Abstract
Background: Stroke is a condition characterized by brain tissue damage owing to a decrease in the brain's oxygen supply due to blocked blood vessels, and 80% of all strokes are classified as cerebral infarction. Notably, the incidence rate tends to increase with increasing age. In this study, we compared the efficacy of white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) extracts (WGex and RGex, respectively) in an ischemic stroke mouse model and confirmed the underlying mechanisms of action.Methods: Mice were orally administered WGex or RGex 1 h before performing middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h; the size of the infarct area was measured 24 h after MCAO. The neurological deficit score was evaluated, the efficacy of the two drugs was compared, and the mechanism of action was confirmed using methods such as tissue staining and protein quantification.Results: In the MCAO-induced ischemic stroke mouse model, WGex and RGex showed neuroprotective effects in the cortical region, with RGex demonstrating a generally stronger efficacy than WGex. Furthermore, it was confirmed that ginsenoside Rg1, a representative indicator substance, was not involved in mediating the effects of WGex and RGex.Conclusion: WGex and RGex inhibited brain injury attributed to ischemia/reperfusion, with RGex revealing a more potent effect. At 1,000 mg/kg body weight, only RGex reduced cerebral infarction and edema, and both anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways were involved in mediating these effects.
Neuroprotective effects of Korean White ginseng and Red ginseng in an ischemic stroke mouse model
