Neuroprotective effect of water extract of Panax ginseng on corticosterone-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and its underlying molecule mechanisms

摘要

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The root of Panax ginseng CA Meyer (Family Araliaceae) is an important medicinal plant which has been employed as a panacea for more than 2,000 years in China. It has the actions of invigorating primordial qi, recovering pulse and desertion, engendering liquid, and calming spirit The water extract of Panax ginseng (WEG) has been used to treat kinds of central nervous system disorders, such as depression, insomnia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Our previous work has demonstrated that WEG possessed antidepressant-like activities in both acute and chronic stress models of depression. Nevertheless, there are no studies on the cytoprotection and potential mechanisms of WEG on corticosterone-induced apoptosis. The present study focuses on cytoprotection against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells and its underlying molecule mechanisms of the antidepressant-like effect of WEG.