Total Ginseng Saponin Research Articles

Ginsenosides retard atherogenesis via remodelling host-microbiome metabolic homeostasis.

Panax ginseng is widely applied in the adjuvant treatment of cardiometabolic diseases in clinical practice without clear mechanisms. This study aims to clearly define the efficacy and underlying mechanism of P.ginseng and its active components in protecting against atherosclerosis. The anti-atherogenic efficacy of total ginseng saponin extract (TGS) and its components was evaluated on Ldlr-/- mice. Gut microbial structure was analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing and PCR. Bile acid profiles were revealed using targeted metabolomics with LC-MS/MS analysis. The contribution of gut microbiota to atherosclerosis was assessed by co-housing experiments. Ginsenoside Rb1, representing protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type saponins, increased intestinal Lactobacillus abundance, resulting in enhanced bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity to promote intestinal conjugated bile acid hydrolysis and excretion, followed by suppression of enterohepatic farnesoid X receptor (FXR)-fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) signal, and thereby increased cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) transcriptional expression and facilitated metabolic elimination of cholesterol. Synergistically, protopanaxatriol (PPT)-type saponins, represented by ginsenoside Rg1, protected against atherogenesis-triggered gut leak and metabolic endotoxaemia. Ginsenoside Rg1 directly induced mucin production to nutritionally maintain Akkermansia muciniphila, which reciprocally inhibited gut permeation. Rb1/Rg1 combination, rather than a single compound, can largely mimic the holistic efficacy of TGS in protecting Ldlr-/- mice from atherogenesis. Our study provides strong evidence supporting TGS and ginsenoside Rb1/Rg1 combinations as effective therapies against atherogenesis, via targeting different signal nodes by different components and may provide some elucidation of the holistic mode of herbal medicines.

Hepatoprotective efficacy and interventional mechanism of the panaxadiol saponin component in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mice.

Dietary administration is a promising strategy for intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our research team has identified a biologically active component, the panaxadiol saponin component (PDS-C) isolated from total saponins of panax ginseng, which has various pharmacological and therapeutic functions. However, the efficacy and mechanism of PDS-C in NAFLD were unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the hepatoprotective effects and underlying action mechanism of PDS-C in NAFLD. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD and treated with PDS-C and metformin as the positive control for 12 weeks. PDS-C significantly alleviated liver function, hepatic steatosis and blood lipid levels, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in NAFLD mice. In vitro, PDS-C has been shown to reduce lipotoxicity and ROS levels while enhancing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid. PDS-C induced AMPK phosphorylation, leading to upregulation of the Nrf2/HO1 pathway expression and downregulation of the NFκB protein level. Furthermore, our observations indicate that PDS-C supplementation improves insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in NAFLD mice, although its efficacy is not as pronounced as metformin. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the hepatoprotective efficacy of PDS-C in NAFLD and provide potential opportunities for developing functional products containing PDS-C.

Investigation of the active ingredients of Shuangshen Ningxin Fomula and the mechanism underlying their protective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by mass spectrometric imaging

BackgroundTraditional Chinese medicine, particularly Shuangshen Ningxin Capsule (SSNX), has been studied intensely. SSNX includes total ginseng saponins (from Panax ginseng Meyer), total phenolic acids from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, and total alkaloids from Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang. It has been suggested to protect against myocardial ischemia by a mechanism that has not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe composition and content of SSNX were determined by UHPLC-Q-TOFQ-TOF / MS. Then, a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was established, and the protective effect of SSNX was measured. The protective mechanism was investigated using spatial metabolomics. ResultsWe found that SSNX significantly improved left ventricular function and ameliorated pathological damages in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), the protective mechanism of SSNX was examined by comparing the monomer components of drugs targeted in myocardial tissue with the distribution of myocardial energy metabolism-related molecules and phospholipids. Interestingly, some lipids display inconsistent content distribution in the myocardial ischemia risk and non-risk zones. These discrepancies reflect the degree of myocardial injury in different regions. ConclusionThese findings suggest that SSNX protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by correcting abnormal myocardial energy metabolism, changing the levels and distribution patterns of phospholipids, and stabilizing the structure of the myocardial cell membrane. MALDI-TOF MS can detect the spatial distribution of small molecule metabolites in the myocardium and can be used in pharmacological research.

