2015年2月24日 星期二



人參專區/人參功效
前言 
  人參(C.A. Meyer)為五加科人參屬之植物,自古以來即被稱為「草藥之王」,被古代醫學論證為「扶正固本」的養生極品。這種珍貴的藥材,早在五千年前便在中國東北的山區被發現,被應用在中醫學上亦已達三千年之久。
  種植人參極為困難且成本昂貴,土地先要休耕十五年,期間種植紅松樹去除紅松樹後需將土質翻曬數十次,消除土壤中的細菌,以吸收日月精華,並要不斷添加有機肥料,但不能噴灑任何藥物或化學肥料。以兩年為單位,參苗必須要移植到另一個參床,採收第四年之種子繁殖。目前野生的人參已愈來愈少,市面上的人參絕大部份是人工培植的(又名園參)。
人參的功效
 在中國最古老的一本藥學著作”神農本草經“中記載人參:『補五臟、安精神、定魂魄、止驚悸、除邪氣、明目、開心、益智、久服輕身延年』。並將人參列為上藥之代表。所謂上藥,即”主養命、以應天、無毒、多服久服不傷人、欲輕身益氣、不老延年者,本上經“。後繼醫家對人參研究更是不遺餘力,近代中國將人參的臨床效果與藥理作用總結為”人參七效說“:
‧ 補氣救脫-消除疲勞,增進體力。
‧ 益血復脈-治療貧血、低血壓、心臟衰弱。
‧ 養心安神-對於神經衰弱、自律神經失調有效。
‧ 生津止渴-治療身體的乾燥,對於糖尿病有效。
‧ 補肺定喘-對結核性的乾喘、氣喘有效。
‧ 健脾止瀉-對於腸胃疾病、下痢、便秘、食慾不振有效。
‧ 托毒合瘡-對於腫庖、疙瘩、乾燥的肌膚有效。

全面性雙向調理的原理
 人參的作用不是單向的,例如:人參既能降血壓,亦可升血壓,它完全是因人而異,根據個體的需求發揮其效果。知名的人參研究專家,伊索拉爾萊克曼博士(Dr.IsraelBrekhman )將人參此種對症顯效的思維能力稱為「適應性」。具有適應性的植物須具備三個條件:
一、提高機體抵抗力,並幫助人體適應內在和外在的壓力
二、對病變的人體功能產生良性影響,助其進行調節,使其重新恢復正常。
三、無副作用,可安心使用。

  人參的此種作用可以由生物學的角度得到解釋。日本近畿大學藥學部久保道德教授指出,人參含各種活性物質,必須經口整體服用,才能產生預期效果。其原理則是:人參成分藉由胃消化,由胃及小腸吸收,透過門脈血管運送至肝臟,進入肝臟中的人參成分,由肝臟細胞識別其本身必要的成份,將必要成份運送至血液中,發揮功效。所以,使用人參必須將所有成分內服,才能在人體各部位做正確的處理,以產生良好的作用。
人參的成份
  人參的全面性功效,來自於其中所蘊含的大量元素成份。人參的成份可區分為「非特殊活性物質」與「特殊活性物質」二類(見表一)。人參的非特殊活性物質包含維他命、礦物質、微量元素、氨基酸、香精油、脂肪、糖類等。對人體機能有相當的幫助。而人參更受重視的,當屬其中所含的特殊活性物質。人參的特殊活性物質是60年代莫斯科的一個科學家小組所發現,即現在眾所周知的人參皂苷。人參的人參皂苷生於花、葉、和根皮中,再運送至根部儲存。其含量多寡,則由氣候、土壤及種子品質而定。人參皂苷也非均勻分佈於整株人參中:人參主根含有的人參皂苷較少,側根中的含量比主根高3倍,鬚根的含量則多出10倍。
人參活性物質的作用,則如表二所示:
表一 人參的成份
特殊活性質

人參二醇類( Panaxdiole group )
人參皂苷( Ginsenosides ) :Ra1,Ra2, Ra3,
Rb1, Rb2 ,Rb3,Rc, Rd,Rg3,Rh2,Rs1,Rs2
人參三醇類( Panaxtriole group )
人參皂苷 ( Ginsenosides ) :Re,Rf,Rg1,
Rg2,Rh1,Rh 3
齊墩果酸 ( O leanolic acid )
人參皂苷( Ginsenosides ) :Ro
苯酚( Phenoles )
麥芽醇 ( Maltol )
非特殊活性質
維他命
B-12,folic acid, nicotin ic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, nic o t in amide
礦物質
銅、鈣、鎂、鉀、鈉、磷、鐵、鋁
微量元素
鎳、錳、鉻、鋅、硒、鉬、鈷、釩、鍺
氨基酸
Aspartic acid, G lycine, alanine, praline, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, fatty amino acids, arginin e
香精油
200 種不同成份
脂肪( 0.05% )
天然脂肪
糖類
葡萄糖、果糖、糖化物、麥 芽 糖

資料來源:恩斯特 .D. 普林森伯格博士( Dr. Ernst. D. Prinzenberg )
表二 人參活性物質的作用
整體作用

‧ 具有促進分泌副腎皮質荷爾蒙的作用,對精神緊張的抵抗力得以增強。
‧ 促進 DNA 之合成作用,且可增加紅血球及白血球的數量。
‧ 增加精子數的作用。

個別作用
‧ 血清蛋白合成促進作用: Rb1, Rc
‧ 中性脂肪的分解抑制和合成促進作用: Rb1
‧ 膽固醇生合成促進作用: Rb1
‧ 腦中樞抑制作用: Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Re
‧ 催眠延長作用: Rb1
‧ 鎮痛作用: Rb1
‧ 精神安定作用: Rb1
‧ 腦中樞興奮作用: Rg1, Rb2, Rc, Re
‧ 解熱作用: Rb1
‧ DNA, RNA 的合成促進作用: Rg1, Rb2, Rc, Re
‧ 消除疲勞作用: Rg1

資料來源: . 近畿大學,久保道德教授
參考文獻

吉林人參研究院,”中韓人參栽培技術學術交流”,人參研究, 2003年第3期。
莊文選孫莉華蔣曉琴中國山東泰山醫學院附屬醫院,”人參與西洋參的臨床應用”,時珍國醫國 藥, 2003 年第14卷第8期。
傅曉晴蔡宗葦楊顯榮中國福建中醫學院,”人參延緩中樞神經系統衰老的生理調節治療作用的研 究”,中醫藥學刊, 2003 年 7 月第 21 卷第 7 期。
中國醫藥大學醫師群,”中藥匯通”,大春中醫雜誌社。
思斯特.D.普林森伯格 (Dr. Ernst D. Prinzenberg),”人參-永保青春和活力”,小薰書房有限公司。
‧ 楊乃彥李政育,”人參為補藥之王”,元氣齋出版社。
川村賢司,”人參的萬病療效-生物鹼的奇蹟”,世茂出版社。
久保道德,”人參的奇妙功效”,正義出版社。
丹羽芳男,”現代病患者 80% 可治癒”,青春出版社。
‧ 張賢哲,”本草備要解析”,中國醫藥大學出版組。
詳情請參觀金鐘島號的博客.

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人參(人蔘)如何降血壓,預防爆血管,中風和可防止心臟病:

良性和惡性的膽固醇


人參自古以來即被視為強精,壯陽,不老長壽之藥,為漢方生藥之雄.它對於成人病元兇的動脈硬化也十分有效,以下就為各位作介紹.

首先必須要檢討為什麼會引起動脈硬化.

動脈硬化是由於血脂質中的含膽固醇的核醣蛋白質進入血管壁中,儘管人體不斷努力排除,但是膽固醇仍然堆積,致使血管的彈力喪失,變硬,變得脆弱.有時則是血管內部產生傷痕等異常現象,使得血液中的小板黏著,凝固,形成血栓,是動脈硬化的成因.

以往認為動脈硬化是由於血液中的膽固醇或中性脂肪膽固醇質較多所引起,但是根據最近的研究顯示,血液中的膽固醇量的多少並非主要的問題,倒是受膽固醇質的影響較大.

由食物中所攝取的營養素中,如膽固醇或中性脂肪等脂質並不溶於水,而和蛋白質一起形成核醣蛋白,經由血液運送到組織裡.核醣蛋白依其性質之不同可以分成幾種,較具代表性的是脂質較多的比重核醣蛋白(LDL)及蛋白質較多的高比重核醣蛋白(HDL).前者稱之為惡質膽固醇,後者稱為良質膽固醇.

為什麼這樣稱呼呢?因為惡質膽固醇是膽固醇的侵入者,它會大量地將膽固醇運送到血管壁中。如果將細胞比喻為一個個家的話,膽固醇就會發揮支柱-般的功能,相當重耍。但是如果堆積於血管壁中的膽固醇過多,就會使血管喪失彈性,此時進行擴張、收縮以及輪送血液的血管之功能便會遭到破壞,就像舊的檬皮管一樣,血管會變得破爛不堪。為了避免發生這種情形,就得將多餘的膽固醇由血管壁釋出,以回歸肝臟。能夠發揮這種功能的,就是良質膽固醇。這就是說,為了避免動脈硬化,只是減少攝取膽固醇的量,對於保持血管壁的堅固而言仍是不夠的,若要抑制惡質膽固醇的功能,只有依靠良質膽固醇。

所以,膽固醇的質才是問題的焦點,以下就介紹增加良質膽固醇的方法。

有一句話說[ 人和血管一起老化 。 ]因此,為了防止老化,首先須防止動脈硬化。被視為不老長壽之藥的人參,具有防止動脈硬化的作用,也就是說它可能具有抑制總膽固醇的功能,或有使良質膽固醇增加的功能,也許這兩種功能兼具。有關此點,目前正在進行學術上的研究-大約從十年前起,我們便和日本熊谷朗千葉大學醫學部第二內科教授等人一起攜手合作,進行一連串的研究工作。

增加良性膽固醇,減少惡性膽固醇。

我們首先針對人參是否能夠降低總膽固醇的功能做實驗加以調查。實驗對象是兩群老鼠,每一群都給予含有一%膽固醇的食餌,造成牠們有高脂血症的傾向。其中一群注射了從人參當中抽出的人參成份(石竹苷),另外一群則注射純食鹽水。結果,注射人參萃取劑的老鼠其膽固醇及中性脂肪都接近於正常值。

接著,利用C14這種放射性同位元素為膽固醇作記號,然後注射其於老鼠體內。發現注射了人參萃取劑的老鼠在過了四十八小時之後,血液中的放射性膽固醇和未曾注射人參萃取劑的對照群比較,放射性膽固醇降低了大約三十%。另一方面,比較老鼠群排泄的糞便中的放射性膽固醇與膽汁酸的量,發現注射了人參萃取劑的老鼠群糞便中所含的膽固醇與膽汁酸比對照群的高出二倍。

由這個實驗可以了解,人參具有加速膽固醇的分解與排泄的作用。在中性脂肪方面,人參也有促進其分解酵素的作用,也就是核醣蛋白脂肪酶的功能活絡,加速分解脂肪。動脈硬化的原因可能是年齡增加,遺傳,或攝取了含脂質較多的飲食。服食人參,可以加速膽固醇與中性脂肪的分解,就不易引動脈的硬化。

在良質膽固醇方面,又會產生什麼樣的作用呢?和前述的實驗一樣,將老鼠分成兩群,每一群都給予混入一%膽固醇的食餌,形成人為的高脂血症。其中一群老鼠,體重一百公克就給予一百毫克的人參粉末,對照群則什麼斬不給,過了九十天後再做一次調查,得到如下的結果。

首先觀察的是血液中的總膽固醇量。什麼都不給的對照群,每一百公克血液中,平均有九十三點六毫克膽固醇,而食餌中增加了人參粉末的老鼠群則平均為六十四點七毫克,約低了三十%。中性脂肪則前者為二百三十毫克,後者為一百六十一毫克,也低了三十%,至於能夠防止動脈硬化的良質膽固醇,則對照群為二十四點九毫克,另一群則為三十一點七毫克,多了約二十七%。

以總膽固醇的量減去良質膽固醇的量的數值,便是膽固醇中惡質膽固醇的量。以此數值除以良質膽固醇的量所得的數值,可以作為判定膽固醇之用,數值愈小,表示良質膽固醇愈多。由這項實驗發現對照群數值三,而增加了人參粉末的一群為一點一,顯然較低,可知良質膽固醇可以改善體質。

其次,則是調查肝臟組織中所含的總膽固醇量。未給與人參粉末的對照群的組織一公克中,有七十二毫克膽固醇;而添加了人參粉末的群的則為五十毫克,低了約三十一%。肝臟中的膽固醇彧中性脂肪如果增加,彧造成脂肪肝,使肝臟的功能遭到破壞。

解剖實驗老鼠肝臟之後,可以發現添加人參粉末的群的為紅色,而對照群的為白色。由此可見人參的脂肪代謝改善力之大。

其次調查血管形成血栓的情形,發現沒有攝取人參的對照群有六十三%,比例相當高,而添加了人參粉末的一群則為三十七%,少了許多。由此也可得知,人參具有預防血栓形成的功效

人參沒有任何副作用

由以上實驗得知,人參具有預防膽固醇在血管沈著,有避免形成血栓的作用,藉著動物的實驗,我們明白了這一點,那麼,人類的情形又是如何呢?

