Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts antiarrhythmic effects by inhibiting INa and ICaL in rabbit ventricular myocytes

Abstract

Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts its pharmacological action by regulating sodium, potassium and calcium ion channels in the membranes of nerve cells. These ion channels are also present in cardiomyocytes, but no studies have been reported to date regarding the effects of Rb1 on cardiac sodium currents (INa), L-type calcium currents (ICaL) and action potentials (APs). Additionally, the antiarrhythmic potential of Rb1 has not been assessed. In this study, we used a whole-cell patch clamp technique to assess the effect of Rb1 on these ion channels. The results showed that Rb1 inhibited INa and ICaL, reduced the action potential amplitude (APA) and maximum upstroke velocity (Vmax), and shortened the action potential duration (APD) in a concentration-dependent manner but had no effect on the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) or resting membrane potential (RMP). We also designed a pathological model at the cellular and organ level to verify the role of Rb1. The results showed that Rb1 abolished high calcium-induced delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs), depressed the increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), relieved calcium overload and protected cardiomyocytes. Rb1 can also reduce the occurrence of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) in ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury.

Functional compounds of ginseng and ginseng-containing medicine for treating cardiovascular diseases

“…A study found that ginsenoside Rg3 can change the electrocardiogram (ECG) and monophasic action potential (MAP) of Langendorff perfused rabbit heart, shorten the QT interval, and may be related to alleviating the current inhibition of human ether-related genes (hERG) and accelerating the activation process of potassium channels . Another study has shown that ginsenosides can also treat arrhythmias by inhibiting the voltage-dependent Na + current in the myocardium and reducing the amplitude of action potentials (Liu et al, 2019). These studies fully demonstrate the antiarrhythmic therapeutic potential of ginsenosides.…”

Ginsenoside Rb1 Mitigates Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endometritis through TLR4-Mediated NF-κB Pathway

“…GnRb1 is a glycoside from the class of triterpenoid saponins, found in Panax ginseng, that has a long history of being used in China to cure various ailments. Its main biopharmacological properties includes cardioprotective [ 26 , 27 ], neuroprotective [ 28 , 29 ], nephroprotective [ 30 ], immunoregulatory [ 31 ], and anti-inflammatory properties [ 15 , 32 , 33 ]. GnRb1 was proved to suppress LPS-induced ALI [ 12 ].…”

Shenfu injection: a review of pharmacological effects on cardiovascular diseases

“…The existing studies reported that RG can be used to treat coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis by reducing blood lipid levels and improving inflammation ( Hernández-García et al, 2019 ; Lu et al, 2019 ; Im, 2020 ). Additionally, it can inhibit arrhythmia by affecting the ion channels, such as activating potassium channel while blocking calcium channel and sodium current ( Liu Z. et al, 2019 ; Gou et al, 2020 ). Furthermore, by ameliorating mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative damage in cardiomyocytes, it can prevent ventricular remodeling and heart failure.…”