Abstract
In this study, rat hepatocytes known to have active carbohydrate metabolism were obtained by using the liver perfusion technique to examine the hypoglycemic action of red ginseng saponin components [ginsenoside (mixture, $Rb_1$, and $Rg_1$)] and incubated in two different media-one containing insulin and glucagon (control group), and the other containing glucagon only, The specific activities of some regulatory enzymes such as glucokinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and glucose 6-phosphatase, in main pathways which were directly related to the glucose metabolism were compared between these two kinds of hepatocytes cultured in two different media. The effects of red ginseng saponin components [ginsenoside (mixture, $Rb_1$, and $Rg_1$)] under the concentration of $10^3$~$10^6$% on these enzymes In hepatocytes were also investigated, when they were added to these two media. The results were as follows. The specific activity of enzymes such as glucokinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase related to glucose-consuming pathways of insulin-deficient group was much less than control one, however, their decreased activity was recovered after the addition of ginseng components at all range of concentrations. The increased specific activity of these on - zymes was shown by the addition of ginseng components to the control group. On the other hand, the specific activity of glucose 6-phosphatase related to glucose-producing pathway of insulin-deficient group was much higher than control one, but their Increased activity was decreased after the addition of ginseng components at all range of concentrations. The same results were obtained after the addition of ginseng components to the control group. These results suggest that the red ginseng saponin components might better diabetic hyperglycemia by regulating the activity of enzymes related to glucose metabolism directly and/or Indirectly though more detailed studies were needed.