Qualitative detection of ginsenosides in brain tissues after oral administration of high-purity ginseng total saponins by using polyclonal antibody against ginsenosides
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Abstract
Given the limited studies and conflicting findings, the transport character of ginsenosides
crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) remains unclear. The present study was designed
to qualitatively determine the distribution of ginsenosides in brain tissues after
oral administration of ginseng total saponins, using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem
mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) combined with immunohistochemistry. In brain tissue
homogenates, ginsenoside Rg1 was detectable and no other ginsenosides or their metabolites
were found. No ginsenosides were detected in cerebrospinal fluid. Immunohistochemistry
staining of brain tissue sections by using anti-ginsenoside polyclonal antibodies
revealed the localization of ginsenosides in brain tissues. Furthermore, immunofluorescence
double staining revealed that ginsenosides widely existed in vascular endotheliocytes
and astrocytes, and in few neurons. These results indicated that Rg1 was the main
component that entered the brain after oral administration of ginseng total saponins
and that ginsenosides could cross the BBB, although the transport capability of ginsenosides
through the BBB may be poor.
Author and article information
Journal
Title:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
Abbreviated Title:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines