Antiallergic Activity of Ginseng and its Ginsenosides

Abstract

In this study, we measured the antiallergic activities of ginsenosides isolated from the root of Panax ginseng ( Araliaceae), and of their metabolites, as produced by human intestinal bacteria. Compound K, which was identified as a main metabolite, had the most potent inhibitory activity on β-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells and on the PCA reaction. The inhibitory activity of compound K was more potent than that of disodium cromoglycate, one of the commercial anti-allergic drugs. This compound demonstrated a membrane stabilizing action on differential scanning calorimetry. However, compound K did not inhibit the activation of hyaluronidase and did not scavenge active oxygen. These results suggest that the antiallergic action of compound K originates from its cell membrane stabilizing activity and that the ginsenosides of ginseng are prodrugs with extensive antiallergic properties.

Abbreviations

compound K:20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol

DNP:dinitrophenol

DSCG:disodium cromoglycate

DPPC:dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine

DPPH:1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl

HSA:human serum albumin

IC₅₀:50% inhibitory concentration

EC₅₀:50% effective concentration

XOD:xanthine oxidase

ICR:Institute of Cancer Research

PBS:phosphate buffered saline

PCA:passive cutaneous anaphylaxis

RAW264.7:mouse monocyte leukemiaRBL-2H3: rat basophil leukemia

SD:Sprague-Dawley

Panax ginseng - Araliaceae - ginsenosides - compound K - antiallergic activity - intestinal bacteria

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