Genetic population structure of the Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv) detected by microsatellite analysis / Estrutura genética populacional do ginseng vietnamita (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv) detectada por análise de microssatélites

Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. is a precious medicinal species native to the tropical forests of Vietnam. Due to habitat loss and over-harvesting, this species is endangered in Vietnam. To conserve the species, we investigated genetic variability and population structure using nine microsatellites for 148 individuals from seven populations across the current distribution range of P. vietnamensis in Vietnam. We determined a moderate genetic diversity within populations (HO = 0.367, HE = 0.437) and relatively low population differentiation (the Weir and Cockerham index of 0.172 and the Hedrick index of 0.254) and showed significant differentiation (P < 0.05), which suggested fragmented habitats, over-utilization and over-harvesting of P. vietnamensis. Different clustering methods revealed that individuals were grouped into two major clusters, which were associated with gene flow across the geographical range of P. vietnamensis. This study also detected that ginseng populations can have undergone a recent bottleneck. We recommend measures in future P. vietnamensis conservation and breeding programs.

Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. é uma espécie medicinal preciosa nativa das florestas tropicais do Vietnã. Por causa da perda de hábitat e da colheita excessiva, essa espécie está ameaçada de extinção no Vietnã. Para conservá-la, investigamos a variabilidade genética e a estrutura populacional usando nove microssatélites para 148 indivíduos de sete populações em toda a distribuição atual de P. vietnamensis no Vietnã. Determinamos uma diversidade genética moderada dentro das populações (HO = 0,367 e HE = 0,437) e diferenciação populacional relativamente baixa (índice de Weir e Cockerham de 0,172 e índice de Hedrick de 0,254), com diferenciação significativa (P < 0,05), o que sugeriu fragmentação de hábitats, sobreutilização e sobre-exploração de P. vietnamensis. Diferentes métodos de agrupamento revelaram que os indivíduos foram agrupados em dois agrupamentos principais, que foram associados ao fluxo gênico em toda a área geográfica de P. vietnamensis. Este estudo também detectou que as populações de ginseng podem ter sofrido um gargalo recente. Recomendamos medidas em futuros programas de conservação e melhoramento de P. vietnamensis.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Panax ginseng and Hedysarum neglectum root crop extracts / Atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante de extratos de raízes de Panax ginseng e Hedysarum neglectum

In order to ensure the timely and uninterrupted supply of medicinal plant raw materials, the methods of cultivation of plant cell cultures, namely, the production of plant root cultures, are relevant. In this paper, the geroprotective potential of Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey root cultures is studied. They were cultured under in vitro conditions by transforming the rhizome (H. neglectum) and seed seedlings (P. ginseng) with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834 Swiss. To identify the geroprotective potential, the antimicrobial disc-diffusion method and the antioxidant activity were analyzed by titration of KMnO4 extracts of plant root cultures. The qualitative and quantitative composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. In the course of the work, the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of plant root culture extracts was established. Biologically active substances contained in extracts of Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb root crops and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey are characterized by geroprotective potential, so they can act as a source of natural antioxidants in the functional nutrition of the geroprotective orientation.

Para garantir o abastecimento em tempo e ininterrupto de matérias-primas de plantas medicinais, são relevantes os métodos de cultivo de culturas de células vegetais, nomeadamente a produção de culturas de raízes vegetais. Neste trabalho, foi estudado o potencial geroprotetor de culturas de raízes de Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb e Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. Eles foram cultivados em condições in vitro pela transformação do rizoma (H. neglectum) e mudas de sementes (P. ginseng) com Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834 Swiss. Para identificar o potencial geroprotetor, o método antimicrobiano de difusão em disco e a atividade antioxidante foram analisados por titulação de extratos de KMnO4 de raízes de plantas. A composição qualitativa e quantitativa foi analisada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, cromatografia em camada delgada e cromatografia gasosa com espectrometria de massa. No decorrer do trabalho, foi constatada a presença de atividade antimicrobiana e antioxidante dos extratos de raízes de plantas. Substâncias biologicamente ativas contidas em extratos de raízes de H. neglectum Ledeb e P. ginseng C. A. Mey são caracterizadas pelo potencial geroprotetor, podendo atuar como fonte de antioxidantes naturais na nutrição funcional da orientação geroprotetora.

