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Search Results (653)

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Keywords = ginsenosides

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19 pages, 5466 KiB  
Article
GelMA@ginsenoside Rb3 Targets Inflammatory Microenvironment in Periodontitis via MAPK Pathway
by Jinmeng Sun, Minmin Sun, Zekun Li, Luyun Liu, Xinjuan Liu, Yuhui Sun and Gang Ding
Gels 2025, 11(8), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080648 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 192
Abstract
This study aims to develop a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based ginsenoside Rb3 (G-Rb3) drug delivery system and investigate its application in the treatment of periodontitis and the underlying mechanisms. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were obtained and identified. The appropriate concentration ranges of G-Rb3 [...] Read more.
This study aims to develop a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based ginsenoside Rb3 (G-Rb3) drug delivery system and investigate its application in the treatment of periodontitis and the underlying mechanisms. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were obtained and identified. The appropriate concentration ranges of G-Rb3 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated by the CCK-8 experiments. Quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot were performed to assess the effects of GelMA@G-Rb3 on LPS-treated PDLSCs. The possible mechanisms were determined through network pharmacology analysis and Western blot. The therapeutic effects of GelMA@G-Rb3 in rat periodontitis animal models were systematically evaluated using Micro-CT, H&E staining, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence staining. PDLSCs were successfully isolated and characterized. The in vitro results indicated that GelMA@G-Rb3 significantly alleviated LPS-induced inflammation in PDLSCs by inhibiting the p38/ERK signaling pathway and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo experiments confirmed that GelMA@G-Rb3 significantly reduced alveolar bone resorption, and promoted periodontal tissue regeneration, while simultaneously demonstrating significant regulatory effects on the MAPK signaling pathway. This study demonstrated the efficacy of the GelMA@G-Rb3 system in modulating the inflammatory responses of periodontitis and improving the periodontal tissue regeneration, which establish a solid foundation and proposed innovative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of periodontitis. Full article
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19 pages, 1491 KiB  
Review
Ginseng Nanosizing: The Second Spring of Ginseng Therapeutic Applications
by Jian Wang, Huan Liu, Xinshuo Ding, Tianqi Liu, Qianyuan Li, Runyuan Li, Yuan Yuan, Xiaoyu Yan and Jing Su
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080961 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 452
Abstract
Plant-derived vesicles offer several advantages, including high yield, low cost, ethical compatibility, safety, and potential health benefits. These advantages enable them to overcome technological limitations associated with vesicles of mammalian origin. Ginseng, a prominent example of a natural botanical plant, is known for [...] Read more.
Plant-derived vesicles offer several advantages, including high yield, low cost, ethical compatibility, safety, and potential health benefits. These advantages enable them to overcome technological limitations associated with vesicles of mammalian origin. Ginseng, a prominent example of a natural botanical plant, is known for its abundant bioactive components. Recent studies confirmed that ginseng-derived vesicles offer significant advantages in the treatment of human diseases. Therefore, this study reviews the extraction and purification processes of ginseng-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (GDVLNs), their therapeutic potential, and the active ingredients in GDVLNs that may exert pharmacological activities. Furthermore, this study evaluates the research and applications of nanosized ginseng extracts, with a primary focus on ginsenosides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Plant Extracts—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 10626 KiB  
Article
Comparative Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Tissue- and Species-Specific Differences in the Abundance of Dammarane-Type Ginsenosides in Three Panax Species
by Shu He, Ying Gong, Shuangfei Deng, Yaquan Dou, Junmin Wang, Hoang Van Sam, Xingliang Chen, Xiahong He and Rui Shi
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080916 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
The genus Panax contains traditional herbs that have been widely used in traditional medicine. The active constituents, collectively known as ginsenosides, are well characterized in the most representative species, P. notoginseng. However, the major bioactive chemical constituents of P. stipuleanatus together with [...] Read more.
