Metabolism ginsenoside effects

Finally, it has been shown that maturation of DCs is promoted by metabolized ginsenosides such as compound K. Takei et al (2004) showed that mature DCs differentiated with compound K enhance the differentiation of naive T cells toward the Thl t) e depending on lL-12 secretion, which clearly suggests that compound K has immunostimulatoty effects and that this compound is involved in the cancer preventive effects of ginseng and that compound K may be used on DC-based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy (Takei et al, 2004). 

Gommori, K., F. Miyamoto, Y. Shibata, T. Higashi, S. Sanada, and J. Shoji Effect of Ginseng Saponins on Cholesterol Metabolism. II. Effect of Ginsenosides on Cholesterol Synthesis by Liver Slice. Chem. Pharm. Bull. (Japan) 24, 2985 (1976). 

Physioiogicai There is an extensive literature that deals with the effects ginseng on CNS function, but effects are also seen in neuroendocrine function, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the immune system, and cardiovascular function (Gillis 1997). Ginsenosides induce a decrease in heart rate and have biphasic effects on blood pressure, with decreases preceded by a slight increase (Kaku et al. 1975). Ginsenoside Rgl had the most potent effects on blood pressure. Little or no effect is observed on respiration. 

Hao M, Zhao Y, Chen P et al (2008) Structure-activity relationship and substrate-dependent phenomena in effects of ginsenosides on activities of drug-metabolizing P450 enzymes. PloS... 

Ginsenoside Rgi had no effect on arachidonate metabolism, but it did reduce the elevation of cytosolic free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i shown in the second phase (Ca2+ influx) induced by adrenaline and thrombin "Fig. (37)". The results suggest that ginsenoside Rgl in red ginseng roots may be effective as a drug for the treatment of arteriosclerosis and thrombosis. 

Chen X. Protective and FFA metabolic effect of ginsenosides on myocardial ischemia. J Med Cell Cardiol 1983 25 121-123. 

Data in our experiment (unpublished) showed that BTH derivatives exhibited inhibitory effects on both ginsenosides content and growth of P. notoginseng cells, which demonstrated that the elicitation effects differ from one species to another and from one metabolic pathway to another in the plant cell cultures (Table 6.10). 

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