as a chemopreventive agent and potential therapeutic for hepatocarcinogenesis.