(P22-032-25) Bioconverted Red Ginseng Modulates Bile Acid Homeostasis and Gut Microbiome Composition in Aged Mice

Objectives: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in metabolic functions, including disruptions in bile acid (BA) homeostasis and alterations in the gut microbial ecosystem. Red ginseng, processed from raw ginseng (Panax ginseng) via a single-step steaming and drying process, is a traditional herbal medicine known for its anti-aging properties. Notably, bioconverted red ginseng (BRG), produced through enzymatic treatment of red ginseng, generates rare bioactive compounds that may enhance its pharmacological benefits. This study investigated the potential role of BRG supplementation on BA metabolism and gut microbiome in aged mice.

Methods: Ninteeen-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to one of three dietary groups: a normal chow diet (NCD), NCD with 150 mg/kg of BRG (NCD+BRG-Low; NCD+BRGL), or NCD with 300 mg/kg of BRG (NCD+BRG-High; NCD+BRGH) (n = 9–10 per group). Mice were fed ad libitum for 14 weeks. Weekly body weight and food intake measurements were recorded, and blood glucose levels were monitored. Hepatic mRNA expression levels related to BA synthesis, transport, and lipid metabolism were analyzed. Fecal samples collected at the end of the supplementation period underwent 16S rRNA sequencing to profile gut microbiome composition.

Results: BRG supplementations improved insulin homeostasis, mitigating age-associated insulin resistance. High-dose BRG significantly increased hepatic mRNA expression of BA synthesis (Cyp46a1 and Oatp1a4) and transport genes (Ostα, Sod2, and Sod3), as well as lipid metabolism genes (Apoe and Ppara). 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed that high-dose BRG significantly enhanced microbial alpha diversity and increased the relative abundance of Ruminococcus faecis and Parabacteroides goldsteinii compared to NCD and NCD+BRGL groups.

Conclusions: These findings support that BRG exerts anti-aging effects by modulating bile acid metabolism, enhancing lipid-related pathways, and supporting gut microbiome homeostasis.

Funding Sources: This study was supported by the BTC Corporation and the start-up funding from the Vice President of Research’s office at Oklahoma State University.