User:Tawfikm02/sandbox

Goals

I would like to improve this the article Ginsenoside from a "start" to, at the very least, a "C" class article.

Addition of a chemical structure. --> Complete

Chemical Structure

Most known ginsenosides are classified as members of the dammarane family. The structure of these dammarane ginsenosides consists of a 4-ring, steroid-like structure. To each ginsenoside is bound at least 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups at the carbon-3 and -20 positions or the carbon-3, -6, and -20 positions respectively. In protopanaxadiols, sugar groups attach to the 3-position of the carbon skeleton, while in comparison sugar groups attach to the carbon-6 position in protopanaxatriols. Well known protopanaxadiols include Rb1, Rb2, Rg3, Rh2, and Rh3. Well known protopanaxatriols include Rg1, Rg2, and Rh1. ^[5]

Ginsenosides that are a member of the oleanane family are pentacylic, composed of a five ring carbon skeleton. ^[6]

Metabolism

For example, ginsenosides Rb1 and Rb2 are converted to 20-b-O-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (IH-901) or 20(S)-protopanaxadiol by human gut bacteria.

Biosynthesis

Squalene is synthesized from the assembly of two farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) molecules. Each molecule of FPP is in turn the product of two molecules of dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) and two molecules of of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). IPP is produced by the mevalonic pathway in the cytosol of a ginseng cell and by the methylerythritol phosphate pathway in the plastid.

Likely play a role in defense of the ginseng plant as they have been found to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Ginsenosides are naturally bitter-tasting and discourage insects and other animals for consuming the plant.

Biological Effects

Numerous studies have shown ginsenosides to have antioxidant properties. Ginsenosides increase internal antioxidant enzymes and act as a free-radical scavenger. Ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2 have been observed as having an inhibitory effect on the cell growth of various cancer cells. Studies in animal models have suggested that ginsenosides have neuroprotective properties and could be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

To Do

Addition of an info box. Update: Will not be including an infobox, as similar articles regarding a class of chemical compounds do not seem to include one.