Correction for: Protective effect of total saponins of ginseng stems and leaves (GSLS) on chlorpyrifos-induced brain toxicity in mice through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis.

Correction for: Protective effect of total saponins of ginseng stems and leaves (GSLS) on chlorpyrifos-induced brain toxicity in mice through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis.

Synthesis and evaluation of ginsenosides imprinted polymer-based chromatographic stationary phase.

Molecular imprinting technique has aroused great interest in preparing novel stationary phases, and the resulting materials named molecularly imprinted polymers coated silica packing materials exhibit good performance in separating diverse analytes based on their good characteristics (including high selectivity, simple synthesis, and good chemical stability). To date, mono-template is commonly used in synthesizing molecularly imprinted polymers-based stationary phases. The resulting materials always own the disadvantages of low column efficiency and restricted analytes, and the price of ginsenosides with high purity was very high. In this study, to overcome the weaknesses of molecularly imprinted polymers-based stationary phases mentioned above, the multi-templates (total saponins of folium ginseng) strategy was used to prepare ginsenosides imprinted polymer-based stationary phase. The resulting ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase has a good spherical shape and suitable pore structures. Additionally, the total saponins of folium ginseng were cheaper than other kinds of ginsenosides. Moreover, the ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase packed column performed well in separation of ginsenosides, nucleosides, and sulfonamides. The ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase possesses good reproducibility, repeatability, and stability for seven days. Therefore, a multi-templates strategy for synthesizing the ginsenosides imprinted polymer-coated silica stationary phase is considered in the future. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Total saponins of panax ginseng via the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis attenuates neuroinflammation and exerted antidepressant-like effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress in rats.

Total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG) have antidepressant effects. However, the underlying antidepressant mechanism of TSPG remains not clear. This study aimed to predict the mechanism of TSPG by bioinformatics analysis and to verify it experimentally. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the antidepressant effects of TSPG may be related to inflammation, and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 may play a key mediating role. Wistar rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks, and TSPG (50 mg/kg/d, 100 mg/kg/d) was administered throughout the modeling period. It was found that TSPG improves depressive behavior and reduces neuropathic damage in the hippocampus in rats. Meanwhile, TSPG decreased mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and CX3CL1/CX3CR1 and inhibited P38 and JNK protein phosphorylation in the hippocampus. Rat astrocytes were employed to explore further the potential mechanism of TSPG in regulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1. The results showed that CX3CL1 small interfering RNA (siRNA-CX3CL1) and CX3CR1 inhibitor (JMS-17-2) had similar effects to TSPG, that is, reduced inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and phosphorylation of P38 and JNK proteins, while overexpression of CX3CL1 (pcDNA-CX3CL1) counteracted the above effects of TSPG. It is suggested that the antidepressant effect of TSPG may be achieved through inhibition of CX3CL1/CX3CR1.

