title: American ginseng tea protects cellular DNA within 2 h from consumption: results of a pilot study in healthy human volunteers.
abstract: The acute genoprotective effect of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) has been investigated. The experiment was carried out to explore the DNA protective effect after a single dose of American ginseng tea bag infusion. Fourteen subjects (6 males and 8 females) were recruited in this study. Seven of them (3 males and 4 females) were asked to drink a cup of freshly prepared American ginseng infusions. Water was taken by the remaining subjects as the control group. Blood samples of both groups were taken before and 2 h post-ingestion. The blood samples were challenged with ultraviolet B irradiation followed by using comet assay. Completed slides were stained with Giemsa stain and DNA damage was assessed. Results showed a significant decrease in comet score after American ginseng supplementation and no change in the control group. The current study demonstrated a cup of American ginseng infusion could protect cellular DNA from oxidative stress at least within 2 h.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Applied Science , Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Shatin), Vocational Training Council , Shatin, New Territories , Hong Kong .|b Macao Society for the Study of Women's Health , Macao , P.R. China .
authors.forename: Yim Tong
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Szeto
authors.affiliation: c Department of Pathology and Clinical Biochemistry , Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong , and.
authors.forename: Yuk Shan Pauline
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Sin
authors.affiliation: d School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University , Wagga Wagga , NSW , Australia.
authors.forename: Sok Cheon
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pak
authors.affiliation: d School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University , Wagga Wagga , NSW , Australia.
authors.forename: Wouter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kalle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020552:Comet Assay; D004247:DNA / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects*; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D004247:DNA
keywords: American ginseng; DNA protection; UV; antioxidant; comet assay