A New Saponin Transformed from Ginsenoside Rh_1 by Bacillus subtilis

A novel saponin was isolated from the transformed products of ginsenoside Rh1 by Bacillus subtilis. It's structure was determined to be 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-6-O-β-D-gluco- pyranosyl-20 (S)-protopanaxatriol on the basis of the spectral data.

Ginsenoside Rb1 induces hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis to alleviate liver fibrosis via the BECN1/SLC7A11 axis

Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),a process associated with ferroptosis.Ginsenoside Rb1(GRb1),a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng,inhibits HSC activation.However,the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains unclear.This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro,using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs,LX-2 cells.The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro,reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA)and type I collagen(Col1A1)levels.Moreover,GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo.From a mechanistic standpoint,the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1.Specifically,GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro,characterized by increased glutathione depletion,malondialdehyde production,iron overload,and accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Intriguingly,GRb1 increased Beclin 1(BECN1)levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11.Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1.Moreover,BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11,initiating HSC ferroptosis.In conclusion,the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro.Overall,this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation,at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.

GPCR-Gs mediates the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 against oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation-induced astrocyte injury

Objectives:To investigate whether the protective actions of ginsenoside Rb1(Rb1)on astrocytes are mediated through the G_(s)-type G-protein-coupled receptor(GPCR-G_(s)).Methods:Primary astrocyte cultures derived from neonatal mouse brain were used.Astrocyte injury was induced via oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation(OGD/R).Cell morphology,viability,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)leakage,apoptosis,glutamate uptake,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)secretion were assessed to gauge cell survival and functionality.Western blot was used to investigate the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)and protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.GPCR-G_(s)-specific inhibitors and molecular docking were used to identify target receptors.Results:Rb1 at concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 5μM did not significantly affect the viability,glutamate uptake,or BDNF secretion in normal astrocytes.OGD/R reduced astrocyte viability,increasing their LDH leakage and apoptosis rate.It also decreased glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion by these cells.Rb1 had protective effects of astrocytes challenged by OGD/R,by improving viability,reducing apoptosis,and enhancing glutamate uptake and BDNF secretion.Additionally,Rb1 activated the cAMP and Akt pathways in these cells.When the GPCR-G_(s) inhibitor NF449 was introduced,the protective effects of Rb1 completely disappeared,and its activation of cAMP and Akt signaling pathways was significantly inhibited.Conclusion:Rb1 protects against astrocytes from OGD/R-induced injury through GPCR-G_(s) mediation.

Crosstalk among Oxidative Stress,Autophagy,and Apoptosis in the Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells:A Mixed Computational and Experimental Study

Objective Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were found to shift from their usually inactive state to an active state in ischemic stroke (IS) and cause neuronal damage. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1),a component derived from medicinal plants,is known for its pharmacological benefits in IS,but its protective effects on BMECs have yet to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of GRb1 on BMECs. Methods An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Bulk RNA-sequencing data were analyzed by using the Human Autophagy Database and various bioinformatic tools,including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA),Gene Ontology (GO) classification and enrichment analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis,protein-protein interaction network analysis,and molecular docking. Experimental validation was also performed to ensure the reliability of our findings. Results Rb1 had a protective effect on BMECs subjected to OGD/R injury. Specifically,GRb1 was found to modulate the interplay between oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy in BMECs. Key targets such as sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62),autophagy related 5 (ATG5),and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) were identified,highlighting their potential roles in mediating the protective effects of GRb1 against IS-induced damage. Conclusion GRbl protects BMECs against OGD/R injury by influencing oxidative stress,apoptosis,and autophagy. The identification of SQSTM1/p62,ATG5,and HIF-1α as promising targets further supports the potential of GRb1 as a therapeutic agent for IS,providing a foundation for future research into its mechanisms and applications in IS treatment.

