Anti-allergic effect of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT), an intestinal metabolite of ginseng saponins was investigated in the guinea pig lung mast cells (GPMCs) and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) activated by specific antigen/antibody reaction. Methods: Increasing concentrations of PPT were pretreated 5 min before antigen stimulation, and various inflammatory mediator releases and their relevant cellular signaling events were measured in those cells.

Gut microflora play a crucial role in the biotransformation of ginsenosides to compound K (CK), which may affect the pharmacological effects of ginseng. Prebiotics, such as NUTRIOSE® could enhance the formation and consequent absorption of CK through modulation of gut microbial metabolic activities. In this study, the effect of a prebiotic fiber (NUTRIOSE®) on the pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside CK, a bioactive metabolite of ginsenosides, and its mechanism of action were investigated.

Fermentation technology is widely used to alter the effective components of ginseng. This study was carried out to analyze the characteristics and antioxidant activity of ginseng seeds fermented by Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus strains.

Ginsenoside Rd (GSRd), one of the most abundant ingredients of Panax ginseng, protects the heart by multiple mechanisms including the inhibition of Ca2+ influx. We intended to explore the effects of GSRd on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) and define the mechanism of the suppression of ICa,L by GSRd.

Abnormal changes in skin color induce significant cosmetic problems and affect quality of life. There are two groups of abnormal change in skin color; hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpimentation, darkening skin color by excessive pigmentation, usually are major concerns Asian people with yellow brown skin. A variety of hypopigmenting agents have been used, but the treating hyperpigmented condition is still challenging and the results are often discouraging. Panax ginseng has been used traditionally in eastern Asia to treat various diseases, due to its immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antioxidative, and anti-tumor activities.