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The preventive effects of nanopowdered red ginseng on collagen-induced arthritic mice
Yun-Kyung Lee1, Kyung-Hoon Choi2, Hae-Soo Kwak2
1a Department of Food and Nutrition , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
This study was carried out to investigate the efficiency of red ginseng nanopowder in preventing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. The mice were divided into five groups: normal group (no immunisation), control (CIA), powdered red ginseng (PRG), nanopowdered red ginseng (NRG) and methotrexate (MTX). Administering MTX, PRG and NRG to arthritic mice significantly decreased spleen indexes, clinical and histological scores compared to control group. Serum analysis of NRG and MTX groups showed a reduction in the cytokines such as the levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in comparison to PRG group. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) in the NRG group were significantly lower than those of the PRG group. In summary, the present study indicated that NRG can be effective in preventing type II collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis in mice.
Insights
Red ginseng nanopowder effectively prevented collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice by reducing clinical and histological scores. It also lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulin levels compared to conventional red ginseng.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and destruction.
- Current treatments for RA, such as methotrexate (MTX), can have significant side effects.
- Natural compounds, like red ginseng, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in managing RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of red ginseng nanopowder (NRG) in preventing collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in a mouse model.
- To compare the effects of NRG with conventional powdered red ginseng (PRG) and methotrexate (MTX).
Main Methods:
- Mice were induced with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and divided into five groups: normal, control (CIA), PRG, NRG, and MTX.
- Spleen indexes, clinical scores, histological scores, serum cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and immunoglobulin levels (IgM, IgG1) were assessed.
Main Results:
- NRG, PRG, and MTX significantly reduced spleen indexes, clinical, and histological scores in arthritic mice compared to the control group.
- NRG and MTX demonstrated a greater reduction in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels compared to PRG.
- NRG treatment resulted in significantly lower IgM and IgG1 levels than PRG.
Conclusions:
- Red ginseng nanopowder (NRG) shows significant potential in preventing and treating collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis in mice.
- NRG exhibits superior efficacy over conventional red ginseng powder in modulating immune responses and reducing inflammation.
- NRG represents a promising alternative or complementary therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.
