Modulating effects of Korean ginseng saponins on ovarian function in immature rats.
The modulating effects of Korean ginseng saponins on ovarian functions were investigated in immature rats superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). A single dose of 1 mg (0.1 ml/head) of Korean ginseng total saponin (GTS), Korean ginseng protopanaxatriol saponin (GPT), Korean ginseng protopanaxadiol saponin (GPD), or ginsenoside-Rb1 (Gin-Rb1) was intravenously injected via jugular vein catheter three times at 1 h (early follicular phase), 25 h (middle follicular phase), and 50 h (late follicular phase) after 30 IU PMSG administration. GPD and Gin-Rb1 significantly suppressed excessive ovulatory response caused by PMSG (p<0.05). All Korean ginseng saponins significantly improved oocyte quality by decreasing the proportion of abnormal oocytes (p<0.05). Gin-Rb1 significantly decreased preovulatory serum levels of androgens and 17beta-estradiol, while GPD increased preovulatory serum progesterone level (p<0.05). GPD significantly the increased postovulatory serum progesterone level (p<0.05). These results provide strong evidence that Korean ginseng saponins have a curative effect on ovarian dysfunction caused by excessive stimulation with PMSG.
Yu
Wook-Joon
WJ
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Lee
Beom-Jun
BJ
Nam
Sang-Yoon
SY
Yang
Deok-Chun
DC
Yun
Young-Won
YW
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D005260:Female; D007723:Korea; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005894:Panax; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012503:Saponins / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012503:Saponins