The antidepressant effects and mechanism of action of total saponins from the caudexes and leaves of Panax notoginseng in animal models of depression

Effect of saponins in Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen on the steroid hormone levels in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in rats

Recent research has indicated that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from the radix of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen exert antidepressant effects. This study aimed to assess the antidepressive effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS in a depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Over a period of three weeks, rats were administered ginsenoside Rg1 at a dose of 30 mg/kg and PNS at dosages ranging from 100 to 200 mg/kg body weight per day. To assess how ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS influence depression-like behaviours in rats, various assessments were conducted, including coat state evaluation, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze test. The levels of cortisol and testosterone in serum samples were analysed using the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. LC-ESI-MS/MS method provides precise and accurate results. The lower limit of quantification values for cortisol and testosterone were determined as 100 and 2 pg/mL, respectively. Our data demonstrated that both ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS significantly reversed depression-like behaviour in rats by improving coat condition, reducing immobility time in the forced swim test, and increasing time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS exhibited a regulatory effect on cortisol and testosterone levels in plasma. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS may be potential antidepressants in clinical treatment.

Biomarker triterpenoids of Centella asiatica as potential antidepressant agents: Combining in vivo and in silico studies

Although there are various treatments available for depression, some patients may experience resistance to treatment or encounter adverse effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) is an ancient medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating, neuroprotective and psychoactive properties. This study aims to explore the antidepressant-like effects of the major constituents found in C. asiatica, i.e., asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside at three doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg, i.p), on the behavioural and cortisol level of unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) zebrafish model. Based on the findings from the behavioural study, the cortisol levels in the zebrafish body after treatment with the two most effective compounds were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, a molecular docking study was conducted to predict the inhibitory impact of the triterpenoid compounds on serotonin reuptake. The in vivo results indicate that madecassoside (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg), asiaticoside and asiatic acid (5 mg/kg) activated locomotor behaviour. Madecassoside at all tested doses and asiaticoside at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg significantly decreased cortisol levels compared to the stressed group, indicating the potential regulation effect of madecassoside and asiaticoside on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity. This study highlights the potential benefits of madecassoside and asiaticoside in alleviating depressive symptoms through their positive effects on behaviour and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)- axis in a chronic unpredictable stress zebrafish model. Furthermore, the in silico study provided additional evidence to support these findings. These promising results suggest that C. asiatica may be a valuable and cost-effective therapeutic option for depression, and further research should be conducted to explore its potential benefits.

Minor protopanaxadiol type sapogenins from the alkali hydrolysate of stems-leaves of Panax notoginseng

Two new protopanaxadiol type sapogenins, (3β,12β)-3,12,20-trihydroxydammar-24-en-26-al (1) and (3β,12β)-3,12,20-trihydroxydammar-24-en-26-oic acid (2), were isolated from the alkali hydrolysate of stems-leaves of Panax notoginseng, along with seven known analogues (3-9). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 and the known sapogenins 5-8 displayed weak to moderate inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 values from 44.5 to 143.6 μM, respectively.

The effects of Korean Red Ginseng on stress-related neurotransmitters and gene expression: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is an effective anti-stress treatment. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential effects of KRG on relieving stress in a general population using transcriptome analysis.

Methods

We conducted an 8-week clinical pilot study on 90 healthy men who reported stress. The study was completed by 43 participants in the KRG group and 44 participants in the placebo group. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the KRG and placebo groups. We evaluated the stress by stress response inventory (SRI) at baseline and 8 weeks. The main outcomes were changes in the levels of neurotransmitters (NTs) and NT-related gene expression. NTs were analyzed using automated (GC) content, and levels of gene expression were measured by reads per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads (RPKM).

Results

The KRG group showed significantly preserved epinephrine decrease compared with placebo group at 8 weeks (changes in epinephrine, KRG vs. placebo; -1623.2 ± 46101.5 vs. -35116.3 ± 86288.2, p = 0012). Among subjects who higher SRI score, meaning stress increased compared to baseline, the KRG group showed a smaller decrease in serotonin than the placebo group (changes in serotonin, KRG vs. placebo; -2627.5 ± 5859.1 vs, -8087.4 ± 7162.4, p = 0.005) and a smaller increase in cortisol than the placebo group (changes in cortisol, KRG vs. placebo; 1912.7 ± 10097.75 vs. 8046.2 ± 8050.6 , p = 0.019) in subgroup analysis. Transcriptome findings indicated that KRG intake affects gene expression related with metabolism of choline, adrenalin, and monoamine.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that KRG has beneficial effects on the amelioration of stress response in NTs, and this effect is more prominent in stressful situations. Further clinical studies are required to confirm the anti-stress effect of KRG.

Chronic social comparison elicits depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in male rats

Social comparison is a fundamental human characteristic; however, long-term social comparison may induce psychological stress and can lead to depression and anxiety. Recent studies have shown that nonhuman primates compare themselves with others; however, no studies have investigated whether social comparisons exist among rodents. In the present study, we established a rat model of social comparison. This model was subsequently used to examine the effects of the differential environment of a partner on depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in male rats, as well as to assess the changes in serum, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and dorsal hippocampus brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels induced by long-term social comparison. Compared to rats whose partners were exposed to the same environment, rats whose partners were exposed to two combined enriched environmental stimuli for 14 days showed significantly decreased social novelty preference and sucrose consumption. No anxiety-like behaviors were observed. Rats whose partners were exposed to one enriched environment for 31 days showed significantly increased immobility time in the forced swimming test, and significantly decreased time spent in the center area in the open-field test. Further, rats whose partners were exposed to one enriched environment for 31 days showed lower BDNF levels in the mPFC and dorsal hippocampus, but not following partner exposure for 14 days. These results suggest that social comparisons exist in rats and can induce psychosocial stress and other negative affect. This model will not only provide the possibility to reveal the neurobiological basis of the emotional impact of social comparison, but could also be used to confirm the conservative evolutionary characteristics of social comparison as a behavioral attribute.

The potential of Panax notoginseng against COVID-19 infection

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world and has presented the scientific community with unprecedented challenges. Infection is associated with overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines secondary to hyperactivation of the innate immune response, inducing a cytokine storm and triggering multiorgan failure and significant morbidity/mortality. No specific treatment is yet available. For thousands of years, Panax notoginseng has been used to treat various infectious diseases. Experimental evidence of P. notoginseng utility in terms of alleviating the cytokine storm, especially the cascade, and improving post-COVID-19 symptoms, suggests that P. notoginseng may serve as a valuable adjunct treatment for COVID-19 infection.