Authentication of Brazilian Ginseng using Bar-HRM analysis

Abstract Hebanthe eriantha (Martius) Kuntze and Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen are medicinal plants popularly known as "Brazilian Ginseng" due to their similarity to Panax ginseng. In Brazil, they are sold as the same herb, despite their different pharmacological and toxicological properties. The morphological identification is difficult, which facilitates their adulteration. We report the application of the Barcode DNA High-Resolution Melting (Bar-HRM) using matK gene to differentiate both species in samples sold in the Brazilian market. Using the proposed method, we could discriminate and identify both species. Bar-HRM analysis allowed discriminating and identifying both species. It allowed the identification of H. eriantha and P. glomerata in 43.6% and 56.4% of the amplified samples, respectively. Of these, only seven samples were authenticated and, in 71.4% of the cases, adulterated. We concluded that Bar-HRM has proven to be a fast alternative method to authenticate plants under the common name "Brazilian Ginseng".

Genetic population structure of the Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.) detected by microsatellite analysis.

Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. is a precious medicinal species native to the tropical forests of Vietnam. Due to habitat loss and over-harvesting, this species is endangered in Vietnam. To conserve the species, we investigated genetic variability and population structure using nine microsatellites for 148 individuals from seven populations across the current distribution range of P. vietnamensis in Vietnam. We determined a moderate genetic diversity within populations (HO = 0.367, HE = 0.437) and relatively low population differentiation (the Weir and Cockerham index of 0.172 and the Hedrick index of 0.254) and showed significant differentiation (P < 0.05), which suggested fragmented habitats, over-utilization and over-harvesting of P. vietnamensis. Different clustering methods revealed that individuals were grouped into two major clusters, which were associated with gene flow across the geographical range of P. vietnamensis. This study also detected that ginseng populations can have undergone a recent bottleneck. We recommend measures in future P. vietnamensis conservation and breeding programs.

Ginseng total saponins and Fuzi total alkaloids exert antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice through BDNF-mTORC1, autophagy and peripheral metabolic pathways.

BACKGROUND: Shenfu decoction (SFD) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that has a strong cardiotonic effect. The combination of ginseng (the dried root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) and Fuzi (processed product of sub-root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx), the main constituents of SFD, has been reported to improve the pharmacological effect of each other. Moreover, research has shown that the main active components of SFD, ginseng total saponins (GTS) and Fuzi total alkaloids (FTA), have antidepressant activity. However, the effects of these ingredients on depressive-like behavior induced by ovariectomy, a model of menopausal depression, have not been studied. PURPOSE: Our research aims to elucidate the antidepressant-like effects of GTS and FTA compatibility (GF) in ovariectomized mice and the potential mechanisms. METHODS: To elucidate the antidepressant-like effects of GF in mice in ovariectomy condition, behavioral tests were performed after 7 days of intragastric administration of different doses of GF. Underlying molecular mechanisms of CREB-BDNF, BDNF-mTORC1 and autophagy signaling were detected by western blotting, serum metabolites were examined by UPLC-QE plus-MS and dendritic spine density was determined by Golgi-Cox staining. RESULTS: GF remarkably decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test. GF also increased levels of pCREB/CREB, BDNF, Akt, mTORC1 and p62 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as decreased LC3-II/LC3-I in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of ovariectomized mice. Furthermore, 15 serum differential metabolites (9 of which are lipids and lipid molecules) were identified by metabonomics. Next, the antidepressant-like effects of GF was blocked by rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1. The antidepressant actions of GF on levels of pCREB, mTORC1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and p62 in the prefrontal cortex and the levels of BDNF, Akt, mTORC1 and p62 in the hippocampus were inhibited by rapamycin, and the dendritic spines density was also regulated. CONCLUSION: GF has antidepressant effects in ovariectomized mice, and like other antidepressants, these effects involve activation of BDNF-mTORC1, autophagy regulation and consequent effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Moreover, metabolomic results suggest that GF also has effects on peripheral lipid profiles that may provide potential biomarkers for these antidepressant-like effects. These results indicate that GF is worthy of further exploration as a promising pharmaceutical treatment for depression. This study provides a new direction for the development of new indications for traditional Chinese medicine compounds.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Panax ginseng and Hedysarum neglectum root crop extracts.

