Studies on antinephritic effects of plant components in rats (2) : Effects of ginsenosides on original-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats and its mechanisms

Abstract

To clarify the antinephritic effects of ginsenosides, we investigated the effects of crude ginsenoside and ginsenosides Rg₁ and Rb₁ on original-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats. Crude ginsenoside at 1.0 mg and 5.0 mg/kg, i.p., and ginsenoside Rg₁ at 1.0 mg/kg, i.p., prevented urinary protein excretion and elevation of serum cholesterol content, as well as histopathological changes such as hypercellularity and adhesion. On the other hand, ginsenoside Rb₁ only inhibited the histopathological parameters. In order to clarify the antinephritic mechanisms of ginsenosides on this model, we investigated the effect of ginsenosides on platelet aggregation and renal blood flow. Crude ginsenoside markedly enhanced the renal blood flow. Ginsenoside Rg₁ inhibited the platelet aggregation in vivo and enhanced the renal blood flow on the 1st day. These results suggest that crude ginsenoside and Rg₁ exert their antinephritic action via increased renal blood flow.