Study on Chemical Constituents of Panax notoginseng Leaves

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. is a genuine medicinal material in Yunnan Province. As accessories, P. notoginseng leaves mainly contain protopanaxadiol saponins. The preliminary findings have indicated that P. notoginseng leaves contribute to its significant pharmacological effects and have been administrated to tranquilize and treat cancer and nerve injury. Saponins from P. notoginseng leaves were isolated and purified by different chromatographic methods, and the structures of 1-22 were elucidated mainly through comprehensive analyses of spectroscopic data. Moreover, the SH-SY5Y cells protection bioactivities of all isolated compounds were tested by establishing L-glutamate models for nerve cell injury. As a result, twenty-two saponins, including eight dammarane saponins, namely notoginsenosides SL₁-SL₈ (1-8), were identified as new compounds, together with fourteen known compounds, namely notoginsenoside NL-A₃ (9), ginsenoside Rc (10), gypenoside IX (11), gypenoside XVII (12), notoginsenoside Fc (13), quinquenoside L₃ (14), notoginsenoside NL-B₁ (15), notoginsenoside NL-C₂ (16), notoginsenoside NL-H₂ (17), notoginsenoside NL-H₁ (18), vina-ginsenoside R₁₃ (19), ginsenoside II (20), majoroside F₄ (21), and notoginsenoside LK₄ (22). Among them, notoginsenoside SL₁ (1), notoginsenoside SL₃ (3), notoginsenoside NL-A₃ (9), and ginsenoside Rc (10) showed slight protective effects against L-glutamate-induced nerve cell injury (30 µM).

Neuroprotective role of medicinal plant extracts evaluated in a scopolamine-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease is a debilitating neurological brain disease with memory impairment among the first signs. Scopolamine (SCO), a muscarinic receptor antagonist that disrupts cognition and memory acquisition, is considered a psychopharmacological AD model. We investigate the effectiveness of medicinal plants in mitigating the SCO-induced neurobehavioural damage in rats.Materials and MethodsAnimals were injected with Scopolamine hydrobromide trihydrate (2.2 mg/kg IP.) daily for 2 months. Each treatment group was administered one of four medicinal spice extracts (Nigella sativa, 400 mg/kg; rosemary, 200 mg/kg; sage, 600 mg/kg and ginseng;200 mg/kg 90 minutes after SCO injection. Animals were subjected to cognitive-behavioral tests (NOR, Y-maze, and MWM). After the experiment, we extracted the brains for histopathological examination and biochemical assessment for oxidative stress (levels of TT, CAT and TBARS) and gene expression of acetylcholinesterase and brain monoamines.ResultsAs expected, SCO treatment impaired memory and cognition, increased oxidative stress, decreased neurotransmitters, and caused severe neurodegenerative changes in the brain.ConclusionSurprisingly, these effects were measurably moderated by the administration of all four plant extracts, indicating a neuroprotective action that we suggest could alleviate AD disease manifestations.

Analysis of differential gene expression profiles uncovers mechanisms of Xuesaitong injection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Xuesaitong injection (XST), a well-known traditional Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The exact mechanisms of XST in ischemic stroke remain to be thoroughly elucidated.

PURPOSE

This study aims to characterize the candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways of XST in ischemic stroke by bioinformatics analysis, and to explore new clues for the underlying mechanisms of XST.

METHODS

A dataset (GSE61616) was performed to screen out DEGs for deep analysis. Series Test of Cluster analysis for DEGs was carried out. For all DEGs, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for visualization. The screened hub gene expression characteristics were verified in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. In vivo studies have demonstrated the mechanisms of XST against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury.

RESULTS

A total of 8066 DEGs were screened out and the expression of genes in profile 8 was suggested to have clinical significance. The MAPK signaling pathway was indicated as the most significantly enriched pathway in profile 8. Bdnf was identified as the most significant hub gene according to node degree. Animal experiments demonstrated that XST attenuated CIR injury. XST increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) levels in MCAO. Furthermore, the knockdown of BDNF by siRNA abolished the in vivo effects of XST on brain injury, neurodegeneration and apoptosis after CIR.

CONCLUSION

The integrated strategy, based on bioinformatics analyses with experimental verification, provides a novel cellular mechanism by which XST alleviates CIR injury. The BDNF-TrkB pathway was highly thought to play a vital role in the neuroprotective effects of XST.

Antidepressant Active Ingredients From Chinese Traditional Herb Panax Notoginseng: A Pharmacological Mechanism Review

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world and is highly disabling, lethal, and seriously endangers social stability. The side effects of clinical drugs used to treat depression are obvious, and the onset time is longer. Therefore, there is a great demand for antidepressant drugs with better curative effects, fewer side effects, and shorter onset time. Panax notoginseng, a Chinese herbal medication, has been used to treat depression for thousands of years and shown to have a therapeutic effect on depression. This review surveyed PubMed’s most recent 20 years of research on Panax notoginseng’s use for treating depression. We mainly highlight animal model research and outlined the pathways influenced by medicines. We provide a narrative review of recent empirical evidence of the anti-depressive effects of Panax Notoginseng and novel ideas for developing innovative clinical antidepressants with fewer side effects.

Molecular differentiation of Panax notoginseng grown under different conditions by internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis

Panax notoginseng is a highly valuable and widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine. The quality and efficacy of Panax notoginseng grown under different conditions can greatly vary due to the differences in chemical composition. The analysis of chemical composition in Panax notoginseng typically involves various experimental steps including extraction, chromatographic separation and characterization, which can be time- and labor-consuming. Therefore, the efficient quality assessment and control of Panax notoginseng requires the development of more rapid methods for the chemical characterization and classification of Panax notoginseng. In this study, a method based on internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (iEESI-MS) was developed to characterize chemical components of Panax notoginseng samples under different growth conditions (e.g., place of origin, soil quality, growth season) at the speed of 0.5 min per sample, without sample pretreatment and chromatographic separation. A total of 35 chemical components, including sugars, saponins, organic acids, etc., were identified in Panax notoginseng samples. Clear separation was observed in the multivariate analysis of the iEESI-MS data from Panax notoginseng samples grown under different conditions. The difference in the content of sucrose, fructose, Rg1, Rf, Rb1, Noto-R1, malonyl-Rb1, malonyl-Rg1, malonyl-Rf, Rd, Re, linoleic acid, palmitic acid and malic acid can be used as key characteristic indicators to discriminate origin, commercial specifications, and cultivation conditions of Panax notoginseng samples. The results of our study indicate the high power of iEESI-MS for the rapid molecular characterization and classification of Panax notoginseng under different growth conditions, which can be used for the quality assessment of traditional herbal medicines as well as in pharmaceutical and clinical analysis.