The genus Panax contains traditional herbs that have been widely used in traditional medicine. The active constituents, collectively known as ginsenosides, are well characterized in the most representative species, P. notoginseng. However, the major bioactive chemical constituents of P. stipuleanatus together with P. vietnamensis are relatively less studied. In this study, an untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed in P. notoginseng, P. stipuleanatus, and P. vietnamensis using root and leaf organs. Further metabolomic differences in P. stipuleanatus were compared with those of the two most prevalent species. The analysis results revealed tissue-specific qualitative and quantitative metabolic differences in each species. Several differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including the biosynthesis of ginsenosides I. The ginsenosides Rb1, Rf, Rg1, Rh1, Rh8, and notoginsenosides E, M, and N had a higher abundance level in the roots of both P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis. In P. stipuleanatus, the accumulation of potentially important ginsenosides is mainly found in the leaf. In particular, the dammarane-type ginsenosides Rb3, Rb1, Mx, and F2 as well as the notoginsenosides A, Fe, Fa, Fd, L, and N were identified to have a higher accumulation in the leaf. The strong positive correlation network of different ginsenosides probably enhanced secondary metabolism in each species. The comparative analysis revealed a significant differential accumulation of metabolites in the leaves of both species. The various compounds of dammarane-type ginsenoside, such as Rb1, Rg1, Rg6, Rh8, Rh10, Rh14, and majoroside F2, had a significantly higher concentration level in the leaves of P. stipuleanatus. In addition, several notoginsenoside compounds such as A, R1, Fe, Fd, and Ft1 showed a higher abundance in the leaf. These results show that the abundance level of major ginsenosides is significant in P. stipuleanatus and provides an important platform to improve the ginsenoside quality of Panax species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)
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20 pages, 3781 KiB  
Article
Ginsenoside Rg3 Adjunctively Increases the Efficacy of Gefitinib Against NSCLC by Regulating EGFR Copy Number
by Xinyi Lv, Yuehan Song, Tianhua Liu, Dingdan Zhang, Xinpeng Ye, Qingqing Wang, Rongrong Li, Jiayi Chen, Shujing Zhang, Xue Yu and Chunying Hou
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18071077 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality of all tumors, and the development of TKI drugs targeting EGFR activating mutations has brought lung cancer treatment into the targeted era. In view of their low efficacy and susceptibility to drug resistance, [...] Read more.
Background: Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality of all tumors, and the development of TKI drugs targeting EGFR activating mutations has brought lung cancer treatment into the targeted era. In view of their low efficacy and susceptibility to drug resistance, there is an urgent need to find strategies to increase their efficacy and reduce the incidence of drug resistance. Methods: In this study, we examined the distribution and probability of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer patients in the cBioPortal database and compared the survival prognosis of patients with normal and abnormal EGFR, NSCLC patients treated with and without TKI, and NSCLC patients with different EGFR gene copy numbers. We established a mouse lung cancer model and examined the histomorphological characteristics of lung tissues via hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, changes in the copy number of the EGFR gene and its protein expression levels were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, we quantified the concentration of the EGFR protein using ELISA. Results: We found no significant advantage of EGFR-TKI therapy over first-line chemotherapeutic agents in patients with EGFR-abnormal NSCLC. The reason for this may be related to the abnormal EGFR gene copy number; the higher the copy number increases, the worse the survival prognosis of the patients. In molecular biology experiments, we demonstrated that ginsenoside Rg3 down-regulated the copy number of 18, 19, 20, and 21 exons and protein expression of EGFR in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The results of in vivo pharmacodynamic assays confirmed that sequential administration of ginsenoside Rg3 with TKI drugs could achieve a gainful complementary effect. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rg3 down-regulates the copy number of EGFR important exons in EGFR-mutant cells of lung adenocarcinoma and reduces EGFR protein expression, thus providing a high gainful complementary effect in combination with EGFR-TKI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Anti-Cancer Drugs: 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 1341 KiB  
Review
Microbial Fermentation Affects the Structure–Activity Relationship of Bioactive Compounds in Ginseng and Its Applications in Fermentation Products: A Review
by Juan Bai, Zixian Zhu, Wei Luo, Miran Jang, Beibei Pan, Ying Zhu, Jiayan Zhang, Yansheng Zhao and Xiang Xiao
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2473; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142473 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 998
Abstract
Microbial fermentation technology has emerged as a pivotal approach for enhancing ginseng efficacy through the transformation of active ingredient molecular structures. This paper reviews the impact of microbial fermentation on the structure–activity relationship of ginseng bioactive compounds and advances in its application. Bibliometric [...] Read more.
