Ginseng is a versatile medicinal plant, with the root in particular being associated with medicinal benefits. But the ginseng berries or their juice are also quite useful. A new study comes to the conclusion that ginseng berry juice can also help against inflammation of the stomach lining.
A South Korean research team examined the effect of ginseng berry juice on acute gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) on mice and analyzed the bioactive ingredients of the juice. The promising results have been published in the specialist magazine “Nutrients”.
Ingredients and effects examined
The researchers explain that the fruits of ginseng are said to have various biological effects due to their high content of saponins such as ginsenosides. Using so-called high-performance liquid chromatography, the team analyzed the ginsenosides in the berry juice.
They also examined the effect of the juice in a mouse model of acute gastritis and identified possible underlying mechanisms.
Dose-dependent effect
According to the researchers, the ginseng berry juice dose-dependently modulated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-13 in the mice. This suggests a clear anti-inflammatory effect.
The experts also report that the activation of nuclear factor kappa B was inhibited and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin 2 was suppressed.
New treatment option?
Overall, the study results confirm the effect of ginseng berry juice against acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa and make it appear to be a promising option for the treatment of gastritis. However, further studies on humans are now required before appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. (fp)
