Publications by authors named "Zi-Jun Shao"

The mechanism by which ginsenosides from L. transform into rare saponins by different processing methods and their antitumour effects have yet to be fully elucidated. Our study aimed to detect the effect of amino acids and processing methods on the conversion of ginsenosides in American ginseng to rare ginsenosides, using 8 monomeric ginsenosides as substrates to discuss the reaction pathway and mechanism.

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The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of the immunological activity of various parts (root/stem/leaf/flower/seed) of five-year-old ginseng on the immune system of immunosuppressive mice. Immunosuppression was induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in the mouse model, whereas levamisole hydrochloride tablet (LTH) was used for the positive control group. We found that ginseng root (GRT), ginseng leaf (GLF), and ginseng flower (GFR) could relieve immunosuppression by increased viability of NK cells, enhanced immune organ index, improved cell-mediated immune response, increased content of CD4⁺ and ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺, and recovery of macrophage function, including carbon clearance, phagocytic rate, and phagocytic index, in immunodeficient mice.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigated the antidepressant effects of ginsenoside Rh₂ and two forms of pseudo-ginsenoside HQ (-PHQ) on mice subjected to depression-like behaviors caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
  • Both Rh₂ and -PHQ showed a significant reduction in immobility time during forced swimming and tail suspension tests, indicating antidepressant potential, as well as favorable changes in inflammatory and antioxidant markers in the brain.
  • The findings suggest that the antidepressant effects of these ginsenosides are linked to the regulation of important signaling pathways (BDNF/TrkB and Sirt1/NF-κB) and involve the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems.
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