Function of Korean black ginseng: Improvement of andropause symptoms by a complex extract of black ginseng and fenugreek in TM3 Leydig cells and aged rats

Abstract Background Korean ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), the native ginseng of Korea, has traditionally been widely used for thousands of years in Korea. Various biological functions of Korean ginseng have been reported. However, there have not been many studies on its effect on andropause. As women reach menopause, they show a sudden decrease in female hormone levels; men also undergo similar endocrinologic changes. Andropause is also referred to as late-onset hypogonadism, male hormone deficiency syndrome, and male climacteric syndrome. It is linked to increasing age among men and serum testosterone deficiency and specific clinical and biochemical symptoms that accompany it. To improve such andropause symptoms, male hormone supplementation therapy has been attempted. However, owing to various adverse effects, the development of improved therapeutic agents that are safe, both psychologically and physically, is in demand. The present study examined the andropause symptom-alleviating effects of black ginseng and fenugreek complex extract to develop a natural therapeutic agent with minimal adverse effects. Methods In the present study, we measured the anti-oxidant effect of black ginseng and fenugreek complex extracts using Cell viability of TM3 mouse leydig cells. The mechanism of apoptosis was assessed Erk and Akt kinase activity. We also investigated whether these complex extracts could affect on male hormone and muscle endurance. After administrating black ginseng and fenugreek complex extracts for 4 weeks. The aged rats were sacrificed and checked the testosterone hormone and forced swimming test. Results The extract increased cell viability, which had been reduced after oxidative stress, confirming the antioxidant effects of the complex, and this effect involved regulation of Erk kinase activation. Moreover, in a hormone-deficient animal model, after oral administration of the complex extract, the group that received 100 mg/kg showed significantly increased total and bioavailable testosterone levels. Besides the levels of sex hormones, those of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone that promote spermatogenesis were also elevated in a forced swimming test for verification of muscle endurance and motor functions, the group that received 100 mg/kg of the complex extract showed improved motor function and increased muscle endurance. Conclusion Thus, it is believed that the complex extract of black ginseng and fenugreek may be used in the future as a preventive and therapeutic agent for alleviating the symptoms of andropause.