A novel cabazitaxel liposomes modified with ginsenoside Rk1 for cancer targeted therapy

Objective:In this study,we aim to enhance the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of cabazitaxel(CTX)and reduce its immunosuppression and systemic toxicity by developing CTX-loaded liposomes modified with ginsenoside Rk1(Rk1/CTX-Lip).Methods:Physical and chemical properties of Rk1/CTX-Lip were investigated.We evaluated the biological functions of Rk1/CTXLip,both in vitro and in vivo.A subcutaneous prostate cancer(RM-1)-bearing mouse model was established to study the efficacy of Rk1/CTX-Lip inhibition in tumors.Simultaneously,a Candida albicans infection model was established in tumor-bearing mice to study the infection-relieving efficacy of Rk1/CTX-Lip.Finally,biocompatibility and in vivo safety of Rk1/CTX-Lip were evaluated.Results:We successfully prepared Rk1/CTX-Lip,achieving high CTX encapsulation efficiency(97.24±0.75)%and physical stability.Rk1/CTX-Lip demonstrated evasion of macrophage phagocytosis,effective tumor tissue targeting,and a significant reduction(>50%)in average tumor volume compared with Chol/CTX-Lip.Moreover,it relieved the concurrent infection burden and effectively regulated immune organs and cells,demonstrating superior biocompatibility.Conclusion:Rk1/CTX-Lip presents a promising new therapy for prostate cancer and holds potential for relieving concurrent fungal infections in cancer patients with low immunity.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

Microbiological Transformation of Ginsenoside Rg_1

Forty-nine microbial strains were used to screen their ability for the microbiological transforma-tion of ginsenoside Rg1. Aspergillus niger (3.1858) and Absidia coerulea (3.3538) were found to convert ginsenoside Rg1 efficiently to less polar metabolites. Preparative scale transformation with both fungi Absidia coerulea (3.3538) and Aspergillus niger (3.1858) have resulted in the production of one same metabolite (MT1). Its structure was char-acterized as 6-O-b-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxatriol (Ginsenoside Rh1) on the basis of its TOF-MS and 1H, 13C NMR spectral data. The biotransformation kinetic curves for Ginsenoside Rg1 and MT1 were reported for the first time, and the biotransformation pathway was proposed.

人参皂苷Rg_1和Rh_1抗肿瘤作用的研究

目的 :研究人参皂苷 Rh1及其前体 Rg1的整体及离体抗肿瘤作用。方法 :整体实验 4种小鼠移植性肿瘤 :小鼠宫颈癌 - 1 4( U14 )、艾氏腹水癌 ( EAC)、肉瘤 - 1 80 ( S180 )和肝癌腹水型 ( Hep A)腋部皮下接种 ,于接种 1 0 d内 ,每天给药 1次 ,计算各给药组肿瘤抑制率。离体抗肿瘤实验用 3种瘤株 :A375 - S2、T98G 和 He La。结果 :人参皂苷 Rg1( 2 0 0 mg·kg-1,灌胃 )和 Rh1( 4 0和2 0 mg· kg-1,腹腔注射 )对 U14 均具有明显的抑制作用 ( P<0 .0 1 ) ;人参皂苷 Rh1在较高剂量( 4 0 mg·kg-1)时 ,对 EAC也有明显抑制作用 ( P<0 .0 1 )。但人参皂苷 Rg1和 Rh1对 S180 和 Hep A无抗肿瘤作用。离体实验证明 ,Rg1对 He La细胞的增殖有明显的抑制作用 ,Rh1高剂量组( 1 0 0 mg· L-1)对 3种肿瘤细胞均有明显抑制作用。结论 :人参皂苷 Rh1较其前体

人参皂苷Rg_1及其肠内菌代谢产物Rh_1对小鼠免疫细胞功能的影响

目的 初探人参皂苷Rg1 及其肠内菌代谢产物Rh1 对正常小鼠免疫功能的影响。方法 用Rh1 与Rg1 分别处理脾T细胞 ,B细胞及腹腔巨噬细胞 (Mφ) ;MTT比色法测T和B细胞增殖能力 ;中性红比色法测Mφ的吞噬功能 ;Griess法测Mφ释放NO的水平。 结果 Rh1 能促进脾细胞增殖、下调ConA诱导的T细胞增殖 ;Rh1 与Rg1 对LPS诱导的B细胞增殖均无明显作用 ;Rg1 和Rh1 能提高Mφ的吞噬能力和促进NO的释放。 结论 Rg1 及其代谢产物Rh1 可共同作用于T细胞和Mφ而产生免疫调节作用。

人参皂甙Rb_1、Rg_1、Re和Rh_1对HeLa细胞的影响

本研究应用细胞化学及ＭＴＴ法，测定人宫颈癌细胞（ＨｅＬａ）在人参皂甙Ｒｂ１、Ｒｇ１、Ｒｅ、Ｒｈ１作用３～５ｄ后，细胞增殖和细胞化学含量的变化。结果表明，四种人参单体皂甙与人参根总皂甙作用相似，可以抑制ＨｅＬａ细胞的增殖，降低ＨｅＬａ细胞内多糖（ＰＡＳ）、葡萄糖６磷酸脱氢酶（Ｇ６ＰＤＨ）、葡萄糖６磷酸酶（Ｇ６Ｐａｓｅ）、乳酸脱氢酶（ＬＤＨ）和琥珀酸脱氢酶（ＳＤＨ）的含量。本文提示，不同的人参单体皂甙均可以降低癌细胞的增殖和代谢活性，但Ｒｅ、Ｒｈ１的作用更显著。

Effect of Ginsenoside-Rb_1 on Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis after Ischemia and Reper fusion in Rats

The effect of ginsenoside Rb 1 on cardiomyocyte apotosis after ischemia (30 min ) and reperfusion (6 h) in rats was observed. The ischemia/ reperfusion heart mo del was established by ligating left anterior descending branch of coronary arte ry in Wistar rats. The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were examined under transmission electron microscopy and counted by in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and light microscopy. Results showed that (1) The apoptotic cardiomyocytes were found in ischemic regions in the ischemia/reperfusion group, but not in the sh am oper ating group under transmission electron microscopy; (2) The number of apoptotic cells were 134.45±45.61/field in the ischemia/reperfusion group, 0/field in the sham operating group and 51.65±13.71/field in the ginsenoside Rb 1 treated group. The differences were significant among the three groups ( P <0.01). It was concluded that myocardial ischemia reperfusion could induce cardiomyocyte a poptosis, and ginsenoside Rb 1 could significantly inhibit cardiomyocyte apopto sis induced by ischemia reperfusion in rats, indicating that ginsenoside Rb 1 could inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by ischemia reperfusion, thus alleviating ischemia reperfusion injury.

Influence of ginsenoside Rg1, a panaxatriol saponin from Panax notoginseng, on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Total saponins of Panax notoginseng （PNS） have been shown to ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg 1, a panaxatriol saponin, is one of the major active molecules from PNS. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rgl on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： sham-operation （n=15）, UUO （n=15） and UUO with ginsenoside Rgl treatment （n=15, 50 mg per kg body weight, intraperitoneally （i.p.） injected）. The rats were sacrificed on Days 7 and 14 after the surgery. Histological examination demonstrated that ginsenoside Rgl significantly inhibited interstitial fibrosis including tubular injury as well as collagen deposition, u-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and E-cadherin are two markers of tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transition （TEMT）. Interestingly, ginsenoside Rgl notably decreased α-SMA expression and simultaneously enhanced E-cadherin expression. The messenger RNA （mRNA） of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, a key mediator to regulate TEMT, in the obstructed kidney increased dramatically, but was found to decrease significantly after administration of ginsenoside Rg 1. Further study showed that ginsenoside Rgl considerably decreased the levels of both active TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 （pSmad2）. Moreover, ginsenoside Rgl substantially suppressed the expression of thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1）, a cytokine which can promote the transcription of TGF-β1 mRNA and the activation of latent TGF-β1. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rgl inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO. The mechanism might be partly related to the blocking of TEMT via suppressing the expression of TSP-1.