Protective Effect of Total Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Retinal Ganglion Cells of an Optic Nerve Crush Injury Rat Model

Irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a common pathological feature of various optic nerve degenerative diseases such as glaucoma and ischemic optic neuropathy. Effective protection of RGCs is the key to successful treatment of these diseases. Total Panax notoginseng saponins (TPNS) are the main active component of Panax notoginseng, which has an inhibitory effect on the apoptosis pathway. This study is aimed at assessing the protective effect of TPNS on RGCs of the optic nerve crush (ONC) model of rats and exploring the underlying mechanisms. The intraperitoneal or intravitreal injection of TPNS was used based on the establishment of the rat ONC model. Fifteen days after the injury, the cell membrane fluorescent probe (Fluoro-Gold) was applied to retrograde RGCs through the superior colliculus and obtain the number of surviving RGCs. TUNEL assay was also used to detect the number and density of RGC apoptosis after the ONC model. The expression and distribution of Bcl-2/Bax, c-Jun/P-c-Jun, and P-JNK in the retina were demonstrated by Western blot analysis. After the intervention of TPNS, the rate of cell survival increased in different retinal regions (p < 0.05) and the number of apoptosis cells decreased. Regarding the expression of Bcl-2/Bax, c-Jun/P-c-Jun, and P-JNK-related apoptotic proteins, TPNS can reduce the level of apoptosis and play a role in protecting RGCs (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that topical administration of TPNS can inhibit cell apoptosis and promote RGC survival in the crushed optic nerve.

Endophytes isolated from Panax notoginseng converted ginsenosides

Endophytes may participate in the conversion of metabolites within medicinal plants, influencing the efficacy of host. However, the distribution of endophytes within medicinal plants P. notoginseng and how it contributes to the conversion of saponins are not well understood. Here, we determined the distribution of saponins and endophytes within P. notoginseng compartments and further confirm the saponin conversion by endophytes. We found metabolites showed compartment specificity within P. notoginseng. Potential saponin biomarkers, such as Rb1, Rg1, Re, Rc and Rd, were obtained. Endophytic diversity, composition and co-occurrence networks also showed compartment specificity, and bacterial alpha diversity values were highest in root compartment, consistently decreased in the stem and leaf compartments, whereas those of fungi showed the opposite trend. Potential bacterial biomarkers, such as Rhizobium, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pantoea and fungal biomarkers Phoma, Epicoccum, Xylariales, were also obtained. Endophytes related to saponin contents were found by Spearman correlation analysis, and further verification experiments showed that Enterobacter chengduensis could convert ginsenoside Rg1 to F1 at a rate of 13.24%; Trichoderma koningii could convert ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd at a rate of 40.00% and to Rg3 at a rate of 32.31%; Penicillium chermesinum could convert ginsenoside Rb1 to Rd at a rate of 74.24%.

Preparative separation of gypenoside XVII, ginsenoside Rd2, and notoginsenosides Fe and Fd from Panax notoginseng leaves by countercurrent chromatography and orthogonality evaluation for their separation

The minor ginsenosides with less polarity may have more potent biological activities. Four minor saponins, i.e., gypenoside XVII, ginsenoside Rd2, notoginsenoside Fe, and notoginsenoside Fd, were successfully separated from Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) after biotransformation by one-step countercurrent chromatography using the biphasic solvent system consisting of n-butanol-ethyl acetate-water (1:4:5, v/v/v). 30 mg of the refined extract of PNL produced 1 mg of gypenoside XVII, 4 mg of notoginsenoside Fe, 2.5 mg of ginsenoside Rd2, and 8.4 mg of notoginsenoside Fd, with purity of 74.9, 95.2, 87.3, and 97.6%, respectively. Besides, orthogonality evaluation for the separation of the four saponins using countercurrent chromatography and liquid chromatography was discussed. Four minor saponins were successfully separated from each other on a preparative scale by countercurrent chromatography from PNL, which will facilitate to provide ample of these minor saponins for further pharmacological studies.

Neuroplasticity: A Key Player in the Antidepressant Action of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a systematic medicine. It provides alternative strategies for the treatment of depression with its clinical experience, comprehensive diagnosis, and treatment theory. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is the major form of TCM prescription, and numerous CHMs have been demonstrated to possess remarkable antidepressant-like properties. A diversity of mechanisms have been implicated in CHM-associated antidepressant property. This paper reviewed the neuroplastic mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of CHM, finding that CHM repairs neuroplasticity by improving neurogenesis, neurotrophic factors, synaptic spine morphology, cell signaling, glutamatergic system, monoamine neurotransmitters, and neural apoptosis. CHM thereby exerts an antidepressant effect, attempting to offer a better understanding of the mechanisms implicated in TCM-related antidepressant-like efficacy and laying a foundation for the scientific evaluation and development of TCM in treating depression.

Effect of Panax notoginseng Saponins and Major Anti-Obesity Components on Weight Loss

The prevalence of individuals who are overweight or obese is rising rapidly globally. Currently, majority of drugs used to treat obesity are ineffective or are accompanied by obvious side effects; hence, the options are very limited. Therefore, it is necessary to find more effective and safer anti-obesity drugs. It has been proven in vivo and in vitro that the active ingredient notoginsenosides isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen exhibits anti-obesity effects. Notoginsenosides can treat obesity by reducing lipid synthesis, inhibiting adipogenesis, promoting white adipose tissue browning, increasing energy consumption, and improving insulin sensitivity. Although notoginsenosides are potential drugs for the treatment of obesity, their effects and mechanisms have not been analyzed in depth. In this review, the anti-obesity potential and mechanism of action of notoginsenosides were analyzed; thus laying emphasis on the timely prevention and treatment of obesity.

