1
|
Nguyen HT, Vu-Huynh KL, Nguyen HM, Le HT, Le THV, Park JH, Nguyen MD. Evaluation of the Saponin Content in Panax vietnamensis Acclimatized to Lam Dong Province by HPLC-UV/CAD. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26175373. [PMID: 34500805 PMCID: PMC8433671 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Panax vietnamensis, or Vietnamese ginseng (VG), an endemic Panax species in Vietnam, possesses a unique saponin profile and interesting biological activities. This plant is presently in danger of extinction due to over-exploitation, resulting in many preservation efforts towards the geographical acclimatization of VG. Yet, no information on the saponin content of the acclimatized VG, an important quality indicator, is available. Here, we analyzed the saponin content in the underground parts of two- to five-year-old VG plants acclimatized to Lam Dong province. Nine characteristic saponins, including notoginsenoside-R1, ginsenoside-Rg1, -Rb1, -Rd, majonoside-R1, -R2 vina-ginsenoside-R2, -R11, and pseudoginsenoside-RT4, were simultaneously determined by HPLC coupled with UV and with a charged aerosol detector (CAD). Analyzing the results illustrated that the detection of characteristic ocotillol-type saponins in VG by CAD presented a superior capacity compared with that of UV, thus implying a preferential choice of CAD for the analysis of VG. The quantitative results indicating the saponin content in the underground parts of VG showed an increasing tendency from two to five years old, with the root and the rhizome exhibiting different saponin accumulation patterns. This is the first study that reveals the preliminary success of VG acclimatization and thereby encourages the continuing efforts to develop this valuable saponin-rich plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huy Truong Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (K.L.V.-H.); (H.M.N.); (H.T.L.)
| | - Kim Long Vu-Huynh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (K.L.V.-H.); (H.M.N.); (H.T.L.)
| | - Hien Minh Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (K.L.V.-H.); (H.M.N.); (H.T.L.)
| | - Huong Thuy Le
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (K.L.V.-H.); (H.M.N.); (H.T.L.)
| | - Thi Hong Van Le
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Jeong Hill Park
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.H.P.); (M.D.N.); Tel.: +82-10-37027857 (J.H.P.); +84-28-37761043 (M.D.N.)
| | - Minh Duc Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (H.T.N.); (K.L.V.-H.); (H.M.N.); (H.T.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.P.); (M.D.N.); Tel.: +82-10-37027857 (J.H.P.); +84-28-37761043 (M.D.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu L, Xu FR, Wang YZ. Traditional uses, chemical diversity and biological activities of Panax L. (Araliaceae): A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 263:112792. [PMID: 32311488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Panax L. (Araliaceae) is globally-recognized plant resource suitable for the globalization of traditional Chinese medicines. It has traditionally been used as tonic agents in various ethnomedicinal systems of East Asia, especially in China. It is often used to regulate bodily functions and considered as adjuvant therapy for tumor, resuscitation of traumatic hemorrhagic shock, etc. AIM OF THIS REVIEW: This review systematically summarized the information on distributions, botanical characteristics, traditional uses, chemical components and biological activities of the genus Panax, in order to explore and exploit the therapeutic potential of this plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS The available information about genus Panax was collected via the online search on Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Springer search. The keywords used include Panax, saponin, secondary metabolites, chemical components, biological activity, pharmacology, traditional medicinal uses, safety and other related words. The Plant List (www.theplantlist.org) and Catalogue of Life: 2019 Annual Checklist (www.catalogueoflife.org/col/) databases were used to provide the scientific names, subspecies classification and distribution information of Panax. RESULTS Panax is widely assessed concerning its phytochemistry and biological activities. To date, at least 748 chemical compounds from genus Panax were isolated, including saponins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, steroids and phenols. Among them, triterpenoid saponins and polysaccharides were the representative active ingredients of Panax plants, which have been widely investigated. Modern pharmacological studies showed that these compounds exhibited a wide range of biological activities in vitro and in vivo including antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, hepatorenal protective, neuroprotective, immunoregulatory, cardioprotective and antidiabetic activities. Many studies also confirmed that the mechanisms of organ-protective were closely related to molecular signaling pathways, the expression of related proteins and antioxidant reactions. To sum up, genus Panax has high medicinal and social value, deserving further investigation. CONCLUSIONS The genus Panax is very promising to be fully utilized in the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. However, there is a lack of in-depth studies on ethnomedicinal uses of Panax plants. In addition, further studies of single chemical component should be performed based on the diversity of chemical structure, significant biological activities and clinical application. If the bioactive molecules and multicomponent interactions are discovered, it will be of great significance to the clinical application of Panax plants. It is an urgent requirement to carry out detailed phytochemical, pharmacology and clinical research on Panax classical prescriptions for the establishment of modern medication guidelines. Exploring the molecular basis of herbal synergistic actions may provide a new understanding of the complex disease mechanisms and accelerate the process of pharmaceutical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Medicinal Plants Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Fu-Rong Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China.
| | - Yuan-Zhong Wang
- Medicinal Plants Research Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dela Peña IJI, Kim HJ, Botanas CJ, de la Peña JB, Van Le TH, Nguyen MD, Park JH, Cheong JH. The psychopharmacological activities of Vietnamese ginseng in mice: characterization of its psychomotor, sedative-hypnotic, antistress, anxiolytic, and cognitive effects. J Ginseng Res 2016; 41:201-208. [PMID: 28413325 PMCID: PMC5386119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. or Vietnamese ginseng (VG) is a recently discovered ginseng species. Studies on its chemical constituents have shown that VG is remarkably rich in ginseng saponins, particularly ocotillol saponins. However, the psychopharmacological effects of VG have not been characterized. Thus, in the present study we screened the psychopharmacological activities of VG in mice. Methods VG extract (VGE) was orally administered to mice at various dosages to evaluate its psychomotor (open-field and rota-rod tests), sedative–hypnotic (pentobarbital-induced sleeping test), antistress (cold swimming test), anxiolytic (elevated plus-maze test), and cognitive (Y-maze and passive-avoidance tests) effects. Results VGE treatment increased the spontaneous locomotor activity, enhanced the endurance to stress, reduced the anxiety-like behavior, and ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. In addition, VGE treatment did not alter the motor balance and coordination of mice and did not potentiate pentobarbital-induced sleep, indicating that VGE has no sedative-hypnotic effects. The effects of VGE were comparable to those of the Korean Red Ginseng extract. Conclusion VG, like other ginseng products, has significant and potentially useful psychopharmacological effects. This includes, but is not limited to, psychomotor stimulation, anxiolytic, antistress, and memory enhancing effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Joy I Dela Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chrislean Jun Botanas
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - June Bryan de la Peña
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Thi Hong Van Le
- School of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Minh Duc Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Jeong Hill Park
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yunusova N, Kim JY, Lee GJ, Hong JY, Shin BK, Cai SQ, Piao XL, Park JH, Kwon SW. Comparison of ginsenosides in radix and rhizome of wildPanaxspecies using LC-ELSD and LC-Q-TOF-MS. Int J Food Sci Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jae Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| | - Gwang Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Hong
- College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| | - Byong-kyu Shin
- College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| | - Shao-Qing Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science; Peking University; Beijing 100191 China
| | | | - Jeong Hill Park
- College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| | - Sung Won Kwon
- College of Pharmacy; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
- Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang SL, Nam SY, Han JY, Kim JC, Lee KN, Hong JT, Oh KW, Eun JS. Alterations of Spontaneous Sleep Architecture and Cortical Electroencephalogram Power Spectra by Red Ginseng Extract via GABAAergic Systems. J Ginseng Res 2010. [DOI: 10.5142/jgr.2010.34.4.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
6
|
Abstract
I have an opportunity to have co-operative studies with Chinese group of Kunming Institute of Botany. Since then, I have investigated the chemical constituents of a number of Chinese plants of Araliaceae, Umbelliferae, Labiatae, Cucurbitaceae and other families. This review describes the structural elucidation of the cucurbitane, oleanane and dammarane glycosides, and their biological activities under the joint studies on cucurbitaceous plants, Bolbostemma, Hemsleya, Siraitia and Neoalsomitra species. New oleanane glycosides having novel cyclic structure were isolated from Bolbostemma paniculatum. The potent solubilizing effect of these compounds was investigated. A number of cucurbitane glycosides were isolated from Hemsleya carnosiflora, H. panacis-scandens, Siraitia grosvenorii and S. siamensis. Some of these glycosides taste sweet, bitter or tasteless. The structure-taste relationships of the glycosides of a 3-alpha-hydroxy-cucurbit-5-ene-type triterpene have been discussed. Anti-tumor-promotion effects as well as the ecdysteroid agonist and antagonist activities of these cucurbitane glycosides were investigated. New dammarane glycosides were isolated from Neoalsomitra integrifoliola.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Kasai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hiroshima International University, Kure City, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yalinkilic O, Enginar H. Effect of X-Radiation on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Systems in Rats Treated with Saponin-containing Compounds. Photochem Photobiol 2007; 84:236-42. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00240.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
8
|
