root, not leaf, can enhance thermogenic capacity and mitochondrial function in mice.

C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae) root and leaf have always been considered in the traditional theory as and properties, respectively. To clarify the and properties of ginseng root and leaf from a thermodynamic viewpoint. Thirty ICR male mice were randomly assigned to control (water), ginseng root group (GRP) and ginseng leaf group (GLP) with a concentration of 0.075 g/mL; the volume was 0.1 mL/10 g (body mass) per day by intragastric administration for 20 days. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) was used to determine quality control through seven ginsenosides contained in ginseng root and leaf. Rest metabolic rate (RMR) and energy expenditure were monitored every 9 days by TSE System. At the 20 day, serum T3 or T4, liver or brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondrial respiration were investigated. The quality control of GRP and GLP were within requirements of 2015 China Pharmacopoeia. The RMR (mLO/h) in GLP (47.95 ± 4.20) was significantly lower than control (52.10 ± 4.79) and GRP (55.35 ± 4.48). Mitochondrial protein concentration and respiration were significantly increased in GRP (BAT, 79.12 ± 2 .08 mg/g, 239.89 ± 10.24 nmol O/min/g tissue; Liver, 201.02 ± 10.89, 202.44 ± 3.24) and decreased in GLP (BAT, 53.42 ± 3.48, 153.49 ± 5.58; Liver, 138.69 ± 5.69, 104.50 ± 6.25) compared with control. The and properties of ginseng root and leaf are correlated with thermogenic capacity and mitochondrial function of BAT and liver, which deserve to further research.