很慶幸地,我們取得了九位膽固醇量在二百二十毫克以下的患者的協助,每天讓他們服用四點五公克的人參粉末,由於無法和老鼠的實驗一樣採用對照性質,我們便將實驗開始前的數值定為一百。一週之後比較其數值,發現總膽固醇量為九十六,中性脂肪為七十一,都有下降的趨勢。而良質膽固醇為一百零九,大約增加了一成。因此,由總膽固醇量減去良質膽固醇的數值再除以良質膽固醇的比為八十九,由此可知人參對人類而言也是有醫效的。

不過,這項實驗由於人數過少,時間過短,所以現在則另針對大多數罹患商脂血症的患者作觀察。將二黠七公克的人參粉末膠囊讓這些患者一天分三次服用,觀察半年後的變化(數值全都是血液每一百公克中所含的毫克量),其間所得的結果如下:

總膽固醇量=三百五十七點五 ;
二百三十五點五(約下降八點五%)

中性脂肪量=一百六十點一 ;
一百二十二(約下降二十四%)

良質膽固醇量(H. D. L.)=三十九 ;
四十八點六(約增加二十五%)

由此可見,原比標準值(二百二十毫克以下)多了十七%的總膽固醇下降到只比標準值多了十七%,中性脂肪也大幅下降。另一方面,良質膽固醇則堵加了二十五%,可明顯看出人參在防止動脈硬化方面的作用。而長期持績服用半年,完全沒有副作用出現,也是值得大書特書的事。

由於人參具強精,增血,強壯的作用,所以有人認為患高血壓症的人最好要謹慎服用。

但是根據第三屆國際人參專題座談會中,南韓國宋教授的發表,根據動物實驗結果顯示,大量服食人參,可使血管擴張,使血壓下降。此外,南韓國松山紅十字醫院的金子仁循環器官內科部長,也指出人參具有擴張血管的作用。另外,日本大阪日生醫院神經科的上嵨博士,北嵨部長等人,也都承認人參具有增加腦血流的作用。但是為什麼會有這些作用,而其功能又是如何變化,迄今仍不明白。

資料來源:人參的奇妙功效, 
作者: 日本{近畿大學}
藥學部教授-久保道德
編譯: 台北正義出版事業有限公司.

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人參是去除糖尿病患者的疲勞及懶散的最佳藥物

自古人類即知道糖尿病的症狀:


糖尿病這個名稱的由來是因為經由化學檢驗,在尿液中發現糖而來的.從前往往是因為病人癱瘓才得知道家人患了糖尿病.那種病人的尿液中帶有糖特有的甘甜味.糖尿病患者在小便後將尿液檢驗,也可知道是否罹患了糖尿病.
在分析出尿液中的糖分之前,中國為它所命的名稱是[消渴病].這是指[喉嚨乾渴]的疾病.
我們追蹤歷史,可以得知中國現存最古老的病理學書,就是隋朝時的[諸病源候論].其中有一些目前仍然沿用的病名.,但是如高血壓和糖尿病一類的病卻沒有.
該 書的第五卷中有[消渴病諸類]一項.閱讀時可以發現[所謂消渴病是指口乾,小便次數增加,嗜吃甜食,肥胖的人較易罹患......]的記錄,看了就知道是 指糖尿病.由此可知,糖尿病是自古以來就有的疾病,但是在科學進步的現代,糖尿病也可以說是一生難以治癒的疾病.談到藥物,就只有胰島素一項.但是用胰島 素可以產生效果的人只有少數,其餘的人就只能藉著控制飲食,此外別無他法.
糖尿病發生的原因:
令人意外的,是自古以來就有人知道人參是糖尿病的治療藥.距今約千五年前,中國梁朝的大藥學者陶弘景所著的[名醫別錄]中對於人參的項目,曾出現了[消渴]的病名.主要是人參對於糖尿病有治療效果,這算得上是世界上曼古老的記錄,藉這項記錄,我們可以了解由這個時期開始人參便被當作是糖尿病的治療藥了.
根據最近的研究,發現人參和胰島素的作用並不完全一樣,但是它對於糖尿病卻很有療效.這一點解開了千五年前的文獻之謎,究竟是什麼物質產生效果呢?在加以敘述前,我們先來說明糖尿病的成因.
我 們食入口中的食品如飯,麵包,粉麵或點心等有糖分的食物經過胃及十二指腸,幾乎所有的營養都被小腸吸收了.這時候分解成為小糖分子,我們稱為單糖,通過門 脈血管運送到肝臟.肝臟將這些小分子再轉換成較大分子的肝糖貯存起來.肝糖配合必要在必要的時候再轉換為較小的葡萄糖通過靜脈放入血液中.進入血管的葡萄 糖來到肌肉或各種器官中便轉換成能量.
如果將這段過程作一番詳細的說明,則是釋放到血液中的葡萄糖被送到六十兆個細胞中,在此轉換 為能量.葡萄糖進入細胞之後像線粒體藥物膠囊的形狀進入器官當中.其間葡萄糖分子不斷被分解,和紅血球運送的氧氣一起和檸檬酸循環這樣複雜能量產生化學變 化.這樣作用產生的能量可以使人從事工作或跑或跳.
能使葡萄糖容易進入細胞中,發揮輔助功能的就是胰島素荷爾蒙,它是從胰臟的胰島部分分泌出來的.胰島素的功用如以下所述,十分巧妙.
細 胞的表面有細胞膜,當葡萄糖接觸細胞膜時,細胞膜表面的一部分會有胰島素附著,稱為胰島素接收器,使得細胞膜的通道打開,因此葡萄糖才能夠進入細胞內.葡 萄糖進入細胞以後,立即藉著胰島素分解酵素(胰島素酶)的作用而分解,葡萄糖離開膜使得葡萄糖門關閉,回復成原有的膜.由此可知,胰島素是在作為葡萄糖能 源通過細胞膜時具有打開通道的功用.
此外,胰島素還有以下的功能:
-有助於肝臟的肝糖製造和儲存.
-避免釋放過量的糖分到血液中,就是能在肝臟抑制肝糖分解成葡萄糖.
-蛋白質分解為胺基酸並貯存在肝臟中,胰島素具有在必要時將其輸送至體內細胞的功用.
-脂肪分解成脂肪酸及甘油,有部分被送到淋巴腺,有部分通過肝臟進入血液中.胰島素便可以防止脂肪屯積於肝臟內.
-防止儲存皮下脂肪的脂肪細胞因為貯存太多脂肪而破裂.
胰島素不足所引起的異常現象:
由此可知,具有重要功用的胰島素如果缺乏,就會造成各樣不良的影響.
首先,是關於糖代謝方面.血液中所含的葡萄糖的量,稱為血糖值.人體健康時,血糖值經常保持恆常,例如肚子餓時,會頭昏無力.進餐後太久仍無補給營養,使體內脂肪減少,形成營養不良.
腦可以算是最常使用糖的器官,空腹時腦中的血糖值會下降,腦細胞就立刻出現能量不足的現象,以致陷入輕微的昏昏欲睡狀態.而吃了食物之後,由於補給糖分,胰島素細胞打開細胞之門,吸收糖分,使得腦細胞又能活絡地運作.
但是若果血液中的胰島素缺乏,葡萄糖無法進入細胞內,只能在血液中不斷徘徊,卻沒有辦法當成能量加以利用,因此,血液中存在著大量葡萄糖,使得血糖值上升.
血糖值升高以後,血液中的葡萄糖的一部分,會從腎臟釋放到尿中.正常人的腎臟能夠將血液的糖分完全過濾.並且完全吸收,所以尿中不會出現糖.但是血液中如果糖分過多,對腎臟造成負擔,沒有辦法再加以利用.
於是我們身體的血糖會上升,排出於尿液中.藉著此種方法,可維持血液中的糖分保持一定.雖然能夠維持生命,但是為了補充能源,必須使用肌肉中的肝糖及皮下脂肪,所以體重便逐漸減輕.
而由血管中取出的皮下脂肪,呈現隨便亂流的狀態,因此使得血管的脂肪堆積.因此,血管力量變弱,血管循環不暢,便容易引起動脈硬化及高血壓症.尤其微血管容易產生障礙,甚至侵害眼睛細胞,造成視力減弱,或容易產生障礙,也會出現牙周病.甚至引起心肌梗塞,腦血栓的關鍵.
另 一方面,身體的能量無法進入細胞內,因此身體容易疲倦,性慾減退,出現陽痿,而且會有類似老化的現象發生.此外,會有容易化膿,出現濕疹,手腳指尖容易麻 痺,甚至出現神經痛的現象.喜愛吃甜食,是糖尿病患者的特徵,但並非由於嗜吃甜食而引起糖尿病.主要是由於能量缺乏,於是腦中樞發出命令,要大量攝取食 物,結果有空腹感,產生了旺盛的食慾,讓人錯覺到可能是罹患了疾病.
糖分釋放到尿中,排尿的次數增加,形成水份缺乏,喉嚨容易乾渴.這些都是糖尿病的特徵.
胰島素為什麼會不足呢?
那麼,胰島素缺乏的原因何在呢?我們做了以下的考慮.
首先,我們檢討遺傳因素.目前罹患糖尿病的HLA的遺傳因子已被發現.父母,祖父母之中出現糖尿病患者時,也會造成遺傳的可能.
其次是在罹患感冒以後,尿液中也會出現糖分,這是由於一種柯薩奇病毒使胰臟的胰島這個製造胰島素部分細胞遭到破壞所致,稱為感染性糖尿病.尤其是年輕人罹患的話,會造成青年性糖尿病,就是屬於這一型的糖尿病.
此外,強烈或經常加諸身上的壓力,偶爾出現的生產經驗,造成血管及血液障礙的自我免疫系統疾病,以及極端的肥胖等都是形成糖尿病的原因.
現代醫學的糖尿病療法,首先是注射胰島素.對於青年性型糖尿病這種胰臟已經無法製造胰島素的人來說,是絕對必須注射的.
但若是因為自我免疫系統的疾病,或其他原因導致胰島素缺乏的人,用這種方法就無法產生好效果.使用的方法必須充分注意,如果太大量的話,會造成血糖減少,易出冷汗,手腳顫抖,感無力,有引起低血糖休克的危險性.如果再嚴重,有可能
喪失意識.
除此之外,現在也開發了很多降血糖劑,但是目前仍無安全,且能長時間連續服用的完美藥物.
人參可以增加胰島素
不過,服用人參的話,聽說常有尿糖私檢查為陰性的說法.此外,現在到中醫院中,並不是以治療糖尿病為主要目的,而是因為神經病,貧血,皮膚病等症狀求診而施予人參時,做尿液檢查時也沒有驗出糖分.
那是因為人參能夠使糖尿病人的血糖加以控制,而逐漸恢復正常化,引起許多研究者的注意.人參的糖尿病治療原理已藉著不斷進行動物實驗來驗證.
結果產生了以下的情形.其中之一是胰臟製造胰島素生合成藉著人參能夠產生活絡的效果.也就是說,根據富山醫科藥科大學的木村博士等人所進行的動物實驗發現,人參具有使胰臟的胰島製造出正常量胰島素的直接作用.
亦即,藉著服用人參,能夠使體內細胞吸收血糖的過程順暢進行,進而發生能量,使血糖量維持固定,尿糖也減少,不會造成肝臟和腎臟的負擔,而且也不會取用肌肉中的肝糖和脂肪.
人參的另一個功能就是對脂肪組織而言,具有和胰島素相當類似的作用,這點已由愛媛大學奧田教授等人的實驗得到証明.罹患糖尿病之後,脂肪細胞中所貯存的脂肪分解力提高,逐漸變瘦,血液中的脂肪酸不斷增加,但是這時候注射胰島素會使血糖減低,同時脂肪酸也會降低.
根據這個事實,曾做了以下的實驗.首先,取出動物的脂肪組織,將細胞一一分開,然後利用腎上腺素的作用能夠防止脂肪細胞的分解,使細胞細胞維持原有狀態.
接下來則用人參取代胰島素,結果也能夠完全抑制脂肪的分解.紅蔘的效果比白蔘的更高.這是由於蒸人參時,將其加工為紅蔘的過程中產生的某種蛋白質所造成的作用.人參當中還含有石竹苷這種物質,它的功能與胰島素類似.由此可知奧田教授等人的實驗得到驗證,證明人參對糖尿病有效,這是經由長年的臨床實驗以科學方式加以証明的.
對於糖尿病人可以安心服用人參
目前治療糖尿病,尚未有可以安心使用的藥物,但是人參卻可以安心使用,而且效果確實.不過特別注意的是人參具有旺盛促進製造胰島素的作用,但是對於因柯薩奇病毒破壞的細胞,卻無法使其再生.也就是說如果屬於青年性糖尿病,則無法當胰島素的代用品來使用.此外,到了中年時,胰臟的胰島素的製造功能減退,對於自然發生的糖尿病,人參當作胰臟功能的補藥,發揮其良好效果.
眼睛疲勞,喉嚨乾渴,陽痿,化膿,濕疹,手腳麻痺等症狀可以因而減輕,過著不亞於正常人的生活.
糖尿病可以說是終生無法治癒的疾病,但是若服用人參,就能補助胰臟的功能,而且可以和健康人同樣活躍.希望各位持續服用人參.
年齡到了某種程度的人,血糖會稍微升高,如果立即服用人參,就能夠避免惡化.持續服用人參,能夠控制血糖,這是最佳的長壽秘訣.
中醫藥中常常採摘(八味丸)來治療糖尿病,它具有控制血糖的作用,對於老人性糖尿病特別有效.此外,血糖值正常但尿糖較多的腎臟病性糖尿病是不能靠胰島素展現療效的,只有八味丸才有效.因此,罹患腎病性糖尿病的人經常將八味丸和人參合併使用.
資料來源:<人參的奇妙功效>, 作者: 日本{近畿大學}藥學部教授-久保道德, 編譯: 台北正義出版事業有限公司. 
欲知人參的其他的資料以及人參有效服用方法就請光臨金鐘島號的博客.

