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Local Application of Drugs to Study Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Function in Mouse Brain Slices
Published on: October 29, 2012
Non-ginsenoside nicotinic activity in ginseng species
1Medical Research Council Neurochemical Pathology Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.
Ginseng extracts show nicotinic activity, potentially benefiting age-related cognitive decline. Further research is needed to identify the active compounds for dementia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Age-related cognitive impairments are linked to reduced nicotinic receptor binding in the brain.
- Stimulating central nervous system (CNS) nicotinic receptors may offer symptomatic treatment and neuroprotection for cognitive disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nicotinic activity of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium extracts and their constituents.
- To explore the potential of ginseng in addressing age-related cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- In vitro displacement binding assays using 3H-(-)nicotine and human brain cerebral cortex membranes.
- Assessed crude ethanol extracts of Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium.
- Investigated activity after removing choline and other water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC).
Main Results:
- Both Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium extracts demonstrated dose-dependent nicotinic receptor displacement.
- Panax ginseng extract showed affinity for nicotinic and, to a lesser extent, muscarinic receptors.
- The observed activity was not primarily due to choline or identified ginsenosides.
Conclusions:
- Ginseng possesses demonstrable nicotinic receptor activity.
- The primary active compound in ginseng responsible for this activity remains unidentified.
- Ginseng's nicotinic activity warrants further investigation for therapeutic potential in age-related cognitive conditions like dementia.
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