Relationship Between Ginsenoside Rg3 and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is an important public health issue and is associated with a more affluent lifestyle. Many studies of metabolic syndrome have been reported, but its pathogenesis remains unclear and there is no effective treatment. The ability of natural compounds to ameliorate metabolic syndrome is currently under investigation. Unlike synthetic chemicals, such natural products have proven utility in various fields. Recently, ginsenoside extracted from ginseng and ginseng root are representative examples. For example, ginseng is used in dietary supplements and cosmetics. In addition, various studies have reported the effects of ginsenoside on metabolic syndromes such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. In this review, we describe the potential of ginsenoside Rg3, a component of ginseng, in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: NAFLD; Rg3; ginsenoside; metabolic syndrome; obesity.

Figure 1

Chemical structures of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3.

Figure 2

Effect of Rg3 on fatty liver disease. Administration of Rg3 to fatty liver reduces weight loss, inflammation, and reduces liver injury markers alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. In addition, hepatic lipid levels and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression levels are significantly reduced. On the other hand, PPARγ and AMPK phosphorylation increases, which ultimately improves healthy liver.

Figure 3

Effect of Rg3 on obesity. Treatment of Rg3 with adipocyte in obese mouse model decreases adipogenesis and lipogenesis. This effect is shown by the reduced expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4, ACC, FAS, and perilipin, which are proteins related to lipogenesis. In addition, the glucose uptake is increased by Rg3 and β-oxidation in skeletal muscle of the obese mouse model.

Figure 4

Effect of Rg3 on diabetes. Administration of Rg3 to animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes not only recovers impaired renal function but also increases insulin secretion and restores insulin action. In addition, blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels decrease.

Figure 5

Effect of Rg3 on hypertension. Treatment of Rg3 to hypertension mouse model decreases blood pressure and blood vessel wall thickness in mice and human. In addition, the renin activity and angiotensin-I level also decrease.