Novel Nanoparticle Biomaterial of Alginate/Chitosan Loading Simultaneously Lovastatin and Ginsenoside RB1: Characteristics, Morphology, and Drug Release Study

Recently, plenty of interesting studies on improvement of bioavailability for poorly soluble drugs were implemented with different approaches such as using of combined biopolymers as a delivery system that allowed to enhancing drug solubility and bioavailability. In this work, alginate and chitosan were blended together in the form of polymeric particles, loaded with both lovastatin and ginsenoside Rb1 to producing the four-component nanoparticles by ionic gelation method. CaCl2 and sodium tripolyphosphate were used as gelation agent and cross-linking agent, respectively. The characteristics of obtained nanoparticles were studied by means of infrared spectra (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). In combination, ginsenoside Rb1 and lovastatin both interacted with each other to improve the drug release ability of the polymer particles. The change of initial content of drugs in the nanoparticles has a negligible effect on the functional groups in the structure of the nanoparticles but has a significant impact on drug release process of both lovastatin and ginsenoside Rb1 from the nanoparticles in selective simulated body fluids. In addition, the synergistic interaction of lovastatin and ginsenoside Rb1 could be also observed through the modification of relative crystal degree and drug release efficiency.

The Chromosome Level Genome and Genome-wide Association Study for the Agronomic Traits of Panax Notoginseng

The Chinese ginseng Panax notoginseng is a domesticated herb with significant medicinal and economic value. Here we report a chromosome-level P. notoginseng genome assembly with a high (∼79%) repetitive sequence content. The juxtaposition with the widely distributed, closely related Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) genome revealed contraction of plant defense genes (in particular R-genes) in the P. notoginseng genome. We also investigated the reasons for the larger genome size of Panax species, revealing contributions from two Panax-specific whole-genome duplication events and transposable element expansion. Transcriptome data and comparative genome analysis revealed the candidate genes involved in the ginsenoside synthesis pathway. We also performed a genome-wide association study on 240 cultivated P. notoginseng individuals and identified the associated genes with dry root weight (63 genes) and stem thickness (168 genes). The P. notoginseng genome represents a critical step toward harnessing the full potential of an economically important and enigmatic plant.

Composition and function of rhizosphere microbiome of Panax notoginseng with discrepant yields

Background

Panax notoginseng is a highly valuable medicinal plant. Reduced P. notoginseng yield is a common and serious problem that arises in a continuous cropping system. Variation in the composition and function of soil microbial community is considered the primary cause of yield reduction.

Methods

This study used shotgun metagenomic sequencing approaches to describe the taxonomic and functional features of P. notoginseng rhizosphere microbiome and screen microbial taxa and functional traits related to yields.

Results

At the family and genus level, a total of 43 families and 45 genera (relative abundance > 0.1%) were obtained, and the correlation with the yield of P. notoginseng was further analyzed. Nitrosomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Mycobacterium and Arthrobacter that were enriched in soils with higher yields were positively correlated with P. notoginseng yields, thereby suggesting that they might increase yields. Negative correlation coefficients indicated that Xanthobacteraceae, Caulobacteraceae, Oxalobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, Sphingomonas, Hyphomicrobium, Variovorax and Phenylobacterium might be detrimental to P. notoginseng growth. A total of 85 functional traits were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with P. notoginseng yields. Functional traits, likely steroid biosynthesis and MAPK signaling pathway were positively correlated with P. notoginseng yields. In contrast, functional traits, such as bacterial secretion system, ABC transporters, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 and drug metabolism–cytochrome P450, were negatively associated with yields.

Conclusions

This study describes an overview of the rhizosphere microbiome of P. notoginseng with discrepant yields and identifies the taxa and functional traits related to yields. Our results provide valuable information to guide the isolation and culture of potentially beneficial microorganisms and to utilize the power of the microbiome to increase plant yields in a continuous cropping system.

Quantitative Characterization of Ginsenoside Biotransformation in Panax notoginseng Inflorescences and Leaves by Online Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry

Panax notoginseng inflorescences (PNI) and leaves (PNL) are commonly used as folk medicine and food supplements. In this study, an online two-dimensional hydrophilic interaction × reversed-phase liquid chromatography coupled to linear trap quadropole mass spectrometry method was developed to determine 24 ginsenosides, including two novel compounds, in PNI and PNL extracted by water and methanol. Our data demonstrated that ginsenosides Rd, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rb1, Ra2, Ra1, and Ra3 in both PNI and PNL extracted by water rather than methanol can be transformed to ginsenoside F2, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, notoginsenoside Fd, gypenoside XVII, PN02, PN01, and PN03, respectively, by selectively cleaving the β-(1→2)-glucosidic linkage at the C-3 position. Ginsenoside transformation was further verified to be mediated by the proteins isolated from samples. Additionally, the two newly discovered transformed products, namely, PN02 and PN03, were prepared and identified as novel compounds by nuclear magnetic resonance. Our findings provide new insight into the importance of extraction solvents on the component profile of natural products.

Mechanisms of Panax ginseng action as an antidepressant

OBJECTIVES

Panax ginseng, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological activities, plays a crucial role in modulating mood disorders. Several recent studies have identified an underlying role of Panax ginseng in the prevention and treatment of depression. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review, we summarized the recent progress of antidepressant effects and underlying mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its representative herbal formulae.

RESULTS

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its herbal formulae include modulating monoamine neurotransmitter system, upregulating the expression of neurotrophic factors, regulating the function of HPA axis, and anti-inflammatory action.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, this review may provide theoretical bases and clinical applications for the treatment of depression by Panax ginseng and its representative herbal formulae.

Antidepressant-like effects of the Guanxin Danshen formula via mediation of the CaMK II-CREB-BDNF signalling pathway in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive rats

Background

Depression is a chronic and recurrent syndrome of mood disorder causing immense social and economic burden; thus, treatment should be improved. Guanxin Danshen formula (GXDSF), a natural botanical drug composition prescription, has significant cardiovascular protective effects and is widely used in the clinical treatment of myocardial ischaemic diseases. However, it is still unclear and seldom studied whether GXDSF has neuroprotective effects against depressive disorders. This study explored whether GXDSF has antidepressant-like effects in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and analysed the possible underlying neurotrophic expression and psychotropic mechanisms.