Protective effect of total saponins of ginseng stems and leaves (GSLS) on chlorpyrifos-induced brain toxicity in mice through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a class of toxic compounds which has been widely used in agriculture that can cause multi-organ damage to the liver, kidneys, testes, and nervous system. Currently, most studies on ginseng have concentrated on the roots and rhizomes, and less research has been conducted on the above-ground parts. Our laboratory found that ginseng stem and leaf total saponin (GSLS) features strong antioxidant activity. In this experiment, we selected different concentrations of CPF to induce hippocampal neuronal cell injury model in mice, conducted a cell survival screening test, and also selected appropriate concentrations of CPF to induce brain injury model in mice. CCK-8, flow cytometry, Elisa, Hoechst 33258 staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, HE staining, Morris water maze, and qRT-PCR were adopted for detecting the effects of GSLS treatment on CPF-induced cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, Ca2+ concentration and GSLS treatment on CPF-induced brain injury and related signaling in mice, respectively. The effects of GSLS treatment on CPF-induced brain injury and the related signaling pathways in mice were examined. The results showed that GSLS at 60 μg/ml and 125 μg/ml concentrations elevated the viability of CPF-induced HT22 cells, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, depleted ROS, decreased Ca2+ concentration, and decreased apoptosis rate. Meanwhile, GSLS treatment significantly reduced CPF-induced escape latency in mice, elevated the number of entries into the plateau and effective area, increased the effective area and target quadrant residence time, as well as improved the pathological damage of mouse hippocampal neurons. The results of mouse brain sections demonstrated that GSLS treatment significantly increased SOD and CAT activities and lowered MDA accumulation in CPF-induced mice. qRT-PCR revealed that PTEN mRNA expression was significantly decreased with PI3K and AKT expression being significantly increased in GSLS-treated CPF-induced mice. Thus, the obtained results indicate that GSLS can effectively antagonize CPF-induced brain toxicity in mice through regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Panaxdiol saponins component promotes hematopoiesis by regulating GATA transcription factors of intracellular signaling pathway in mouse bone marrow.

BackgroundOur research team has identified a biological active component, panaxadiol saponins component (PDS-C) isolated from total saponins of panax ginseng as a potential targeted drug for treating hemocytopenia. PDS-C possesses dual activities, namely that of promoting hematopoiesis and regulating immune function. Our study is to observe effects of PDS-C on promoting hematopoiesis in normal and aplastic anemia (AA) mice, furthermore, to explore its possible mechanism.MethodsBone marrow nucleated cells were cultured for colony forming assay of CFU-GM, CFU-E and CFU-MK in the presence of PDS-C at different concentration. The proliferation and differentiation-related genes expression profile was analyzed with DNA membrane microarray. The mRNA expression levels and protein phosphorylated state of GATA-1, GATA-2 transcription factors and AKT-1, MAPK14 protein kinases were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot, the DNA binding activity and components of GATA-DNA complex were analyzed by EMSA and antibody gel supershift assay.ResultsIn response to PDS-C at 10, 25 and 50 mg/L, the bone marrow colony numbers of CFU-GM, CFU-E and CFU-MK increased significantly by 25.7%±3.1% to 42.4%±4.5% respectively in normal mice, and 29.7%±3.7% to 53.2%±7.1% in AA mice. The gene microarray profile initiated by PDS-C provided the up-regulated genes by more than 3 times, which can be classified into 11 categories according to their functions, including GATA-1, GATA-2, and AKT-1, MAPK14. The mRNA expression levels of GATA-1, GATA-2 were consistent with their gene microarray profile in PDS-C treated erythroid and megakaryocytic hematopoietic cells. Meanwhile, PDS-C could not only up-regulate expression levels of GATA-1, GATA-2 proteins, but also enhance phosphorylated activity state. Furthermore, PDS-C obviously enhanced binding activity of GATA protein with DNA in erythroid and megakaryocytic cells, and the main composition of GATA-DNA complex was GATA-2 and GATA-1.ConclusionsPDS-C displays the role to promote proliferation and induce differentiation for hematopoietic cells. Its action mechanism may involve in GATA-1, GATA-2 transcription factors, including up-regulating mRNA and protein expression, enhancing DNA binding activity, phosphorylated functional activity and up-regulating AKT-1, MAPK14 protein kinases as the upstream signaling molecule for activation GATA-1, GATA-2 respectively in hematopoietic cells.

