Structural and anti-inflammatory characterization of a novel neutral polysaccharide from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

Neutral polysaccharides are one of the active components in the American ginseng roots. Recently, the studies about American ginseng polysaccharides are mainly centered on acidic polysaccharides, while there is relatively limited research that explores neutral polysaccharides. In this study a novel neutral polysaccharide (PPQN) was isolated from American ginseng roots and its structure and anti-inflammatory activity were investigated.

The Yin and Yang actions of North American ginseng root in modulating the immune function of macrophages.

Background: Immuno-modulatory effects of ginseng, including both immuno-stimulatory and immuno-suppressive effects, have been widely reported. This study aims to determine whether the paradoxical immuno-modulatory effect is related to unique phytochemical profiles of different North American (NA) ginseng, namely aqueous (AQ) and alcoholic (ALC) extracts.

Methods: AQ and ALC extracts were prepared and their immuno-bioactivity were studied in vitro in murine macrophages (Raw 264.