Protective effects of ginsenoside CK against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage, assessed with 1H-NMR-based metabolomics

Abstract

Oxidative stress is an important pathogenic mechanism in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although ginsenoside compound K (CK) is protective against neuronal oxidative damage, the underlying mechanism remains to be understood. In this study, the protective effects of ginsenoside CK against oxidative stress damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in HT22 cells were investigated with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR)-based metabolomics. The optimal CK concentration for decreasing oxidative stress damage in nerves was determined with MTT assays. CK (8 μM) significantly increased the HT22 cell survival rate after the model was established. Cell lysates were subjected to 1H-NMR metabolomics, western blotting, and ATP assays for verification. Metabolic perturbation occurred in HT22 cells in the model group but not the control group. Twenty biomarkers were identified and used to analyze metabolic pathways. CK reversed metabolic changes in HT22 cells by altering taurine, glutamate, glycine, and glutathione metabolism. Subsequently, CK increased ATP content and the expression of components of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in HT22 cells. These findings demonstrated that CK prevents oxidative stress damage and protects nerves by regulating energy-metabolism pathways, such as those of taurine, glutamate, and other amino acids, thus providing a rationale for the use of CK in Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Ginseng and “Shanghuo” (fireness): a comprehensive review from the viewpoints of TCM theory and modern science

“…65 Meanwhile, the effects of ginsenoside monomers such as ginsenosides Rg1, Re, and Rc and compound K are also investigated. [66][67][68] Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and ginseng polysaccharides have better effects on energy generation and metabolism than that of protopanaxatriol (PPT). 53 However, given the opposite drug properties and the direct causality of "Shanghuo" and ginseng abuse, it is necessary to focus on the relevant effects of the ginsenosides of ginseng or red ginseng compared to ginseng leaves or American ginseng as the first group have higher contents of ginsenosides (Fig.…”

Organoid models for Chinese herbal medicine studies

“…Metabonomics provide more comprehensive phenotypic characteristics and physiologic interactions of diseases. Compared with twodimensional cell culture, three-dimensional cultures more efficiently simulate the physiologic environment in vivo, thus are more suitable for combined research with metabonomics [51,52].…”

Progress in Identification of UDP-Glycosyltransferases for Ginsenoside Biosynthesis

“…2 Ginsenosides, the primary active ingredients in Panax ginseng, have demonstrated significant potential in treating various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and cancers, attracting considerable attention in recent decades. 3,4 To elucidate the chemical composition of the Panax genus and discover potential lead compounds, extensive phytochemical studies have been conducted and new compounds continue to be reported. 5−7 To summarize, as of 2020, at least 573 saponin compounds (ginsenosides) were reported from the Panax genus.…”

“…Panax ginseng , one of the most renowned Chinese medicinal and edible herbs, is in high demand globally, particularly in China and Korea . Ginsenosides, the primary active ingredients in Panax ginseng , have demonstrated significant potential in treating various diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and cancers, attracting considerable attention in recent decades. , To elucidate the chemical composition of the Panax genus and discover potential lead compounds, extensive phytochemical studies have been conducted and new compounds continue to be reported. − To summarize, as of 2020, at least 573 saponin compounds (ginsenosides) were reported from the Panax genus . Known ginsenosides comprise four classic sapogenins: protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type, protopanaxatriol (PPT)-type, oleanolic acid (OA)-type, and octillol (OCT)-type ginsenosides (Figure ).…”