Effect of ginsenoside Rgl on the release of enzymes by cultured endothelial cells

The effects of ginsenoside Rgl, isolated from Ginseng Radix, on the secretion of plasminogen activator and angiotensin-converting enzyme from cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were investigated in vitro. Ginsenoside Rgl significantly increased the secretion of plasminogen activator from the cells both with and without stimulation of the cells by thrombin. Ginsenoside Rgl also remarkably induced the secretion of angiotensin-converting enzyme from the cells. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rgl showed some morphological alteration in the surface membrane of the cells. In addition, survival-promoting effect of CPAE cell line by ginsenoside Rgl was observed.