Methods

The present study was designed to investigate the antidepressant effects of GXDSF treatment in a CUMS-induced rat model. Based on the clinical doses, the drug-treated group was intragastrically administered GXDSF for 30 days, and rats were simultaneously exposed to CUMS stimulation for 30 days. After induction and drug administration, the depression-like behaviours were determined via the sucrose preference test (SPT), the open field test (OFT), the tail suspension test (TST), and the forced swim test (FST). ELISA kits were used to examine the monoaminergic neurotransmitters, monoamine oxidase (MAO) and Ca²⁺ levels in the hippocampus. Moreover, we measured and analysed the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels and the upstream regulation and signal pathways of BDNF and NGF to explore their related mechanisms in this animal model of depression, including calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase-II (CaMKII) and cAMP response element-binding (CREB).

Results

The results revealed that GXDSF may possess significant antidepressant-like effects via improving body weight, raising the sucrose preference in the SPT, increasing the total distance, the number of upright stands, and the residence time of the central zone in the open field test (OPF) and reducing the immobility time in the TST and FST. In addition, GXDSF significantly upregulated the relative levels of neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and serotonin (5-HT), in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited MAO activities in the hippocampus. Moreover, GXDSF reversed the decline in intracellular CREB and p-CREB expression induced by CUMS, downregulated the phosphorylation levels of intracellular CaMKII and its two subunits CaMKIIα and CaMKIIβ in the hippocampus, and thus, clearly upregulated the downstream effector protein expression levels of BDNF, NGF, and synitaxine-1 in the hippocampus. These data suggest that the antidepressant effects of GXDSF have a potential relationship with regulating changes in the CaMKII-CREB-BDNF pathway.

Conclusions

Despite several limitations of this study, the results have suggested that GXDSF administration possesses antidepressant-like effects in CUMS-treated rats and provide the first in vivo demonstration of a possible mechanism of GXDSF via regulating changes in the CaMKII-CREB-BDNF signalling pathway. These findings provide a novel potential substrate by which herbal antidepressants may exert therapeutic effects in the treatment of depression.

Complete Biotransformation of Protopanaxadiol-Type Ginsenosides into 20-O-β-Glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol by Permeabilized Recombinant Escherichia coli Cells Coexpressing β-Glucosidase and Chaperone Genes

The ginsenoside 20-O-β-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol or compound K is an essential ingredient in functional food, cosmetics, and traditional medicines. However, no study has reported the complete conversion of all protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type ginsenosides from ginseng extract into compound K using whole-cell conversion. To increase the production of compound K from ginseng extract using whole recombinant cells, the β-glucosidase enzyme from Caldicellulosiruptor bescii was coexpressed with a chaperone expression system (pGro7), and the cells expressing the coexpression system were permeabilized with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The permeabilized cells carrying the chaperone coexpression system showed a 2.6-fold increase in productivity and yield as compared with nontreated cells, and completely converted all PPD-type ginsenosides from ginseng root extract into compound K with the highest productivity among the results reported so far. Our results will contribute to the industrial biological production of compound K.

Quantification of Panax notoginseng saponins metabolites in rat plasma with in vivo gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation by HPLC-MS/MS

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are the major components of Panax notoginseng, with multiple pharmacological activities but poor oral bioavailability. PNS could be metabolized by gut microbiota in vitro, while the exact role of gut microbiota of PNS metabolism in vivo remains poorly understood. In this study, pseudo germ-free rat models were constructed by using broad-spectrum antibiotics to validate the gut microbiota-mediated transformation of PNS in vivo. Moreover, a high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was developed for quantitative analysis of four metabolites of PNS, including ginsenoside F1 (GF1), ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2), ginsenoside compound K (GCK) and protopanaxatriol (PPT). The results showed that the four metabolites could be detected in the control rat plasma, while they could not be determined in pseudo germ-free rat plasma. The results implied that PNS could not be biotransformed effectively when gut microbiota was disrupted. In conclusion, gut microbiota plays an important role in biotransformation of PNS into metabolites in vivo.

Stem-leaf saponins from Panax notoginseng counteract aberrant autophagy and apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of mice with cognitive impairment induced by sleep deprivation

Backgroud

Sleep deprivation (SD) impairs learning and memory by inhibiting hippocampal functioning at molecular and cellular levels. Abnormal autophagy and apoptosis are closely associated with neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. This study is aimed to explore the alleviative effect and the underlying molecular mechanism of stem–leaf saponins of Panax notoginseng (SLSP) on the abnormal neuronal autophagy and apoptosis in hippocampus of mice with impaired learning and memory induced by SD.

Methods

Mouse spatial learning and memory were assessed by Morris water maze test. Neuronal morphological changes were observed by Nissl staining. Autophagosome formation was examined by transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescent staining, acridine orange staining, and transient transfection of the tf-LC3 plasmid. Apoptotic event was analyzed by flow cytometry after PI/annexin V staining. The expression or activation of autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blotting assay.

Results

SLSP was shown to improve the spatial learning and memory of mice after SD for 48 h, accomanied with restrained excessive autophage and apoptosis, whereas enhanced activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in hippocampal neurons. Meanwhile, it improved the aberrant autophagy and apoptosis induced by rapamycin and re-activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling transduction in HT-22 cells, a hippocampal neuronal cell line.

Conclusion

SLSP could alleviate cognitive impairment induced by SD, which was achieved probably through suppressing the abnormal autophagy and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. The findings may contribute to the clinical application of SLSP in the prevention or therapy of neurological disorders associated with SD.

Total saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng inhibit depression on mouse chronic unpredictable mild stress model by regulating circRNA expression

OBJECTIVES

Total saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng saponins (SLPN) could inhibit development of depression, but the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study aimed to address the roles of circular RNAs in depression inhibition by SLPN.

