mechanisms [2]. In addition, a recent study showed that ginseng
also contains the G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)
ligand, gintonin. The primary action of gintonin is to induce [Ca2þ]i
transient through the activation of LPA receptors with high affinity
[3]. Gintonin also regulates Ca2þ-dependent ion channels and receptors
and further exhibits anti-Alzheimer’s disease and antimetastatic
effects in vivo [4,5].
Busulfan is a cell-cycle nonspecific alkylating antineoplastic
agent that belongs to the class of alkyl sulfonates. As an alkylating
agent, busulfan forms DNAeDNA intrastrand crosslinks between the
DNA bases guanine and adenine and between guanine and guanine
[6]. This DNA crosslinking by busulfan prevents DNA replication, and
the cellular machinery cannot repair DNA crosslinks; thus, the
cancer cells undergo apoptosis [7]. Busulfan is used for the chemotherapeutic
treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, as it is a lowcost
drug. However, following treatment, busulfan exhibits adverse
effects in various organs, including the reproductive system. For
example, busulfan treatment induces azoospermia and testicular
atrophy in young male patients, resulting in sterility in certain cases.
In a previous report, it was shown that Korean Red Ginseng
extract (KRGE) has in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity against
various cancers [8]. However, little is known or not KRGE also attenuates
the adverse effects induced by anticancer agents. Kim et al
[9,10] showed that oral administration of KRGE attenuates
cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting in experimental animals.
Thus, these results indicate that KRGE might also have an attenuating
effect on the adverse effects induced by anticancer agents,
however, the possibility that KRGE could also be applied to attenuate
adverse effects that are induced by anticancer agents other
than cisplatin has not been reported.