Biomol Ther.  2014 Jan;22(1):55-61.

Inhibition of TNF-alpha-Mediated NF-kappaB Transcriptional Activity by Dammarane-Type Ginsenosides from Steamed Flower Buds of Panax ginseng in HepG2 and SK-Hep1 Cells

• Cho K
• Song SB
• Tung NH
• Kim KE
• Kim YH

Abstract

Panax ginseng is a medicinal herb that is used worldwide. Its medicinal effects are primarily attributable to ginsenosides located in the root, leaf, seed, and flower. The flower buds of Panax ginseng (FBPG) are rich in various bioactive ginsenosides, which exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of 18 ginsenosides isolated from steamed FBPG on the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-stimulated target genes in liver-derived cell lines. Noticeably, the ginsenosides Rk3 and Rs4 exerted the strongest activity, inhibiting NF-kappaB in a dose-dependent manner. SF and Rg6 also showed moderately inhibitory effects. Furthermore, these four compounds inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced expression of IL8, CXCL1, iNOS, and ICAM1 genes. Consequently, ginsenosides purified from steamed FBPG have therapeutic potential in TNF-alpha-mediated diseases such as chronic hepatic inflammation.

Keyword

NF-kappaB inhibitory activity; Panax ginseng flower buds; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Hepatocyte derived cells

MeSH Terms

Cell Line
Cotyledon
Flowers*
Ginsenosides*
Inflammation
Interleukin-8
NF-kappa B*
Panax*
Plants, Medicinal
Steam*
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
Ginsenosides
Interleukin-8
NF-kappa B
Steam
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha