Saponin contents and anticarcinogenic effects of ginseng depending on types and ages in mice

Taik Koo Yun, Yun Sil Lee, Hee Young Kwon, Kang Ju Choi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

AIM: To compare the anticarcinogenic effects of fresh, white, and red ginseng (Panax ginseng C A Meyer) roots and their saponins. METHODS: Lung adenoma in newborn N : GP (S) mice was induced by a subcutaneous injection of benzo(a)pyrene 0.5 mg. After weaning, ginseng powders or extracts were given in the drinking water for 6 wk. In the 9th wk the incidence and multiplicity of lung adenoma were counted. RESULTS: Anticarcinogenic effects were found in 6-year-dried fresh ginseng, 5- and 6-year white ginseng, and 4-, 5-, and 6- year-red ginseng powders. Anticarcinogenic effects were also found in 6- year-dried fresh ginseng, 5- and 6-year-white ginseng, and 4-, 5-, and 6- year-red ginseng extracts. The content of major ginsenosides R(b1), R(b2), R(c), R(d), R(e), R(f), R(g1) showed a little higher tendency in fresh or white ginsengs than red ginseng. This tendency was increased as the cultivation ages were increased. But there was no relationship was found between ginsenoside contents and preparation types or cultivation ages. CONCLUSION: Long-cultivated ginseng and red ginseng contain a higher amount of anticarcinogenic components.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)293-298
Number of pages6
JournalActa Pharmacologica Sinica
Volume17
Issue number4
StatePublished - Jul 1996

Keywords

  • anticarcinogenic agents
  • benzo(a)pyrene
  • ginseng
  • lung neoplasms
  • pharmacognosy
  • phytogenic antineoplastic agents
  • plant extracts
  • plant roots
  • saponins

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