Effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 on streptozotocin-induced experimental type 2 diabetic rats: a urinary metabonomics study by rapid-resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

RATIONALE 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 is an active component of Panax ginseng. It is known that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 has a protective effect against hyperglycemia, obesity and diabetes in vivo, but the precise mechanisms of these actions have not yet been entirely elucidated. METHODS A urinary metabonomics method based on rapid-resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RRLC/MS) was developed to investigate the effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 on type 2 diabetic rats. RESULTS With multivariate statistical analysis, a clear separation between type 2 diabetic rats and those treated with 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 was achieved. Six potential biomarkers were found and identified. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that the mechanism of the effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 on type 2 diabetes may be involved with the regulation of nucleic acid metabolism, energy metabolism and gut flora metabolism. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.