Microbial fermentation technology has emerged as a pivotal approach for enhancing ginseng efficacy through the transformation of active ingredient molecular structures. This paper reviews the impact of microbial fermentation on the structure–activity relationship of ginseng bioactive compounds and advances in its application. Bibliometric analysis indicates that Panax species (Panax ginseng, Panax notoginseng) are primarily fermented using lactic acid bacteria and Aspergillus spp., with research predominantly focused on conversion efficiency to rare ginsenosides (Compound K, Rg3, and Rh2). Specifically, this review details the biotransformation pathways of these rare ginsenosides and the resultant bioactivity enhancements. Additionally, it summarizes the effects of other microorganisms, such as fungal fruiting bodies, on additional ginseng constituents like polysaccharides and polyphenols. Microbial fermentation has been successfully implemented in functional products, including ginseng vinegar, wine, and fermented milk. This review subsequently examines these applications, emphasizing fermentation’s potential to enhance product functionality. However, challenges remain in strain screening, process standardization, and analysis of multi-component synergistic mechanisms. In summary, this review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms of microbial fermentation on ginseng and its translational applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Full article
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15 pages, 2912 KiB  
Article
Profiling the Differential Distribution of Ginsenosides Across Ginseng Tissues Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
by Hang Xu, Zheng Li, Chong Liu, Yukun Wang, Siwei Qiao and Hao Zhang
Separations 2025, 12(7), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12070170 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 411
Abstract
This study investigates the compositional characteristics and quantitative differences of ginsenosides across various ginseng tissues, with a particular focus on the specific accumulation patterns of malonyl ginsenosides. Five tissue samples—ginseng fruit (F), leaf (L), taproot (TR), lateral root (LR), and fibrous root (FR)—were [...] Read more.
This study investigates the compositional characteristics and quantitative differences of ginsenosides across various ginseng tissues, with a particular focus on the specific accumulation patterns of malonyl ginsenosides. Five tissue samples—ginseng fruit (F), leaf (L), taproot (TR), lateral root (LR), and fibrous root (FR)—were analyzed using Orbitrap Fusion high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 413 ginsenosides, including 33 standards, were identified, encompassing 172 protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type, 188 protopanaxatriol (PPT)-type, 14 oleanolic acid (OA)-type, and 12 ocotillol (OT)-type ginsenosides, of which 160 were malonyl ginsenosides. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in the relative content per unit mass of malonyl ginsenosides across tissues, with the highest levels in fibrous roots, followed by fruits, lateral roots, leaves, and taproots. Distinct tissue-specific differences in malonyl ginsenoside types and quantities were observed: fruits exhibited 51 malonyl ginsenosides with significantly higher levels, compared to 8, 14, and 17 in lateral roots, fibrous roots, and leaves, whereas TR showed no significant enrichment. This study elucidates the diversity and unique distribution of malonyl ginsenosides in ginseng roots, leaves, and fruits, providing a valuable basis for the targeted selection of tissues with high malonyl ginsenoside content and the development of functional food and medicinal products. Full article
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14 pages, 540 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Quantification of Main Saponins in Panax vietnamensis by HPLC-PDA/ELSD Using the Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Components by Single-Marker Method
by Thi-My-Duyen Ngo, Thi Kim Ngan Tran, Thi Minh Thu Le, Mong Kha Tran, Huu Son Nguyen, Huy Truong Nguyen and Kim Long Vu-Huynh
Metabolites 2025, 15(7), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15070419 - 20 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 645
Abstract
Background: The Quantitative Analysis of Multi-components by Single-marker (QAMS) method has been developed as an alternative to the External Standards Method (ESM) for the quality control of medicinal herbs. Objectives: In this study, QAMS was developed to determine saponins in the [...] Read more.
