Probiotic-fermented red ginseng remedies colitis

A Korean mice model of colitis evaluated the efficacy of red ginseng (Panax ginseng) powder that has been fermented with probiotics. It demonstrated that the orally-administered probiotic solution was able to diminish the inflammatory symptoms of the intestinal disease.

The study was supported by Chonbuk National University. Its results were published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines.

• Red ginseng contains saponin, which is converted into useful metabolites by beneficial bacteria in the gut. The effectiveness of red ginseng could theoretically be increased by improving the gut bacteria population.
• An animal model was constructed using mice with chemically-induced colitis. A control group was left untreated, while the rest were given either red ginseng, probiotics, or probiotics-fermented ginseng. The effects of the treatment were evaluated and compared.
• Mice that received probiotic-fermented red ginseng showed less damage to their intestines than those from the untreated control group. The protective activity of the combination was also greater than either red ginseng only or probiotics only.
• Serum interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels are inflammatory biomarkers that increase their levels when colitis starts. Analysis indicated that the levels for these harmful biomarkers dropped in the groups that were treated with the probiotic-fermented red ginseng.
• Colorectal tissues taken from animals that received probiotic-fermented red ginseng displayed much lower levels of inflammatory cytokines and mRNAs that cause inflammation.

The study’s findings indicate that adding probiotics to red ginseng powder results in an effective alternative remedy for colitis.

To learn more about the gut-protective properties of fermented probiotics, visit NaturalHealth.news.

Journal Reference:

Jang S-H, Park J, Kim S-H, Choi K-M, Ko E-S, Cha J-D, Lee Y-R, Jang H, Jang Y-S. ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF RED GINSENG POWDER FERMENTED WITH PROBIOTIC ALLEVIATES THE SEVERITY OF DEXTRAN-SULFATE SODIUM-INDUCED COLITIS IN A MOUSE MODEL. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines. 13 April 2017;15(3):192–201. DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30035-3.