Neuroprotective Effects of Red Ginseng Saponins in Scopolamine-Treated Rats and Activity Screening Based on Pharmacokinetics

Abstract

Ginseng has been used to alleviate age-related dementia and memory deterioration for thousands of years. This study investigated the protective effect of red ginseng saponins against scopolamine-induced cerebral injury. Meanwhile, pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides in normal and scopolamine-treated rats were compared. After scopolamine injection, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly decreased when compared with control group. Compared with SA group, pretreatment of rats with red ginseng saponins could increase glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase level. Treatment with red ginseng saponins significantly decreased malondialdehyde level. In the pharmacokinetic analysis, a pattern recognition analysis method was used to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the absorbed compounds in blood. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Rg1, Rg2, Rh3, Rg5 and Rk1 in model group had higher area under the curve (AUC), mean residence time (MRT) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) values; area under the curve (AUC) values and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of model group was significantly different from that of normal group (p < 0.05). The Cmax value of Rk3, Rh1, Rh2 and Rh4 in model group was higher than normal group, but their AUC values were not significantly different. There was no significantly difference in time at Cmax (Tmax), AUC and Cmax values of Rb1, Rb2 Re, Rc, Rd and Rf between the model and normal group. 16 ginsenosides were grouped into three separate clusters according to principal component analysis (PCA) score plot based on pharmacokinetic data. The results suggested red ginseng saponins have significant protective effect against scopolamine-induced memory deficit and scopolamine-induced rats could lead to the changes of pharmacokinetic behaviors of ginsenosides.

Whitening and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation properties of the biotransformed green ginseng berry of new cultivar K1, ginsenoside Rg2 enriched, on B16 and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells

“…As reported previously, Rg2 showed stronger neuro-protective [ 35 ] and obesity prevention [ 16 ] properties as compared to Re. Therefore, researchers were tempted to convert Re into the minor forms [ 1 , 36 ].…”

Network pharmacology‐based approach to investigate the mechanisms ofZingiber officinaleRoscoe in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

“…At present, AChE remains the primary therapeutic target for NDDs. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors play an important role in the treatment of NDDs (Chen et al., 2019). Studies have reported that cholinesterase could reduce nerve transmission between cholinergic synapses and nerves and muscles, degenerate cholinergic neurons, and lead to the damage of learning‐related neural circuits (Wandhammer et al., 2013).…”

Luteolin Prevents Cardiac Dysfunction and Improves the Chemotherapeutic Efficacy of Doxorubicin in Breast Cancer

“…For example, Zheng et al found that the TCM Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Fang could inhibit tumor proliferation by enhancing GLUT-1 related glycolysis and may alter the immune-rejection microenvironment in renal cell carcinoma patients ( 37 ). Ginsenoside Re functions as an antioxidant, protecting cardiomyocytes from oxidant injury induced by exogenous and endogenous oxidants, and protects against apoptotic cell death ( 38 , 39 ). Notably, previous attempts to explore the cancer prevention and therapeutic potential of Lut have systematically indicated its potential as an anticancer agent for various cancers ( 40 ).…”