Korean forest-grown ginseng extracts could be used for vaccines

Forest-grown ginseng, which is grown in nature from planted seeds, is known for its health benefits.

Now, new research shows that extracts from Korean forest-grown ginseng could be used for vaccines.

Cha Yun-kyung has more.

Forest-grown ginseng is grown in nature without artificial cultivation after its seeds are planted on the mountainside.

The Korea Forest Service has designated forest-grown ginseng as a special management forestry product since 2011 to improve international competitiveness through systematic management and research.

Korean forest-grown ginseng gained global attention in 2014, when research showed it has a better antioxidant effect than Chinese ginseng or American ginseng.

And further research revealed that forest-grown ginseng extracts could be used for vaccines.

"We have found that protein which degrades pathogenic organisms and substances which stimulate immune reactions became highly activated as the concentration of ginseng extract got denser."

For the vaccine to be effective, enough substances should be made to stimulate an immune reaction and protein that degrades pathogenic organisms should be activated. Researchers found that the protein becomes highly activated as the concentration of ginseng extract increases.

Korea Forest Service is planning on applying for a patent in the first half of this year.

However, it remains to be seen whether the productivity and utilization value of ginseng extract is suitable enough for vaccines.

Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.