Protective effect of fermented red ginseng on a transient focal ischemic rats

Red ginseng and fermented red ginseng were prepared, and their composition of ginsenosides and antiischemic effect were investigated. When ginseng was steamed at 98-100degreesC for 4 h and dried for 5 h at 60degreesC, and extracted with alcohol, its main components were ginsenoside Rg(3) > ginsenoside Rb-1 > ginsenoside Rb-2. When the ginseng was suspended in water and fermented for 5 days by previously cultured Bifidobacterium H-1 and freeze-dried (fermented red ginseng), its main components were compound K > ginsenoside Rg(3) greater than or equal to ginsenoside Rh-2. Orally administered red ginseng extract did not protect ischemia-reperfusion brain injury. However, fermented red ginseng significantly protected ischemica-reperfusion brain injury. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rh-2 and compound K, which was found to be at a higher content in fermented red ginseng than red ginseng, may improve ischemic brain injury.