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人參(人蔘)的防癌藥劑成份及抗癌原理

由古代文獻中得知人參對癌症有效:
最近,癌症病患的急增已蔚為話題.一般人視其為現代病的一種,事實上,早在很久以前,此種症狀便已侵蝕人類的身體,而人們也知道,它遲早會奪走人類的生命.然而,自古以來,對於治療癌症的藥方,人們都知道係人蔘.在公元1世紀前的中國藥物書[名醫別錄]中,記載著人參的藥效之一(破堅積).所謂的(堅積),乃是在胃,肝臟以及子宮中所形成的硬塊,這種硬塊可以解釋為潰瘍或者是癌.以上這種難病中的難病,人參對其有治療的效果.換句話說,在古老的中國,人們就知道,使用人參來治療癌症.
發生癌症的組織:
其次,觀察日前的癌症發生率,以中年後較多,從40歲開始,至60歲急遽地增加.因此,要知道此種現象,首先,必須瞭解致癌的原因,癌並非是病毒或細菌在人體內異常增殖所形成的.人體係由正常的細胞所構成的,在平常狀態下,其性質不會改變,且會分裂產生新的細胞,但是在某種原因之下,突然地,細胞無法正常的分裂,而形成癌化,此癌化的細胞就是癌細胞.
例如,在我們受傷之後,如果對其傷口置之不理,不久之後會藉著正常的細胞分裂而恢復其傷口,且新生的皮膚與周圍的皮膚相同.
此外,肝細胞在遭受破壞後也會如上所述經過細胞的分裂而恢復至原來的情況.這是因為細胞的核中具有一種即使自己遭受破壞也能重新製造出與自己相同的物質的設計.以上的情形,我們稱之為遺傳因子情報,能夠製造出新的細胞,且與原來的細胞有著同樣的型態與功能.
我們在洗澡時身體會有一些污垢,這種情形乃是皮膚細胞脫落的現象.而在脫落的皮膚下會再形成相同的皮膚,假若無法產生以上的功能,那麼我們的臉型以及指紋將會隨著時間而每天改變,如此就非常不妙了!
但是會因為某種原因使得細胞的型態以及功能產生變化,這乃是細胞核中的遺傳因子惡作劇的結果,使遺傳遺傳情報產生變化.掌握遺傳因子的是D. N. A. ;它是一種核酸物質能對惡作劇的物質發生影響,以上可由電子顯微鏡得知其變化.
我們知道造成癌症的物質是為致癌物質.事實上在我們的周圍除了病毒外,存在著許多致癌物質,燒烤的魚,蕨以及蛋等,實際上都具有很多致癌的物質.此外,不僅是食物,若經常地發高燒,產生傷痕以及經常接受會發生刺激的物理作用都可能致癌.此外,也有不曾受到刺激而自然發生的癌.總之,從40歲開始,癌的發生率會提高,且在成長的生長期中會因為病毒的感染以及致癌物質的大量侵入體內使得細胞發生異常的現象.
中年後抑制癌症的體力開始衰退:
人類的身體即使有異物侵入也會有自我加以處理的能力.其中之一,當有致癌物質進入人體時,胃以及小腸不會加以吸收,並且會辨別其為不適合人體的物質,而將其轉換為無毒之物再排出體外,這種功能稱之為(抱合).其中之一為葡萄糖醛酸抱合,
人參之中即具有此種抱合的成份.這種成份乃為石竹苷的R0物質,形成葡萄糖醛酸的形式而附著於石竹苷中,因此具有解毒的作用.
此外,我們的身體受到外敵侵襲時會自動地產生免疫功能而將其排出體外,反之,若免疫力均衡失調,則當致癌物的質侵入人體而無法加以處理時,便容易引起癌症.對人體來說,和免疫同樣重要的有巨噬細胞(食菌細胞)以及白血球等的功能.以上的功能可能可將化學等的錯誤所製造出來的癌細胞加以吞食,並排出體外.例如,抽煙的人肺部會有煤焦油狀的物質附著,這乃是會致癌的物質,但是,肺中有很多的巨噬細胞存在,一旦發現癌化的細胞,便將其吞食,因此,包括巨噬細胞在內,細胞具有活力的年輕人較不容易產生肺癌,不過,隨著年齡的增長,也就容易致癌.以上的情形是因為免疫力減退所引起的.至於免疫力減退的部位會因人而異,但是,一般來說,心臟以及肌肉較不容易致癌,而胃,子宮以及直腸是較容易致癌的部位.
備受世界注目的人參之抗癌效果:
由上述可知,癌會因人類免疫力的差異而產生.因此,提高免疫力乃是擊退外敵的力量,這才是最重要的.此外,癌發生時,要立即將其排除,並使其無毒化,這也是非常重要的.
人參由於具有上述的三種功能,因此,受到世界相當的注目.
在第二屆國際人參專題研討會上,日本{全澤醫術大學}的小田島博士以及日本{近畿大學}的東洋醫學研究所共同進行研究,並發表了藉著人參的成份使癌細胞變為正常細胞的基礎研究.
將培養基中的人參的有效成份石竹苷放入試管中,另外一個試管則不放入石竹苷,而放入從肝臟中取出的癌細胞,經過半年,一年之後,發現沒有放入石竹苷的癌細胞大量地增殖,而放入石竹苷的癌細胞所增殖的細胞轉換為正常的細胞.
以上的情形係癌細胞藉著人參中石竹苷的強化酵素功能,而轉換為正常細胞所致.
事實上,癌細胞所發生的構造,早在1940年代的貝連布爾姆就曾經提倡,正常的癌細胞不會立即轉換為癌細胞,它會先暫時成為休眠細胞,然後再轉換為喪失正常功能的細胞,而後再轉換為具有增殖力的癌細胞.
假若他的論調正確的話,那麼在癌發生以前的休眠細胞階段,即有希望使其成為無毒的細胞或是正常的細胞.人參的作用可使得此階段完全逆轉進行,而根據其他的實驗,的確能使得休眠細胞正常化.
此外,在我們的研究室中,將動物身上所取出的細胞(包括癌細胞)放入試管中,然後再放入人參的萃取劑進行實驗,結果發現癌細胞完成死去.同樣的實驗也曾在韓國(南韓)進行,而實驗的結果也在第二屆國際人參專題研究會中發表.
以上的作用據說是人參中的石竹苷以外的乙炔化合物所引起的.此種物質會破壞癌細胞,但對於正常的細胞卻不會發生影響.同時也不會使細胞膜溶解,且能夠使得遺傳因子的異常現象恢復正常.換句話說,即使製造癌細胞或者產生錯誤遺傳因子的構造,但只要能夠使其恢復原有的狀態,那麼,便能恢復為製造正常細胞的遺傳因子.至於人參是否具有以上的功能,目前,日本,韓國兩國正努力地研究中.
提高癌症患者的抵抗力:
不過,癌症的患者,營養多半被癌細胞所奪,因此,身體較為衰弱.血壓會下降,且會有貧血的現象.此外,為了破壞癌細胞,所使用的放射線療法不僅會破壞癌細胞,白血球也會大量地遭到破壞.因此,有的病患,其白血球甚至降為2000單位以下,因而使體內的免疫力以及抗原體反應無法產生,而癌細胞也變得更為自由.
以上的情形必須增加病人的白血球.幸運的是人參即具有增加白血球的功能.若能一方面進行放射線療法且另一方面服用人參,必能產生很大的療效.以上的例子屢見不鮮.此外,人參不僅能增加白血球,且紅血球和血小板等也會大量也增加.因此,除了氧之外,體內若能獲得充足的養分,便能增加患者的抵抗力,使其早日恢復健康.
根據臨床實驗顯示,對於初期癌症的病患以及手術後為防止再度復發的患者,每日給予人參10%~30公克,都能產生良好的效果.
例如胃癌的情形.在初期的階段,很難以區別癌症或者是胃潰瘍,這時若服用人參,對於兩種病症.必能100%的自癒.然而,不幸的是若胃癌惡化會產生劇烈的疼痛,到了末期,這種疼痛的程度甚至會令人痛不欲生.因此,採用人參的大量療法必能減輕疼痛,且使得病人再度獲得生氣,以上是人參神奇的效用.但是這時雖無法藉著人參大量療法使其恢復健康,然而,卻可用其劇烈的抗癌作用使病人得到回生和廷命的效果.
可消除末期癌症患者的痛苦:
我們知道咽頭癌惡化的人會吐出大量的濃痰,而罹患直腸癌的人則會排出黑色的糞便.以上的情形都是癌化的細胞硬塊經由嘔吐以及排便的方式排出體外.這時病人會疼痛難耐,而周圍的人也會無法忍受.因此,這類的病患多半要求我們給予人參的大量療法.以上的情形有很多例子可循.
雖然人參的大量療法對於末期癌症是無法加以壓制的,但是醫生所放棄的病例,而人參使其重新恢復健康的例子也相當的多.其次,原來只有三個月壽命的病患者,其生命廷長至3年,5 件甚至10年的例子也有所聞.有些末期癌症的病患,多半會放棄這類的手術,然而,手術之後,大量服用人參的病患者恢復健康的例子卻很多.
服用人參的病患,對於人參也必須有很大的信心,相信人參能治療癌症,這點是相當重要的.
有些病人在服用人參之後會有食慾不振的情形發生,但是這種情形只會暫時的現象,以下是這種情形發生的原因.服用人參後,正常細胞會與癌細胞作戰,而正常細胞戰勝癌細胞之後,癌細胞會脫落至血液中.此種強烈的抗原反應會造成食慾不振.但是這時病患最好能忍耐,如此才不會受到癌細胞的影響,使得食慾恢復,並且組織也能恢復正常.
最後,對付癌症的最好方法即是使血液循環順暢,同時提高免疫力.對於癌症發生率急遽增加的40歲以上的人來說,最好能持續服用人參.另外,家中癌症病患的人最好能每天也能服用人蔘.

資料來源:人參的奇妙功效;
作者: 日本{近畿大學}藥學部教授-久保道德, 編譯: 台北正義出版事業有限公司.
欲知人參的其他的資料以及人參有效服用方法就請光臨金鐘島號的博客.

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2011年7月30日 星期六

Taiwan Bing Han panax ginseng powder 台灣炳翰人參粉 (人蔘粉)



 
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Learning Centre :



The history &  lore of ginseng :
Royal root:

More precious than gold to ancient Chinese emperors, historical records indicate that Panax ginseng has been in use by royals since long before the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Treasured and revered for its almost mythical power to bring health, virility and long life, its use was forbidden to all but royalty – sometimes by penalty of death.


Traditional uses :
Long before scientists began to study ginseng, the traditional healers and herbalists of China study and recorded the effects of using Panax ginseng. Ancient medical texts describe ginseng in nearly magical terms. These records refer to ginseng in this way: “Ginseng calms the mind,brings harmony to the soul, eliminates fears, and drives away evil spirits. It also makes the eyes shine, opens the heart, and clarifies thinking. If taken long enough, it strengthens the body and extends life.” Panax ginseng’s historical role as an aphrodisiac is still greatly appreciated today.


Most famous herb :
Looking very much like the form of a human body, it is no wonder that the Chinese name for ginseng is “ren-shen” which roughly translated means “man-root.”  This remarkably beautiful and unique plant has long been distinguished as China’s most famous herb. With more than 11,000 different herbs recorded for use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, ginseng was and still is considered the “king” of all Chinese herbs.


How panax got its name ?


Linnaeus, the father of modern botany, assigned the genus name “Panax” (a Greek word  translated as “all-heal”) to Chinese  ginseng because he was well aware of its vast and varied use in Chinese herbalism.


Nature's timeless tonic :

Some traditions are just too perfect to change.  Like taking ginseng.
For literally thousands of years Panax ginseng use has been a foundation of Chinese health care traditions. In recent years, this prized herb has made its way to the Western world where its role as a timeless tonic continues.
The word tonic originates from a Greek word meaning “stretch.” Indeed, a true tonic, such as Panax ginseng stretches, tones, strengthens, and invigorates the body’s natural healing system the way physical exercise tones muscles.
It is still revered today, all around the world,  for its seemingly endless power to make and keep us well.
All of us.  Body ~ Mind ~ Spirit
Ginseng . For the whole person :
Panax ginseng's adaptogenic, energizing and restoring nature:
Adapting to the many changes in life with minimal stress response is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves.  At the same time that ginseng adapts to serve our particular health needs, it is helping us to adapt to the physical, mental and emotional stresses of our daily lives. It does this by regulating and modulating our body’s internal response mechanisms. The adaptogens in ginseng also support immune health, enabling us to overcome challenges to our immune system. These adaptogenic agents are powerful, yet gentle, internal and multi-system regulators that function to bring the body into a state of balance. This natural balancing process allows and encourages health restoration and well being.


