Among them, the Spanish pandemic was exceptional in terms of its mortality, with over 20 million human deaths [4] and [5]. In this century, a pandemic involving reassorted H1N1 influenza virus containing the human, avian, and swine-origin genomes of influenza A virus has occurred in 2009 [10]. Highly pathogenic (HP) H5N1 influenza virus has the potential to become a pandemic influenza virus in humans, because this virus continues to infect humans and is global learn more in its occurrence. HP H5N1 influenza virus has successfully negotiated the species barrier from poultry to humans, killing six of 18 infected humans in Hong Kong in 1997 [11]. Since 2003,

the virus has spread to many countries including Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam [12], [13] and [14]. As of July 5, 2013, 377 of 633 infected humans have died from infections caused by HP H5N1 influenza virus, a mortality rate of over www.selleckchem.com/products/CP-690550.html 59%, despite the intensive care the patients received [15]. The clinical signs of human infection with HP H5N1 influenza virus include high fever, severe diarrhea, seizures, and coma [14] and [16]. Efforts have been made to develop an effective vaccine to prepare for the anticipated pandemic [17], [18] and [19]. In seeking other forms of treatment, attention has turned to medicinal plants, which have a history of human disease relief

dating back to the Neanderthal period [20]. Botanical gardens established to grow medical plants date back to at least the Sorafenib 16th century [21]. Use of herbal medications in the United States began in the early colonial days, when women provided their family with health care. In 1974, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of herbal medicines in developing countries, whose modern medical infrastructure can be deficient [22]. Panax ginseng has been used as a traditional medicine in China and Korea for over 2,000 years and has been suggested to enhance immune responses, memory, and physical capabilities [23], [24] and [25]. Ginseng saponins (ginsenosides) are the main substances in

the total extracts of ginseng and over 30 ginsenosides have been identified in Panax ginseng [26]. The pharmacological effects of ginseng have been reported in the central nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems [27]. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether dietary treatment with Red Ginseng could aid in the survival from lethal infections of HP H5N1 influenza virus and the underlying mechanisms of the protection. For these purposes, mice and ferret models were used. The HP H5N1 influenza virus, A/Vietnam/1203/04 (clade 1), was kindly provided by the WHO Collaborating Center for Influenza, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HP H5N1 influenza virus was grown in 10-d-old hen eggs (Dukhee farm, Icheon, Republic of Korea) prior to use.