Antinociceptive Effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 in a Rat Model of Incisional Pain

Background: Ginsenoside Rg3 is an extract of total ginseng saponins, which accounts for 4.7% of all saponins. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms of the antinociceptive effects of ginsenoside Rg3. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into six groups, which were treated with vehicle or 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, or 4 mg/kg of ginsenoside Rg3 intraperitoneally 2 h after a plantar incision was made. To evaluate the mechanisms of antinociceptive effects, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with naloxone 5 mg/kg, atropine 1 mg/kg, yohimbine 2 mg/kg, mecamylamine 1 mg/kg, prazosin 1 mg/kg, and dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg. Hyperalgesia produced by the plantar incision was assessed using von Frey filaments 1 day before the incision (BI) and 2 h after the plantar incision (AP); this measurement was repeated at 15, 30, 45, 60, 80, 100 and 120 min, and 24 and 48 h after the injection of ginsenoside Rg3. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured 1 day before incision and 120 min, 24 h, and 48 h after the injection of ginsenoside Rg3 or vehicle. Results: The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) significantly increased in the group that received ginsenoside Rg3. The dose-MWT response showed a curvilinear, bell-shaped relationship. The maximum MWT was found with the administration of ginsenoside Rg3 at 1.5 mg/kg; MWT decreased to 2 and 4 mg/kg. Yohimbine diminished the analgesic effect of ginsenoside Rg3. Prazosin and dexmedetomidine increased the analgesic effect of ginsenoside Rg3. IL-1β and IL-6 appeared significantly lower relative to control group. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rg3 has an analgesic effect with a curvilinear dose-response relationship. Alpha 2 adrenergic receptor appeared to be related to the analgesic effect of ginsenoside Rg3. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 could be related to its analgesic effect.

20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of KG-1a cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Previous research has shown that total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG) and other ginsenoside monomers inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells. However, the effect has not been compared among them. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and ultra-structural characteristics were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Real-time fluorescence quantitative‑PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of β-catenin, TCF4, cyclinD1 and NF-κBp65. β-catenin/TCF4 target gene transcription were observed by ChIP-PCR assay. We found that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 [(S)Rh2] inhibited the proliferation of KG-1a cells more efficiently than the other monomers. Moreover, (S)Rh2 arrested KG-1a cells in the G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis. In addition, the levels of β-catenin, TCF4, cyclinD1 mRNA and protein were decreased. The ChIP-PCR showed that (S)Rh2 downregulated the transcription of β-catenin/TCF4 target genes, such as cyclinD1 and c-myc. These results indicated that (S)Rh2 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, demonstrating its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for leukemia therapy.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Major Constituents in Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS.

Shexiang Tongxin dropping pill (STP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that consists of total saponins of ginseng, synthetic Calculus bovis, bear gall, Venenum bufonis, borneol and Salvia miltiorrhiza. STP has been widely used in China and Southeast Asia for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, a qualitative analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was developed for identification of the major constituents in STP. Based on the retention time and MS spectra, 41 components were identified by comparison with reference compounds and literature data. Moreover, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry in multiple-reaction monitoring mode, we quantified 13 of the identified constituents (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rk3, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, bufalin, resibufogenin, tanshinone IIA, taurine, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and chenodeoxycholic acid). These results suggest that this new approach is applicable for the routine analysis and quality control of STP products and provides fundamental data for further in vivo pharmacokinetical studies.

Effects of Shenmai injection and its bioactive components following ischemia/reperfusion in cardiomyocytes.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the myocardial protective function of Shenmai injection (SM) during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is attributable to its regulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and phospholamban (PLB) levels. Cultured neonatal Sprague Dawley rat cardiomyocytes were used to compare the effects of normoxia, total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG), ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) and SM treatments in rat myocardial cells following I/R. For each of these treatment groups, the mRNA and protein levels of PLB and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) were evaluated, in addition to the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i and the rate of apoptosis. The results indicated that I/R markedly decreased phosphorylated PLB and SERCA expression and that SM was able to mitigate this effect, while TPSG and Rg1 were not. Furthermore, SM appeared to prevent aberrant apoptosis and restore the depleted [Ca2+]i resulting from I/R. The protective efficacy of SM against heart disease following I/R may, therefore, be due in part to its effect on intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. SM may exert its protective effects by relieving PLB inhibition, and the pharmacodynamic actions of SM appear to be significantly more effective than those of its bioreactive components, TPSG and Rgl.

