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Saponin contents and anticarcinogenic effects of ginseng depending on types and ages in mice
1Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Nowon-Ku, Seoul, Korea.
Aim:
To compare the anticarcinogenic effects of fresh, white, and red ginseng (Panax ginseng C A Meyer) roots and their saponins.
Methods:
Lung adenoma in newborn N:GP (S) mice was induced by a subcutaneous injection of benzo(a)pyrene 0.5 mg. After weaning, ginseng powders or extracts were given in the drinking water for 6 wk. In the 9th wk the incidence and multiplicity of lung adenoma were counted.
Results:
Anticarcinogenic effects were found in 6-year-dried fresh ginseng, 5- and 6-year white ginseng, and 4-, 5-, and 6-year-red ginseng powders. Anticarcinogenic effects were also found in 6-year-dried fresh ginseng, 5- and 6-year-white ginseng, and 4-, 5-, and 6-year-red ginseng extracts. The content of major ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, Rg1 showed a little higher tendency in fresh or white ginsengs than red ginseng. This tendency was increased as the cultivation ages were increased. But there was no relationship was found between ginsenoside contents and preparation types or cultivation ages.
Conclusion:
Long-cultivated ginseng and red ginseng contain a higher amount of anticarcinogenic components.
Insights
Longer-cultivated ginseng, particularly red ginseng, demonstrates stronger anticarcinogenic properties. This study compared fresh, white, and red ginseng (Panax ginseng) effects on lung adenoma in mice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a widely used herbal medicine with reported health benefits.
- Understanding the comparative anticarcinogenic potential of different ginseng varieties and preparations is crucial for therapeutic applications.
- Benzo(a)pyrene is a known carcinogen used to induce lung adenoma in experimental models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the anticarcinogenic effects of fresh, white, and red ginseng roots.
- To investigate the role of ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) in cancer prevention.
- To assess the influence of cultivation age and preparation type (powder vs. extract) on ginseng's efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Lung adenoma was induced in N:GP(S) mice using benzo(a)pyrene.
- Mice were administered ginseng powders or extracts in drinking water for six weeks post-weaning.
- Incidence and multiplicity of lung adenoma were assessed in the ninth week.
Main Results:
- Anticarcinogenic effects were observed across various ginseng types and ages, including fresh, white, and red ginseng.
- Both powder and extract forms of ginseng exhibited protective effects against lung adenoma.
- Higher cultivation ages generally correlated with increased ginsenoside content, though no direct link was found between ginsenoside levels and preparation type or age.
Conclusions:
- Long-cultivated ginseng, especially red ginseng, contains elevated levels of anticarcinogenic compounds.
- Ginseng demonstrates potential as a chemopreventive agent against carcinogen-induced lung tumors.
- Further research into specific active components and their mechanisms is warranted.