Korean red ginseng water extract produces antidepressant-like effects through involving monoamines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats

Tzu-wen Chou; Huai-Syuan Huang; Suraphan Panyod; Yun-Ju Huang; Lee-Yan Sheen

Journal of Ginseng Research (Jul 2023)

Korean red ginseng water extract produces antidepressant-like effects through involving monoamines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats

Tzu-wen Chou,
Huai-Syuan Huang,
Suraphan Panyod,
Yun-Ju Huang,
Lee-Yan Sheen

Affiliations

Tzu-wen Chou: Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Huai-Syuan Huang: Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Suraphan Panyod: Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
Yun-Ju Huang: Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan; Corresponding author. Ext. 3930 No. 1, Nan-Tai Street, Yungkang Dist., Tainan City, 710301, Taiwan.
Lee-Yan Sheen: Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; National Center for Food Safety Education and Research, National, Taiwan; Corresponding author. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 47, no. 4
pp. 552 – 560

Abstract

Read online

Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

Published in Journal of Ginseng Research

ISSN: 1226-8453 (Print)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Korea, Republic of
LCC subjects: Science: Botany
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-ginseng-research/

About the journal

Abstract

Keywords