Preparation of Polyethylene Glycol-Ginsenoside Rh1 and Rh2 Conjugates and Their Efficacy against Lung Cancer and Inflammation.

Low solubility and tumor-targeted delivery of ginsenosides to avoid off-target cytotoxicity are challenges for clinical trials. In the present study, we report on a methodology for the synthesis of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ginsenoside conjugates through a hydrolysable ester bond using the hydrophilic polymer polyethylene glycol with the hydrophobic ginsenosides Rh1 and Rh2 to enhance water solubility and passive targeted delivery. The resulting conjugates were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). 1H NMR revealed that the C-6 and C-3 sugar hydroxyl groups of Rh1 and Rh2 were esterified. The conjugates showed spherical shapes that were monitored by field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and the average sizes of the particles were 62 ± 5.72 nm and 134 ± 8.75 nm for PEG-Rh1and PEG-Rh2, respectively (measured using a particle size analyzer). Owing to the hydrophilic enhancing properties of PEG, PEG-Rh1 and PEG-Rh2 solubility was greatly enhanced compared to Rh1 and Rh2 alone. The release rates of Rh1 and Rh2 were increased in lower pH conditions (pH 5.0), that for pathophysiological sites as well as for intracellular endosomes and lysosomes, compared to normal-cell pH conditions (pH 7.4). In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the PEG-Rh1conjugates had greater anticancer activity in a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549) compared to Rh1 alone, whereas PEG-Rh2 showed lower cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells. On the other hand, both PEG-Rh1 and PEG-Rh2 showed non-cytotoxicity in a nondiseased murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) compared to free Rh1 and Rh2, but PEG-Rh2 exhibited increased efficacy against inflammation by greatly inhibiting nitric oxide production. Thus, the overall conclusion of our study is that PEG conjugation promotes the properties of Rh1 for anticancer and Rh2 for inflammation treatments. Depends on the disease models, they could be potential drug candidates for further studies.

Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized with Fresh Panax ginseng Leaf Extract Suppress Adipogenesis by Downregulating PPARγ/CEBPα Signaling in 3T3-L1 Mature Adipocytes.

The obesity rate has been increasing worldwide, which is important because obesity has been linked to the development of various metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and stroke. Nanomedicine offers a new approach for treating many diseases, including metabolic disorders such as obesity. In this study, we explored the anti-adipogenic effects of spherical gold nanoparticles synthesized with fresh Panax ginseng leaves (P.g AuNPS) in vitro using 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. Cell viability was assessed by quantitating preadipocyte growth at different time points. Furthermore, to assess the anti-adipogenic effects of P.g AuNPS, intracellular lipid accumulation was investigated in mature adipocytes. To this end, cells were observed under a microscope and OD measurements were taken after Oil Red O staining. In addition, transcriptional gene regulation was examined by performing real time PCR to assess the levels of adipogenic genes such as PPARγ, CEBPα, CEBPß, Jak2, STAT3, FAS, SREBP-1, and ap2. Moreover, protein levels were evaluated by immunoblotting. Altogether, these results confirm that P.g AuNPS exhibit anti-adipogenic effects at a concentration of 100 µg/ml and that these effects are mediated by the downregulation of PPARγ/CEBPα (major transcription factors) signaling in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes.

Computational Investigation of Ginsenoside F1 from Panax ginseng Meyer as p38 MAP Kinase Inhibitor: Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulations, ADMET Analysis, and Drug Likeness Prediction.

Ginsenoside F1 (G-F1) is biologically an active compoud isolated from Korean Panax ginseng Meyer. In the present study, the potential therapeutic effect of G-F1 were investigated by computational target fishing approaches including ADMET prediction, biological activity prediction from chemical structure, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics methods. Results were suggested to express the biological activity of G-F1 against p38 MAP kinase protein. The p38 MAP kinase protein is an important signal transducing enzyme involved in many cellular regulations, including signaling pathways, pain and inflammation. Numerous studies are shown that an abnormal activation of p38 MAP kinase leads to variety of diseases. The pharmacokinetic result proves that G- F1 can act non-toxic drug like molecule. In addition, molecular level interaction results of G- F1 with p38 MAP kinase active (binding) sites residues clearly defines its inhibitory action on p38 MAP kinase. Further, molecular dynamics study also supported p38 MAP kinase and G-F1 structural stability. Findings from out study will assist to discover the active drug like molecules from Panax ginseng with help of molecular modeling techniques.

