Protective Effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1 Against β Amyloid(25-35)-Induced Neurotoxicity on B103 cells

Abstract

Background : Ginseng extracts, known to enhance bodily functions including learning

and memory, were reported to have in vitro neuroprotective activity in vitro. Here We

demonstrate the possible therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on the cell culture model of

Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We tested whether Rb1 or Rg1, major components of ginseng saphonins, protects neuronal cells from the toxic effect of β-amyloid (Aβ), which is regarded to be the main neurotoxic substrate in the AD.

Methods : B103 cells, rat brain-derived neuronal cells, were cultured and the extent of neuroprotective effects of ginsenosides on the cytotoxicity induced by exogenous Aβ

25-35 was were measured by MTT assay.

Results : Treatment of Rb1 and Rg1 at various concentrations (l0nM, 50nM, and lμM, respectively) in B103 cells did not show any

dose-dependent neurotoxic effects. Rg1 (1μM) significantly blocked the neurotoxic effect of Aβ25-35(50μM)(P<0.05). Rb1 at

concentration of lμM also had some neuroprotective effects, but not as effective as Rg1, These neuroprotective effects are comparable to the one of estrogen (1.8nM).

Conclusions : This experiment suggests the potential beneficial effects of ginseng in

the treatment of AD.