METHODS

The mouse chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was established, which were confirmed by mouse weight, forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Effects of SLPN on depression were evaluated in CUMS through these same assays. Circular RNA profiles in mouse ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPC) and hippocampus of CUMS mice were determined by high-through sequencing, followed by confirmation via qRT-PCR. Overexpression of mmu_circ_0001223 was done by transfection of PC12 cell through lentiviral system. Protein abundances of cAMP response element binding protein 1(CREB1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Mouse body weight, immobility time in FST and immobility time in TST of CUMS mice were significantly recovered by SLPN treatment. A large number of circular RNAs were differentially expressed in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPC) and hippocampus tissues of CUMS mice. Among them, mmu_circ_0001223 expression was greatly decreased in CUMS mice, but significantly elevated by SLPN treatment. The protein levels of CREB1 and BDNF were also remarkably promoted in CUMS mice by treatment of SLPN. Overexpression of mmu_circ_0001223 enhanced CREB1 and BDNF protein levels in PC12 cells.

CONCLUSION

SLPN regulate the expression of large number circular RNAs in CUMS mice, which might be important mediators of SLPN's anti-depression effects.

Integrated Chemical and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Distribution of Protopanaxadiol- and Protopanaxatriol-Type Saponins in Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng is famous for its important therapeutic effects and commonly used worldwide. The active ingredients saponins have distinct contents in different tissues of P. notoginseng, and they may be related to the expression of key genes in the synthesis pathway. In our study, high-performance liquid chromatography results indicated that the contents of protopanaxadiol-(Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd) and protopanaxatriol-type (R1, Rg1, and Re) saponins in below ground tissues were higher than those in above ground tissues. Clustering dendrogram and PCA analysis suggested that the below and above ground tissues were clustered into two separate groups. A total of 482 and 882 unigenes were shared in the below and above ground tissues, respectively. A total of 75 distinct expressions of CYPs transcripts (RPKM ≥ 10) were detected. Of these transcripts, 38 and 37 were highly expressed in the below ground and above ground tissues, respectively. RT-qPCR analysis showed that CYP716A47 gene was abundantly expressed in the above ground tissues, especially in the flower, whose expression was 31.5-fold higher than that in the root. CYP716A53v2 gene was predominantly expressed in the below ground tissues, especially in the rhizome, whose expression was 20.1-fold higher than that in the flower. Pearson's analysis revealed that the CYP716A47 expression was significantly correlated with the contents of ginsenoside Rc and Rb2. The CYP716A53v2 expression was associated with the saponin contents of protopanaxadiol-type (Rb1 and Rd) and protopanaxatriol-type (R1, Rg1, and Re). Results indicated that the expression patterns of CYP716A47 and CYP716A53v2 were correlated with the distribution of protopanaxadiol-type and protopanaxatriol-type saponins in P. notoginseng. This study identified the pivotal genes regulating saponin distribution and provided valuable information for further research on the mechanisms of saponin synthesis, transportation, and accumulation.

The efficacy and safety of Jiedu Tongluo granules for treating post-stroke depression with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common psychiatric complication after a stroke. The most frequently used antidepressants are selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), however, these exhibit a series of side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat PSD with few side effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiedu Tongluo granules for treating PSD with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.

METHODS

The planned study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Eighty participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment or placebo. The treatment group will receive Jiedu Tongluo granules (JDTLG) with conventional treatment, and the placebo group will receive placebo with conventional treatment for 8 weeks. The primary outcome is the effectiveness of JDTLG on depression after 8 weeks treatment, which is defined as a decrease of 50% or more in 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) score or clinical recovery (score < 7). Secondary outcomes are improvement in neurological function, degree of independence, activities of daily living, and TCM syndrome at each visit, which will be measured with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI) and TCM scale, respectively. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and small-molecule metabolites will be monitored to explore the mechanism of action of JDTLG on PSD. Safety measures include vital signs, results of electrocardiography, laboratory index (full blood count, kidney and liver function tests) and adverse events.

DISCUSSION

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of JDTLG in individuals with PSD with concomitant qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. If successful, the outcome of this trial will provide a viable treatment option for PSD patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03147053 . Registered on 27 April 2017.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed the distribution of saponins in Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng is famous for its important therapeutic effects. Saponins are bioactive compounds found in different parts and developmental stages of P. notoginseng plants. Thus, it is urgently to study saponins distribution in different parts and growth ages of P. notoginseng plants. In this study, potential biomarkers were found, and their chemical characteristic differences were revealed through metabolomic analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography data indicated the higher content of saponins (i.e., Rg1, Re, Rd, and Rb1) in the underground parts than that in the aerial parts. 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol saponins were mainly distributed in the aerial parts. Additionally, the total saponin content in the 3-year-old P. notoginseng plant (188.0 mg/g) was 1.4-fold higher than that in 2-year-old plant (130.5 mg/g). The transcriptomic analysis indicated the tissue-specific transcription expression of genes, namely, PnFPS, PnSS, PnSE1, PnSE2, and PnDS, which encoded critical synthases in saponin biosyntheses. These genes showed similar expression patterns among the parts of P. notoginseng plants. The expression levels of these genes in the flowers and leaves were 5.2fold higher than that in the roots and fibrils. These results suggested that saponins might be actively synthesized in the aerial parts and transformed to the underground parts. This study provides insights into the chemical and genetic characteristics of P. notoginseng to facilitate the synthesis of its secondary metabolites and a scientific basis for appropriate collection and rational use of this plant.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins: A Review of Its Mechanisms of Antidepressant or Anxiolytic Effects and Network Analysis on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen, as traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history of high clinical value, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, regulation of blood glucose and blood pressure, inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, and neuronal protection, and its main ingredients are Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS). Currently, Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen may improve mental function, have anti-insomnia and anti-depression effects, alleviate anxiety, and decrease neural network excitation. However, the underlying effects and the mechanisms of Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen and its containing chemical constituents (PNS) on these depression-related or anxiety-related diseases has not been completely established. This review summarized the antidepressant or anxiolytic effects and mechanisms of PNS and analyzed network targets of antidepressant or anxiolytic actions with network pharmacology tools to provide directions and references for further pharmacological studies and new ideas for clinical treatment of nervous system diseases and drug studies and development. The review showed PNS and its components may exert these effects through regulating neurotransmitter mechanism (5-HT, DA, NE), modulation of the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, glutamatergic system, hypo-thalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and its intracellular signaling pathways in the central nervous system; and produce neuronal protection by anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, or inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, or platelet aggregation and its intracellular signaling pathways. Network target analysis indicated PNS and its components also may have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, which leads to the preservation of brain nerves, and regulate the activity and secretion of nerve cells, exerting anti-depression and anxiolytic effects, which may provide new directions for further in-depth researches of related mechanisms.