In vitro evaluation of the potential therapeutic role of Dendropanax morbifera extract in ameliorating osteoporosis and resultant bone impairment using MC3T3-E1 cells.

Osteoporosis is a widespread musculoskeletal deformity that affects thousands of older people every year, leading to bone abnormalities and ultimately increasing the risk of bone fractures in both genders. It is considered a lethal disease causing death in thousands of people at the late stage of life. Dendropanax morbifera Leveille is a subtropical broad-leaved prevalent species in Korea. Extracts of the leaves, stems, roots, and seeds of D. morbifera have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases such as diabetes, atherogenesis, skin disorders, and headaches. However, the anti-osteoporosis effects of D. morbifera have not been examined. The primary objectives of this study were to elucidate the anti-osteoporosis effect of D. morbifera extract through an in vitro study using pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. We found that D. morbifera strongly increased the expression of bone metabolic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, type I collagen (Col-I) level, and mineralization. Additionally, D. morbifera extract also upregulated the mRNA expression levels of osteogenic genes including ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), osterix (Osx), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in MC3T3-E1 cells via upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/p38 MAPK/JNK and Smad1/5/8 signaling pathways. Moreover, addition of D. morbifera significantly suppressed the inhibitory effect of SB203580 (p38 inhibitor). In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that D. morbifera extract significantly increased osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells by regulating BMP-2/p38/JNK and Smad1/5/8. Our study might be helpful in the discovery and development of new anti-osteoporosis therapeutic agents.

Biosynthesis of gold and silver chloride nanoparticles mediated by Crataegus pinnatifida fruit extract: in vitro study of anti-inflammatory activities.

This research article investigates the one-pot synthesis of gold and silver chloride nanoparticles functionalized by fruit extract of Crataegus pinnatifida as reducing and stabilizing agents and their possible roles as novel anti-inflammatory agents. Hawthorn (C. pinnatifida) fruits are increasingly popular as raw materials for functional foods and anti-inflammatory potential agents because of abundant flavonoids. The reduction of auric chloride and silver nitrate by the aqueous fruit extract led to the formation of gold and silver chloride nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were further characterized by field emission transmission electron microscopy indicated that CP-AuNps and CP-AgClNps were hexagonal and cubic shape, respectively. According to X-ray diffraction results, the average crystallite sizes of CP-AuNps and CP-AgClNps were 14.20 nm and 24.80 nm. The biosynthesized CP-AgClNps served as efficient antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, CP-AuNps and CP-AgClNps enhanced the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the fruit extract. Lastly, MTT assay of nanoparticles demonstrated low toxicity in murine macrophage (RAW264.7). Biosynthesized nanoparticles also reduced the production of the inflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Altogether, these findings suggest that CP-AuNps and CP-AgClNps can be used as novel drug carriers or biosensors with intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity.

Biosynthesized gold and silver nanoparticles by aqueous fruit extract of Chaenomeles sinensis and screening of their biomedical activities.

The design of mild and non-toxic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is a topical subject in the nanotechnology field. The objective of this present study is to screen the bioactivity of biosynthesized nanoparticles by aqueous fruit extract of Chaenomeles sinensis. The reducing and stabilizing ability of C. sinensis to fabricate gold (Cs-AuNps) and silver (Cs-AgNps) nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy at 562 nm and 477 nm, respectively. The field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) verify the nano-scale morphology and crystallinity of Cs-AuNps (20-40 nm) and Cs-AgNps (5-20 nm). Furthermore, we evaluated the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells. The results showed that Cs-AuNps (IC50: 725.93 µg/mL) displayed superior inhibitory activities on DPPH than Cs-AuNps. The biosynthesized Cs-AuNps successfully inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria S. aureus (ATCC 6538) and E. coli (BL21). The cytotoxic effect of Cs-AuNps and Cs-AgNps was evaluated in murine macrophage (RAW264.7) and human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) by MTT assay. Thus, the present study explores the biomedical applications of gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized by C. sinensis.

Biological synthesis of gold and silver chloride nanoparticles by Glycyrrhiza uralensis and in vitro applications.

