Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts neuroprotective effects through regulation of Lactobacillus helveticus abundance and GABA_A receptor expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), one of the most abundant protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides, exerts excellent neuroprotective effects even though it has low intracephalic exposure.

Purpose

The present study aimed to elucidate the apparent contradiction between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Rb1 by studying the mechanisms underlying neuroprotective effects of Rb1 based on regulation of microflora.

Methods

A pseudo germ-free (PGF) rat model was established, and neuroprotective effects of Rb1 were compared between conventional and PGF rats. The relative abundances of common probiotics were quantified to reveal the authentic probiotics that dominate in the neuroprotection of Rb1. The expressions of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, including GAB

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7033341 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature