Ginsenoside Rb3 Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Alleviates Experimental Periodontitis in Rats

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects of ginsenoside Rb3 on experimental periodontitis. Methods Experimental periodontitis was established by ligating the maxillary first molars. After 21 days of Rb3 treatment, rats were sacrificed for micro‐CT and H&E staining analysis and serum assay. qPCR detected the expression of inflammatory genes. IF detected MAPKs pathway activation in periodontal tissues. The effects were determined using LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Gene expression levels were determined by qPCR. Intracellular ROS generation was detected by DCFH‐DA staining and flow cytometry. WB detected the activation of signaling pathways. Results Rb3 inhibited oxidative stress in experimental periodontitis, showing reduced gingivitis and alveolar bone resorption on H&E staining and micro‐CT, and reduced iNOS mRNA in rats. Colorimetric results showed that Rb3 increased serum SOD and GSH‐Px activities and decreased MDA levels in rats. IF analysis showed that Rb3 inhibited P38, ERK, and JNK activation. Rb3 pretreatment significantly decreased iNOS and IL‐6 mRNA expression and ROS in Raw264.7 cells. WB analysis demonstrated that Rb3 blocked the activation of P38 and ERK. Conclusion Rb3 inhibits the level of oxidative stress and attenuates gingivitis and alveolar bone resorption in rats via the MAPKs signaling pathway.