The current study highlights the rapid biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Gu-AuNps) and silver chloride nanoparticles (Gu-AgClNps) by aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, a medicinal plant. G. uralensis has been reported for anticancer and hepatoprotective effects. The reduction of chloroauric acid and silver nitrate by the Glycyrrhiza root extract prompted the formation of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps within 4 and 40 min at 80 °C, respectively. The complete reaction did not require supplemental reducing and stabilizing agents, which demonstrated green synthesis. Field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) revealed the spherical shape of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed face-centred cubic structure of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps with average crystallite size 12.25 nm and 8.01 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized Gu-AgClNps served as competent antimicrobial agent against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Additionally, Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps were analyzed for their catalytic ability to reduce methylene blue as model test pollutant. Likewise, both nanoparticles possessed free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH). Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity in murine macrophage (RAW264.7) and human breast cancer (MCF7) cells were evaluated. Thus, the study proposes a green synthesis of Gu-AuNps and Gu-AgClNps by G. uralensis extract and in vitro biological applications. [Formula: see text].

In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of spherical silver nanoparticles and monodisperse hexagonal gold nanoparticles by fruit extract of Prunus serrulata: a green synthetic approach.

Recently, green metal nanoparticles have received global attention owing to their economical synthesis, biocompatible nature, widespread biomedical and environmental applications. Current study demonstrates a sustainable approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (P-AuNPs) from P. serrulata fresh fruit extract. The silver and gold nanoparticles were synthesized in a very rapid, efficient and facile manner, within 50 min and 30 s at 80 °C, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized by using visual observation, UV-Vis, FE-TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, FT-IR, XRD and DLS, which confirmed the formation of monodispersed, crystalline and stable nanoparticles. Further, we explored these nanoparticles for anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of downstream NF-κB activation in macrophages (RAW264.7). We demonstrated that the nanoparticles reduced expression of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PEG2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was attenuated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, nanoparticles significantly suppressed LPS-induced activation of NF-κB signalling pathway via p38 MAPK in RAW 264.7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the efficient green synthesis of P-AgNPs and P-AuNPs using P. serrulata fresh fruit extract and its in vitro anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, our results suggest that P. serrulata fresh fruit extract is a green resource for the eco-friendly synthesis of P-AgNPs and P-AuNPs, which further can be utilized as a novel therapeutic agent for prevention and cure of inflammation due to their biocompatible nature.

Cardamom fruits as a green resource for facile synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles and their biological applications.

Gold (FA-AuNps) and silver (FA-AgNps) nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature by aqueous extract of dried fruits of Amomum villosum, also known as Fructus Amomi (cardamom), in order to confer antioxidant, catalytic, antimicrobial activities and treatment effect against breast cancer cells. Fruit extracts served as both reducing agents and stabilizers in lieu of chemical agents. Ultra-violet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the biosynthesized nanoparticles. Both FA-AuNps and FA-AgNps exhibited free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH). Additionally, biosynthesized nanoparticles successfully reduced methylene blue, a well-known redox indicator. FA-AgNps showed zones of inhibition against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Finally, the biological activities and cytotoxicity of nanoparticles were subsequently investigated in vitro. FA-AuNps demonstrated a potential cytotoxic agent against breast cancer cells as evaluated by MTT assay. The study highlights a rapid synthesis of FA-AuNps and FA-AgNps by dried Fructus Amomi aqueous extract and evaluates their potential biological applications on medical platforms.

Gold nanoflowers synthesized using Acanthopanacis cortex extract inhibit inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.

We reported the rapid synthesis (<8s) of gold nanoparticles at room temperature using Acanthopanacis cortex extract (A-AuNPs). We characterized the A-AuNPs using several analytical techniques and found that nano-flower type A-AuNPs, which are known to possess a coarse surface with a high surface to volume ratio, conferring these particles with high binding capacity for various biological molecules. After confirming the stability of the nanoparticles, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of A-AuNPs in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These nanoparticles inhibited LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 protein as well as gene expression level, along with reduction of NO and PGE2 production. Furthermore, we observed that the A-AuNPs inhibited translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 through phosphorylation of MAPK signaling by western blot analysis. In summary, we synthesized gold nanoflowers in an economical and eco-friendly way using Acanthopanacis cortex extract and the resultant flower-like A-AuNPs had anti-inflammatory activity, highlighting their potential as therapeutic candidates for suppression of inflammatory-mediated diseases.