In order to ensure the timely and uninterrupted supply of medicinal plant raw materials, the methods of cultivation of plant cell cultures, namely, the production of plant root cultures, are relevant. In this paper, the geroprotective potential of Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey root cultures is studied. They were cultured under in vitro conditions by transforming the rhizome (H. neglectum) and seed seedlings (P. ginseng) with Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834 Swiss. To identify the geroprotective potential, the antimicrobial disc-diffusion method and the antioxidant activity were analyzed by titration of KMnO4 extracts of plant root cultures. The qualitative and quantitative composition was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. In the course of the work, the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of plant root culture extracts was established. Biologically active substances contained in extracts of Hedysarum neglectum Ledeb root crops and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey are characterized by geroprotective potential, so they can act as a source of natural antioxidants in the functional nutrition of the geroprotective orientation.

Panax ginseng and aging related disorders: A systematic review.

The aging process predisposes numerous homeostatic disorders, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Changes in diet and lifestyle and therapeutic adjuvants are essential to minimize the effects of comorbidities associated with aging. Natural products such as Panax ginseng have been used to treat and prevent diseases related to aging. This review aims to investigate the effects of Panax ginseng in various conditions associated with aging, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The ginsenosides, chemical constituents found in Panax ginseng, can inhibit the effects of inflammatory cytokines, inhibit signaling pathways that induce inflammation, and inhibit cells that participate in inflammatory processes. Besides, ginsenosides are involved in neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system due to anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The use of ginseng extract showed actions on lipid homeostasis, positively regulating high-density lipoprotein, down-regulating low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels, and producing beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function. The use of this plant in cancer resulted in improved quality of life and mood. It decreased symptoms of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dyspnea, reducing anxiety. Panax ginseng has been shown to exert potent therapeutic benefits that can act as a complementary treatment in managing patients with chronic diseases related to aging.

Panax ginseng Supplementation Increases Muscle Recruitment, Attenuates Perceived Effort, and Accelerates Muscle Force Recovery After an Eccentric-Based Exercise in Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Cristina-Souza, G, Santos-Mariano, AC, Lima-Silva, AE, Costa, PL, Domingos, PR, Silva, SF, Abreu, WC, De-Oliveira, FR, and Osiecki, R. Panax Ginseng supplementation increases muscle recruitment, attenuates perceived effort, and accelerates muscle force recovery after an eccentric-based exercise in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 991-997, 2022-The effect of Panax ginseng during and after an eccentric-based exercise is underexplored. In this study, we investigated the effect of Panax ginseng on muscle force and muscle excitation during an eccentric-based exercise and on subsequent muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 10 male track and field athletes consumed Panax ginseng or placebo for 8 days. At the fifth day, they performed 4 sets until concentric failure of a half-squat exercise, with eccentric action increased by using an eccentric-inductor device attached to their knees. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and vastus lateralis electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured during the half-squat. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, DOMS, and maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs) with EMG recording were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the half-squat. Panax ginseng attenuated RPE and increased EMG during the sets. The MIVC remained reduced 48 hours after exercise in the placebo but returned to baseline 24 hours after exercise in the Panax ginseng, with values at 24 and 48 hours after exercise significantly higher in the Panax ginseng than in the placebo. The EMG during MIVC was higher in the Panax ginseng than in the placebo over the time points. No significant effect of Panax ginseng on LDH, CK, and DOMS was observed. These findings suggest that Panax ginseng increases muscle excitation and attenuates perceived effort during an eccentric-based exercise as well as accelerates the recovery of muscle force in well-trained athletes.

