Investigation of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of total saponins from black ginseng

Kuo Wang; Jiating Li; Liyan Huang; Mingran Luan; Chao Liu; Bao Zhong; Fenglin Li

doi:10.29219/fnr.v70.13372

Kuo Wang College of Food Science and Engineering, Changchun University, Changchun, P.R. China; College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin, P.R. China; Brewing Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin, P.R. China
Jiating Li School of Public Health, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, P.R. China
Liyan Huang College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin, P.R. China; School of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, P.R. China; Culinary Nutrition and Premade Cuisine R&D Engineering Research Center, Jilin, P.R. Chin
Mingran Luan College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin, P.R. China; Brewing Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin, P.R. China
Chao Liu College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin, P.R. China; Brewing Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin, P.R. China; Culinary Nutrition and Premade Cuisine R&D Engineering Research Center, Jilin, P.R. China
Bao Zhong College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin, P.R. China; Brewing Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin, P.R. China; Culinary Nutrition and Premade Cuisine R&D Engineering Research Center, Jilin, P.R. China
Fenglin Li College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, Jilin Agriculture Science and Technology University, Jilin, P.R. China; Brewing Technology Innovation Center of Jilin Province, Jilin, P.R. China; Culinary Nutrition and Premade Cuisine R&D Engineering Research Center, Jilin, P.R. China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29219/fnr.v70.13372

Keywords: Immune, Saponins, Black Ginseng

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the immune-regulating effects and underlying mechanisms of action of total saponins extracted from black ginseng in an immunosuppressed murine model.

Methods: The chemical composition of black ginseng total saponins (BGTS) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography, which revealed a high content of rare ginsenosides, such as Rk1, Rg5, and Rg3. Immunosuppressed mice were administered BGTS, and key immunological parameters were assessed, including body weight, spleen and thymus indices, cytokine and immunoglobulin levels, and the expression of immune-related genes and proteins.

Results: BGTS treatment significantly improved body weight and immune organ indices and promoted the secretion of cytokines, including interleukin (IL) 2, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, and IgM. Mechanistically, BGTS significantly activated the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway at the protein level and upregulated gene expression of TLR-4, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that BGTS exerts notable immunomodulatory effects by enhancing innate immune responses, primarily by activating the TLR4-mediated signaling pathway. Further studies are necessary to isolate the contribution of individual ginsenosides and evaluate the long-term safety and clinical potential of BGTS.

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