High efficiency production of ginsenoside compound K by catalyzing ginsenoside Rb1 using snailase

The rare ginsenoside Compound K （C-K） is attracting more attention because of its good physiological activity and urgent need. There are many pathways to obtain ginsenoside C-K, including chemical and biological methods. Among these, the conversion of PPD-type ginsenosides by enzymatic hydrolysis is a trend due to its high efficiency and mild conditions. For effectively extracting from the other panaxadiol saponins, the conversion process for ginsenoside C-K was investigated using snailases in this study. The univariate experimental design and response surface methodology were used to determine the optimal hydrolysis conditions for the conversion of ginsenoside Rbl into ginsenoside C-K by snailases. The optimum conditions were as follows： pH 5,12, temperature 51 ℃, ratio of snailase/substrate 0.21, and reaction time 48 h. On the basis of these parameters, the addition of 1.0 mmol· L- 1 ferric ion was found to significantly improve the enzymolysis ofsnailases for the first time. With the above conditions, the maximum conversion rate reached 89.7%, suggesting that the process can obviously increase the yield of ginsenoside C-K. The bioassay tests indicated that the ginsenoside C-K showed anti-tumor activity in a series of tumor cell lines. Based on these results, we can conclude that the process of rare ginsenoside C- K production by enzymolysis with snailase is feasible, efficient, and suitable for the industrial production and application.

Synergistic anti-liver cancer effects of curcumin and total ginsenosides

BACKGROUND Liver cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer in the world and the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality.The pathogenesis of liver cancer is closely associated with inflammation and immune response in the tumor microenvironment.New therapeutic agents for liver cancer,which can control inflammation and restore cellular immunity,are required.Curcumin(Cur)is a natural anti-inflammatory drug,and total ginsenosides(TG)are a commonly used immunoregulatory drug.Of note,both Cur and TG have been shown to exert anti-liver cancer effects.AIM To determine the synergistic immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Cur combined with TG in a mouse model of subcutaneous liver cancer.METHODS A subcutaneous liver cancer model was established in BALB/c mice by a subcutaneous injection of hepatoma cell line.Animals were treated with Cur(200 mg/kg per day),TG(104 mg/kg per day or 520 mg/kg per day),the combination of Cur(200 mg/kg per day)and TG(104 mg/kg per day or 520 mg/kg per day),or 5-fluorouracil combined with cisplatin as a positive control for 21 d.Tumor volume was measured and the protein expression of programmed cell death 1 and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1),inflammatory indicators Toll like receptor 4(TLR4)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),and vascular growth-related factors nitric oxide synthases(iNOS)and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were analyzed by Western blot analysis.CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T cells(Tregs)were counted by flow cytometry.RESULTS The combination therapy of Cur and TG significantly inhibited the growth of liver cancer,as compared to vehicle-treated animals,and TG showed dose dependence.Cur combined with TG-520 markedly decreased the protein expression of PD-L1(P<0.0001),while CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs regulated by the PD-L1 signaling pathway exhibited a positive correlation with PD-L1.Cur combined with TG-520 also inhibited the cascade action mediated by NF-κB(P<0.0001),thus inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway(P=0.0088,P<0.0001),which is associated with inflammation and acts on PD-L1.It also inhibited the NF-κB-MMP9 signalling pathway(P<0.0001),which is associated with tumor angiogenesis.CONCLUSION Cur combined with TG regulates immune escape through the PD-L1 pathway and inhibits liver cancer growth through NF-κB-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis.

Inhibitory Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Apoptosis Caused by HSV-1 in Human Glioma Cells

To investigate the inhibitory effects of Ginsenoside Rbl （GRbl） on apoptosis caused by Herpes Simplex Virus-1 （HSV-1） in Human Glioma Cells （U251）, U251 cells were infected by HSV-1 at a multiplicity of infection of 5 and GRbl, GRbl＋HSV-1, HSV-1 and control groups. MTT and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect the inhibitory effects of GRbl on the apoptosis of U251 cells that caused by HSV-1 infection for various concentrations of drug and virus treatments by MTT assay. We found that in the 400 μg/mL GRb 1 and 400 μg/mL GRbl＋HSV-1 groups, MTT values were higher than control group at all times （P〈0.05）. Moreover, the apoptosis rate in the 400 μg/mL GRbl＋HSV-1 group was lower than the HSV-1 group （P〈0. 05）. These results confirmed that, at appropriate concentrations, GRbl could inhibit nerve cell apoptosis in HSV-1 infections.

