Inhibitory Effects of Black Ginseng on Particulate Matter-Induced Pulmonary Injury

Wonhwa Lee, Sae Kwang Ku, Ji Eun Kim, Soo Hyun Cho, Gyu Yong Song, Jong Sup Bae

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with elevated pulmonary injury caused by the loss of vascular barrier integrity. Black ginseng (BG), steamed and dried ginseng nine times, exhibits various pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, anti-atopic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of black ginseng extract (BGE) against PM-induced lung endothelial cell (EC) barrier disruption and pulmonary inflammation. Permeability, leukocyte migration, activation of proinflammatory proteins, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and histology were examined in PM2.5-treated ECs and mice. BGE significantly scavenged PM2.5-induced ROS and inhibited the ROS-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Concurrently, BGE activated Akt, which helped maintain endothelial integrity. Furthermore, BGE reduced vascular protein leakage, leukocyte infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine release in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in PM-induced lung tissues. These results indicated that BGE may exhibit protective effects against PM-induced inflammatory lung injury and vascular hyperpermeability.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1237-1251
Number of pages15
JournalAmerican Journal of Chinese Medicine
Volume47
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Akt
  • Black Ginseng Extract
  • Particulate Matter
  • Vascular Permeability

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