Induction of FOXO3a and apoptosis by a standardized ginsenoside formulation KG-135 is potentiated by autophagy blockade in A549 human lung cancer cells

KG-135, a standardized formulation enriched with Rk1, Rg3, Rg5, had been shown to inhibit various types of cancer cells but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We explore its effects in A549 human lung cancer cells to investigate the induction of FOXO3a and autophagy.

Inhibition of hypoxia-induced cyclooxygenase-2 by Korean red ginseng is dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herbal medicine made by steaming and drying fresh ginseng. It strengthens the endocrine and immune systems to ameliorate various inflammatory responses. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 pathway has important implications for inflammation responses and tumorigenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that regulates not only adipogenesis and lipid homeostasis but also angiogenesis and inflammatory responses.

Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibiting HCT116 colon cancer cell proliferation through blocking PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase

Ginsenosides Rh2 (GRh2) are the main bioactive components in American ginseng, a commonly used herb, and its anti-tumor activity had been studied in previous studies. PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is highly expressed in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.

Protective effect of ginsenoside Rk3 and Rh4 on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in vitro and in vivo

Nephrotoxicity is the major side effect in cisplatin chemotherapy. Previously, we reported that the ginsenoside Rk3 and Rh4 reduced cisplatin toxicity on porcine renal proximal epithelial tubular cells (LLC-PK1). Here, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ginsenoside Rk3 and Rh4 on kidney function and elucidate their antioxidant effect using in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure (AKI).