Effects of panaxadiol saponins component as a new Chinese patent medicine on proliferation, differentiation and corresponding gene expression profile of megakaryocytes

To investigate the effects of panaxadiol saponins component (PDS-C) isolated from total saponins of panax ginseng on proliferation, differentiation and corresponding gene expression profile of megakaryocytes. Bone marrow culture of colony forming assay of megakaryocytic progenitor cells (CFU-MK) was observed for the promoting proliferation mediated by PDS-C, and differentiation of megakaryocytic blasts caused by PDS-C was analyzed with flow cytometry in CHRF-288 and Meg-01 cells, as well as proliferation, differentiation-related genes expression profile and protein expression levels were detected by human gene expression microarray and western blot. In response to PDS-C 10, 20 and 50 mg/L, CFU-MK from 10 human bone marrow samples was increased by 28.9%±2.7%, 41.0%±3.2% and 40.5%±2.6% over untreated control, respectively (P <0.01, each). Flow cytometry analysis showed that PDS-C treated CHRF-288 cells and Meg-01 cells significantly increased in CD42b, CD41, TSP and CD36 positive ratio, respectively. PDS-C induced 29 genes up-regulated more than two-fold commonly in both cells detected by human expression microarray representing 4000 known genes. The protein expression levels of ZNF91, c-Fos, BTF3a, GATA-1, RGS2, NDRG2 and RUNX1 were increased with western blot in correspond to microarray results. PDS-C as an effective component for hematopoiesis, play the role to enhance proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes, also up-regulated expression of proliferation, differentiation-related genes and proteins in vitro.

Effects of component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on cell proliferation, apoptosis and skeleton in lung cancer A549 cells

This study aims to optimize the most effective component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on lung cancer A549 using the orthogonal design method, and to investigate its effects of the component formula on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cytoskeleton in lung cancer A549 cells. The orthogonal design method was introduced to optimize the most effective component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on lung cancer A549 cells. CCK-8 assay and Real-time cell analysis were adapted to analyze the effect of component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on A549 cells viability at different time and dose. Cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V- FITC/PI double staining and flow cytometry. Cell skeleton protein F-actin was detected by high content screening (HCS). The optimizing component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma for total salvianolic acid, total saponins of panax ginseng and ginseng polysaccharide doses were 5, 10, 5 mg L(-1). CCK-8 assay and real-time cell analysis demonstrated that the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma treatment could significantly decrease the A549 cell viability in both dose- and time-dependent manner compared with control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the increase of cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and flow cytometry when cells treated with the component formula, which indicating that the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma could induce A549 cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner compared with control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, compared with control group, a significant decrease in A549 cell skeleton area was found in the component formula-exposed cells in the dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). In summary, the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma inhibits A549 cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and decreasing cell microfilament formation. All of these results will be helpful to reveal antitumor mechanism of the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, which provides a basis for the exploration of antitumor mechanism of the component formula on lung cancer.

Ginsenosides and amino acids in flavored ginseng chips as affected by food formulation and processing technology

The objective of this study was to develop a novel product for ready-to-eat (RTE) ginseng chips with distinctive flavors through food processing (soaking with different media, pre-heating, steaming, freezing and freeze-drying). Changes in total saponin contents, ginsenosides and amino acid contents of ginseng product were investigated. Results showed that ginseng treated with most of the soaking media obtained changes in saponin content significantly (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, ginseng treated with sugar type soaking media obtained significant (p < 0.05) increases in content of ginsenoside Rg3. Ginseng chips soaked with glucose solution, sucrose-vinegar solution, and sucrose solution increased ginsenoside Rg3 31%, 36%, and 64%, respectively. All soaking media showed a descending trend in amino acids content. In conclusion, soaking with sucrose solution is proposed as optimal processing conditions to yield end-product with high bioactive components and favorable taste. Industrial relevanceThis research would have practical applications in providing value-added novel food products derived from ginseng. Presented information will provide useful reference for the food industry to develop new ready-to-eat ginseng food products with specific flavor and texture. The changes in total ginseng saponin, individual ginsenosides and free amino acids in different novel ginseng products may provide manufacturer information to produce desired products with targeted components.

