Anti-Asthmatic Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma Through Relegating Th1/Th2

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-asthma effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) and its possible mechanisms. A total of 50 mice were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: control, model, dexamethasone (2mg/kg), and Rb1 (10 and 20mg/kg). Airway resistance (RI) was measured; histological studies were evaluated by the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; Th1/Th2, ovalbumin (OVA)-specific serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) IgE levels were evaluated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and T-bet/GATA3 proteins were evaluated by Western blot. Our study demonstrated that Rb1 inhibited OVA-induced increases in RI and eosinophil counts; interleukin (IL)-4 was recovered, and IFN-γlevel increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological studies demonstrated that Rb1 substantially inhibited OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissue. Western blot studies demonstrated that Rb1 substantially inhibited GATA3 and increased T-bet. These findings suggest that Rb1 may effectively ameliorate the progression of asthma and could be used as a therapy for patients with allergic asthma.