Ann Dermatol.  2021 Jun;33(3):245-253. 10.5021/ad.2021.33.3.245.

Effect of Red Ginseng Oil on Cultured Sebocytes and Outer Root Sheath Cells after Treatment with Lipopolysaccharide

• Jung HJ
• Lee SH
• Kwack MH
• Lee WJ

• KMID: 2515743
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2021.33.3.245

Abstract

Background
Ginseng has been known in Korea as a healthsupportive herbal medicine from time immemorial. Essential oil isolated from fresh ginseng has been shown to display antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.
Objective
The effects of red ginseng oil (RGO) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated sebocytes and outer root sheath (ORS) cells were studied.
Methods
The cultured cells were treated with either 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide, 5 μg/ml LPS, 50 μg/ml RGO, or 5 μg/ml LPS plus 50 μg/ml RGO for 6 and 24 hours. RT-PCR, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed for the analysis of inflammatory cytokine.
Results
RGO showed the increased gene and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the LPS-treated sebocytes and ORS cells. RGO also showed the increased protein expression of p-c-jun and p-JNK in the LPS-treated sebocytes and ORS cells. Gene expression of TLR2 was increased in LPS-treated sebocytes following treatment with RGO. Additionally, RGO resulted in an increased expression of LL-37 in the LPS-treated sebocytes and ORS cells. Moreover, it remarkably increased the production of sebum in LPS-treated sebocytes.
Conclusion
RGO might be among the aggravating factors of acne vulgaris. It would be better to stop taking red ginseng in patients with inflammatory acne.

Keyword

Acne vulgaris; Outer root sheath cells; Red ginseng oil; Sebocytes