Background: The Quantitative Analysis of Multi-components by Single-marker (QAMS) method has been developed as an alternative to the External Standards Method (ESM) for the quality control of medicinal herbs. Objectives: In this study, QAMS was developed to determine saponins in the raw materials of Panax vietnamensis using HPLC-PDA/ELSD. Methods: The method was developed and validated. The relative conversion factors Fx were calculated based on the linear regression for HPLC-PDA and the logarithm equation for HPLC-ELSD. The Standard Method Difference (SMD) was determined to indicate the difference in the results of QAMS and EMS. Results: Relative conversion factors (Fx) were determined for each detector to quantify five saponins (ginsenoside Rb1, Rd, Rg1, majnoside R2, and vina-ginsenoside R2) in VG root. The Fx values were calculated based on the ratio of the slopes of the regression equations of a single standard and an external standard. For HPLC-PDA, G-Rb1 was used as a single standard with the Fx values of 1.00 (G-Rb1), 1.08 (G-Rd), 1.32 (G-Rg1), and 0.04 (M-R2). For HPLC-ELSD, G-Rb1 was used for determining the content of G-Rg1 and G-Rb1 with the Fx values of 1.00 (G-Rb1) and 0.95 (G-Rg1), while M-R2 was used for quantitating M-R2 and V-R2 with Fx of 1.00 (M-R2) and 1.05 (V-R2). An SMD value less than 5.00% confirms the close alignment of the QAMS method with ESM. Conclusions: The QAMS method proved to be a feasible and promising method for the quality control of P. vietnamensis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Metabolism)
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13 pages, 2271 KiB  
Article
Rice Bran and American Ginseng Residue as Media for Black Truffle Solid-State Fermentation
by Zih-Yang Lin, Zi-Jun Lin and Su-Der Chen
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125562 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1010
Abstract
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) residue from the extraction industry can be dried and mixed with rice bran as media for black truffle solid-state fermentation to enhance reuse and bioactive functions. Different ratios of rice bran (R) and American ginseng residue (G) [...] Read more.
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) residue from the extraction industry can be dried and mixed with rice bran as media for black truffle solid-state fermentation to enhance reuse and bioactive functions. Different ratios of rice bran (R) and American ginseng residue (G) mixtures were used as solid-state media for 5 weeks of black truffle fermentation, and then their bio-component contents and whitening effects were analyzed. Finally, four drying methods—hot air drying (HA), microwave drying (MW), hot air-assisted radio frequency (HARF) drying, and radio frequency vacuum (RFV) drying—were assessed to optimize drying efficiency for fermented medium. The results showed that using a 3:1 ratio of rice bran and American ginseng residue as the medium increased the crude polysaccharide and flavonoid contents by approximately threefold and enhanced the ginsenoside Rg3 content about twelvefold. Additionally, the 100 µg/mL ethanol extract of the fermented product inhibited 70% of tyrosinase activity and reduced the melanin area on zebrafish embryos by 42.74%. In the drying study, RFV drying R2G1 required only 13 min without exceeding 70 °C, demonstrating superior drying efficiency, temperature control, and low energy consumption. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of black truffle fermentation of solid-state media from rice bran and American ginseng residue mixtures for whitening applications and highlights RFV drying as an efficient method for by-products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Waste Management and Sustainable Practices)
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16 pages, 7834 KiB  
Article
Integrated Microbiota and Metabolomics Analysis of Candida utilis CU-3 Solid-State Fermentation Effects on Cottonseed Hull-Based Feed
by Deli Dong, Yuanyuan Yan, Fan Yang, Huaibing Yao, Yang Li, Xin Huang, Maierhaba Aihemaiti, Faqiang Zhan, Min Hou and Weidong Cui
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1380; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061380 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 945
Abstract
Solid-state microbial fermentation (SSMF) has been established as an effective bioprocessing strategy to augment the nutritional value of plant-derived feed substrates while reducing anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). However, there have been limited studies on the effects of microbial solid-state fermentation on the nutritional value [...] Read more.
Solid-state microbial fermentation (SSMF) has been established as an effective bioprocessing strategy to augment the nutritional value of plant-derived feed substrates while reducing anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). However, there have been limited studies on the effects of microbial solid-state fermentation on the nutritional value and potential functional components in cottonseed hulls. This study investigated the nutritional enhancement of cottonseed hulls through anaerobic solid-state fermentation mediated by Candida utilis CU-3, while exploring the functional potential of the fermented feed by analyzing fungal community dynamics and metabolite profiling. The laboratory-preserved free gossypol-degrading strain Candida utilis CU-3 was inoculated into unsterilized, crushed, and screened cottonseed hulls for solid-state fermentation at room temperature for 10 days. The results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, the experimental group achieved a 61.90% increase in free gossypol degradation rate, a 27.78% improvement in crude protein content, and a 5.07% reduction in crude fiber, while crude fat showed no significant difference. During the fermentation process, microbial diversity decreased, and Candida utilis CU-3 became the dominant species. Untargeted metabolomics data revealed that cottonseed hulls inoculated with Candida utilis CU-3 produced functional bioactive compounds during fermentation, including chrysin, myricetin (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities), and ginsenoside Rh2 (anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties). This study demonstrates that inoculating Candida utilis CU-3 into cottonseed hulls enhances their health-promoting potential through the biosynthesis of diverse functional metabolites, providing a theoretical foundation for improving the nutritional profile of cottonseed hull-fermented feed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)
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10 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
Ginsenoside Re as a Probe for Evaluating the Catalytic Potential of Microcrystalline Cellulose for the Degradation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
by Xinyu Gao and Shengyuan Xiao
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(6), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18060869 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a commonly used pharmaceutical excipient. At present, the catalytic potential of MCCs for the degradation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has not been paid adequate attention. This study aims to investigate the representativeness of the pH value of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a commonly used pharmaceutical excipient. At present, the catalytic potential of MCCs for the degradation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has not been paid adequate attention. This study aims to investigate the representativeness of the pH value of an MCC determined in accordance with the pharmacopeia method to the acidity on its surface. Methods: We tested the differences between the catalytic activities of different MCCs and their supernatant prepared in accordance with the pharmacopeia method for the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Re, which is relatively stable in neutral or weak alkaline aqueous solutions but sensitive to acid. The sulfur content of the sulfuric acid-prepared MCC was measured using an ICP-OES. Results: All of the five tested commercially available and two self-prepared MCCs have been found to significantly promote the hydrolysis of ginsenoside Re. But their supernatants were neutral and chemically inert to Re. The sulfur content of the MCC prepared in this experiment using sulfuric acid hydrolysis was determined to be 109.60 µg/g, which is equivalent to 186 to 465 µM of sulfuric acid on the surface. Conclusions: The pH value of an MCC determined in accordance with the pharmacopeia method is not representative of the acidity on its surface. The primary reason should be that there is immobilized acid that is not so easily dissociated into the media. Ginsenoside Re is sensitive and applicable as a probe for the evaluation of the catalytic potential of pharmaceutically used MCCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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31 pages, 2599 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenosides in Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity
by Rongrong Bai, Zhigao Zhao, Xing Han, Mingying Shang, Guangxue Liu, Feng Xu and Shaoqing Cai
Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122527 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 808
Abstract
Anthracyclines play an irreplaceable role in cancer treatment, although their clinical application is limited due to severe side effects such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction. The currently available clinical drugs for treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) are limited by numerous drawbacks, including the [...] Read more.
