Uptake and metabolism of ginsenoside Rh2 and its aglycon protopanaxadiol by Caco-2 cells.
The uptake and metabolism profiles of ginsenoside Rh2 and its aglycon protopanaxadiol (ppd) were studied in the human epithelial Caco-2 cell line. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to determine Rh2 and its aglycon ppd concentration in the cells at different pH, temperature, concentration levels and in the presence or absence of inhibitors. Rh2 uptake was time and concentration dependent, and its uptake rates were reduced by metabolic inhibitors and influenced by low temperature, thus indicating that the absorption process was energy-dependent. Drug uptake was maximal when the extracellular pH was 7.0 for Rh2 and 8.0 for ppd. Rh2 kinetic analysis showed that a non-saturable component (Kd 0.17 nmol x h(-1) x mg(-1) protein) and an active transport system with a Km of 3.95 micromol x l(-1) and a Vmax of 4.78 nmol x h(-1) x mg(-1)protein were responsible for the drug uptake. Kinetic analysis of ppd showed a non-saturable component (Kd 0.78 nmol x h(-1) x mg(-1) protein). It was suggested that active extrusion of P-glycoprotein and drug degradation in the intestine may influence Rh2 bioavailability.
Xie
Hai-Tang
HT
Key Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xing Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
Wang
Guang-Ji
GJ
Chen
Miao
M
Jiang
Xi-Ling
XL
Li
Hao
H
Lv
Hua
H
Huang
Chen-Rong
CR
Wang
Rui
R
Roberts
Michael
M
D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D036145:Ginsenosides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D012502:Sapogenins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D036145:Ginsenosides; D012502:Sapogenins; D014315:Triterpenes; C055305:ginsenoside Rh2; C062916:protopanaxadiol