Gold nanoflowers synthesized using Acanthopanacis cortex extract inhibit inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.

We reported the rapid synthesis (<8s) of gold nanoparticles at room temperature using Acanthopanacis cortex extract (A-AuNPs). We characterized the A-AuNPs using several analytical techniques and found that nano-flower type A-AuNPs, which are known to possess a coarse surface with a high surface to volume ratio, conferring these particles with high binding capacity for various biological molecules. After confirming the stability of the nanoparticles, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of A-AuNPs in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. These nanoparticles inhibited LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 protein as well as gene expression level, along with reduction of NO and PGE2 production. Furthermore, we observed that the A-AuNPs inhibited translocation of NF-κB and AP-1 through phosphorylation of MAPK signaling by western blot analysis. In summary, we synthesized gold nanoflowers in an economical and eco-friendly way using Acanthopanacis cortex extract and the resultant flower-like A-AuNPs had anti-inflammatory activity, highlighting their potential as therapeutic candidates for suppression of inflammatory-mediated diseases.

Pleuropterus multiflorus (Hasuo) mediated straightforward eco-friendly synthesis of silver, gold nanoparticles and evaluation of their anti-cancer activity on A549 lung cancer cell line.

Pleuropterus multiflorus (Hasuo) is a widely used medicinal plant in Korea and China for treating amnesia, isnomia, heart throbbing etc. With the constructive idea of promoting the wide-spread usage of P. multiflorus, we propose its indirect usage in the form of biologically active silver (Pm-AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (Pm-AuNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were predominantly spherical, crystalline with the Z-average hydrodynamic diameter of 274.8nm and 104.8nm respectively. Also, proteins and phenols were identified as the major players involved in their synthesis and stability. Further, Pm-AgNPs at 25µg/mL were significantly cytotoxic to lung cancer cells, whereas, Pm-AuNPs were not cytotoxic to both normal keratinocyte and lung cancer cells even at 100µg/mL. In addition, further evaluation of the anti-cancer activity of these new nanoparticles, such as migration and apoptosis, shown that Pm-AgNPs have a potential therapeutic effect on A549 lung cancer cell treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report dissecting out the ability of the endemic P. multiflorus for the synthesis of bioactive silver and gold nanoparticle which would open up doors for its extensive usage in medicinal field.

Cynanchum wilfordii Polysaccharides Suppress Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Acute Colitis in Mice and the Production of Inflammatory Mediators from Macrophages.

We recently reported the immune-enhancing effects of a high-molecular-weight fraction (HMF) of CW in macrophages and immunosuppressed mice, and this effect was attributed to a crude polysaccharide. As polysaccharides may also have anti-inflammatory functions, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related molecular mechanisms of a crude polysaccharide (HMFO) obtained from HMF of CW in mice with dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis and in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. HMFO ameliorated the pathological characteristics of colitis and significantly reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum. Histological analysis indicated that HMFO improved the signs of histological damage such as abnormal crypts, crypt loss, and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by DSS. In addition, HMFO inhibited iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, as well as phosphorylated NF-κB p65 levels in the colon tissue of mice with DSS-induced colitis. In macrophages, HMFO inhibited several cytokines and enzymes involved in inflammation such as prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 by attenuating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases. HMFO attenuated inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, primarily by inhibiting NF-κB activation. Our findings indicate that HMFO is a promising remedy for treating inflammatory bowel diseases, such as colitis.

In situ preparation of water-soluble ginsenoside Rh2-entrapped bovine serum albumin nanoparticles: in vitro cytocompatibility studies.