Suppressive activity of RGX-365 on HMGB1-mediated septic responses

Abstract RGX-365 is the main fraction of black ginseng conmprising protopanaxatriol (PPT)-type rare ginsenosides (ginsenosides Rg4, Rg6, Rh4, Rh1, and Rg2). No studies on the antiseptic activity of RGX-365 have been reported. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is recognized as a late mediator of sepsis, and the inhibition of HMGB1 release and recovery of vascular barrier integrity have emerged as attractive therapeutic strategies for the management of sepsis. In this study, we examined the effects of RGX-365 on HMGB1-mediated septic responses and survival rate in a mouse sepsis model. RGX-365 was administered to the mice after HMGB1 challenge. The antiseptic activity of RGX-365 was assessed based on the production of HMGB1, measurement of permeability, and septic mouse mortality using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis mouse model and HMGB1-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that RGX-365 significantly reduced HMGB1 release from LPS- activated HUVECs and CLP-induced release of HMGB1 in mice. RGX-365 also restored HMGB1-mediated vascular disruption and inhibited hyperpermeability in the mice. In addition, treatment with RGX-365 reduced sepsis-related mortality in vivo. Our results suggest that RGX- 365 reduces HMGB1 release and septic mortality in vivo, indicating that it is useful in the treatment of sepsis.

Efficacy of Panax ginseng extract combined with cephalexin as a dry cow therapy.

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intramammary administration, at drying-off, of a Panax ginseng extract (PGe) combined with cephalexin (Ceph) on the post-calving bacteriological cure rate of pre-existing intramammary infections (IMI) and on the occurrence of new IMI during the dry period. In addition, milk yield and somatic cell count (SCC) in the post-treatment lactation were evaluated. One hundred and eight late-lactation cows were randomly divided into two experimental groups and were treated at drying-off with Ceph alone or PGe combined with Ceph.Cure rates for IMI present at drying-off were similar for both treatments (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.33-2.74). Cure rates for Staphylococcus aureus were lower (OR = 15.4, 95% CI = 1.66-142.52) in quarters treated with PGe + Ceph than in those treated with Ceph alone. Intramammary infusion of PGe + Ceph at drying-off had no effect on preventing new dry period IMI (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.38-1.51), compared with infusion of Ceph alone. Milk production and SCC in the ensuing lactation were not affected by PGe + Ceph treatment. In conclusion, addition of PGe to dry cow therapy did not show any advantage over the use of dry cow therapy alone.

-ecdysone content and antioxidant capacity in different organs of Brazilian ginseng / Teor de -ecdisona e capacidade antioxidante em diferentes órgãos de ginseng brasileiro

Plants that contain antioxidant compounds have attracted increasing interest for their vital role in the attenuation of oxidative damage caused by free radicals and in the treatment of various diseases. The present study investigated the -ecdysone content and the antioxidant activity of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) extracts obtained from inflorescences, stems, and roots. The P. glomerata extracts were tested for antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, -carotene bleaching test, and phosphomolybdenum method. The -ecdysone content of P. glomerata extracts was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The P. glomerata inflorescences showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity and the strongest antioxidant activity in the -carotene bleaching assay and phosphomolybdenum test. The roots showed the lowest antioxidant capacity in all of the assays. The concentration of -ecdysone in the plant organs followed the following decreasing order: inflorescences > stems > roots. The present study showed that P. glomerata inflorescence extract had high antioxidant capacity that could be attributed to the presence of β-ecdysone.(AU)

