Neuroprotective actions of the ginseng extract G115 in two rodent models of Parkinson's disease

The herbal remedy, ginseng, has recently been demonstrated to possess neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties, which may be useful in preventing various forms of neuronal cell loss including the nigrostriatal degeneration seen in Parkinson's disease (PD). In these studies, we examine the potential neuroprotective actions of the ginseng extract, G 115, in two rodent models of PD. Animals received oral administration of G115 prior to and/or following exposure to the parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), in mice, or its toxic metabolite, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), in rats. Such treatment significantly and dramatically blocked tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cell loss in the substantia nigra and reduced the appearance of locomotor dysfunction. Thus, oral administration of ginseng appears to provide protection against neurotoxicity in rodent models of PD. Further examination of the neuroprotective actions of ginseng and its various elements may provide a potential means of slowing the progress of PD. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.