Panax ginseng root, not leaf, can enhance thermogenic capacity and mitochondrial function in mice

CONTEXT: Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae) root and leaf have always been considered in the traditional theory as hot and cold properties, respectively. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the hot and cold properties of ginseng root and leaf from a thermodynamic viewpoint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty ICR male mice were randomly assigned to control (water), ginseng root group (GRP) and ginseng leaf group (GLP) with a concentration of 0.075 g/mL; the volume was 0.1 mL/10 g (body mass) per day by intragastric administration for 20 days. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) was used to determine quality control through seven ginsenosides contained in ginseng root and leaf. Rest metabolic rate (RMR) and energy expenditure were monitored every 9 days by TSE System. At the 20(th) day, serum T3 or T4, liver or brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondrial respiration were investigated. RESULTS: The quality control of GRP and GLP were within requirements of 2015 China Pharmacopoeia. The RMR (mLO(2)/h) in GLP (47.95 ± 4.20) was significantly lower than control (52.10 ± 4.79) and GRP (55.35 ± 4.48). Mitochondrial protein concentration and respiration were significantly increased in GRP (BAT, 79.12 ± 2 .08 mg/g, 239.89 ± 10.24 nmol O(2)/min/g tissue; Liver, 201.02 ± 10.89, 202.44 ± 3.24) and decreased in GLP (BAT, 53.42 ± 3.48, 153.49 ± 5.58; Liver, 138.69 ± 5.69, 104.50 ± 6.25) compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: The hot and cold properties of ginseng root and leaf are correlated with thermogenic capacity and mitochondrial function of BAT and liver, which deserve to further research.