Effect of ginsenoside Rgl and Rhl on the anti-tumor activity of dendritic cell

AIM: To study the effect of ginsenoside Rgl and Rhl on the anti - tumor activity of dendritic cells (DC). METHODS: Effect of Rgl and Rhl on the production of IL- 12 p40 protein was detected by ELISA, and the IL- 12 p40 mRNA level of DC was monitored by RT- PCR. Anti - tumor activity of DC- LPAK was detemnined by neutral red staining assay. RESULTS: The results of ELLSA showed that Rgl and Rhl significantly enhanced the production of IL- 12 p40 of DC. Rgl at 1 mg/L and Rhl at 100 mg/L upregulated the IL- 12 p40 mRNA level. Rgl and Rhl enhanced the anti - tumor ability of DC, induced lyrnphokine and PHA activated killer (DC-LPAK) on human papillate tumor cell line. Each dose of Rgl can obviously accelerate the eytotoxity to L929 at the E: T ratio of 5 : 1 (P<0.05,0.01 ), while only Rhl 10 mg/L enhanced the eytotoxity ability of DC- LPAK (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rgl and Rhl enhanced the production of IL-12 p40. This effect may be mediated by the increase in the mRNA level. As a result, Rg1 and Rhl oromote the ability of DC to stimulate the cytotoxitie aetieity of DC - LPAK.

Ginsenoside Rb1 produces antidepressant-like effects in chronic social defeat stress model of depression through BDNF-TrkB sig⁃naling pathway

OBJECTIVE Ginsenoside Rb1(Rb1),an important bioactive ingredient of Panax ginseng,has potent neuroprotective effects.The objective of the study is to elucidate the impact of Rb1 treatment on chronic social defeat stress(CSDS)-induced depressive-like behaviors and its related mechanism.METHODS AND RE⁃SULTS The daily oral administration of Rb1(35 and 70 mg·kg-1)and imipramine(15 mg·kg-1)for 28 d significantly reversed the social avoidance behavior,anhedonia,and behavioral despair via CSDS exposure,as demonstrated by the consid⁃erable elevation in the time in the zone in social interaction test and consumption of sucrose solu⁃tion in sucrose preference test and decrease of immobility time in forced swim test.Moreover,Rb1 obviously restored the CSDS-induced decrease of BDNF-signaling pathway and hippo⁃campal neurogenesis.Rb1 significantly increased the hippocampal levels of ERK,AKT,and CREB phosphorylation and increased the number of DCX+cells in DG.Importantly,the antidepres⁃sant effects of Rb1 were completely blocked in mice by using K252a(the nonselective tyrosine kinase B inhibitor).CONCLUSION Rb1 exerts promising antidepressant-like effects in mice with CSDS-induced depression,and its effects was facilitated by enhancing the BDNF signaling cas⁃cade and up-regulation of hippocampal neuro⁃genesis.

Ginsenoside Rb1 protects dopaminergic neurons from inflammatory injury induced by intranigral lipopolysaccharide injection