Wang L, Muxin G, Nishida H, Shirakawa C, Sato S, Konishi T. Psychological stress-induced oxidative stress as a model of sub-healthy condition and the effect of TCM. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2006; 4:195-202. [PMID: 17549236 PMCID: PMC1876613 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nel080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2006] [Accepted: 09/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Distress-mediated tissue oxidative stress was examined as a model of sub-healthy condition defined in traditional Chinese medicine theory. Mice were subjected to psychologically stressful conditions by whiskers removal. Under this condition, spontaneous locomotive activity was significantly enhanced in the dark (P < 0.05 versus the control mice in three different movements), and granulocytes/lymphocytes balance shifted to granulocytes. At the same time, peroxynitrite level in blood plasma increased to ∼180% from that of the control mice at 6 h after removal of the whiskers (P < 0.01), and was maintained even after 12 h. Both protein carbonyl formation and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased under this condition in brain, heart, liver and spleen at 6 h after removal of whiskers (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and these levels were maximized after 12 h (increased to 120–160%, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The oxidative tissue injuries observed at 12 h after the removal of the whiskers were effectively prevented by two traditional Chinese medicine formula: Shengmai San (SMS) and Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (LGZGT), when administered for 5 days before the removal of the whiskers. Therefore, this stress model is considered useful in assessing the preventive potential of antioxidants and antioxidant-based herbal mixtures in treating the pathophysiology associated with psychological or emotional distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences Niigata 950-2081,, Niigata College of Medical Technology, Niigata 950-2076, Japan and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University Beijing, China
| | - Gong Muxin
- Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences Niigata 950-2081,, Niigata College of Medical Technology, Niigata 950-2076, Japan and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University Beijing, China
| | - Hiroshi Nishida
- Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences Niigata 950-2081,, Niigata College of Medical Technology, Niigata 950-2076, Japan and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University Beijing, China
| | - Chieko Shirakawa
- Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences Niigata 950-2081,, Niigata College of Medical Technology, Niigata 950-2076, Japan and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University Beijing, China
| | - Shinji Sato
- Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences Niigata 950-2081,, Niigata College of Medical Technology, Niigata 950-2076, Japan and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University Beijing, China
| | - Tetsuya Konishi
- Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences Niigata 950-2081,, Niigata College of Medical Technology, Niigata 950-2076, Japan and School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huong NTT, Murakami Y, Tohda M, Watanabe H, Matsumoto K. Social Isolation Stress-Induced Oxidative Damage in Mouse Brain and Its Modulation by Majonoside-R2, a Vietnamese Ginseng Saponin. Biol Pharm Bull 2005; 28:1389-93. [PMID: 16079480 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.28.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stressors with a physical factor such as immobilization, electric foot shock, cold swim, etc., have been shown to produce oxidative damage to membrane lipids in the brain. In this study, we investigated the effect of protracted social isolation stress on lipid peroxidation activity in the mouse brain and elucidated the protective effect of majonoside-R2, a major saponin component of Vietnamese ginseng, in mice exposed to social isolation stress. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, one of the end products of lipid peroxidation reaction, were increased in the brains of mice subjected to 6-8 weeks of social isolation stress. Measurements of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (NO(x)(-)) also revealed a significant increase of NO production in the brains of socially isolated mice. Moreover, the depletion of brain glutathione content, an endogenous antioxidant, in socially isolated animals occurred in association with the rise in lipid peroxidation. The intraperitoneal administration of majonoside-R2 (10-50 mg/kg) had no effect on thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), NO, or glutathione levels in the brains of group-housed control mice but it significantly suppressed the increase in TBARS and NO levels and the decrease in glutathione levels caused by social isolation stress. These results suggest that mice subjected to 6-8 weeks of social isolation stress produces oxidative damage in the brain partly via enhancement of NO production, and that majonoside-R2 exerts a protective effect by modulating NO and glutathione systems in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Thu Huong
