The Ethanol Extract of Red Ginseng Enhances Anti-Tumor Effects Using Co~(60) Gamma Irradiation

摘要

Red ginseng is one of the most popular traditional medicines in Korea. In this study, we developed a new technique in which ethanol extract of red ginseng (HRG) was exposed to the Co~(60) gamma radiation ranging from 1-5 kGy. The irradiated HRG (IHRG)were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine any compositional changes of ginsenosides due to irradiation. No appreciable difference was observed in the HPLC pattern of ginsenosides of HRG Using MTT assay, the cytotoxicityeffect was significantly increased by IHRG compared to HRG The LD_(50) concentration was 30 mu g/mL for IHRG-1 (1 kGy), and 15 mug/mL for IHRG-5 (5 kGy). The evidences of apoptosis, such as nuclei cleavage and Annexin V staining, were observed in the human prostate cancer PC-3 cells treated with the IHRG Additionally, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was apparently elevated by IHRG We also studied the inhibitory effect of IHRG on the growth rate of tumor xenografts in BALB/c male mice. The tumor growth rates were inhibited by 56.9 and 76.1% in mice treated with 10 mg/kg of IHRG-1 and IHRG-5, respectively, compared with control group (21.1%). These results suggest that some biologically active and soluble components in HRG can be more effectively enhancement of anti-tumor effects using irradiation.