Red Ginseng Oil Enhances Lipid Metabolism and Liver Function in HepG2 Cells and Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Development of safe and effective lipid-lowering agents is crucial.
• Natural compounds are increasingly explored for metabolic health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the antihypercholesterolemic effects of red ginseng oil (KGC11o).
• To evaluate KGC11o in vitro using HepG2 cells and in vivo using a rat model of hypercholesterolemia.

Main Methods:

• Supercritical fluid extraction was used to obtain KGC11o from red ginseng.
• HepG2 cells and a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-induced rat model were employed.
• Serum and hepatic lipid profiles, liver injury markers, fecal cholesterol excretion, and gene expression were analyzed.

Main Results:

• KGC11o treatment significantly improved serum and hepatic lipid profiles in rats.
• It reduced markers of liver injury and increased fecal cholesterol excretion.
• KGC11o modulated key genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, including HMGCR, ACAT, CETP, LPL, LCAT, and CYP7A1.

Conclusions:

• KGC11o demonstrates significant antihypercholesterolemic effects.
• It acts by improving lipid profiles, enhancing cholesterol excretion, and regulating cholesterol metabolism genes.
• KGC11o is a potential safe, food-derived functional ingredient for managing hypercholesterolemia.