Figure 1.

The active components of Panax quinquefolius activate the cytochrome-c related Bcl-2 and inhibit UCP-2. The activation of cytochrome-c related Bcl-2 has negative effects on caspase-9 triggered apoptotic cascade and then apoptosis. As UCP-2 induces apoptotic cascade and decreases ATP production, the inhibition of UCP-2 has negative effects on apoptosis and positive effects on ATP production, thereby increasing insulin production and release. : up-regulated. : down-regulated. + : positive effects. - : negative effects. : known actions. : recently discovered actions.