Inhibition of Human 20S Proteasome by Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (Araliaceae) has been used in traditional herbal medicine and health food for over 2000 years.1 The study of ginseng has a long history, and in the West, the efficacy of ginseng was known by the 18th century.1 A variety of ginsenosides extracted from P. ginseng especially show diverse biological activities for the promotion of health with undefined effects on cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems.1,2 Recently there has been a renewed interest in investigating the pharmacological effects of ginseng using biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Pharma-cological effects of ginseng have been demonstrated in the central nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.2 In addition, ginseng and its constituents have been ascribed to antineoplastic, antistress, and antioxidant activity.2 Ginseng contains many active components, and there are