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Ginsenoside Compound K/Ginsenoside CK powder
What is ginsenoside CK?
Compound K (CK), an active ingredient derived from the dried roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey, is a major metabolic end product and the final absorbable form of ginsenosides in the human intestine. This special non-natural ginsenoside cannot be prepared through conventional acid/base hydrolysis methods due to the sensitivity of the glycosidic bonds at the 3-position and 20-position of its tetracyclic triterpenoid core structure. Currently, its industrial-scale production primarily relies on biotransformation technologies, including enzyme-catalyzed conversion and microbial fermentation, two main process routes that effectively preserve the integrity of its active structure. The biotransformation characteristics of CK make it an ideal target for studying the metabolic mechanisms of ginsenosides and developing new types of ginseng formulations.
What are the benefits?
With the breakthrough in Compound K (CK) preparation technology, it has emerged as the core functional entity of diol-type ginsenosides, exhibiting a broad range of pharmacological activities, some of which even surpass existing clinical drugs. Below are the main biological activity studies on CK:
Anti-skin Aging
● Mechanism of Action: Upregulates the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene, significantly increasing the hyaluronic acid (HA) content in HaCaT cells (from 72.6 ng·mL⁻¹ to 238.7 ng·mL⁻¹).
● Animal Studies: In nude mouse skin tests, CK increases the HA content in the epidermis and dermal papillary layer, thickens the epidermis, and delays skin dryness and wrinkle formation.
Anti-allergic Effect
● Experimental Data: In RAW 264.7 cells, the inhibitory rate of CK on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) release is 2.6 times higher than that of dexamethasone.
● Mechanism: The effect does not rely on hyaluronidase inhibition or reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance, suggesting it works by stabilizing cell membranes.
Anti-inflammatory Effect
Molecular Mechanism:
● Downregulates ERK and Akt protein expression, blocking NF-κB activation.
● Inhibits the TPA-induced COX-2 activator AP-1, reducing COX-2 expression.
Effect: Significantly reduces PGE2 production, restoring it to normal levels, with both anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor proliferation potential.
Liver Protection
● Comparative Advantage: In liver injury models, CK exhibits better protective effects than first-line drugs like silymarin and diphenyl ether, showing promise as a candidate drug for hepatitis treatment.
Neural Injury Repair (Potential for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment)
Research Model: Abeta(25-35)-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model.
Effects:
● Increases the levels of NF-H and synaptophysin in the cortical and hippocampal regions of the brain.
● Promotes axonal extension, reverses neuroinflammatory atrophy and synapse loss, and improves memory impairment.
Application direction
Ginsenoside CK, as a highly active natural compound, demonstrates significant application value across various health fields. In the pharmaceutical industry, its outstanding anti-inflammatory properties provide a new therapeutic option for inflammation-related diseases. In the dietary supplement industry, CK has become a core ingredient in anti-aging formulations due to its remarkable anti-aging effects. Additionally, in cosmetics, CK effectively improves skin aging by promoting hyaluronic acid synthesis and other mechanisms. This multifunctional bioactivity makes CK a star ingredient across the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, and cosmetics sectors, offering innovative solutions for the development of health products.
