Neuroprotection of ginsenoside Re in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

In the present study, we have investigated the neuroprotective potential of ginsenoside Re (Re) in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with Re (5, 10 or 20 mg kg(- 1), P.O. for 7 days, once a day) prior to occlusion. There was a significant increase in the neurological symptoms in ischemic animals as compared with the sham group animals. These effects were attenuated by 10 and 20 mg kg(- 1) Re, P.O. There was a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in ischemic animals indicating oxidative stress. An elevated level of MDA in ischemic animals was reduced by 10 and 20 mg kg(- 1) Re, P.O., respectively. It was observed that Re significantly decreased mitochondrial swelling, thereby preventing the reduction of H(+)-ATPase activity. This study demonstrates the neuroprotective potential of Re in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.