Ginsenoside Rgi is an Anti-apoptotic Agent

Primary neuronal culture was studied for observing effect of ginsenoside Rgl (Rgl) on serum-free medium induced apoptosis. Results showed that Rgl at concentration of 1 umol$.$ L-1 and 10 umol$.$L-1 could inhibit apoptosis, decrease intracellular calcium concentration in cultured cortical neurons, enhance SOD activity in both aged rat cortex and cultured cortical neurons, scavenge cytotoxic oxygen free radicals, decrease NO content and NOS activity in aged rat cortex and cultured cortical neurons, increase bel-2 gene expression in rat brain. These results provided new data for elucidating the anti-aging effect of Rgi. Rgl is considered to be a useful drug for treatment of Alzheimer's disease and brain aging.