The present study investigates a simple and convenient one-step procedure for the preparation of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-Rh2 nanoparticles (NPs) at room temperature. In this work, ginsenoside Rh2 was entrapped within the BSA protein to form BSA-Rh2 NPs to enhance the aqueous solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy of Rh2. The physiochemical characterization by high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that the prepared BSA-Rh2 NPs were spherical, highly monodispersed, and stable in aqueous systems. In addition, the stability of NPs in terms of different time intervals, pHs, and temperatures (20°C-700°C) was analyzed. The results obtained with different pHs showed that the synthesized BSA-Rh2 NPs were stable in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4) for up to 8 days, but degraded under acidic conditions (pH 5.0) representing the pH inside tumor cells. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the water solubility of BSA-Rh2 NPs and standard Rh2 showed that the BSA nanocarrier enhanced the water solubility of Rh2. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity assays including cell viability assays and morphological analyses revealed that Rh2-entrapped BSA NPs, unlike the free Rh2, demonstrated better in vitro cell viability in HaCaT skin cell lines and that BSA enhanced the anticancer effect of Rh2 in A549 lung cell and HT29 colon cancer cell lines. Additionally, anti-inflammatory assay of BSA-Rh2 NPs and standard Rh2 performed using RAW264.7 cells revealed decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production by BSA-Rh2 NPs. Collectively, the present study suggests that BSA can significantly enhance the therapeutic behavior of Rh2 by improving its solubility and stability in aqueous systems, and hence, BSA-Rh2 NPs may potentially be used as a ginsenoside delivery vehicle in cancer and inflammatory cell lines.

Biosynthesis, Characterization, and Bioactivities Evaluation of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Mediated by the Roots of Chinese Herbal Angelica pubescens Maxim.

A facile synthesis and biological applications of silver (DH-AgNps) and gold nanoparticles (DH-AuNps) mediated by the aqueous extract of Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Du Huo) are explored. Du Huo is a medicinal root belonging to Angelica pubescens Maxim which possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. The absorption spectra of nanoparticles in varying root extract and metal ion concentration, pH, reaction temperatures, and time were recorded by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The presence of DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps was confirmed from the surface plasmon resonance intensified at ~414 and ~540 nm, respectively. Field emission transmission electron micrograph (FE-TEM) analysis revealed the formation of quasi-spherical DH-AgNps and spherical icosahedral DH-AuNps. These novel DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps maintained an average crystallite size of 12.48 and 7.44 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps exhibited antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH) radicals and the former exhibited antimicrobial activity against clinical pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enterica. The expected presence of flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and phenols on the nanoparticle surface were conjectured to grant protection against aggregation and free radical scavenging activity. DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps were further investigated for their cytotoxic properties in RAW264.7 macrophages for their potential application as drug carriers to sites of inflammation. In conclusion, this green synthesis is favorable for the advancement of plant mediated nano-carriers in drug delivery systems, cancer diagnostic, and medical imaging. Schematic diagram of biosynthesis of DH-AgNps and DH-AuNps and evaluation of their bioactivities.

Pharmacological importance, characterization and applications of gold and silver nanoparticles synthesized by Panax ginseng fresh leaves.

Previously, we showed the rapid and eco-friendly synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles within 3 and 45 min by fresh leaves extract of herbal medicinal plant Panax ginseng. In addition, we characterized the nanoparticles in terms of shape, size, morphology and stability by FE-TEM, EDX, elemental mapping, SEAD, XRD and particles size analysis. In addition of this, we showed their antimicrobial, anti-coagulant, and biofilm inhibition activity of nanoparticles. Continuing our previous study, here we highlight the further characterization and biomedical applications of P. ginseng leaf-mediated gold and silver nanoparticles. We characterized the nanoparticles further in terms of active functional group and capping layer, surface charge, and temperature stability. Based on these factors, we explored the nanoparticles for antioxidant efficacy, biocompatibility in HaCaT cells, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes cells, for anticancer efficacy in A549 lung cancer and B16BL6 skin melenoma cancer cell lines and for anti-inflammation efficacy in RAW 264.7 cell lines. Based on our findings, we suggest that the P. ginseng-mediated gold nanoparticles have high antioxidant activity and highly biocompatibility in HaCaT cells, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes cells, RAW 264.7 cells lines and could be considered for future drug delivery carriers. The silver nanoparticles also showed high potent antioxidant efficacy, additionally it showed high anticancer effect in A549 lung cancer and B16BL6 skin melenoma cancer cell lines as compared to precursor salts. Moreover, both gold and silver nanoparticles have anti-inflammatory efficacies in RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, the study may provide useful insights of P. ginseng leaves extract-mediated biocompatible gold and silver nanoparticles and improving their applicability in designing nanoparticles carrier systems for drug delivery applications.

