Research: Ginseng as a therapeutic target to alleviate gut and brain diseases via microbiome regulation

[Meleber]

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/a... (free access)

Abstract

The human gut, which contains a diverse microbiome, plays an important role in maintaining physiological balance and preserving the immune system. The complex interplay between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gut microbiome has gained significant attention due to its profound implications for overall health, particularly for gut and brain disorders. There is emerging evidence that the gut-brain axis (GBA) represents a bidirectional communication system between the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract and plays a pivotal role in regulating many aspects of human health. Ginseng has shown potential to ameliorate conditions associated with dysbiosis, such as gut and CNS disorders by restoring microbial balance and enhancing gut barrier function. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the potential of ginseng as a herbal modulator of GBA as a therapeutic intervention for preventing and treating gut and neurological diseases via microbiota regulation to ultimately enhance overall health. Furthermore, we emphasize the therapeutic benefits of ginseng, its ability to enhance beneficial probiotics, such as Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia while reducing pathogenic bacteria prevalence, such as Helicobacter, Clostridium, and Proteobacteria. Although the connection between ginseng regulation of microbial communities in response to the gut and neuropsychiatric disorders is lacking, additional investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, optimize dosages, and explore the clinical relevance of ginseng in promoting GBA balance and ultimately overall health.

KRG = Korean Red Ginseng

Part from the article:

"Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder involving gut-brain interactions, characterized by altered bowel habits and chronic recurrent abdominal pain, and oc­curs in up to 4.8 % of the global population [8,57].

IBS patients (>50 %) have comorbid depression or anxiety [58]. IBS patients have higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to controls; Between 30 % and 40 % of IBS patients have a comorbid anxiety or depression disorder [59]. Notably, the diagnosis of IBS precedes mood disorders, which means that in some patients, primary intestinal dysfunction may contribute to mood disorders [58,60]. Furthermore, individuals with higher baseline levels of anxiety and depression were significantly more likely to develop IBS [58,60]. Dysregulation of the gut microbiome due to depression can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms, with IBS being the most common, but often accompanied by an increase in Bacteroides and Firmicutes [35] as shown in Fig. 1. When the gut microbiota of IBS mice was compared to that of control mice at the genus level, increased levels of Prevotella species but decreased levels of Bacteroides and Par­abacteroides were observed [61]. In another study, KRG significantly reduced the anxiety-like behavior, frequency of visceral pain, and macroscopic score in IBS mice [8]. Stool consistency improved and bowel frequency increased in older women treated with FRG [43]. Moreover, KRG remarkably increased the beneficial gut microbes comprising Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Para­bacteroides goldsteinii in IBS mice [8]. L. reuteri reportedly reduces in­flammatory cytokine levels and strengthens the intestinal barrier [62]. L. johnsonii consumption also stimulates mucin secretion, which im­proves the intestinal barrier [63]. In mice injected with zymosan to induce symptoms similar to human IBS, 100 mg/kg of red ginseng (RG) increased levels of the beneficial bacteria L. johnsonii, L. reuteri and P. goldsteinii levels were all increased. However, the levels of P. goldsteinii, unlike L. johnsonii and L. reuteri, recovered to normal control levels, suggesting that normalization of healthy gut function is associated with the presence of P. goldsteinii [8]. RG significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β in the gut and c-fos in the prefrontal cortex [8]. Moreover, treatment with RG mitigated abdominal pain-related behaviors, potentially due to a reduction in visceral hy­persensitivity. Visceral pain in IBS has been linked to activation of IL-1β and TNF-α in the intestinal wall [64], suggesting that gastrointestinal symptoms are integral to conditions involving gut-brain interactions, such as IBS, which often co-occur with psychiatric diagnoses and psy­chological symptoms [8,65]. These findings are further supported by the evidence of high correlations between patients with IBS and those with depression and anxiety, and comorbidities found among these patients [65]."

[Dahliaforever]

thank you

That is really interesting.

[Meleber]

Research: "Effects of red ginseng extract on gut microbial distribution"

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/a... (open access)

"Abstract

Background

Red ginseng extract boosts immunity against inflammation and cancer in the human body. However, studies on the effects of red ginseng extract on the gut microbiome remain unexplored.

Methods

In 2019, the positive effects and changes in the gut microbiome after administering 1 pack (3 g) of red ginseng extract per day to 53 adults aged 40 to 75 for 24 weeks were investigated. The gut microbial environment changes were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using next-generation sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction technology.

Results

On comparing and analyzing alpha diversity and beta diversity, the microbial pattern showed significant differences (OTUs p = 0.003, chao1 p < 0.001, Bray-Curtis p = 0.001) before and after ingestion of red ginseng extract, indicating that gut microbial richness increased after ingestion. Moreover, after comparing and analyzing the gut microbiome's differences after red ginseng extract intake, significant differences were noted between three strains at the phylum level and among 57 strains at the genus level.

Conclusion

This study proposes the potential use of red ginseng extract as a prebiotic after confirming its positive effects, including increasing gut microbiome richness, reducing harm to the gut microbiome, and increasing the number of some strains in the gut microbiome."

[BabsyWabsy]

Thank you for another interesting read.

[bigbunbun3]

Thank you Meleber, I am so pleased you keep us all informed about studies regarding IBS. Really appreciate your time to do this. Hopefully one day we all will be able to get our symptoms under control 😊

[xjrs]

Thanks for this Meleber.

I did some research into ginseng myself and came up with this:

Ginseng – In a trial of IBS patients conducted for sixty days who took dry extract of Panax ginseng (300 mg/day) specifically, it was found that Panax ginseng helped to control abdominal pain. It is thought that this is due to its action on pain related calcium and sodium channels and on sensory neurons. Although a natural product, there are potential side effects of ginseng including headaches, sleep problems, digestive problems, changes to blood pressure and blood sugar, diarrhoea, menstrual problems, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and severe skin reaction. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Some experts suggest you shouldn’t use it for more than 3 months or sometimes just a few weeks at a time. Elsewhere it says that Panax ginseng is likely safe when taken for up to 6 months, but possibly unsafe when taken for more than 6 months, since it may have some hormone-like effects that could be harmful with long-term use.

[Meleber in reply to xjrs]

It's always wise to use a natural supplement with caution and do the necessary 'research'. In case of doubt don't use it or contact a medical professional, I think.

If you want to try a natural substance, start low and go slow and try to read the signals your body gives you. This is how I try to approach using a 'new' natural supplement.

[xjrs in reply to Meleber]

Great advice Meleber.

[Meleber in reply to xjrs]

🙂 Thank you.