RESUMO: Plantas que contêm compostos antioxidantes têm atraído interesse crescente por seu papel fundamental na atenuação de danos oxidativos causados pelos radicais livres e no tratamento de várias doenças. O presente estudo investigou o conteúdo de β-ecdysone e a atividade antioxidante de extratos de ginseng brasileiro (Pfaffia glomerata) obtidos a partir das inflorescências, caules e raízes. Os extratos de Pfaffia glomerata foram testados para atividade antioxidante usando o método sequestrante do radical 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), sistema modelo -caroteno-linoleato e método de fosfomolibdênio. O conteúdo de β-ecdysona dos extratos de P. glomerata foi medido por cromatografia líquida de alta eficência (CLAE). As inflorescências de P. glomerata mostraram a maior atividade sequestrante de radical DPPH e a maior atividade antioxidante no ensaio -caroteno-linoleato e no teste de fosfomolibdênio. As raízes mostraram a menor capacidade antioxidante em todos os ensaios. A concentração de β-ecdysona nos órgãos da planta seguiu a seguinte ordem decrescente: inflorescências > caules > raízes. Os resultados indicaram uma correlação positiva entre conteúdo de -ecdisona e atividade sequestrante de radical DPPH. O presente estudo mostrou que o extrato das inflorescências de P. glomerata teve alta atividade antioxidante que poderia ser atribuída à presença de β-ecdysona.(AU)

How bad is brazilian ginseng extract for reproductive parameters in mice?

Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n = 60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3-3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantation.

Panax ginseng metabolite (GIM-1) modulates the effects of monobutyl phthalate (MBP) on the GPR30/GPER1 canonical pathway in human Sertoli cells.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of monobutyl phthalate (MBP) on GPR30-activated pathways in Sertoli cells. Additionally, we tested if GIM-1 (Panax ginseng metabolite) modulates MBP action. Human Sertoli cells (HSeC lineage) were exposed to MBP and/or GIM-1 for 30 min, 1, 12, and 48 h. Four experimental treatments were performed: control (DEMEM/F12 medium), MBP, GIM-1, and MBP + GIM-1. The results indicate that MBP activates GPR30, PKA, Src, EGFR, and the ERK1/2 proteins, while GIM-1 inhibits PKA, Src, ERK1/2, and the AKT pathway. MBP also enhances Cofilin expression, decreasing F-actin intensity on the cell surface in a short time. The combined exposure demonstrated a functional antagonism between compounds. Collectively, these data show that MBP activates GPR30 in Sertoli cells, and GIM-1 modulates this response, playing a protective role in Sertoli cells exposed to MBP.

Effects of Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng on the Metabolic Parameters of Rats Submitted to Swimming.

Adaptogen-based plant formulations play an important role in traditional medicine and have been used in medical practice to increase the resistance of individuals. Rhodiola rosea (RR) and Panax ginseng (PG) exhibit adaptogenic properties and are related to the recovery of homeostasis and strengthen systems impaired by stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of RR and PG on metabolic profile and muscle damage parameters in Wistar rats submitted to swimming. Animals were divided according to the following: G1: control group; G2: group that was submitted to swimming; G3: group treated with PG; G4: group treated with PG and submitted to swimming; G5: treated with RR; and G6: treated with RR and submitted to swimming. At the end of the experimental protocol, groups G2, G4, and G6 practiced swimming for a period five times longer than during the previous 30 days. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were investigated, and no significant results were found in the groups. Nevertheless, animals treated with PG and RR reduced the levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Our findings demonstrate that both PG and RR produced a significant reduction in the levels of CPK and LDH after physical stress, suggesting that they can be used to improve physical performance. For these reasons, we may say that these plants may be used to minimize the stress promoted by the practice of physical exercises.

Accessions of Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) with contrasting anthocyanin content behave differently in growth, antioxidative defense, and 20-hydroxyecdysone levels under UV-B radiation.

Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is an elicitor of secondary metabolites in plant tissue culture, but the effects on 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) are still unclear. The 20E may show biotechnological, pharmacological, medical, and agrochemical applicability. Here, we use Pfaffia glomerata, a medically important species, to understand the impacts of UV-B radiation on their physiological performance, the expression of key genes involved in the 20E biosynthesis, and the 20E content. Two accessions (A22 and A43) of plants 20 days old grown in vitro were exposed to 0 (control), 2 (6.84 kJ m-2), and 4 (13.84 kJ m-2) h UV-B radiation for 20 consecutive days. Our data showed that UV-B reduced glucose concentration in A22 and A43 under 4 h of exposure (29 and 30%, respectively), while sucrose concentration increased (32 and 57%, respectively). UV-B also differentially impacted the accessions (A22 and A43), where the A22 under 4 h of UV-B had reduced total dry weight (8%) and electron transport rate (31%); in contrast, A43 did not change. Also, only A22 had increased POD activity under 4 h of UV-B (66%), as well as increased gene expression of the 20E pathway and the 20E content under 2 and 4 h of UV-B in leaves (28 and 21%, respectively) and roots (16 and 13%, respectively). This differential performance to UV-B can be explained by the contrasting anthocyanin contents. Notably, A43 displayed 56% more anthocyanin to the former, a possible defense against UV-B. In conclusion, UV-B radiation is a potential elicitor for increasing 20E content in P. glomerata grown in vitro.

Evaluation of the testis function of mice exposed in utero and during lactation to Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian ginseng).

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng," is used as medicinal plant in Brazil to treat inflammatory diseases in general. Previous studies showed that its extract increases the nitric oxide (NO) levels. Knowing that NO downregulates steroidogenesis and that alterations in the action/production of androgens during perinatal life could alter testis development, the present studies sought to investigate the reproductive toxicity of Pfaffia glomerata on male mice exposed to hydroalcoholic extract in utero and during lactation. The present study shows that P. glomerata extract does not alter body weight, tubular diameter and testis function in male mice. Although a reduction in the testis weight was observed in the animals that received the highest dose directly in early post-natal life, our findings show clearly that P. glomerata may not act as an endocrine disruptor, and it is not an "antiandrogenic" compound that could lead to testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

Salinity-induced modifications on growth, physiology and 20-hydroxyecdysone levels in Brazilian-ginseng [Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen].

- Salinity is a major threat to agriculture. However, depending on the concentration of soluble salts in soil, increased secondary metabolite levels can occur with no major damages to plant growth and development. The phytoecdysteroid (PE) 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is a secondary metabolite with biotechnological, medicinal, pharmaceutical and agrochemical applicability. Here, we characterize the responses (growth and physiology) of Pfaffia glomerata under different NaCl concentrations and examine the production of 20E as affected by salinity. Forty-day-old plants grown in greenhouse were exposed to 0, 120, 240, 360 or 480 mM of NaCl for 11 days. Moderate salinity (i.e., 120 mM of NaCl) led to increased 20E concentrations in leaves (47%) relative to the control with no significant effect on photosynthesis and biomass accumulation, thus allowing improved 20E contents on a per whole-plant basis. In contrast, plants under high salinity (i.e., 240-480 mM of NaCl) displayed similar 20E concentrations in leaves compared to the control, but with marked impairments to biomass accumulation and photosynthetic performance (coupled with decreased sucrose and starch levels) in parallel to nutritional imbalance. High salinity also strongly increased salicylic acid levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and osmoregulatory status. Regardless of stress severity, 20E production was accompanied by the upregulation of Spook and Phantom genes. Our findings suggest that P. glomerata cultivation in moderate salinity soils can be considered as a suitable agricultural option to increase 20E levels, since metabolic and structural complexity that makes its artificial synthesis very difficult.

Panax ginseng methabolit (GIM-1) prevents oxidative stress and apoptosis in human Sertoli cells exposed to Monobutyl-phthalate (MBP).

This study evaluated oxidative stress markers in Human Sertoli cells cultivated on Geltrex® and exposed to Monobutyl Phthalate (MBP), and the potential cytoprotective role of GIM-1 on the antioxidant response. Exposure was performed at 30 min, 1, 12 and 48 h into 4 groups: control, MBP (10µM), GIM-1 (0,05µM) and MBP + GIM-1. Morphology was evaluated. Antioxidant enzymes were analyzed by colorimetric method; NRF-2, SIRT-1, 8- OHdG and Cleaved Caspase-3 by Western Blot. Larger spaces between cells were shown in MBP treatment; GIM-1 was similar to Control and MBP + GIM-1 showed an intermediate aspect. MBP reduced enzymatic activity of all enzymes and NRF-2 expression, increasing cleaved Caspase-3 expression; while GIM-1 increased antioxidants markers alone and attenuated MPB effects in MBP + GIM-1. MBP induced deleterious effects on Sertoli cells, increasing the oxidative stress, apoptosis and modifying their distribution in culture; however, GIM-1 acted as an important cytoprotective agent reversing our attenuating MBP effects.

Obtaining functional powder tea from Brazilian ginseng roots: Effects of freeze and spray drying processes on chemical and nutritional quality, morphological and redispersion properties.

In this work, the aqueous extract obtained from Brazilian ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) roots (BGR), rich in beta-ecdysone and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), was powdered by spray drying and freeze drying techniques aiming to obtain a novel functional food product. The effects of these drying techniques on the chemical and nutritional quality, morphological and redispersion properties of the BGR powders were evaluated. The BGR powders obtained by both spray drying and freeze drying techniques maintained their beta-ecdysone and FOS contents after drying, demonstrating the stability of these functional compounds. It was found that the wettability of the powders obtained by different treatments was affected by the drying technique because freeze-dried particles reached the lower values (66 ±â€¯5 s) while spray-dried particles showed a greater time for dispersion into water (150 ±â€¯25 s). This behavior was mainly associated with differences between powder morphological properties since the freeze-dried particles presented a more porous structure, resulting in a greater water diffusivity into microstructure during the redispersion process. Drying process did not affect the storage stability of powders because the glass transition temperature (Tg) for both samples was approximately 160 °C at a relative humidity of 56%. Thus, both BGR powders presented adequate redispersion properties to constitute a new functional tea or even to be used as a functional ingredient in food products.

Effects of Different Types of Red Ginseng Marc and Fermented Red Koji Blend as Feed Additives on Blood Parameters and Egg Yolk Fatty Acid Profiles of Laying Hens

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different forms (powder, pellet, and coated pellet) of red ginseng marc (RGM) and fermented red koji (FRK) feed additive on the blood parameters and fatty acid (FA) profiles of laying hens, after two months of dietary supplementation. A number of 240 40-week-old Hy-line Brown laying hens were randomly designated to four dietary treatments, each with six replicates of 10 hens each, in a completely randomized design. The control group was fed a basal diet, and the other three treatments groups were fed 1% RGM powder mixed with FRK, pellets of 1% RGM with FRK, and coated pellets of 1% RGM with FRK. The powder and coated pellet diets contained the lowest total cholesterol and glucose levels, respectively, whereas the coated pellet diet contained the highest HDL cholesterol level, compared to the basal diet of the control group. For FA profiles, significant differences (p 0.05) were observed among the groups with regard to the percentages of myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margaroleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, a-linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Moreover, addition of different forms of the RGM and FRK blend to the hens diets showed an increase (p 0.05) in the relative percentages of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and the UFA: SFA ratio and a decrease (p 0.05) in the relative percentages of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the egg yolk, compared to the control group. In conclusion, dietary coated pellets of RGM and FRK as a feed additive blend had a beneficial effect on serum cholesterol and FA profiles in laying hens.(AU)