Protective Effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1 Against beta 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 beta-amyloid (Abeta), which is regarded to be the main neurotoxic substrate in the AD. METHOD: B103 cells, rat brain-derived neuronal cells, were cultured and the extent of neuroprotective effects of ginsenosides on the cytotoxicity induced by exogenous Abeta25-35 was were measured by MTT assay. RESULTS: Treatment of Rb1 and Rg1 at various concentrations (l0nM, 50nM, and 1 micrometer, respectively) in B103 cells did not show any dose-dependent neurotoxic effects. Rg1 (1 micrometer) significantly blocked the neurotoxic effect of Abeta2 5 - 3 5 (50 micrometer)(P<0.05). Rb1 at concentration of 1 micrometer 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.