Effects and mechanism of total saponins of Psammosilene tunicoids against rheumatoid arthritis.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 March;31(5):419-21.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of saponins from Psammosilene tunicoids, a Chinese herb, on rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers found that the saponins reduced the swelling of middle ear bone, arthritis index and levels of inflammation indicators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and Interleukin-1beta. The study concluded that saponins from Psammruosilene tunicoids have good antiarthritic effects.
Effect of ginseng fruit saponins on insulin sensitivity index in high fat-fed rats.
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2005 Nov;3(6):463-5
The aim of this Chinese study was to determine the effect of ginseng fruit saponins on the insulin sensitivity in rats. A low insulin sensitivity, or insulin resistance, means a reduced cell response to insulin. In case of fat cells, the hydrolysis of stored triglycerides will increase, resulting in increased free fatty acids levels in the blood. Muscle cells will reduce glucose uptake and liver cells will reduce glucose storage, resulting in elevated blood glucose level. Insulin resistance may develop into type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that the rats fed with ginseng fruit saponins significantly increased insulin sensitivity in a dose-dependent manner.
Effect of ginseng saponins on a rat visceral hypersensitivity model.
Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2005 November;28(11):2120-4
The 5-hydroxytryptamine3A receptor plays a role in the irritable bowel syndrome. Previous studies have shown that ginseng saponins (or ginsenosides) inhibit the activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine3A receptor channels in egg cells of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). The aim of this in-vivo study was to investigate whether the saponins also had an effect on the irritable bowel syndrome in rats. The irritable bowel syndrome was induced by colorectal distention and intracolonic infusion of acetic acid solution. The researchers found that the administration of ginseng saponins significantly and dose-dependently inhibited visceral hypersensitivity. The study concluded that ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) may be clinically relevant for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
In vitro and in vivo anti-leishmanial activity of triterpenoid saponins isolated from Maesa balansae and some chemical derivatives.
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2005 January 13;48(1):32-7
The aim of this study was to determine the activity of saponins from the Vietnamese plant Maesa balansae against the protozoa parasite Leishmania infantum. The in-vitro test showed that six maesabalides (triterpenoid saponins) showed a strong anti-leishmanial activity. The researchers observed no cytotoxicity on cultured human fibroblast cells. The in-vivo test with mice showed that an injection of specific maesabalides saponins reduced the number of parasites by more than 90 percent.
The inhibitory effect of ginseng saponins on the stress-induced plasma interleukin-6 level in mice.
Neuroscience Letters. 2003 December 15;353(1):13-6
This study investigated the effect of ginseng saponins on plasma interleukin-6 levels in non-stressed and stressed mice. Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by cells to stimulate immune response to trauma. Different types of ginseng saponins (total saponins, ginsenosides Rb2, Rg1 and Rd) were injected. Only the intraperitoneal injection resulted in a reduction of the interleukin-6 level. In-vitro studies on cultured macrophages have shown that ginsenosides Rb2, Rd and Rg1 significantly decreased norepinephrine and epinephrine-induced production of interleukin-6. The study further suggest that ginseng saponins should be further studied for their potential therapeutic use on stress-related disorders.
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