Effect of Korean red ginseng on the rabbit corpus cavernosal smooth muscle

Abstract

The extracts of Korean red ginseng (EKG) is a complex mixture containing ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and several other products. Animal experiments have shown that the intravenous administration of extract of ginseng reduces blood pressure. Recently, it has been reported that ginseng has a relaxing effect on vascular smooth muscle and that the relaxation is associated with nitric oxide (NO) released from the vascular endothelium. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of EKG on isolated rabbit corpus cavernosal smooth muscle for evaluation of the possibility of developing EKG as an pharmacoerecting agent.Strips of rabbit corpus cavernosum were mounted in organ chambers to measure isometric tension. On the precontracted muscle strip with phenylephrine (PHE; 5610 76 M), EKG began to exert a relaxing effect at the concentration of 1 mg/ml and the maximal relaxation effect was reached at 40 mg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. EKG was inhibited signi®cantly by endothelial disruption and by pretreatment with methylene blue, pyrogallol, L-NNA or atropine. EKG partially inhibited the PHE (5610 76 M) induced contraction up to 45.67% of the control in a dose-dependent fashion. EKG decreased basal tension as well as inhibited the contraction induced by addition of CaCl 2 (10 73 M) dose-dependently in muscle strips at basal equilibrated state in Ca 2 free, high K depolarizing solution. EKG also inhibited the contraction induced by depolarization with 20, 40 and 60 mM of KCl. However, this inhibitory effect did not occur with high concentrations of KCl (80 and 120 mM). EKG has a relaxing effect on the rabbit corpus cavernosal tissue in a dose dependent manner. The relaxation action of EKG is mediated by multiple action mechanisms that include increasing the release of NO from the corporal sinusoids, increasing intracellular calcium sequestration, and a hyperpolarizing action.

Effects of Korean ginseng berry extract (GB0710) on penile erection: evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

“…5,20,21 In a previous study, we described several candidate pathways involved in KRG-induced relaxation. 5 One of those pathways involves NO, a potent relaxant for peripheral vascular smooth muscle, whose action is mediated by cyclic GMP. Acetylcholine may stimulate the formation of an endothelium derived relaxing factor, which has subsequently been identified as either a NO, or a chemically unstable NO precursor.…”

“…2,3 Among these, various reports have promoted the root-derived Korean red gingseng (KRG; Panax ginseng) as alternative treatment for ED, citing the stimulatory effect of KRG on the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) of the penis. [4][5][6] The principal active ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides (also called ginseng saponins), which are amphiphilic molecules comprised of an aglycon backbone (a hydrophobic four-ring steroid-like structure) linked to hydrophilic carbohydrate side chains that consist of monomers, dimers and tetramers. 5,7 Ginsenoside is widely and variably distributed thoughout the ginseng plant.…”

“…[4][5][6] The principal active ingredients of ginseng are ginsenosides (also called ginseng saponins), which are amphiphilic molecules comprised of an aglycon backbone (a hydrophobic four-ring steroid-like structure) linked to hydrophilic carbohydrate side chains that consist of monomers, dimers and tetramers. 5,7 Ginsenoside is widely and variably distributed thoughout the ginseng plant. 8 Kim et al 9 investigated the ginsenoside content of Korean ginseng, indicating ginseng berries (GB) and ginseng roots (which comprise KRG) as the most abundant parts.…”

Chuanxiongzine relaxes isolated corpus cavernosum strips and raises intracavernous pressure in rabbits

“…[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] It has been shown that there are many Chinese traditional herbals that can enhance sexual activity. [20][21][22][23][24] Recently, there is an increasing interest in investigating their effective components.…”

Internet websites selling herbal treatments for erectile dysfunction

“…2 To date, most studies investigating the efficacy of ginseng in the treatment of ED have been performed in animals where it has been shown to relax cavernosal smooth muscle in rabbits and decrease time to ejaculation in rats. 22,28 Recently, two clinical studies have demonstrated ginseng's effectiveness in improving parameters of erectile function such as penile rigidity and duration of erection. 29,30 Documented adverse effects of ginseng include gastrointestinal disturbances and dermatitis, and it is contraindicated in patients with acute inflammatory disease and bronchitis.…”