Anthracyclines play an irreplaceable role in cancer treatment, although their clinical application is limited due to severe side effects such as arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction. The currently available clinical drugs for treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) are limited by numerous drawbacks, including the side effects of the therapeutic agents, single treatment mechanisms, and individual patient variations. Therefore, novel drugs with broader applicability and multitarget synergistic protective effects are, therefore, urgently needed. Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive constituents of plants belonging to the genus Panax (family Araliaceae), exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antitumor effects, and have demonstrated cardioprotective properties against AIC. This article examines the mechanisms of AIC and the modulatory effects of ginsenosides on these mechanisms. This review highlights the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways through which ginsenosides exert therapeutic effects on AIC, including the regulation of oxidative-stress-related pathways such as Keap1/Nrf2, MAPK, STAT, PI3K/Akt, and AMPK; the restoration of mitochondrial function; the modulation of autophagy; and the inhibition of pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and apoptosis. Therefore, this review serves as a theoretical basis and provides a research direction for future investigation regarding the prevention and treatment of AIC with ginsenosides, as well as clinical translation studies. Full article
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25 pages, 962 KiB  
Review
Xeno-Fungusphere: Fungal-Enhanced Microbial Fuel Cells for Agricultural Remediation with a Focus on Medicinal Plants
by Da-Cheng Hao, Xuanqi Li, Yaoxuan Wang, Jie Li, Chengxun Li and Peigen Xiao
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061392 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1031
Abstract
The xeno-fungusphere, a novel microbial ecosystem formed by integrating exogenous fungi, indigenous soil microbiota, and electroactive microorganisms within microbial fuel cells (MFCs), offers a transformative approach for agricultural remediation and medicinal plant conservation. By leveraging fungal enzymatic versatility (e.g., laccases, cytochrome P450s) and [...] Read more.
The xeno-fungusphere, a novel microbial ecosystem formed by integrating exogenous fungi, indigenous soil microbiota, and electroactive microorganisms within microbial fuel cells (MFCs), offers a transformative approach for agricultural remediation and medicinal plant conservation. By leveraging fungal enzymatic versatility (e.g., laccases, cytochrome P450s) and conductive hyphae, this system achieves dual benefits. First, it enables efficient degradation of recalcitrant agrochemicals, such as haloxyfop-P, with a removal efficiency of 97.9% (vs. 72.4% by fungi alone) and a 27.6% reduction in activation energy. This is driven by a bioelectric field (0.2–0.5 V/cm), which enhances enzymatic activity and accelerates electron transfer. Second, it generates bioelectricity, up to 9.3 μW/cm2, demonstrating real-world applicability. In medicinal plant soils, xeno-fungusphere MFCs restore soil health by stabilizing the pH, enriching dehydrogenase activity, and promoting nutrient cycling, thereby mitigating agrochemical-induced inhibition of secondary metabolite synthesis (e.g., ginsenosides, taxol). Field trials show 97.9% herbicide removal in 60 days, outperforming conventional methods. Innovations, such as adaptive electrodes, engineered strains, and phytoremediation-integrated systems, have been used to address soil and fungal limitations. This technology bridges sustainable agriculture and bioenergy recovery, offering the dual benefits of soil detoxification and enhanced crop quality. Future IoT-enabled monitoring and circular economy integration promise scalable, precision-based applications for global agroecological resilience. Full article
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17 pages, 2242 KiB  
Article
Ginsenoside-Enriched Panax ginseng Sprouts Cultivated from Aquaponic System with a Novel Nutrient Solution Regulate LPS-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and UVB-Induced Photoaging Responses via MAPK/AP-1 Signaling Pathways
by Jeong-Ho Kim, Kyung-Wuk Park, Beom-Gyun Jeong, Jun-Ki Park, Ho-Yeol Jang, Yun-Seo Oh, Jin-Yeong Choi and Kyung-Yun Kang
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111712 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
Panax ginseng sprouts (GSs) have attracted attention as functional resources due to their short cultivation time and enriched ginsenoside content. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivities of GSs cultivated using kelp fermentates (KF) as a nutrient solution under a smart-farming system. Ginsenoside-enriched [...] Read more.
