EFFECT OF A PEPTIDE FROM PANAX-GINSENG ON THE PROLIFERATION OF BABY HAMSTER KIDNEY-21 CELLS

An alkaline fraction separated by ion exchange chromatographies from t he water extract of Panax ginseng root stimulated the proliferation of baby hamster kidney-21 cells. Separation of the alkaline fraction by MCI-gel CHP 20P column chromatography followed by dialysis provided an active material. By a reversed-phase HPLC the active material was sep arated into six fractions, and an active colorless compound 1 was obta ined from fraction 2 in a pure state. Compound 2 was composed of the f ollowing amino acids; Gly, Arg, Glu, Val in a ratio of 1:1:1:1, and ca used 20% enhancement of proliferation of BHK-21 cells at a concentrati on of 3.40 mu M. On the basis of physical and spectral data the struct ure of compound 1 was established as a tetrapeptide, Gly-Arg-gamma-Glu -Val-NH2.