- Division of Medicinal Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicines, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Han HJ, Yoon BC, Park SH, Park JY, Oh YJ, Lee YJ, Park KM. Ginsenosides protect apical transporters of cultured proximal tubule cells from dysfunctions induced by h(2)o(2). Kidney Blood Press Res 2003; 25:308-14. [PMID: 12435877 DOI: 10.1159/000066795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated as a primary cause of renal failure in certain renal diseases. Indeed, renal proximal tubule is a very sensitive site to oxidative stress and retains functionally fully characterized transporters. It has been reported that ginsenosides have a beneficial effect on diverse diseases including oxidative stress. However, the protective effect of ginsenosides on oxidative stress has not been elucidated in renal proximal tubule cells. Thus, we examined the effect of ginsenosides on oxidative stress-induced alteration of apical transporters and its related mechanism in renal proximal tubule cells. In the present study, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) (>10(-5) M) inhibited alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside uptake in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It also inhibited Pi and Na(+) uptake. At a concentration of 20 microg/ml, total ginsenosides significantly reduced H(2)O(2)-induced inhibition of apical transporters. In contrast, protopanaxadiol (PD) and protopanaxatriol (PT) saponins exhibited a less preventive effect than total ginsenosides (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we examined its action mechanism. H(2)O(2) increased lipid peroxide formation, arachidonic acid (AA) release, and Ca(2+) uptake. These effects on H(2)O(2) were significantly prevented by total ginsenosides and PD or PT sanponins. However, total ginsenosides appear to be more protective than PD and PT saponins (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ginsenosides prevented H(2)O(2)-induced inhibition of apical transporters via a decrease in oxidative stress, AA release, and Ca(2+) uptake in primary cultured renal proximal tubule cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ho Jae Han
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Kwangju, Korea.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Ginseng has been used medicinally in the Far East for several millennia and is currently one of the most widely taken herbal products throughout the world. It has been attributed with a plethora of physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. Studies involving animals show that ginseng and its constituent ginsenosides can modulate indices of stress, fatigue, and learning. However, there is a lack of adequately controlled research showing behavioural effects following chronic administration to humans. Recent research has demonstrated that single doses of ginseng most notably engender cognitive benefits in terms of improved memory, but can also be associated with 'costs' in terms of attention task deficits following less mnemonically beneficial doses. A single dose of ginseng has also been shown to modulate cerebroelectrical (EEG) activity. It is suggested that ginseng would benefit from rigorous research further delineating its acute effects and exploring the relationship between acute effects and those seen during and following chronic administration regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David O Kennedy
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, RG30 1EA, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Churchill JD, Gerson JL, Hinton KA, Mifek JL, Walter MJ, Winslow CL, Deyo RA. The nootropic properties of ginseng saponin Rb1 are linked to effects on anxiety. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2002; 37:178-87. [PMID: 12435210 DOI: 10.1007/bf02734180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that crude ginseng extracts enhance performance on shock-motivated tasks. Whether such performance enhancements are due to memory-enhancing (nootropic) properties of ginseng, or to other non-specific effects such as an influence on anxiety has not been determined. In the present study, we evaluated both the nootropic and anxiolytic effects of the ginseng saponin Rb1. In the first experiment, 80 five-day-old male chicks received intraperitoneal injections of 0, 0.25, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg Rb1. Performance on a visual discrimination task was evaluated 15 minutes, 24 and 72 hours later. Acquisition of a visual discrimination task was unaffected by drug treatment, but the number of errors was significantly reduced in the 0.25 mg/kg group during retention trials completed 24 and 72 hours after injection. Animals receiving higher dosages showed trends towards enhancement initially, but demonstrated impaired performance when tested 72 hours later. Rb1 had no effect on response rates or body weight. In the second experiment, 64 five-day-old male chicks received similar injections of Rb1 (0, 0.25, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg) and separation distress was evaluated 15 minutes, 24 and 72 hours later. Rb1 produced a change in separation distress that depended on the dose and environmental condition under which distress was recorded. These data suggest that Rb1 can improve memory for a visual discrimination task and that the nootropic effect may be related to changes in anxiety.
Collapse
|