Ginsenoside-Rg5 inhibits growth and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma via suppressing expression of fibroblast growth factor-8b (FGF8b)

Abstract

Ginsenoside-Rg5, a protopanaxadiol ginsenoside originates from ginseng, is known for its anti-cancer activities. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of ginsenoside-Rg5 on ovarian carcinoma. We found that 10 µM–50 µM of ginsenoside-Rg5 could reduce viability, adhesive capacity and migration potential of ovarian cancer OCI-P9a culture cells in a dose dependent manner. Treatment of ovarian cancer mice using 25 mg/kg of ginsenoside-Rg5 for one month could significantly reduce tumor volume (165.5 ± 29.6 mm3 in treated group versus 979.2 ± 134.5 mm3 in control group). In contrast to control mice, no tumor metastasis was seen in ginsenoside-Rg5 treated mice. OCI-P9a cells were found to have a high level of fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF8b) expression, and ginsenoside-Rg5 could significantly reduce the expression of FGF8b in these cells. Therefore, anti-cancer and anti-metastasis effects of ginsenoside-Rg5 may be related with FGF8b-associated pathways. This ginsenoside from ginseng can be a good therapy candidate for ovary cancer.