The Effect of a 2-Week Red Ginseng Supplementation on Food Efficiency and Energy Metabolism in Mice

Abstract

Red ginseng (RG) ingestion reportedly affects body weight, food intake, and fat accumulation reduction. It also induces changes in energy metabolism regulation and glycemic control. Previously, 2-week RG ingestion with endurance training was found to enhance fat oxidation during exercise. However, such effects on energy metabolism and the expression of mRNAs related to energy substrate utilization in resting mice (untrained mice) are still unclear. Here, we determined the effect of RG on energy metabolism and substrate utilization in untrained male mice. Twenty-four mice were separated into an RG group that received a daily dosage of 1 g/kg RG for 2 weeks, and a control (CON). Energy expenditure, blood and tissue glycogen levels, and expression of mRNAs related to energy substrate utilization in muscles were measured before and 2 weeks after treatment. Total food intake was significantly lower in the RG than in the CON group (p < 0.05), but final body weights did not differ. Carbohydrate and fat oxidation over 24 h did not change in either group. There were no significant differences in gastrocnemius GLUT4, MCT1, MCT4, FAT/CD36, and CPT1b mRNA levels between groups. Thus, the effects of RG ingested during rest differ from the effects of RG ingestion in combination with endurance exercise; administering RG to untrained mice for 2 weeks did not change body weight and energy metabolism. Therefore, future studies should consider examining the RG ingestion period and dosage for body weight control and improving energy metabolism.

Effects of taurine and ginseng extracts on energy metabolism during exercise and their anti-fatigue properties in mice

“…However, the antifatigue effect of long-term administration of GSE alone was greater than that observed upon coadministration of TR and GSE. Our results were consistent with those of a previous study, which examined the effect of a 2-week GSE intake and exercise-boosting fat metabolism [ 38 39 ]. Apparently, there is no synergistic effect between TR and GSE upon long-term coadministration in mice.…”

Lactate administration induces skeletal muscle synthesis by influencing Akt/mTOR and MuRF1 in non‐trained mice but not in trained mice

“…In the present study, the mice were randomly divided into four groups: non‐trained + placebo (Non/Pla; n = 8), non‐trained + lactate (Non/Lac; n = 8), trained + placebo (Tr/Pla; n = 8), and trained + lactate (Tr/Lac; n = 8). Exercise training intensity was set at the “lactate threshold” (under 70% maximal oxygen uptake [VO 2max ]) based on a previous study and was gradually increased (first week; 15 m/min, 40 min, 8°, second week; 20 m/min, 40 min, 8°, third week; 22 m/min, 50 min, 8°, fourth and fifth week 25 m/min, 50 min, 8°) (Hwang et al., 2020 ). Lactate and placebo groups received 3 g/kg of sodium lactate and same volume of saline solution, respectively.…”

A network pharmacology approach to explore the potential role of Panax ginseng on exercise performance

“…Characteristic effects include vitality recovery and metabolism promotion, immunity enhancement, prevention of infectious diseases, concentration enhancement, and antioxidant action [ 11 ]. Additionally, in our previous study, carbohydrate and fat metabolism increased in the gastrocnemius of mice treated with ginseng for two weeks and energy metabolism was increased [ 12 ]. Some studies have shown that walking after taking red ginseng increases immune globulin and antibodies that increase white blood cell immunity, which is also associated with improved exercise performance [ 13 ].…”