Two new triterpenoid saponins derived from the leaves of Panax ginseng and their anti-inflammatory activity

ConclusionsTwo novel, minor triterpenoid saponins, ginsenoside LS1 (1) and 5,6-didehydroginsenoside Rg3 (2), were isolated from the leaves of P. ginseng. The isolated compounds 1 and 2 were assayed for their inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and compound 2 showed significant inhibitory effect with IC50 of 37.38 μM compared to that of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMA, IC50=90.76 μM). Moreover, compound 2 significantly decreased secretion the cytokines such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, compound 2 significantly suppressed protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These results suggested that compound 2 could be used as a valuable candidate for medicinal use or functional food, and the mechanism is warranted for further exploration.
Source: Journal of Ginseng Research - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research