Ginsenoside Rg5: Rk1 Exerts an Anti-obesity Effect on 3T3-L1 Cell Line by the Downregulation of PPARγ and CEBPα.

Background: Obesity, a global health problem and a chronic disease, is associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary heart diseases. A wide variety of natural remedies have been explored for their obesity treatment potential. Objective: The anti-adipogenic effect of ginsenoside Rg5:Rk1 (Rg5:Rk1) on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes was investigated. Materials and Methods: To elucidate the anti-obesity effect of Rg5:Rk1, a mixture of protopanaxadiol type ginsenosides isolated from Panax ginseng Meyer in a 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In order to determine the anti-obesity effect of Rg5:Rk1, based on oil Red O Staining, triglyceride (TG) content in adipose cells was assessed. Furthermore, to elucidate the possible mechanism of Rg5:RK1 effect on lipid accumulation, mRNA and protein expression analyses of adipocyte markers such as STAT3, PPARγ, CBEPα and ap2 were carried out. Results: Rg5:Rk1 treatment showed an inhibition of lipid droplet accumulation and decrease of TG content. In addition, expression of STAT3, PPARγ, CEBPα and ap2 were decreased in a dose dependent manner. Similarly, the Rg5:Rk1 treatment reduced PPARγ and CEBPα protein expression. Conclusion: Rg5:Rk1 treatment exhibits anti-adipogenic activity by down-regulation of the STAT3/ PPARg/CEBPa signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line.

Green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Cibotium barometz root.

Green synthesis of gold (CB-AuNps) and silver (CB-AgNps) nanoparticles using Cibotium barometz root extract was highlighted. CB-AuNps were synthesized almost instantly and CB-AgNps were formed after 25 min in a heated aqueous extract. The formation of CB-AuNps and CB-AgNps was detected at 548 and 412 nm; they were spherical with crystallite sizes of 6 nm and 23 nm, respectively. CB-AgNps were further investigated for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH) free radicals was demonstrated. Lastly, the cytotoxic properties of CB-AuNps and CB-AgNps were explored in murine macrophages (RAW264.7) cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This study demonstrated the prospective biomedical applications of CB-AuNps and CB-AgNps as antioxidant, antimicrobial agents, and drug-delivery agents.

Gold nanoparticles synthesized using Panax ginseng leaves suppress inflammatory - mediators production via blockade of NF-κB activation in macrophages.

In the present study, we report that Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using the leaf extract of Panax ginseng Meyer (P.g AuNPs) exert anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of downstream NF-κB activation in macrophages. We found that P.g AuNPs reduced the expression of the inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PEG2), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was attenuated by P.g AuNPs. Furthermore, P.g AuNPs suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of NF-κB signaling pathway via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that P.g AuNPs can be utilized as a novel therapeutic agent for the prevention and cure of inflammation.

Coalescence of functional gold and monodisperse silver nanoparticles mediated by black Panax ginseng Meyer root extract.

A rapid biological synthesis of multifunctional gold nanoparticle (AuNp) and monodisperse silver nanoparticle (AgNp) was achieved by an aqueous extract of black Panax ginseng Meyer root. The physicochemical transformation into black ginseng (BG) greatly enhanced the pharmacological activities of white ginseng and its minor ginsenoside content. The optimal temperature conditions and kinetics of bioreduction were investigated. Formation of BG-AuNps and BG-AgNps was verified by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry at 548 and 412 nm, respectively. The biosynthesized BG-AgNps were spherical and monodisperse with narrow distribution, while BG-AuNps were icosahedral-shaped and moderately polydisperse. Synthesized nanoparticles exhibited long-term stability in buffers of pH 7.0-8.0 and biological media (5% bovine serum albumin) at an ambient temperature and at 37°C. BG-AgNps showed effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. BG-AuNps and BG-AgNps demonstrated increased scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals. In addition, BG-AuNps and BG-AgNps were nontoxic to HaCaT and MCF-7 cells; the latter showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations lower than 10 µg/mL. At higher concentrations, BG-AgNps exhibited apparent apoptotic activity in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line through reactive oxygen species generation and nuclear fragmentation.