Effects of Ginsenoside Rf on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a critical disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the small intestine and colon, which eventually leads to disruption of the gut barrier function. Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is an important traditional herb, which contains various active constituents known as ginsenosides. Ginsenoside Rf (Rf) is a dynamic component of P. ginseng and is rarely available in other species. This study determined the anti-inflammatory effects of Rf in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The results demonstrated significantly lower body weight loss and shortening of colon length in mice treated with Rf than in DSS-treated mice. In addition, inflammatory signalling mechanisms involving interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha were inhibited in Rf-treated mice. The results suggest Rf as a potential antiinflammatory agent that can be used for the treatment of IBD.

Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and metabolomics reveal potential effective components and mechanisms of Shengjiang Xiexin decoction in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

“…Previous studies have shown that the main herb in the prescription, Zingiber officinale Rosc., has good efficacy in treating digestive disorders [ 38 ], Extracts from this herb, 6-Shogaol and 6-gingerol, have been shown to prevent and treat liver damage and intestinal barrier damage [ 39 ], inhibit intestinal inflammation [ 40 ], and exhibit intestinal spasmolytic activity [ 41 ]. Ginsenoside-Rf from Panax ginseng C. A. Mey has been found to treat dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by suppressing IL-6 and DNF-α [ 42 ]. Glycyrrhetinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid and one of the main active ingredients of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., and its derivatives have been found to possess various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects [ 43 ].…”