Stereoisomers of Saponins in Panax notoginseng (Sanqi): A Review

Panax notoginseng (Sanqi), a traditional Chinese medical drug which has been applied to medical use for over four centuries, contains high content of dammarane-type tetracyclic triterpenoid saponins. A number of stereoisomeric dammarane-type saponins exist in this precious herb, and some are particularly regarded as “biomarkers” in processed notoginseng. Contemporary researches have indicated that some saponin stereoisomers may show stereospecific pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, antioxidative, anti-photoaging, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuro-protective activities, as well as stereoselective effects on ion channel current regulation, cardiovascular system, and immune system. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of chemical compositions of raw and processed P. notoginseng with a particular emphasis on saponin stereoisomers. Besides, the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic researches, as well as determination and biotechnological preparation methods of stereoisomeric saponins in notoginseng are discussed extensively.

Preparative separation of minor saponins from Panax notoginseng leaves using biotransformation, macroporous resins, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography

Background

Ginsenosides with less sugar moieties may exhibit the better adsorptive capacity and more pharmacological activities.

Methods

An efficient method for the separation of four minor saponins, including gypenoside XVII, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, and notoginsenoside Fd, from Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) was established using biotransformation, macroporous resins, and subsequent preparative high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The dried PNL powder was immersed in the distilled water at 50°C for 30 min for converting the major saponins, ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rb3, to minor saponins, gypenoside XVII, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, and notoginsenoside Fd, respectively, by the enzymes present in PNL. The adsorption characteristics of these minor saponins on five types of macroporous resins, D-101, DA-201, DM-301, X-5, and S-8, were evaluated and compared. Among them, D-101 was selected due to the best adsorption and desorption properties. Under the optimized conditions, the fraction containing the four target saponins was separated by D-101 resin. Subsequently, the target minor saponins were individually separated and purified by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography with a reversed-phase column.

Conclusion

Our study provides a simple and efficient method for the preparation of these four minor saponins from PNL, which will be potential for industrial applications.

Ginsenoside Rg3 exerts anti-depressive effect on an NMDA-treated cell model and a chronic mild stress animal model

Depression is a common mental disorder and a leading cause of disability. At its most severe, it can lead to suicide. Recently, there has been growing interest in the application of natural herbs for the prevention and treatment of depression. In this report, we found that the ginsenoside active component Rg3 has an apparent antidepressant effect. In N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-treated HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cells, Rg3 recovered proliferation and inhibited apoptosis by altering the cell cycle. More interestingly, Rg3 led to apparent physiological behavior change in a chronic mild stress model as seen in forced swim, tail suspension, and sucrose preference tests. This effect was mediated by the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. This study provides direct evidence to support the antidepressant effects of ginsenoside Rg3, potentially indicating its application in the treatment of clinical depression.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the saponins in Panax notoginseng leaves using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV detector

Background

Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) exhibit extensive activities, but few analytical methods have been established to exclusively determine the dammarane triterpene saponins in PNL.

Methods

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) and HPLC-UV methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ginsenosides in PNL, respectively.

Results

Extraction conditions, including solvents and extraction methods, were optimized, which showed that ginsenosides Rc and Rb3, the main components of PNL, are transformed to notoginsenosides Fe and Fd, respectively, in the presence of water, by removing a glucose residue from position C-3 via possible enzymatic hydrolysis. A total of 57 saponins were identified in the methanolic extract of PNL by UPLC/Q-TOF MS. Among them, 19 components were unambiguously characterized by their reference substances. Additionally, seven saponins of PNL—ginsenosides Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rb3, and notoginsenosides Fc, Fe, and Fd—were quantified using the HPLC-UV method after extraction with methanol. The separation of analytes, particularly the separation of notoginsenoside Fc and ginsenoside Rc, was achieved on a Zorbax ODS C8 column at a temperature of 35°C. This developed HPLC-UV method provides an adequate linearity (r² > 0.999), repeatability (relative standard deviation, RSD < 2.98%), and inter- and intraday variations (RSD < 4.40%) with recovery (98.7–106.1%) of seven saponins concerned. This validated method was also conducted to determine seven components in 10 batches of PNL.

Conclusion

These findings are beneficial to the quality control of PNL and its relevant products.

Chemical transformation and target preparation of saponins in stems and leaves of Panax notoginseng

Background

Notoginsenoside Ft1 is a promising potential candidate for cardiovascular and cancer disease therapy owing to its positive pharmacological activities. However, the yield of Ft1 is ultralow utilizing reported methods. Herein, an acid hydrolyzing strategy was implemented in the acquirement of rare notoginsenoside Ft1.

Methods

Chemical profiles were identified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-ESI-MS). The acid hydrolyzing dynamic changes of chemical compositions and the possible transformation pathways of saponins were monitored by ultrahigh-performance LC coupled with tandem MS (UHPLC-MS/MS).

Results and conclusion

Notoginsenoside Ft1 was epimerized from notoginsenoside ST4, which was generated through cleaving the carbohydrate side chains at C-20 of notoginsenosides Fa and Fc, and vina-ginsenoside R7, and further converted to other compounds via hydroxylation at C-25 or hydrolysis of the carbohydrate side chains at C-3 under the acid conditions. High temperature contributed to the hydroxylation reaction at C-25 and 25% acetic acid concentration was conducive to the preparation of notoginsenoside Ft1. C-20 epimers of notoginsenoside Ft1 and ST4 were successfully separated utilizing solvent method of acetic acid solution. The theoretical preparation yield rate of notoginsenoside Ft1 was about 1.8%, which would be beneficial to further study on its bioactivities and clinical application.

Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine known as Sanqi or Tianqi in China. This plant, which is distributed primarily in the southwest of China, has wide-ranging pharmacological effects and can be used to treat cardiovascular diseases, pain, inflammation and trauma as well as internal and external bleeding due to injury.

AIMS OF THE REVIEW

This paper provides up-to-date information on investigations of this plant, including its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. The possible uses and perspectives for future investigation of this plant are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant information on Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen was collected from numerous resources, including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases, including Pubmed, SciFinder, ACS, Ebsco, Elsevier, Taylor, Wiley and CNKI.