Ginseng Rb fraction protects glia, neurons and cognitive function in a rat model of neurodegeneration.

The loss and injury of neurons play an important role in the onset of various neurodegenerative diseases, while both microgliosis and astrocyte loss or dysfunction are significant causes of neuronal degeneration. Previous studies have suggested that an extract enriched panaxadiol saponins from ginseng has more neuroprotective potential than the total saponins of ginseng. The present study investigated whether a fraction of highly purified panaxadiol saponins (termed as Rb fraction) was protective for both glia and neurons, especially GABAergic interneurons, against kainic acid (KA)-induced excitotoxicity in rats. Rats received Rb fraction at 30 mg/kg (ip), 40 mg/kg (ip or saline followed 40 min later by an intracerebroventricular injection of KA. Acute hippocampal injury was determined at 48 h after KA, and impairment of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory as well as delayed neuronal injury was determined 16 to 21 days later. KA injection produced significant acute hippocampal injuries, including GAD67-positive GABAergic interneuron loss in CA1, paralbumin (PV)-positive GABAergic interneuron loss, pyramidal neuron degeneration and astrocyte damage accompanied with reactive microglia in both CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. There was also a delayed loss of GAD67-positive interneurons in CA1, CA3, hilus and dentate gyrus. Microgliosis also became more severe 21 days later. Accordingly, KA injection resulted in hippocampus-dependent spatial memory impairment. Interestingly, the pretreatment with Rb fraction at 30 or 40 mg/kg significantly protected the pyramidal neurons and GABAergic interneurons against KA-induced acute excitotoxicity and delayed injury. Rb fraction also prevented memory impairments and protected astrocytes from KA-induced acute excitotoxicity. Additionally, microglial activation, especially the delayed microgliosis, was inhibited by Rb fraction. Overall, this study demonstrated that Rb fraction protected both astrocytes and neurons, especially GABAergic interneurons, and maintained microglial homeostasis against KA-induced excitotoxicity. Therefore, Rb fraction has the potential to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Ginsenoside Rg1 induces apoptosis through inhibition of the EpoR-mediated JAK2/STAT5 signalling pathway in the TF-1/ Epo human leukemia cell line.

Ginsenoside Rg1 is one effective anticancer and antioxidant constituent of total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG), which has been shown to have various pharmacological effects. Our previous study demonstrated that Rg1 had anti-tumor activity in K562 leukemia cells. The aim of this study was designed to investigate whether Rg1 could induce apoptosis in TF-1/Epo cells and further to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Here we found that Rg1 could inhibit TF-1/Epo cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in vitro in a concentration and time dependent manner. It also suppressed the expression of EpoR on the surface membrane and inhibited JAK2/STAT5 pathway activity. Rg1 induced up-regulation of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and C-PAPR protein and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and AG490, a JAK2 specific inhibitor, could enhance the effects of Rg1. Our studies showed that EpoR-mediated JAK2/STAT5 signaling played a key role in Rg1-induced apoptosis in TF-1/Epo cells. These results may provide new insights of Rg1 protective roles in the prevention a nd treatment of leukemia.