Mother nature's "panacea"

Panax ginseng is many things to many people. It is an energizer, a health supporter, occasional stress reducer, a brain tonic and much more. How can taking this universal herbal supplement satisfy the diverse health needs of so many different people?  Some of the answer to this question lie simply in better understanding the nature of Panax ginseng.  In fact, the very word Panax originates from the Greek word “panacea” and refers to ginseng’s supportive role for all health problems. Ginseng’s well-earned reputation comes from both its historical, empirical evidence and its scientifically keep studies on file verified adaptogenic qualities. Panax ginseng has been shown to literally adapt to the individual’s health needs.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Ginseng's active agents :
Ginseng’s effectiveness can not be traced to only one particular active agent or constituent. It is the complex relationship between the many naturally occurring agents  that gives ginseng its special properties. The most commonly studied active components of ginseng, however, include a family of saponins called ginsenosides.


Saponins :
The word saponins comes from the Latin word (sapo) meaning soap. Indeed the frothiness that occurs when Bing Han Ginseng and water are mixed together and well-shaken is an indication of the presence of saponins.  The plant kingdom is rich in saponins, which act as critical defenders for the plants immune system.


Ginsenosides :

Ginsenosides are the special type of saponins found in mature Panax ginseng roots.
There are more than 20 ginsenosides that have been discovered in ginseng.  The highest concentrations of ginsenosides are found in the smaller size roots and root fiber. This is one of the reasons that Bing Han Ginseng powder is always made from the whole dried root including all the delicate little root tendrils. These cell protective substances have been found to have a wide range of health-promoting effects.
Panaxdioles & panaxtrioles :

A bioactive subgroup found within ginsenosides, panaxdioles and panaxtrioles  These substances are thought to exert positive, modulating effects on the central nervous system.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The power of ginseng :
Praise from international researchers :

There are many traditional and anecdotal claims for the health-promoting properties of ginseng. In recent years, there have also been systematic efforts to analyze the bioactivities of ginseng, from molecular and cellular research to animal and human studies.  The world over, scientists are discovering the wide range of effects that ginseng and its most active constituents called ginsenosides have on our health.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore stated in their comprehensive review of published literature on Panax ginseng (which appeared in the Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore 2000) that ginsenosides contain extensive healthful properties.
From occasional stress and fatigue, to other health issues, Panax ginseng researchers praise the potential of ginseng to significantly promote human health on the whole.

Taiwan Bing Han ginseng powder :

Bing Han’s Ginseng Powder is 100% pure Panax Ginseng root powder harvested exclusively from our own sustainably grown, six-year old ginseng.
We use no additives, fillers or flowing agents. This pure, finely powdered ginseng root is grown and processed under strict quality control standards. Readily utilized by the body, Bing Han Ginseng powder yields rapid and noticeable results.
Packaged in an elegantly designed air tight container, Bing Han Panax Ginseng Powder is then packaged in an outer cardboard box to further protect it during shipping.
Each box contains an inner container of tamper-proof, sealed Bing Han Ginseng Powder.
150 grams
30 servings per container
Follow the directions for use on the container.

Products :

All of Bing Han’s fine line of products are grown in our own ginseng fields and manufactured by Bing Han Pharmaceutical Factory Company Limited. Then they are exported to Bing Han’s distribution centres located around the world.
Each and every Bing Han Ginseng product is made under strict quality control standards and meets all the health regulations of the country of destination as confirmed by independent laboratory analysis.








The difference :



From the moment you open a jar of Bing Han Panax Ginseng Powder your life will begin to change for the better. Inhaling the rich, exotic aroma of this pure, finely powdered whole ginseng root is just the beginning.
Tasting its unique, pungent flavor hints at the complex blend of active healing constituents that are an integral part of this ginseng that has grown in the remote mountains of China for six long years.
Bing Han’s ginseng is very similar in composition to the indigenous, wild ginseng so highly valued by royal rulers in ancient times.
By using the whole mature root in its most natural form, Bing Han delivers an optimal dose of the ginsenosides, saponins, and other phytochemical antioxidants found to enhance physical, mental and emotional wellness.
Grown in our own fields and naturally processed to retain all the goodness of the whole root, Bing Han Ginseng is finely powdered for optimal absorption.
Growing & processing :

Bing Han’s Ginseng roots are cultivated on the company’s own 4000-acre ginseng farm high in the Changbai Mountain region of Northern China. This rural region is renowned for its unique micro-climate and soil conditions which provide the ideal moisture, soil type and growing conditions for premium quality ginseng.
On the Bing Han Ginseng Farm, ginseng roots are nurtured and allowed to grow for six full years to reach optimal maturity. This long, natural growing process helps to develop and concentrate the many active constituents and phytochemicals found in ginseng root.
Unlike other manufacturers who only use certain parts of the ginseng roots, Bing Han uses the whole, natural root including the “heads”, “skin”, and “beard.” These parts of the root contain some of the most active components (including ginsenoside and organic germanium) responsible for the unique qualities found in ginseng.
There are absolutely no fillers or adulterant herbs added to our product.
Unlike many ginseng companies who buy their ginseng roots on the open market, at Bing Han, we grow our own, in our own controlled fields, under strict growing conditions. No pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers are used throughout the whole six years that it takes to produce truly health-promoting ginseng roots.
Since ginseng roots absorb vital nutrients from the soil, our growing fields lie fallow for many years between plantings. This helps to regenerate and rest the soil, giving it ample time to regain fertility.
After carefully tending and harvesting our mature ginseng roots, our ginseng is taken to our own GMP and ISO certified processing plants in Taiwan where we use a low-temperature drying process designed to keep our ginseng natural and unadulterated. This drying method helps preserve the natural active agents.
Bing Han Ginseng is ground into fine powder for maximum assimilation by the body. Mixed with warm water and shaken until frothy, our Panax Ginseng provides an instant dose of stress-fighting ginsenosides
Bing Han Ginseng is made entirely from 100% pure, finely powdered whole Panax Ginseng roots. Unlike red ginseng products, Bing Han Panax Ginseng has nothing added and nothing taken away. You’ll taste and feel the difference.


Science of ginseng :
Pubmed research links :
The following includes original PubMed abstracts for dozens of Panax ginseng studies from scientists worldwide. PubMed is a free public service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It is an invaluable online resource that includes over 17 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical articles dating back to the 1950s. PubMed also includes links to full text articles and other related resources.
Healthy aging :

Active compounds in ginseng are being described by research scientists as having great value in supporting health as the risk of age-related problems increases.
Articles published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2006 and 2007 by researchers at medical colleges in China concluded that ginsenosides help regulate brain aging and have a neuro supportive (nerve-supporting) effect on the brain.
Austrian and Spanish researchers also found Panax ginseng’s ginsenosides to exert neuro supportive actions, suggesting they are a “valuable option” to promote neurological health.
A review of ginseng studies by doctors in Egypt was published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. The reviewers confirmed that recent research shows ginseng exerts beneficial effects on aging and nerve-related problems.
Sources: Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2006, 2007 * Acta Neurobioliae Experimenatlis (2005, 2006) * Journal of Pharmacological Sciences (2006)


Invigorating tonic :


JournalJournal of Pharmacological Sciences. 2006 Mar; 100(3):175-86. Epub 2006 Mar 4
TitleUse of ginseng in medicine with emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders
AuthorsRadad K, Gille G, Liu L, Rausch WD
InstitutionDepartment of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
E-mailkhaledradad@hotmail.com
SummaryGinseng, the root of Panax species, is a well-known herbal medicine. It has been used as a traditional medicine in China, Korea, and Japan for thousands of years and is now a popular and worldwide used natural medicine.
The active ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides which are also called ginseng saponins. Recently, there is increasing evidence in the literature on the pharmacological and physiological actions of ginseng.However, ginseng has been used primarily as a tonic to invigorate weak bodies and help the restoration of homeostasis. Current in vivo and in vitro studies have shown its beneficial effects in a wide range of pathological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiency, and hepatotoxicity. Moreover, recent research has suggested that some of ginseng’s active ingredients also exert beneficial effects on aging, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. In general, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and immune-stimulatory activities are mostly underlying the possible ginseng-mediated protective mechanisms. Next to animal studies, data from neural cell cultures contribute to the understanding of these mechanisms that involve decreasing nitric oxide (NO), scavenging of free radicals, and counteracting excitotoxicity.
In this review, we focus on recently reported medicinal effects of ginseng and summarize the current knowledge of its effects on CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16518078
Anti-aging :

JournalJournal of Neurological Research. 2004 Jun; 26(4):422-8.
TitleGinsenoside Rg1 promotes proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells
AuthorsShen LH, Zhang JT
InstitutionInstitute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
SummaryNeural progenitor cells (NPCs) exist not only in the developing brain, but also in certain areas in adult brain in mammals.
Recent studies suggest that promoting neurogenesis in adult mammals might provide a therapeutic way to cure age-related neurodegenerative diseases. So, it will be of great value to find out drugs that can increase the proliferation and/or differentiation ability of neural progenitors. The present study investigated the influence of ginsenoside Rg1, an active ingredient of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, on proliferation ability of rodent hippocampal progenitor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Incubation of NPCs with ginsenoside Rg1 resulted in significant increase in absorbency value, 3H-thymidine incorporation and the number of proliferating progenitor cell spheres; In addition, 2 weeks Rg1 administration (i.p.) led to marked enhancement of the number of dividing cells in the hippocampus of adult mice.
These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 is involved in the regulation of proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells and this effect may serve as one of the elementary mechanisms underlying its nootropic and anti-aging actions.
Copyright 2004 W.S. Maney and Son Ltd
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16518078
Yin/Yang activity :

JournalChinese Medicine. 2007 May 15; 2:6
TitlePharmacogenomics and the Yin/Yang actions of ginseng: anti-tumor, angiomodulating and steroid-like activities of ginsenosides
AuthorsYue PY, Mak NK, Cheng YK, Leung KW, Ng TB, Fan DT, Yeung HW, Wong RN
InstitutionDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Summary
In Chinese medicine, ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has long been used as a general tonic or an adaptogen to promote longevity and enhance bodily functions. It has also been claimed to be effective in combating stress, fatigue, oxidants, cancer and diabetes mellitus. Most of the pharmacological actions of ginseng are attributed to one type of its constituents, namely the ginsenosides.
In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the study of ginsenosides on angiogenesis which is related to many pathological conditions including tumor progression and cardiovascular dysfunctions. Angiogenesis in the human body is regulated by two sets of counteracting factors, angiogenic stimulators and inhibitors. The ‘Yin and Yang’ action of ginseng on angiomodulation was paralleled by the experimental data showing angiogenesis was indeed related to the compositional ratio between ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1. Rg1 was later found to stimulate angiogenesis through augmenting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mechanistic studies revealed that such responses were mediated through the PI3K–>Akt pathway. By means of DNA microarray, a group of genes related to cell adhesion, migration and cytoskeleton were found to be up-regulated in endothelial cells. These gene products may interact in a hierarchical cascade pattern to modulate cell architectural dynamics which is concomitant to the observed phenomena in angiogenesis. By contrast, the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of ginsenosides (e.g. Rg3 and Rh2) have been demonstrated in various models of tumor and endothelial cells, indicating that ginsenosides with opposing activities are present in ginseng.
Ginsenosides and Panax ginseng extracts have been shown to exert protective effects on vascular dysfunctions, such as hypertension, atherosclerotic disorders and ischemic injury. Recent work has demonstrates the target molecules of ginsenosides to be a group of nuclear steroid hormone receptors. These lines of evidence support that the interaction between ginsenosides and various nuclear steroid hormone receptors may explain the diverse pharmacological activities of ginseng. These findings may also lead to development of more efficacious ginseng-derived therapeutics for angiogenesis-related diseases.
In Chinese medicine, ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has long been used as a general tonic or an adaptogen to promote longevity and enhance bodily functions. It has also been claimed to be effective in combating stress, fatigue, oxidants, cancer and diabetes mellitus. Most of the pharmacological actions of ginseng are attributed to one type of its constituents, namely the ginsenosides.
In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the study of ginsenosides on angiogenesis which is related to many pathological conditions including tumor progression and cardiovascular dysfunctions. Angiogenesis in the human body is regulated by two sets of counteracting factors, angiogenic stimulators and inhibitors. The ‘Yin and Yang’ action of ginseng on angiomodulation was paralleled by the experimental data showing angiogenesis was indeed related to the compositional ratio between ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1. Rg1 was later found to stimulate angiogenesis through augmenting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mechanistic studies revealed that such responses were mediated through the PI3K–>Akt pathway. By means of DNA microarray, a group of genes related to cell adhesion, migration and cytoskeleton were found to be up-regulated in endothelial cells. These gene products may interact in a hierarchical cascade pattern to modulate cell architectural dynamics which is concomitant to the observed phenomena in angiogenesis. By contrast, the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects of ginsenosides (e.g. Rg3 and Rh2) have been demonstrated in various models of tumor and endothelial cells, indicating that ginsenosides with opposing activities are present in ginseng.
Ginsenosides and Panax ginseng extracts have been shown to exert protective effects on vascular dysfunctions, such as hypertension, atherosclerotic disorders and ischemic injury. Recent work has demonstrates the target molecules of ginsenosides to be a group of nuclear steroid hormone receptors. These lines of evidence support that the interaction between ginsenosides and various nuclear steroid hormone receptors may explain the diverse pharmacological activities of ginseng. These findings may also lead to development of more efficacious ginseng-derived therapeutics for angiogenesis-related diseases.

PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17502003
Youthful skin :

JournalJournal of Ethnopharmacology. 2007 Jan 3; 109(1):29-34. Epub 2006 Jul 3
TitlePanax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
AuthorsLee J, Jung E, Lee J, Huh S, Kim J, Park M, So J, Ham Y, Jung K, Hyun CG, Kim YS, Park D
InstitutionBiospectrum Life Science Institute, 101-701 SK VENTIUM, 522 Dangjung Dong, Gunpo City, 435-833 Gyunggi Do, Republic of Korea
Summary
Skin aging appears to be principally related to a decrease in levels of Type I collagen, the primary component of the dermal layer of skin. It is important to introduce an efficient agent for effective management of skin aging; this agent should have the fewest possible side effects and the greatest wrinkle-reducing effect.
In the course of screening collagen production-promoting agents, we obtained Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. This study was designed to investigate the possible collagen production-promoting activities of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer root extract (PGRE) in human dermal fibroblast cells. As a first step to this end, human COL1A2 promoter luciferase assay was performed in human dermal fibroblast cells. In this assay, PGRE activated human COL1A2 promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Human Type I procollagen synthesis was also induced by PGRE. These results suggest that PGRE promotes collagen production in human dermal fibroblast cells. Additionally, we have attempted to characterize the mechanism of action of PGRE in Type I procollagen synthesis. PGRE was found to induce the phosphorylation of Smad2, an important transcription factor in the production of Type I procollagen. When applied topically in a human skin primary irritation test, PGRE did not induce any adverse reactions.
Therefore, based on these results, we suggest the possibility that PGRE may be considered as an attractive, wrinkle-reducing candidate for topical application.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16890388
Protect brain and nerve cells :

JournalActa Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2006; 66(4):369-75
TitleNeuroprotective effects of ginsenosides
AuthorsRausch WD, Liu S, Gille G, Radad K
InstitutionInstitute for Medical Chemistry, Veterinary Medical University, Veterindirplatz, 1 A-1210 Vienna, Austria
SummaryGinseng, the root of the Panax species, is a well-known herbal medicine.
Traditionally it has been used in Korea, China and Japan for thousands of years. Nowadays it has become a popular and worldwide known health drug. Current scientific studies demonstrate in vivo and in vitro its beneficial effects in a wide range of pathological conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune deficiency and hepatotoxicity. Ginsenosides or ginseng saponins as the active ingredients have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and immunostimulant properties, which raised speculations that these compounds could positively affect neurodegenerative disorders and delay neuronal aging. Conclusive clinical data in humans are still missing.
However, results from animal studies and neuronal cell culture experiments indicate that ginsenosides can counteract and attenuate factors promoting neuronal death as environmental toxins, excitotoxic action of glutamate and rises in intracellular calcium, excessive release of free radicals and apoptotic events.
Thus, neuroprotective actions of ginsenosides could come about as a valuable option to slow down neurodegenerative diseases.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17265697
Ginsenosides for brain health :

JournalBrain Research. 2006 Aug 23; 1106(1):91-8. Epub 2006 Jul 11
TitleGinsenoside Rb1 promotes neurotransmitter release by modulating phosphorylation of synapsins through a cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway
AuthorsXue JF, Liu ZJ, Hu JF, Chen H, Zhang JT, Chen NH
InstitutionInstitute of Material Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
Summary
Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae), has been extensively used in traditional oriental medicine for the prevention and treatment of aging-related disorders for over 2000 years. Accumulating evidence suggests that ginsenosides such as Rg1 and Rb1, which are the pharmacologically active ingredients of ginseng, modulate neurotransmission. Synapsins are abundant phosphoproteins essential for regulating neurotransmitter release. All synapsins contain a short amino-terminal domain A that is highly conserved and phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), which plays a key role in regulating neurotransmitter release.
In the present study, we demonstrated that both Rg1 and Rb1 increased neurotransmitter release in undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells. However, in the presence of the PKA inhibitor H89, Rg1, but not Rb1, still induced neurotransmitter release. Moreover, Rb1, but not Rg1, enhanced the phosphorylation of synapsins via PKA pathway.
In summary, Rb1 promotes neurotransmitter release by increasing the phosphorylation of synapsins through the PKA pathway, whereas the similar effects observed with Rg1 are independent of the phosphorylation of synapsins.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16836988
Brain cell protection :

JournalActa Pharmacologia Sinica. 2005 Feb; 26(2):143-9
TitleAnti-amnesic and anti-aging effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 and its mechanism of action
AuthorsCheng Y, Shen LH, Zhang JT
InstitutionInstitute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
Summary
In the present paper, we overview the discovery of new biological activities induced by ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 and discuss possible mechanisms of action. Both compounds could increase neural plasticity in efficacy and structure; especially Rg1, as one small molecular drug, can increase proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells in dentate gyrus of hippocampus of normal adult mice and global ischemia model in gerbils.
This finding has great value for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders which is characterized by neurons loss. Increase of expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor, Bcl-2 and antioxidant enzyme, enhanced new synapse formation, inhibition of apoptosis and calcium overload are also important neuron protective factors. Rg1 and Rb1 have common effects, but there are some differences in pharmacology and mechanism.
These differences may attribute to their different chemical structure. Rg1 is panaxtriol with two sugars, while Rb1 is panaxtriol with four sugars.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15663889
Cellular protection :

JournalIndian Journal of Experimental Biology. 2006 Oct; 44(10):838-41
TitleGinseng extract exhibits antimutagenic activity against induced mutagenesis in various strains of Salmonella typhimurium
AuthorsGeetha T, Saini A, Kaur IP
InstitutionDepartment of Pharmaceutics, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India
Summary
Ginseng has been reported to exhibit antioxidant and antimutagenic activity. The present study was undertaken with a view to confirm whether the antioxidant activity of Ginseng is responsible for its antimutagenic action. The concentrated root extract of Panax ginseng (Ginseng extract I) and its lyophilized powder (Ginseng extract II) obtained from two different manufacturing houses, were tested against mutagenesis using the well-standardized Ames microsomal test system. The extracts exhibited antimutagenic effect against hydrogen peroxide induced mutagenesis in TA100 strain, and against mutagenesis produced by 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide in both TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Both the extracts failed to show any antimutagenic potential against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (an oxidative mutagen) in TA102 strain, a strain highly sensitive to active oxygen species. The extracts also indicated a weak antioxidant activity in a series of in vitro test systems viz., 1,1-diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and superoxide anion scavenging.
The results indicate that the protective effects shown by ginseng extract(s) against 4-nitroquinoline-n-oxide and hydrogen peroxide induced mutagenesis in TA98 and TA100 could mainly be due to its property to initiate and promote DNA repair rather than free radical scavenging action.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17131915
Ginseng gives antioxidant protection to the brain :

JournalBiochim Biophys Acta. 2007 Sep; 1770(9):1308-16. Epub 2007 Jun 28
TitleNeuroprotective effect of individual ginsenosides on astrocytes primary culture
AuthorsLópez MV, Cuadrado MP, Ruiz-Poveda OM, Del Fresno AM, Accame ME
InstitutionDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
Summary
Most of the known pharmacological effects of Panax ginseng on the central nervous system are due to its major components – ginsenosides.
Although the antioxidant ability of ginseng root has already been established, this activity has never been evaluated for isolated ginsenosides on astrocytes. The activity of protopanaxadiols Rb(1), Rb(2), Rc and Rd, and protopanaxatriols Re and Rg(1) was evaluated in vitro on astrocytes primary culture by means of an oxidative stress model with H(2)O(2). The viability of astrocytes was determined by the MTT reduction assay and by the LDH release into the incubation medium.
The effects on the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) and on the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation were also investigated. Exposure of astrocytes to H(2)O(2) decreased cell viability as well as the antioxidant enzymes activity and increased ROS formation. Oxidative stress produced significant cell death that was reduced by previous treatment with the tested ginsenosides.
Ginsenosides Rb(1), Rb(2), Re and Rg(1) were effective in reducing astrocytic death, while Rb(1), Rb(2), Rd, Re and Rg(1) decreased ROS formation, ginsenoside Re being the most active. Ginsenosides from P. ginseng induce neuroprotection mainly through activation of antioxidant enzymes.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17659841
Anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng :

JournalNeuroscience Letters. 2007 Jun 21; 421(1):37-41. Epub 2007 May 22
TitleGinsenosides compound K and Rh(2) inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced activation of the NF-kappaB and JNK pathways in human astroglial cells
AuthorsChoi K, Kim M, Ryu J, Choi C
InstitutionLaboratory of Computational Cell Biology, Department of Brain and Bioengineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
Summary
Ginsenosides, the main component of Panax ginseng, have been known for the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenosides on activated astroglial cells. Among 13 different ginsenosides, intestinal bacterial metabolites Rh(2) and compound K (C-K) showed a significant inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human astroglial cells. Pretreatment with C-K or Rh(2) suppressed TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha kinase and the subsequent phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha. Additionally, the same treatment inhibited TNF-alpha-induced phosphorylation of MKK4 and the subsequent activation of the JNK-AP-1 pathway. The inhibitory effect of ginsenosides on TNF-alpha-induced activation of the NF-kappaB and JNK pathways was not observed in human monocytic U937 cells.
These results collectively indicate that ginsenoside metabolites C-K and Rh(2) exert anti-inflammatory effects by the inhibition of both NF-kappaB and JNK pathways in a cell-specific manner.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17548155
Heart and cardiovascular health :

JournalJournal of Ethnopharmacology . 2007 May 22; 111(3):567-72. Epub 2007 Jan 12
TitleInhibitory effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on cardiac hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rat
AuthorsJiang QS, Huang XN, Dai ZK, Yang GZ, Zhou QX, Shi JS, Wu Q
InstitutionChongqing Medical University, Department of Pharmacology, 400016 Chongqing, China
Summary
Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng, has been used as folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases for thousands of years in China. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the effective components of ginseng, has been reported to release nitric oxide and decrease intracellular free Ca2+ in cardiac myocytes, both of which play important roles in antihypertrophic effect. This study was to investigate the potential effect of Rb1 on right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) induced by monocrotaline (MCT) and its possible influence on calcineurin (CaN) signal transduction pathway. MCT-treated animals were administered with Rb1 (10 and 40 mg /kg) from day 1 to day 14 (preventive administration) or from day 15 to day 28 (therapeutic administration), or with vehicle as corresponding controls. After 2 weeks, significantly hypertrophic reactions, including RVH index and the expressions of atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA, appeared in right ventricle of all MCT-treated animals (p < 0.05), which were significantly decreased with some improvements of myocardial pathomorphology in both Rb1 prevention- and therapy-groups (p < 0.05). Similarly, MCT-treatment caused the high expressions of mRNA and/or proteins of CaN, NFAT3 and GATA4 from cardiocytes (p < 0.05) and Rb1 could alleviate the expressions of these factors above (p < 0.05).
These results suggest that Rb1 treatment can inhibit the RVH induced by MCT, which may be involved in its inhibitory effects on CaN signal transduction pathway.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17374466
Blood sugar and circulation :


Circulation improves :

JournalLife Sciences. 2007 Jul 19; 81(6):509-18. Epub 2007 Jun 28
TitleProtective effects of ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rg1, and notoginsenoside R1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced microcirculatory disturbance in rat mesentery
AuthorsSun K, Wang CS, Guo J, Horie Y, Fang SP, Wang F, Liu YY, Liu LY, Yang JY, Fan JY, Han JY
InstitutionTasly Microcirculation Research Center, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
SummaryGinsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), and notoginsenoside R1 (R1) are major active components of Panax notoginseng, a Chinese herb that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance blood circulation and dissipate blood stasis. To evaluate the effect of these saponins on microcirculatory disturbance induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), vascular hemodynamics in rat mesentery was observed continuously during their administration using an inverted microscope and a high speed video camera system. LPS administration decreased red blood cell velocity but Rb1, Rg1, and R1 attenuated this effect. LPS administration caused leukocyte adhesion to the venular wall, mast cell degranulation, and the release of cytokines. Rb1, Rg1, and R1 reduced the number of adherent leukocytes, and inhibited mast cell degranulation and cytokine elevation. In vitro experiments using flow cytometry further demonstrated that a) the LPS-enhanced expression of CD11b/CD18 by neutrophils was significantly depressed by Rb1 and R1, and b) hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) release from neutrophils in response to LPS stimulation was inhibited by treatment with Rg1 and R1.
These results suggest that the protective effect of Rb1 and R1 against leukocyte adhesion elicited by LPS may be associated with their suppressive action on the expression of CD11b/CD18 by neutrophils. The protective effect against mast cell degranulation by Rb1 and R1, and the blunting of H(2)O(2) release from neutrophils by Rg1 and R1 suggest mechanistic diversity in the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins in the attenuation of microcirculatory disturbance induced by LPS.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17655881
Blood sugar :