Panax ginseng sprouts (GSs) have attracted attention as functional resources due to their short cultivation time and enriched ginsenoside content. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivities of GSs cultivated using kelp fermentates (KF) as a nutrient solution under a smart-farming system. Ginsenoside-enriched extract (FGE), its water-soluble saponin fraction (WFGE), and 70% ethanol-soluble saponin fraction (EFGE) were analyzed for phytochemical contents and biological activities. The EFGE exhibited the highest levels of eight major ginsenosides, including Rg1, Rb1, Rc, Rg2, Rb2, Rd, Rf, and F2. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly higher in KF-treated ginseng and their crude saponin fractions, with EFGE showing the highest values. WFGE and EFGE indicated strong antioxidant activity through ABTS radical scavenging assays. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, all extracts significantly inhibited nitric oxide production and downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 expression. Moreover, UVB-irradiated human fibroblasts (Hs68) treated with KF-derived fractions showed increased cell viability, enhanced procollagen synthesis, and reduced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression. These effects were associated with suppression of MAPK/AP-1 signaling. In conclusion, GSs cultivated with KF exhibit notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-photoaging activities, suggesting their potential as natural ingredients for skin health applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts for Health Benefits and Nutrition)
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16 pages, 3285 KiB  
Article
Ginsenosides as Potential Natural Ligands of SLC3A2: Computational Insights in Cancer
by Jing Lu
Life 2025, 15(6), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060907 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 683
Abstract
Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional Oriental medicinal herb. This research investigates the potential of ginsenosides, bioactive phyto compounds derived from ginseng, as ligands of the solute carrier (SLC) family, including SLC3A2, SLC7A6, SLC7A11, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, SLC43A1, LCN2, SLC7A9, SLC7A7, [...] Read more.
Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional Oriental medicinal herb. This research investigates the potential of ginsenosides, bioactive phyto compounds derived from ginseng, as ligands of the solute carrier (SLC) family, including SLC3A2, SLC7A6, SLC7A11, SLC7A5, SLC7A8, SLC43A1, LCN2, SLC7A9, SLC7A7, and SLC7A10 proteins—which are overexpressed in various cancers and linked to metastasis. Using molecular docking (MD), ginsenosides (Km, Ro, compound K (CK), Rk1, and Ra1) with high binding affinities to SLC3A2 were identified, exhibiting binding energies of −9.3, −9.1, −8.7, −8.0, and −7.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Further molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs) conducted using GROMACS revealed improved stability, flexibility, and dynamic behavior of the selected ginsenosides, predicting their potential as natural ligands to bind with SLC3A2. Though this computational prediction underscores these ginsenosides as promising candidates as natural ligands to bind and interact with SLC family proteins during anti-cancer therapies, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to validate these interactions and anti-cancer effects. Full article
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29 pages, 395 KiB  
Review
Recent Research on the Role of Phytochemicals from Ginseng in Management of Osteosarcoma, Osteoporosis, and Osteoarthritis
by See-Hyoung Park
Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111910 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 992
Abstract
Ginseng phytochemicals have attracted considerable attention for their potential therapeutic applications in bone-related diseases including osteosarcoma, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Recent research has highlighted the promising effects of ginsenosides and polysaccharides from ginseng by studying multi-target effects and combination therapies in osteosarcoma progression. Beyond [...] Read more.
Ginseng phytochemicals have attracted considerable attention for their potential therapeutic applications in bone-related diseases including osteosarcoma, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Recent research has highlighted the promising effects of ginsenosides and polysaccharides from ginseng by studying multi-target effects and combination therapies in osteosarcoma progression. Beyond osteosarcoma, ginseng phytochemicals have been explored for their effects on osteoporosis. Various ginsenosides and ginseng extract were shown to regulate signaling pathways involved in activating osteoblast and inhibiting osteoclast in vitro and in vivo models. Ginseng ginsenosides have also demonstrated potential anti-osteoarthritic properties. Recent studies discussed how ginsenoside reduced inflammation and cartilage degradation as a therapeutic candidate for osteoarthritis management. In this review, we examine the anti-osteosarcoma, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-osteoarthritic activities of ginseng-derived phytochemicals reported in studies published between 2014 and 2024. This review also provides a comprehensive overview of the working mechanisms of these compounds in various model systems. Furthermore, we address the limitations of current research approaches and outline future directions to maximize the therapeutic application of ginseng phytochemicals in the management of bone-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anticancer Activities of Dietary Phytochemicals: 2nd Edition)
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