Antidepressant-like effects and memory enhancement of a herbal formula in mice exposed to chronic mild stress

Shen Yuan Gan (SYG) is a Chinese herbal prescription composed of total saponins of Panax ginseng and total oligosaccharide esters of Polygala tenuifolia (2:1). Our previous studies have demonstrated that SYG has antidepressant-like effects in various mouse models of behavioral depression. The present study aimed to test whether SYG affected chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced depression and cognitive impairment in mice. We found that a 5-week CMS schedule induced significant degradation of the coat state, decreased sucrose intake in the sucrose-preference test, and increased the latency to feed in the noveltysuppressed feeding test. All of these CMS-induced changes were ameliorated by SYG (100 and 200 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg). In addition, SYG restored the decreased monoamine neurotransmitter concentrations (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine) induced by CMS in the prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, SYG ameliorated CMS-induced cognitive impairment in the step-through test, and increased the acetylcholine level in the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that SYG has an antidepressant-like action and enhances cognition by modulating the serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine levels in the prefrontal cortex.

The Anaphylactoid Constituents in Xue-Sai-Tong Injection

Xue-Sai-Tong injection, a traditional Chinese medicine with total saponins of Sanqi ginseng as active ingredients, has been used for more than 500 years to treat coronary artery disease in China. Anaphylactoid reaction induced by Xue-Sai-Tong injection was one of the main adverse drug reactions which has occurred frequently in recent years. It is of importance to elucidate its anaphylactoid constituents. The in vivo anaphyalctoid tests indicated that the anaphylactoid mediators could be used as indexes to evaluate the anaphylactoid action. Further, the in vitro model based on determining the mediators release from the degranulation of mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells stimulated by Xue-Sai-Tong injection was explored. Mediators released from mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells caused by Xue-Sai-Tong injection were determined by comparison of the methods of fluorospectrophotometry, ELISA, and spectrophotometry, respectively, revealing that the histamine release induced by the Xue-Sai-Tong injection could not be assayed accurately by the method of fluorospectrophotometry because of the interference of saponins and unknown components in the injection. The rat peritoneal mast cell was also not an optimal cell model for determining histamine and β-hexosaminidase release due to the higher spontaneous release ratio during the cell collection. Thus, ELISA determination of the histamine release from RBL-2H3 cells is a suitable in vitro model to assay the anaphylactoid reaction of Xue-Sai-Tong injection. Previously, abnormal hemolysis in some batches of Xue-Sai-Tong injection was observed in the course of their HD₅₀ (half hemolytic dosage) determination. This study further found that injections which exhibited an abnormal hemolysis phenomenon also caused a higher release of the anaphylactoid mediators from RBL-2H3 cells, indicating the HD₅₀ could be an auxiliary index to evaluate anaphylactoid action of the herbal injection indirectly. Research for anaphylactoid components in Xue-Sai-Tong injection indicated that proteins with over 10 KDa of molecular weight, but not ginsenosides, could be the main constituents inducing the release of anaphylactoid mediators from RBL-2H3 cells. An HPLC method for protein determination in the Xue-Sai-Tong injection was established subsequently, and the content of proteins with molecular weights of over 10 KDa in the injections showed an obviously positive correlation with the histamine release induced by the injections. In addition, taking ginsenoside-Rd coupled with BSA as an example, the hapten property of ginsenosides was studied and the ratio of ginsenoside-Rd to BSA was determined to be 8:1 by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the ginsenoside-BSA conjugate showed a stronger action to stimulate histamine release from the RBL-2H3 cells.

Screening and Structures Characterization of α- Glucosidase Inhibitors from Total Saponins of Ginseng Stems and Leaves by Ultrafiltration LC-MS n

An target molecule affinity-LC-ESI-MSnmethod was established to rapid screening α-glucosidase inhibitors from total saponins of ginseng stems and leaves. As a result,the inhibitory effects from twelve compounds including ginsenoside Rb3 presented α-glucosidase were observed and identified,meanwhile,five of them including ginsenoside F2,Rf,Rg3,Rd and Rb3 were done for activity validation. Rb3 showed the strongest activity for α-glucosidase,inhibition rate is 43. 16%,close to total saponins. The method is simple,rapid,accurate and suitable for directly screened active ingredients which can inhibit α-glycosidase from complex extract of traditional Chinese medicines.