JournalHormone and Metabolic Research. 2007 May; 39(5):347-54
TitleGinsenoside Rh2 is one of the active principles of Panax ginseng root to improve insulin sensitivity in fructose-rich chow-fed rats
AuthorsLee WK, Kao ST, Liu IM, Cheng JT
InstitutionGraduate School of Chinese Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan, RO China
SummaryGinsenoside Rh2, one of the ginsenosides contained in the Panax ginseng root, was employed to screen the effect on insulin resistance of rats induced by a diet containing 60% fructose. Single intravenous injection of ginsenoside Rh2 decreased the plasma glucose concentrations in 60 minutes in a dose-dependent manner from 0.1 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg in rats with insulin resistance induced by fructose-rich chow. Repeated intravenous injection of ginsenoside Rh2 (1 mg/kg per injection, 3 times daily) into rats which received fructose-rich chow for 3 consecutive days decreased the value of glucose-insulin index, the product of the areas under the curve of glucose and insulin during the intraperitoneal (i.p.) glucose tolerance test. This means that ginsenoside Rh2 has an ability to improve insulin action on glucose disposal. The plasma glucose lowering action of tolbutamide, induced by the secretion of endogenous insulin, is widely used to characterize the formation of insulin resistance. Time for the loss of plasma glucose lowering response to tolbutamide (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats during insulin resistance induction by fructose-rich chow was also markedly delayed by the repeated treatment of ginsenoside Rh2, as compared to the vehicle-treated control.
Thus, the repeated treatment of ginsenoside Rh2 delayed the development of insulin resistance in high fructose feeding rats. Increase of insulin sensitivity by ginsenoside Rh2 was further identified using the plasma glucose lowering action of exogenous insulin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats). Repeated injection of ginsenoside Rh2 at the same dosing (1 mg/kg, 3 times daily) into STZ-diabetic rats for 10 days made an increase of the responses to exogenous insulin. Taken together, it can be concluded that ginsenoside Rh2 has an ability to improve insulin sensitivity and it seems suitable to use ginsenoside Rh2 as an adjuvant for diabetic patients and/or the subjects wishing to increase insulin sensitivity.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17533576
Healthy weight :

JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2007 Apr 18; 55(8):2824-8. Epub 2007 Mar 17
TitleWeight gain reduction in mice fed Panax ginseng saponin, a pancreatic lipase inhibitor
AuthorsKaru N, Reifen R, Kerem Z
InstitutionInstitute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, and the Otto Warburg Minerva Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, The Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
SummaryRoots of the herb Panax ginseng are known to contain high levels of bioactive saponins. Here, we isolated saponins from ginseng root powder and studied their inhibitory effect on the absorption of dietary fat in male Balb/c mice. Consumption of ginseng saponins suppressed the expected increase in body weight and plasma triacylglycerols, following a high-fat diet and observed higher intake. Consumption of ginseng saponins had no effect on the concentration of the total plasma cholesterol in both chow and high-fat diets in mice. The mode by which saponins from ginseng inhibit lipid metabolism was assessed as the in vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase. Ginseng saponin inhibited pancreatic lipase with an apparent IC50 value of 500 mug/mL.
Our results suggest that the anti-obesity and hypolipidemic effects of Ginseng in high-fat diet-treated mice were attributed to the isolated saponin fraction. These metabolic effects of the ginseng saponins may be mediated by inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17367157
Ginseng reduces cardiovascular risks :

JournalBiological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2006 Dec; 29(12):2425-31
TitleGinseng saponins diminish adverse vascular effects associated with chronic methionine-induced hyperhomocysteinemia
AuthorsKim JH, Cho SY, Kang CW, Yoon IS, Lee JH, Jeong SM, Lee BH, Lee JH, Pyo MK, Choi SH, Quan SF, Lee JH, Choi CB, Rhim H, Nah SY
InstitutionDepartment of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Ginsentology Research Laboratory, Seoul, Republic of Korea
SummaryRecent studies have shown that Panax ginseng has a variety of beneficial effects on the cardiovascular systems. Homocysteine (Hcy), which is derived from L-methionine (Met), has been closely associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In the present study, we examined whether in vivo long-term administration of ginseng saponins (GS), active ingredients of Panax ginseng, attenuate adverse vascular effects associated with chronic Met-induced hyperhomocysteinemia (H-Hcy). We found that plasma Hcy level, which was measured after 30 and 60 d, in GS (100 mg/kg)+Met co-administration group was significantly reduced when it was compared with Met alone treatment group. We could also observe the alleviation of endothelial damages of aortic artery vessels in GS (100 mg/kg)+Met co-administration group compared with Met alone treatment group. We compared aortic vasocontractile and vasodilatory responses between Met alone and GS (100 mg/kg)+Met co-treatment groups. We found that norepinephrine-induced vasocontractile responses were greatly decreased in GS (100 mg/kg)+Met co-treatment group and that carbachol-induced dilatory responses were greatly enhanced in GS (100 mg/kg)+Met co-administration groups as compared with Met alone treatment group.
The present results indicate that in vivo long-term administration of GS attenuates adverse vascular effects associated with chronic Met-induced H-Hcy in rats.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17142976
Immune health :


Reduces allergy symptoms :

JournalInternational Archives of Allergy and Immunology. 2004 Feb; 133(2):113-20. Epub 2004 Jan 21
TitleGinsenoside Rh1 possesses antiallergic and anti-inflammatory activities
AuthorsPark EK, Choo MK, Han MJ, Kim DH
InstitutionCollege of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
SummaryBackground:
Ginseng (the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Araliaceae) has been reported to possess various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor actions. In this study, we investigated the antiallergic activity of ginsenosides isolated from ginseng. 

Methods:
We isolated ginsenosides by silica gel column chromatography and examined their in vitro and in vivo antiallergic effect on rat peritoneal mast cells and on IgE-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ginsenoside Rh1 (Rh1) in RAW264.7 cells was investigated.
Results:
Rh1 potently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells and the IgE-mediated PCA reaction in mice. The inhibitory activity of Rh1 (87% inhibition at 25 mg/kg) on the PCA reaction was found to be more potent than that of disodium cromoglycate (31% inhibition at 25 mg/kg); Rh1 was also found to have a membrane-stabilizing action as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. It also inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells, and the activation of the transcription factor, NF-kappaB, in nuclear fractions.
Conclusion:
The antiallergic action of Rh1 may originate from its cell membrane-stabilizing and anti-inflammatory activities, and can improve the inflammation caused by allergies. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14739579
Shield against radioactivity :

JournalJournal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 2007 Mar; 40(2):74-81.
TitleRadioprotective Potential of Plants and Herbs against the Effects of Ionizing Radiation
AuthorsC Jagetia G
InstitutionDepartment of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal-576 104, India
SummaryIonizing radiations produce deleterious effects in the living organisms and the rapid technological advancement has increased human exposure to ionizing radiations enormously. There is a need to protect humans against such effects of ionizing radiation. Attempts to protect against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiations by pharmacological intervention were made as early as 1949 and efforts are continued to search radioprotectors, which may be of great help for human application. This review mainly dwells on the radioprotective potential of plant and herbal extracts. 
The results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that several botanicals such as Gingko biloba, Centella asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Ocimum sanctum, Panax ginseng, Podophyllum hexandrum, Amaranthus paniculatus, Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus amarus, Piper longum, Tinospora cordifoila, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperita, Syzygium cumini, Zingiber officinale, Ageratum conyzoides, Aegle marmelos and Aphanamixis polystachya protect against radiation-induced lethality, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The fractionation-guided evaluation may help to develop new radioprotectors of desired activities.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18188408
Improved surgical outcomes :

JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2005 Aug; 130(2):258-64
TitleGinsenosides compound (shen-fu) attenuates gastrointestinal injury and inhibits inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with congenital heart disease
AuthorsXia ZY, Liu XY, Zhan LY, He YH, Luo T, Xia Z
InstitutionAnesthesiology Research Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, China
SummaryObjective:
This study was undertaken to demonstrate that gastrointestinal mucosal injury occurs during cardiopulmonary bypass in children, increasing systemic inflammatory responses, and to determine whether shen-fu injection (the major components of which are ginsenosides compound, extract of Panax ginseng shown to have antioxidant properties) could attenuate gastrointestinal mucosal injury and subsequent inflammatory responses. 

Methods:
Twenty-four children undergoing heart surgery for congenital heart defects were randomly assigned to groups C (placebo control, n = 12) and G (1.35 mg/kg ginsenosides compound intravenously before and throughout the course of cardiopulmonary bypass, n = 12). Central venous blood samples were taken before cardiopulmonary bypass and at 60 and 120 minutes after aortic declamping (reperfusion). Gastric intramucosal pH was measured by perioperative tonometry. Plasma lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, myocardium-specific creatine kinase isoenzyme MB activity, diamine oxidase, lipopolysaccharide, and interleukin 6 were all measured.
Results:
Significant decrease in gastric intramucosal pH and increase in plasma diamine oxidase were seen during reperfusion in group C, accompanied by increases in plasma levels of malondialdehyde, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin 6, and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (P < .01 vs before cardiopulmonary bypass). Shen-fu injection significantly attenuated these changes (P < .05). Consequently, fewer patients in group G (2/12) than in group C (7/12) needed postoperative inotropic support. Postoperative intensive care unit stay was shorter in group G than in group C. A tight positive correlation was seen between diamine oxidase and interleukin 6 at 60 minutes after aortic declamping and between diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide at 120 minutes after aortic declamping (r = 0.79, P < .0001).
Conclusion:
Ginsenosides compound may attenuate gastrointestinal injury and inhibit inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with congenital heart disease.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16077384
Cancer prevention :

JournalLancet Oncology. 2001 Jan;2(1):49-55.
TitlePanax ginseng–a non-organ-specific cancer preventive?
AuthorsYun TK.
InstitutionLaboratory of Experimental Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
E-mailtkyun@nuri.net
SummaryFor the past 50 years, the main weapons in the war against cancer have been early detection and surgical removal, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and attempts to develop gene therapy. 
However, the results so far are less than ideal. One strategy now is to switch from therapeutic approaches to prevention of cancer by improving lifestyle and by identifying effective natural products as chemopreventive agents. One promising candidate with cancer-preventive effects that are not specific to any organ is Panax ginseng C A Meyer, a herb with a long medicinal history. Its protective influence against cancer has been shown by extensive preclinical and epidemiological studies, but these effects need to be carefully investigated by scientific clinical trials focusing on the major cancer killers stomach, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11905620
Ginseng for healthy immunity :

JournalIndian Journal of Medical research. 2006 Aug; 124(2):199-206
TitleThe effect of Panax ginseng on forced immobility time & immune function in mice
AuthorsShin HY, Jeong HJ; Hyo-Jin-An, Hong SH, Um JY, Shin TY, Kwon SJ, Jee SY, Seo BI, Shin SS, Yang DC, Kim HM
InstitutionCollege of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
SummaryBackground & Objectives:
Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for many years mainly among Asian peoples for developing physical strength. We undertook this study to determine the immune-enhancement effect of P. ginseng using a forced swimming test (FST) and by measuring cytokine production in MOLT-4 cell culture and mouse peritoneal macrophages. 

Methods:
P. ginseng was orally administered to mice once a day for 7 days. The anti-immobility effect of P. ginseng on the FST and blood biochemical parameters related to fatigue, glucose (Glc); blood urea nitrogen (BUN); latic dehydrogenase (LDH); total protein (TP) and production of cytokines in human T cell line, MOLT-4 cells and mouse peritoneal macrophages were investigated.
Results:
After two and seven days, the immobility time was decreased in the P. ginseng administrated mice as compared to the control group; however, this reduction was not significant. In addition, the amount of TP in the blood serum was significantly increased. However, the levels of Glc, BUN, and LDH did not show a significant change. P. ginseng significantly (P<0.05) increased interferon (IFN)-gamma production and expression as compared to control at 48 h in MOLT-4 cells. P. ginseng plus recombinant IFN-gamma instead of P. ginseng alone significantly increased the production of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in the mouse peritoneal macrophages.
Interpretation & Conclusion:
Our results suggest that P. ginseng may be useful for an immune promoter. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of its action.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17015935
Ginseng shows anticarcinogenic properties :

JournalYao Li Xue Bao. 1996 Jul; 17(4):293-8
TitleSaponin contents and anticarcinogenic effects of ginseng depending on types and ages in mice
AuthorsYun TK, Lee YS, Kwon HY, Choi KJ
InstitutionLaboratory of Experimental Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Nowon-Ku, Seoul, Republic of Korea
SummaryAim:
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.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9812705
De-stress :


Reduces exercise-induced injuries :

JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2001 Nov; 130(3):369-77
TitleProtective effects of Panax ginseng on muscle injury and inflammation after eccentric exercise
AuthorsCabral de Oliveira AC, Perez AC, Merino G, Prieto JG, Alvarez AI
InstitutionDepartment of Physiology, University of Leon, 24071, Leon, Spain
Summary
Eccentric muscle contraction causes fibre injury associated with disruption of the myofibrillar cytoskeleton. The medicinal plant Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, known for its therapeutic properties, was studied to explore its protective effects after eccentric contraction. A crude extract and a standardised extract (G115) of different saponin compositions were tested as to their efficacy in reducing lipid peroxidation, inflammation and release of myocellular proteins after the realisation of an eccentric contraction protocol on a rat treadmill. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels were significantly reduced by approximately 25% after ingestion of both extracts of ginseng.
Both extracts reduced lipid peroxidation by approximately 15% as measured by malondialdehyde levels. beta-Glucuronidase concentrations and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) levels, which can be considered markers of inflammation, were also significantly reduced. The values of beta-glucuronidase were increased from 35.9+/-1.5 to 128.4+/-8.1 in vastus and to 131.1+/-12.1 U x g(-1) in rectus, the protection due to ginseng administration being approximately 40% in both muscles. Both extracts appeared to be equally effective in reducing injuries and inflammation caused by eccentric muscle contractions.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11701393
Protects muscle from exercise stress :

JournalBrazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2004 Dec; 37(12):1863-71. Epub 2004 Nov 17
TitleGinseng administration protects skeletal muscle from oxidative stress induced by acute exercise in rats
AuthorsVoces J, Cabral de Oliveira AC, Prieto JG, Vila L, Perez AC, Duarte ID, Alvarez AI
InstitutionDepartamento de Fisiologia, Universidad de Leon, Leon, Spain
Summary
Enzymatic activity was analyzed in the soleus, gastrocnemius (red and white) and plantaris muscles of acutely exercised rats after long-term administration of Panax ginseng extract in order to evaluate the protective role of ginseng against skeletal muscle oxidation. Ginseng extract (3, 10, 100, or 500 mg/kg) was administered orally for three months to male Wistar rats weighing 200 +/- 50 g before exercise and to non-exercised rats (N = 8/group).
The results showed a membrane stabilizing capacity of the extract since mitochondrial function measured on the basis of citrate synthase and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activities was reduced, on average, by 20% (P < 0.05) after exercise but the activities remained unchanged in animals treated with a ginseng dose of 100 mg/kg. Glutathione status did not show significant changes after exercise or treatment. Lipid peroxidation, measured on the basis of malondialdehyde levels, was significantly higher in all muscles after exercise, and again was reduced by about 74% (P < 0.05) by the use of ginseng extract. The administration of ginseng extract was able to protect muscle from exercise-induced oxidative stress irrespective of fiber type.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15558193
Rheumatoid arthritis relieved :

JournalZhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Jul; 27(7):589-92
TitleClinical study on effect of total panax notoginseng saponins on immune related inner environment imbalance in rheumatoid arthritis patients [Article in Chinese]
AuthorsZhang JH, Wang JP, Wang HJ
InstitutionDepartment of Rheumatology, Gansu Provincial People’s Hospital, Lanzhou, China
E-mailqisecaihong89@126.com
Summary
Objective:
To study the therapeutic effect and possible mechanism of total panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to observe its safety and influence on RA immune related inner environment.
Methods:
Eighty-four patients were randomly assigned to two groups. All were treated with the routine therapy with diclofenac sodium, Leflunomide and prednisone, but for the 43 patients in the treatment group PNS was given additionally. The therapeutic course was 28 days for both groups. Clinical efficacy and change of indexes including platelet counts, immnuoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), complement (C)3, rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (CER), haptoglobin (HPT), and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) were observed.
Results:
Significant improvement of clinical symptoms, including the joint swelling index, joint tenderness index, joint pain index, time of morning stiffness and VAS revealed in both groups after treatment, and the effect in the treatment group was better (P<0.05 or P<0.01). PLT, CER, AAG, HPT, CRP, IgG, IgA, IgM, C3 and RF were lowered in both groups (P<0.01), but the lowering in PLT, CER, AAG and CRP in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
PNS can significantly improve the condition of patients, enhance the therapeutic effect in treating RA, through regulating the disordered immunity and improving the effect of anti-inflammatory and analgesia.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17717913
Stress reducer :

JournalPharmacological Research. 2006 Jul; 54(1):46-9. Epub 2006 Mar 10
TitleThe antistress effect of ginseng total saponin and ginsenoside Rg3 and Rb1 evaluated by brain polyamine level under immobilization stress
AuthorsLee SH, Jung BH, Kim SY, Lee EH, Chung BC
InstitutionBioanalysis and Biotransformation Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 131, Cheongryang, Seoul 130-650, Republic of Korea
Summary
The present study aims to demonstrate the ability of ginseng total saponin (GTS), ginsenosides Rg3 and Rb1 to reduce brain polyamine levels in immobilization-stressed gerbil mice. A previous study reported that ginsenosides had an anti-stress property.
So, we tested the anti-stress effect of ginseng by investigating the brain level of polyamine, a well-known stress stimuli marker. We determined the brain polyamine levels under 30-min immobilization stress in pretreating GTS (100 mgkg(-1), oral), ginsenosides Rg3 and Rb1 (10 mgkg(-1), oral, respectively).
Then, we compared polyamine levels between the non-stressed mouse and the stressed mouse which had taken saline orally to check the placebo effect. Putrescine (PUT) levels were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in the stressed condition, but it was reduced in pretreatment of GTS, ginsenosides Rg3 (P < 0.01, respectively) and Rb1 (P < 0.001) under 30-min immobilization stressed-mouse.
However, other polyamine levels did not change regardless of stressed condition or GTS-, ginsenosides Rg3- and Rb1-treated stressed condition.These results mean that only PUT could be a marker for stress and GTS, ginsenosides Rg3 and Rb1 administration lead to an anti-stress effect.
Thus, our studies indicate that GTS, ginsenosides Rg3 and Rb1 may play a neuroprotective role in the immobilization-stressed brain.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16530422
Panax ginseng best for chronic stress :

JournalThe Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. 2003 Dec; 93(4):458-64
TitleAnti-stress effects of Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng: a comparative study
AuthorsRai D, Bhatia G, Sen T, Palit G
InstitutionDivision of Pharmacology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
Summary
Stress is a global menace fortified by the advancement of industrialization. Failure of stress management is due to lack of proper evaluation of anti-stress products.
We explored the anti-stress potential of the Ginkgo biloba (G. biloba, 30 mg/kg, p.o.) and compared it with that of Panax ginseng (P. ginseng, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) against acute stress (AS) and chronic stress (CS) models in rats. Immediately after AS and CS, the rats were sacrificed, and adrenal glands and stomach were dissected out for weight determination and scoring of the ulcer index (UI), respectively, as well as changes in biochemical parameters like plasma glucose (GL), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CL), creatine kinase (CK), and serum corticosterone (CORT) were also estimated. AS significantly increased UI, adrenal gland weight (AGW), GL, CK activity, and CORT, whereas G. biloba significantly reduced them. P. ginseng significantly reverted GL and CK activity. In CS, a significant increase was found in the UI, AGW, CK activity, and CORT with a decrease in the level of CL and TG. G. biloba did not produce any significant effect on CS-induced alterations. P. ginseng reduced the UI, AGW, plasma GL, TG, CK activity, and CORT level significantly.
From the above study, G. biloba is more effective in AS, whereas for CS, P. ginseng will be a better option. Hence these extracts possess significant anti-stress properties and can be used for the treatment of stress-induced disorders.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14737017
Herbal stress buster :

JournalJournal of Pharmacological Sciences. 2004 Jun; 95(2):140-4
TitleProof of the mysterious efficacy of ginseng: basic and clinical trials: suppression of adrenal medullary function in vitro by ginseng
AuthorsTachikawa E, Kudo K
InstitutionDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University
E-mailetachika@iwate-med.ac.jp
Summary
The root of Panax ginseng C.A. MEYER has been reported to have an anti-stress action.
Therefore, the effects of ginseng components on functions of adrenal medulla, which is one of the most important organs responsive to stress, were investigated in vitro.
First, the components of ginseng were mainly divided into two fractions, that is, the saponin-rich and non-saponin fractions. The saponin-rich fraction greatly reduced the secretion of catecholamines from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells stimulated by acetylcholine (ACh), whereas the non-saponin fraction did not affect it at all. The protopanaxatriol-type saponins inhibited the ACh-evoked secretion much more strongly than the protopanaxadiol-type.
On the other hand, the oleanane-type saponin, ginsenoside-Ro, had no such effect. Recent reports have demonstrated that the saponins in ginseng are metabolized and absorbed in digestive tracts following oral administration of ginseng. All of the saponin metabolites greatly reduced the ACh-evoked secretion. M4 was the most effective inhibitor among the metabolites. M4 blocked ACh-induced Na(+) influx and ion inward current into the chromaffin cells and into the Xenopus oocytes expressing human alpha3beta4 nicotinic ACh receptors, respectively, suggesting that the saponin metabolites modulate nicotinic ACh receptors followed by the reduction of catecholamine secretion.
It is highly possible that these effects of ginsenosides and their metabolites are associated with the anti-stress action of ginseng.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15215636
Faligue fighter :

JournalAmerican Journal of Chinese Medicine. 1995; 23(2):167-72
TitleEffects of ginseng on the blood chemistry profile of dexamethasone-treated male rats
AuthorsLin JH, Wu LS, Tsai KT, Leu SP, Jeang YF, Hsieh MT
InstitutionDepartment of Animal Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, RO China
Summary
Ginseng, a panacea in the Orient, has been widely investigated in the last two decades and found to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-fatigue properties, a transient regulatory action on metabolism and blood pressure, and an increase in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical activities.
However, a panoramic clinical chemistry study including adrenal and thyroid functions has never been done before. Two experiments with the same design but different concentrations of dexamethasone were performed in this study. The results obtained from the two experiments indicated that ginseng administration at this regime did not influence the blood chemistry profiles in normal rats, but significantly decreased AST and ALT levels from those in dexamethasone-treated ones.
It implies that ginseng has a liver-protective effect. Meanwhile, ginseng therapy restores the adrenal and thyroid functions of rats inhibited by dexamethasone treatment.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7572778
Sexual health :

Male fertility and panax ginseng :

JournalArchives of Pharmacal Research. 2006 Sep;29(9):800-7The therapeutic effect of tissue cultured root of wild Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer on spermatogenetic disorder
TitleThe therapeutic effect of tissue cultured root of wild Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer on spermatogenetic disorder
AuthorsPark JS, Hwang SY, Lee WS, Yu KW, Paek KY, Hwang BY, Han K
InstitutionCollege of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea
SummaryThis study examined the possibility of using a tissue cultured root of wild Panax ginseng (tcwPG) as a fertility agent.
The effect of tcwPG on spermatogenesis was studied using male rats. The tcwPG crude powder was administered orally to 7-week-old rats over a 6-week period. The number of sperm in the testes and epididymides was significantly higher than the control. A histological examination did not reveal any morphological changes in the testes from the tcwPG powder treated rats.
Moreover, there were no significant differences in the weights of the heart, spleen, liver, kidney, brain, testes and epididymides. Oligospermia was also induced by administering 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodaibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) to the rats in order to estimate the feasibility of using tcwPG as treatment for infertility caused by spermatogenic disorders. After exposing the rats to TCDD, the tcwPG saponin fraction treated rats showed some improvement in the body weight, sperm number and testis morphology.
It was estimated that tcwPG had feasibility as a therapeutic agent on spermatogenic disorder.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17024855
Ginseng, sex behavior and nitric oxide :

JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2002 May; 962:372-7
TitleGinseng, sex behavior, and nitric oxide
AuthorsMurphy LL, Lee TJ
InstitutionDepartment of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, USA
E-maillmurphy@siumed.edu
SummaryIn Asia, ginseng is commonly included in herbals used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Recent studies in laboratory animals have shown that both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance.
These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. Indeed, there is good evidence that ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum. Moreover, the effects of ginseng on the corpus cavernosum appear to be mediated by the release and/or modification of release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and perivascular nerves. Treatment with American ginseng also affects the central nervous system and has been shown to significantly alter the activity of hypothalamic catecholamines involved in the facilitation of copulatory behavior and hormone secretion.
Recent findings that ginseng treatment decreased prolactin secretion also suggested a direct nitric oxide-mediated effect of ginseng at the level of the anterior pituitary. Thus, animal studies lend growing support for the use of ginseng in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and provide increasing evidence for a role of nitric oxide in the mechanism of ginsenoside action.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12076988
Enhanced sperm :

JournalMol Reprod Dev. 2007 Apr; 74(4):497-501
TitleGinsenoside Re promotes human sperm capacitation through nitric oxide-dependent pathway
AuthorsZhang H, Zhou Q, Li X, Zhao W, Wang Y, Liu H, Li N
InstitutionDepartment of Medical Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
E-mailzhangh@impcas.ac.cn
SummaryThe regulation of sperm capacitation is important for successful fertilization. Ginsenosides, the biologically effective components of ginseng, have been found to enhance intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production and the latter has recently been indicated to play a significant role in modulation of sperm functions.
We investigated the effect of Ginsenoside Re on human sperm capacitation in vitro and the mechanism by which the Ginsenosides play their roles. Spermatozoa were separated by Percoll and incubated with 0, 1, 10, or 100 microM of Ginsenoside Re. The percentages of spontaneous and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced acrosome reaction (AR), as a measure of sperm capacitation, were assayed with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA). The intracellular cGMP level was measured by [(3)H] cGMP radioimmunoassay system.
The results showed that the percentages of both spontaneous and LPC-induced AR and intracellular cGMP level were significantly enhanced by Ginsenoside Re with a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 100 nM), a NO donor, mimicked the effects of Ginsenoside Re. And pretreatment with a NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) or a NO scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (LNAC, 1 mM) completely blocked the effects of Ginsenoside Re.
Furthermore, the AR-inducing effect of Ginsenoside Re was significantly reduced in the presence of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY83583 or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PCK) inhibitor KT5823, whereas addition of the cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP significantly increased the AR of human spermatozoa. Data suggested that Ginsenoside Re is beneficial to sperm capacitation and AR, and that the effect is accomplished through NO/cGMP/PKG pathway.
PubMed Link – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17013883
Benefits for children :

Improves brain power in young people :

JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology. 2006 Nov; 20(6):771-81. Epub 2006 Jan 9
TitleEffects of Panax ginseng, consumed with and without glucose, on blood glucose levels and cognitive performance during sustained ‘mentally demanding’ tasks
AuthorsReay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB
InstitutionHuman Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
Summary
Single doses of the traditional herbal treatment Panax ginseng have recently been shown to lower blood glucose levels and elicit cognitive improvements in healthy, overnight-fasted volunteers. The specific mechanisms responsible for these effects are not known.
However, cognitive improvements may be related to the glycaemic properties of Panax ginseng. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced-crossover design, 27 healthy young adults completed a 10 minute “cognitive demand” test battery at baseline. They then consumed capsules containing either ginseng (extract G115) or a placebo and 30 minutes later a drink containing glucose or placebo. A further 30 minutes later (i.e. 60 minutes post-baseline/capsules) they completed the “cognitive demand” battery six times in immediate succession. Depending on the condition to which the participant was allocated on that particular day, the combination of capsules/drink treatments corresponded to a dose of: 0mg G115/0 mg glucose (placebo); 200mg G115/0 mg glucose (ginseng); 0 mg G115/25 g glucose (glucose) or 200 mg G115/25 g glucose (ginseng/glucose combination). The 10 minute “cognitive demand” battery comprised a Serial Threes subtraction task (2 min); a Serial Sevens subtraction task (2 min); a Rapid Visual Information Processing task (5 min); and a “mental fatigue” visual analogue scale. Blood glucose levels were measured prior to the day’s treatment, and before and after the post-dose completions of the battery.
The results showed that both Panax ginseng and glucose enhanced performance of a mental arithmetic task and ameliorated the increase in subjective feelings of mental fatigue experienced by participants during the later stages of the sustained, cognitively demanding task performance. Accuracy of performing the Rapid Visual Information Processing task (RVIP) was also improved following the glucose load. There was no evidence of a synergistic relationship between Panax ginseng and exogenous glucose ingestion on any cognitive outcome measure. Panax ginseng caused a reduction in blood glucose levels 1 hour following consumption when ingested without glucose.These results confirm that Panax ginseng may possess glucoregulatory properties and can enhance cognitive performance.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16401645
Helpful for younger people :

JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology. (Oxford, England) 2005 Jul; 19(4):357-65
TitleSingle doses of Panax ginseng (G115) reduce blood glucose levels and improve cognitive performance during sustained mental activity
AuthorsReay JL, Kennedy DO, Scholey AB
InstitutionHuman Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Summary
Single doses of the traditional herbal treatment Panax ginseng have recently been shown to elicit cognitive improvements in healthy young volunteers. The mechanisms by which ginseng improves cognitive performance are not known. However, they may be related to the glycaemic properties of some Panax species. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover design, 30 healthy young adults completed a 10 min test battery at baseline, and then six times in immediate succession commencing 60 min after the day’s treatment (placebo, 200mg G115 or 400mg G115). The 10 min battery comprised a Serial Threes subtraction task (2 min); a Serial Sevens task (2 min); a Rapid Visual Information Processing task (5 min); then a ‘mental fatigue’ visual analogue scale. Blood glucose was measured prior to each day’s treatment, and before, during and after the post-dose completions of the battery. Both the 200mg and 400mg treatments led to significant reductions in blood glucose levels at all three post-treatment measurements (p 0.005 in all cases). The most notable behavioural effects were associated with 200mg of ginseng and included significantly improved Serial Sevens subtraction task performance and significantly reduced subjective mental fatigue throughout all (with the exception of one time point in each case) of the post-dose completions of the 10 min battery (p 0.05).
Overall these data suggest that Panax ginseng can improve performance and subjective feelings of mental fatigue during sustained mental activity. This effect may be related to the acute gluco-regulatory properties of the extract.
PubMed Link - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15982990
Quality control standards :
Here is a list of the orgonizations to whose standards we confirm :

  • ISO 9001 (International Organization for Standardization – for Quality Management and Manufacturing)
  • Canada – NHPD
  • Japan Corporate – Food analysis certificate
  • Japan Public Health Dep. – Healthy food certificate
  • Hong Kong Standards & Testing Centre – High Quality Certificate
  • China Healthy food importing permit
  • Chinese medicine GMP
About Taiwan Bing Han ginseng :

Bing Han ginseng is grown exclusively at our own expansive farming facilities in northeastern China. It is then specially processed at our plant in Taiwan, where we adhere strictly to the standards of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and the International Standards Organization (ISO 9000) which are recognized as the world’s highest quality control standards. Bing Han has rapidly grown into one of the most specialized and integrated ginseng distribution companies in the world.
Our dedicated focus on one flagship product – Bing Han Refined Panax Ginseng Powder – has led to our phenomenal success.
As a privately owned company with sales reaching US$400 million a year, Bing Han is well established as one of the foremost leaders in the worldwide ginseng industry.
Bing Han’s corporate headquarters and pharmaceutical factory are situated in Taiwan with numerous affiliate offices around the world including Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Our history :


The fascinating story of Bing Han Ginseng all started with the dedication and determination of one inspired man, Dr. He-Shun Li, a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Taiwan.
Through his years of practice, Dr. Li became genuinely convinced of the many health benefits associated with the use of Chinese ginseng.
His deep belief in the power of ginseng led Dr. Li in 1989 to organize and fund a professional team of 42 TCM practitioners to research and perfect the propriety technology used to start producing his own ginseng product, Bing Han Ginseng.
Dr Li believed that it was only by controlling all aspects of the growing and processing of this special ginseng that he could confidently bring his premium quality ginseng to the world.
Twenty years later, Bing Han ginseng is still grown exclusively at our own expansive farming facilities in northeastern China. It is then specially processed at our plant in Taiwan, where we adhere strictly to the standards of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and the International Standards Organization (ISO 9000) which are recognized as the world’s highest quality control standards.


Bing Han has rapidly grown into one of the most specialized and integrated ginseng distribution companies in the world.
Our dedicated focus on one flagship product – Bing Han Refined PanaxGinseng Powder – has led to our phenomenal success. As a privately owned company with sales reaching US$400 million a year, Bing Han is well established as one of the foremost leaders in the worldwide ginseng industry.
Bing Han’s corporate headquarters and pharmaceutical factory are situated in Taiwan with numerous affiliate offices around the world including Canada, USA, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Dedicated leaders :

Dr. Li He-Shun :
From humble roots :






Born in a small fishing village on the southwest coast of Taiwan in the 1950’s, young He-Shun Li lived most of his childhood in abject poverty. There was no financial or food security in his family’s day-to-day existence. He watched, with sorrow as his father suffered from chronic “Black foot” disease, a common affliction related to poor water quality in the destitute regions of Southeast Asia. Dr. Li still recalls the hardships, poverty and sickness of those days in Taiwan, when isolated communities such as his were often hit by severe events beyond their control. His many challenging childhood experiences fostered his lifelong compassion and caring for the wellbeing of others.
A calling to Chinses herbal medicine :


Dr. Li was a mere teenager when his parents both died prematurely. Determined to help his remaining family members, he left his village in search of a better life. With a keen interest in health, he was immediately attracted to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, believing that TCM held the answers to many health problems.
He longed to bring better health and nutritional improvements to his community and to the world. The sad memory of his own family’s experiences, motivated him to discover ways that would prevent others from experiencing similar problems.
Along his path to helping others, Dr. Li’s first step was apprenticing at a Chinese pharmacy. It was here that he began learning the many intricacies of Chinese herbal medicine and the philosophy that surrounds this traditional practice. He was eager to learn everything that he could about Chinese Traditional Medicine. He devoted himself to this ancient science, working hard and studying diligently to become educated in the art of using natural Chinese medicines and herbs.
Through his dedicated study and work, Dr. Li became a respected professional Chinese medical practitioner. Within a few years, he was able to open his own Chinese medical clinic where he practiced traditional medicine for eight years.
A clear vision :

Dr Li’s entrepreneurial spirit did not allow him to be satisfied with his practice only. He often dreamt of developing  a health product that could enhance people’s wellbeing at the same time that it would improve their standard of living.
Based on his experience as a practitioner, he became intrigued by the use of ginseng and began to research the many benefits and features of this promising traditional herb.
He soon recognized in ginseng, the key to both health and prosperity.  Dr. Li envisioned a golden opportunity to embrace a genuinely healthier, wealthier way of life. Not just for himself, but for thousands of others, too!
This clear vision led him to develop a ginseng product that could improve people’s health at the same time that it could advance their financial status.
Affirming “the meaning of life” became Dr. Li’s mission and he steered all aspects of the development of his product and the growth of his business according to it.
Bing Han begins :







Using his own money, Dr. Li officially launched his premier product, Bing Han Refined Panax Ginseng Powder in January 1991.  Soon thereafter he formed Bing Han Co. Ltd. and became its President.
That same year Dr. Li held the first “opportunity meeting” (OPP)  at a small rented office in Taipei. He had the help of two others who wholeheartedly believed in his vision. They were Ms. Jacky Chen Lee-Yu (who became General Manager) and Mr. Lai Jang-Yi (who became Manager).
Growing the business :


“Perseverance reaped rewards,” says Dr. Li as he recalls those early days. “My success is a testament to the impact that Bing Han can have in every individual’s life.”
Wedding the traditions of Asian ginseng use  with Western business practices, Dr. Li founded an uniquely inspired company that believes that “good health is good business.”
A modern entrepreneur with traditional work ethics, Dr. Li still makes time for public service and numerous charities. His devotion to various organizations, his love for family, and his principled success have earned for him the utmost respect from colleagues and associates.
Ms. Jacky Lee-Yu Chen :





Some people have a magical way of making wonderful things happen. Ms. Jacky Lee-Yu Chen, is one of those people, which has earned her the nickname, “the magician.” Prior to joining Bing Han Ms. Chen experienced various health problems, including job-related stress.
Years of poor health and worry had taken their toll on her physically and emotionally. Soon after coming under the training and guidance provided by Dr. Li, Ms Chen literally became a new person. Her health improved significantly; she no longer dreaded each day. She had ample energy and she believed in herself again! She left her stressful employment and began to do what she loved most. She began to share her personal, life-changing Bing Han story with others.
Like magic, several of her friends and acquaintances became Bing Han distributors under Ms. Chen. That marked the beginning of a new era for this transformed woman. As a role model for other women, Ms. Chen now travels the world, sharing her many stories. Stories of successes and challenges. Stories of overcoming health problems. Stories of building a better life. This petite woman, affectionately called “The Magician,” is a powerhouse of energy. She works tirelessly to train and support Bing Han partners all over the world in developing and expanding new markets. “Set firm resolve to persist” is the philosophical motto Ms. Chen uses to motivate and encourage Bing Han distributors worldwide. Leading by example, Ms. Chen’s hard work, determination and a sense of humour make knowing her a magical and uplifting experience.
Mr. Desmond Liew :


The first thing you notice about Mr. Desmond Liew is that he is deeply passionate about everything to do with Bing Han. Walking into a room with a big smile on his face, he can’t wait to tell you something new and wonderful about the company and its ginseng.
Concerned about the health of his parents, Mr. Liew was immediately attracted by the Bing Han promise of improved health. After meeting Ms. Chen and attending many OPP meetings, he became a man with a mission – to introduce the Bing Han ginseng product to the world.
But that’s not all. Desmond is also dedicated to spreading  the unique  “spirit” of the worldwide Bing Han community.
And his results speak for themselves. Unafraid of what others might call the handicaps of  cultural and language differences, Desmond steadfastly believes that “nothing can stop a company’s success if it has a good product and efficient operating systems.
Mr. Liew’s passionate leadership, intelligence and determination have proven him right. With his help, Bing Han has expanded far beyond Taiwan to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, Canada and the United States.
Our mission statement :



The mission of Bing Han Ginseng is to help people become healthier and wealthier by providing premium quality ginseng products direct to consumers through dedicated, knowledgeable independent distributors.
Bing Han promotes an active lifestyle that embraces health and celebrates life.
Bing Han strives to enrich the quality of people’s lives through better health and greater  income.
We and our distributors are committed to acting in accordance with the highest ethical principles.
We believe that good health is our truest wealth.
Giving :
Healthy giving :

Bing Han Foundation is the giving hand of our company. We regularly sponsor non-profit and charitable events as part of our ongoing commitment to social and community stewardship.
Here are a few examples :


  • Sponsorship – 2005 Taiwan Canadian Cultural Festival / Vancouver BC. Canada
  • Sponsorship – 2005 Macau Community Chest Walk
  • Sponsorship – 2006 Hong Kong Community Chest Walk
  • Sponsorship – 2007 Vancouver Success Walk with the Dragon
    (Provides family counseling programs and services for youth, women and seniors.)







2010 Richmond hospital foundation :
Welcome to Bing Han :
We are the largest growers of ginseng in the world! Our dedicated focus on one flagship product - Bing Han refined panax ginseng powder has led to our phenomenal sucess.
Contact us :
Bing Han (Hong Kong) Enterprises Ltd. – Central
Room 2907-2913, 29th Floor, High Block (Cosco Tower),
Grand Millennium Plaza, NO. 183 Queen’s Road Central,
Hong Kong
Tel:852-2907-7899
Fax:852-2907-7866

http://www.binghan.com.hk


Agent   : David Clockwise
Phone   : 852 - 90523210
Tel        : 852 - 21091739 
Welcome to visit David Clockwise web store : 
 http://hke.shop.buystation.com/clockwise338



Pack 包裝
Taiwan Bing Han ginseng powder


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