The aim of this study was to examine the ameliorating effect of black ginseng on the growth of the HepG2 cell transplanted tumor in BALB/c nude mice. 27 male BALB/c nude mice (all six weeks old) were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, the first treatment group (HepG2300RG, using 300 mg/kg red ginseng), and the second treatment group (HepG2300BG, using 300 mg/kg black ginseng). The HepG2300BG in the HePG2 cells showed increased mean survival time than that of red ginseng group. The size and volume of the tumor in the 300BG group showed significant reduction compared to those of the HepG2300RG group (p<0.05). The body weight and liver weight of the HepG2300RG group was not significantly different with control and HepG2300BG group. The serum levels of ALT and AST in the HepG2300RG and HepG2300BG group were significantly lower than those of the control group. In conclusion, these results suggest that the black ginseng may have possible anti-tumor activities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the alleviative effects of a nude pack containing black tea water extract (NPBT) on inflammation and skin barrier damage in hairless mice. Skin inflammation and skin barrier damage were induced by UVB irradiation to the backs of hairless mice for five weeks. And, at the same time, saline (C), NPBT (1%: E1, 2%: E2), and 0.01% retinoic acid diluted with polyethylene glycol (PC) were applied topically twice per day, five days per week, for a period of five weeks. The skin erythema indices of the E1 and E2 groups were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the C group through one week after the beginning of the experiment. Meanwhile, water contents of the E1 and E2 groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of the C group through two weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Remarkable thickening of epidermis and dermis was observed in the C group, compared with the PC, E1, or E2 groups. In the C group, infiltration of many inflammatory cells, including neutrophils and lymphocytes, was observed in dermis and a large number of mast cells were observed in dermis and hypodermis, and the degree of degranulation was remarkable. However, these phenomena were alleviated in the PC, E1, and E2 groups. Therefore, NPBT could have considerable inhibitory efficacy on inflammation and skin barrier damage induced by UVB irradiation.