KRG and its major ginsenosides do not show distinct steroidogenic activities examined by the OECD test guideline 440 and 456 assays

BACKGROUND: Ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine for treatment of many diseases and for general health maintenance. Previously, we showed that ginseng did not demonstrate estrogenic property in ovariectomized mouse model. However, it is still possible that disruption of steroidogenesis leading to indirect hormonal activity. METHODS: The hormonal activities were examined in compliance with OECD guidelines for detecting endocrine disrupting chemicals: test guideline (TG) No. 456 (an in vitro assay method for detecting steroidogenesis property) and TG No. 440 (an in vivo short-term screening method for chemicals with uterotrophic property). RESULTS: Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) and ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3 did not interfere with estrogen and testosterone hormone synthesis as examined in H295 cells according to TG 456. KRG treatment to ovariectomized mice did not show a significant change in uterine weight. In addition, serum estrogen and testosterone levels were not change by KRG intake. CONCLUSION: These results clearly demonstrate that there is no steroidogenic activity associated with KRG and no disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by KRG. Additional tests will be performed in pursuit of cellular molecular targets of ginseng to manifest mode of action.