Description
Ginsenoside Re is a triterpene saponin originally found in species of Panax that exhibits antioxidative, anti-ulcerative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, cardioprotective, and immunostimulatory activities. Ginsenoside Re inhibits formation of gastric mucosal lesions in vivo by increasing mucosal secretion, decreasing neutrophil infiltration, and suppressing myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase activity. In animal models of immunization, ginsenoside Re acts as an adjuvant, increasing the CD4+:CD8+ cell ratio, increasing antibody titers, and increasing levels of IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-γ. Ginsenoside Re improves heart rate, perfusion pressure, blood flow, and cardiac output in animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Additionally, ginsenoside Re inhibits histamine release in mast cells and decreases LPS-stimulated production of COX-2 and iNOS in microglia. In adipocytes, this compound activates PPARγ signaling, induces adipogenesis, and increases glucose uptake. In vivo, ginsenoside Re inhibits stress-induced anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits.