RESULTS

More than 200 chemical compounds have been isolated from Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen, including saponins, flavonoids and cyclopeptides. The plant has pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system, immune system as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, haemostatic and anti-tumour activities, etc.

CONCLUSIONS

Panax notoginseng is a valuable traditional Chinese medical herb with multiple pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of P. notoginseng, and presents the constituents and their corresponding chemical structures found in P. notoginseng comprehensively for the first time. Future research into its phytochemistry of bio-active components should be performed by using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies. Further work on elucidation of the structure-function relationship among saponins, understanding of multi-target network pharmacology of P. notoginseng, as well as developing its new clinical usage and comprehensive utilize will enhance the therapeutic potentials of P. notoginseng.

Investigation of the antidepressant effects of exopolysaccharides obtained from Marasmius androsaceus fermentation in a mouse model

Marasmius androsaceus, a well‑known medical fungus, possesses antihypertensive, analgesic and antioxidant effects. Exopolysaccharide (EPS), produced by microorganism secretion, exerts various types of biological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant‑like effect of the EPS produced during Marasmius androsaceus submerge fermentation (MEPS). Based on the assessment of acute toxicity and behavior, a forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), 5‑hydroxytryptophan‑induced head‑twitch assessment and reserpine‑induced hypothermia assessment were performed. The administration of MEPS for 7 days enhanced mouse locomotor and balance ability in the mice. Similar to the results following treatment with fluoxetine, which was used as positive control drug, MEPS significantly decreased the duration of immobility in the FST and TST, increased head twitches in the 5‑HTP‑induced head‑twitch test and enhanced rectal temperature in resperpine‑induced hypothermia. MEPS altered the abnormal concentrations of 5‑hydroxytryptamine, 5‑hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus in the resperine‑induced mouse model. Additionally, an increase in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and a reduction in the level of dopamine transporter in the hypothalamus were noted following 7 days of MEPS administration. Taken together, the EPS produced during MEPS exhibited antidepressant‑like effects, which may be associated with its regulation on the dopaminergic system. The results of the present study provide experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of MEPS as an effective agent against depression.

Antidepressant-like effects of Sanyuansan in the mouse forced swim test, tail suspension test, and chronic mild stress model

Natural products have been widely reported as effective therapeutic alternatives for treatment of depression. Sanyuansan is a compound recipe composed of ginseng total saponins, fish oil, and valeriana. The aims of this study were to validate whether Sanyuansan has antidepressant-like effects through acute behavioral tests including the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), locomotor activity test, and chronic mild stress (CMS) mice model of depression. C57BL/6 mice were given oral administration of 30 mg/kg imipramine, Sanyuansan, and saline, respectively. The acute behavioral tests including the TST, FST, and locomotor activity test were done after the administration of drugs for consecutively three times (24 hours, 1 hour, and 0.5 hour prior to the tests). Furthermore, the sucrose preference and the serum corticosterone level of mice in the CMS model were examined. Sanyuansan only at 900 mg/kg markedly reduced immobility time in the TST compared with the saline-treated group of mice. Sanyuansan at doses of 225 mg/kg, 450 mg/kg, and 900 mg/kg significantly reduced immobility time of mice in the FST. Sanyuansan reversed the CMS-induced anhedonia and hyperactivation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In addition, our results showed that neither imipramine nor Sanyuansan at any dosage increased spontaneous motor activity. These results suggested that Sanyuansan induced significant antidepressant-like effects in mice in both acute and chronic animal models, which seemed unlikely to be attributed to an increase in locomotor activities of mice, and had no sedative-like effects.

Antidepressant-like effects of ginsenosides: A comparison of ginsenoside Rb3 and its four deglycosylated derivatives, Rg3, Rh2, compound K, and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol in mice models of despair

Ginsenoside Rb3 has been proved to have antidepressant-like effects, which possesses 1 xylose and 3 glucose moieties with 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) as the aglycone. However, it is commonly accepted that orally ingested ginsenosides can be deglycosylated or partially deglycosylated into active derivatives by the intestinal bacteria. To identify potential antidepressant drug candidates, we compared the antidepressant-like activities between ginsenoside Rb3 and its four deglycosylated derivatives, Rg3, Rh2, compound K (C-K), and PPD. Effects of acute (1-day), short chronic (7-days), and longer chronic treatments (14-days) with these ginsenosides (50 and 100mg/kg, p.o.) on the behavioral changes in the forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and open field test were investigated. Serum corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and mouse brain monoamine neurotransmitters 5-HT, NA and DA levels were measured using commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Interestingly, C-K showed antidepressant-like activities similar to that of Rb3, and Rg3 displayed antidepressant-like effects at lower dosage and faster time, indicating it has better effects than Rb3, whereas Rh2 and PPD failed to show any effect. Our results also showed, unlike the positive control fluoxetine, Rb3, Rg3 and C-K significantly increased the NA levels in the brain regions of mice exposed to FST but did not affect the 5-HT and DA levels. Moreover, treatment with Rg3 could reverse swim stress-induced increased levels of serum ACTH and corticosterone. These results suggest that C-K and Rg3 are the active deglycosylated derivatives, especially the latter compound, which is more potent than Rb3 and exerts antidepressant-like effects by regulating NA, ACTH and corticosterone levels.

Protective effects of ginseng on neurological disorders

Ginseng (Order: Apiales, Family: Araliaceae, Genus: Panax) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for over 2000 years, and is recorded to have antianxiety, antidepressant and cognition enhancing properties. The protective effects of ginseng on neurological disorders are discussed in this review. Ginseng species and ginsenosides, and their intestinal metabolism and bioavailability are briefly introduced. This is followed by molecular mechanisms of effects of ginseng on the brain, including glutamatergic transmission, monoamine transmission, estrogen signaling, nitric oxide (NO) production, the Keap1/Nrf2 adaptive cellular stress pathway, neuronal survival, apoptosis, neural stem cells and neuroregeneration, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and cerebral microvessels. The molecular mechanisms of the neuroprotective effects of ginseng in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) including β-amyloid (Aβ) formation, tau hyperphosphorylation and oxidative stress, major depression, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are presented. It is hoped that this discussion will stimulate more studies on the use of ginseng in neurological disorders.