Alleviation of Inflammatory Conditions Caused by Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure by Panax ginseng.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices such as cellphones, microwaves, and other household devices are known to emit electromagnetic waves. As such, it creates an environment that may disrupt homeostasis. Ginsenosides in red ginseng is a Korean herb that is known for their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. This study aims to assess the therapeutic properties of ginsenosides in extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure (ELF-EMF) environment.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

To observe the anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenosides, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ELF-EMF-induced RAW 264.7 cells were treated with 14 ginsenosides. Here, the production and gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and nitric oxide (NO) were determined. Furthermore, neuronal apoptosis was examined as this may be induced by excessive secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased calcium influx.

RESULTS

RAW264.7 cells exposed to ELF-EMF showed an increase in NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, under ELF-EMF exposure, translocation of NF-kB increased and NFAT2, due to elevated calcium influx, increased as well. These inflammatory responses were alleviated by the ginsenosides and among the 14 ginsenosides, ginsenoside Rd had the most potent anti-inflammatory effect.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenosides alleviate inflammation induced by ELF-EMF by downregulating inflammatory-related cytokines and proteins. It also had an effect on decreasing nerve cell apoptosis by reducing inflammatory response.