Accumulating studies suggest that neuroinflammation characterized by microglial overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.As such,inhibition of microglial overactivation might be a promising treatment strategy to delay the onset or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.Ginsenoside Rbl,the most active ingredient of ginseng,reportedly exerts neuroprotective effects by suppressing inflammation in vitro.The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rbl in a lipopolysaccharide-induced rat Parkinson’s disease model.Rats were divided into four groups.In the control group,sham-operated rats were intraperitoneally administered normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl group,ginsenoside Rb1(20 mg/kg)was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days after sham surgery.In the lipopolysaccharide group,a single dose of lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra to establish the Parkinson’s disease model.Lipopolysaccharide-injected rats were treated with normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl +lipopolysaccharide group,lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra.Subsequently,ginsenoside Rbl was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days.To investigate the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rbl,behavioral tests were performed on day 15 after lipopolysaccharide injection.We found that ginsenoside Rbl treatment remarkably reduced apomorphine-induced rotations in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.To investigate the neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide and potential protective effect of ginsenoside Rbl,contents of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,ginsenoside Rbl obviously attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced depletion of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum.To further explore the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity,immunohistochemistry and western blot assay of tyrosine hydroxylase were performed to evaluate dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra par compacta.The results showed that lipopolysaccharide injection caused a large loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra and a significant decrease in overall tyrosine hydroxylase expression.However,ginsenoside Rb1 noticeably reversed these changes.To investigate whether the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl was associated with inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation,we examined expression of the microglia marker Iba-1.Our results confirmed that lipopolysaccharide injection induced a significant increase in Iba-1 expression in the substantia nigra;however,ginsenoside Rbl effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial overactivation.To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1,we examined expression levels of inflammatory mediators(tumor necrosis factor-a,interleukin-1β,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and cyclooxygenase 2)and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling-related proteins(IκB,IKK)in the substantia nigra with enzyme-linked immunosorbent and western blot assays.Our results revealed that compared with the control group,phosphorylation and expression of inflammatory mediators IκB and IKK in the substantia nigra of lipopolysaccharide group rats were significantly increased;whereas,ginsenoside Rbl obviously reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced changes on the lesioned side of the substantial nigra par compacta.These findings confirm that ginsenoside Rbl can inhibit inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide injection into the substantia nigra and protect dopaminergic neurons,which may be related to its inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Shandong University of China in April 2016(approval No.KYLL-2016-0148).

Effect of the structure of ginsenosides on the in vivo fate of their liposomes

To utilize themultiple functions and give full play of ginsenosides,a variety of ginsenosides with different structures were prepared into liposomes and evaluated for their effect on the stability,pharmacokinetics and tumor targeting capability of liposomes.The results showed that the position and number of glycosyl groups of ginsenosides have significant effect on the in vitro and in vivo properties of their liposomes.The pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides liposomes indicated that the C-3 sugar group of ginsenosides is beneficial to their liposomes for longer circulation in vivo.The C-3 and C-6 glycosyls can enhance the uptake of their liposomes by 4T1 cells,and the glycosyls at C-3 position can enhance the tumor active targeting ability significantly,based on the specific binding capacity to Glut 1 expressed on the surface of 4T1 cells.According to the results in the study,ginsenoside Rg3 and ginsenoside Rh2 are potential for exploiting novel liposomes because of their cholesterol substitution,long blood circulation and tumor targeting capabilities.The results provide a theoretical basis for further development of ginsenoside based liposome delivery systems.

Protective Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Septic Rats and Its Mechanism

This study aims to observe the protective effects of ginsenoside Rbl on liver and lung in rats with septic shock and reveal its mechanism. Rats were randomly divided into three groups： sham, cecal ligation and puncture （CLP）, and CLP with ginsenoside Rb1. Then, the survival rate, arterial blood pressure, TLR4 mRNA, and TNF-α levels were determined. The liver and lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）. The overall survival rate of the Rb1 group was significantly higher than that of the CLP group. Mean arterial blood pressure went down in both the CLP and Rb1 groups after CLP, and there was a significant difference both in the sham and Rb1 groups when compared with the CLP group. The Rb1 treatment group had markedly lower TLR4 mRNA expression and TNF-a levels than the CLP group. In the CLP group, pathology showed swelling, degeneration, necrosis, and neutrophii infiltration in the liver and alveolar epithelial cells. However, in the Rb1 group, there was mild degeneration and slight neutrophil infiltration, but no obvious necrosis. Rb1 may improve the survival rate, ameliorate arterial blood pressure, and protect the liver and lung in septic shock rats by downregulating the expression of TLR4 mRNA and inhibiting the production of TNF-α.