Molecular docking studies of anti-apoptotic BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1 proteins with ginsenosides from Panax ginseng

Anti-apoptotic proteins such as BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 bind with pro-apoptotic proteins to induce apoptosis mechanism. BCL-2 family proteins are key regulators of apoptosis process. Over expression of these anti-apoptotic proteins lead to several cancers by preventing apoptosis. A number of studies revealed that ginseng derivatives reduce tumor growth. Ginseng, the most valuable medicinal herb found in eastern Asia belongs to Araliaceae family. In this study, docking simulations were performed for anti-apoptotic proteins with several ginsenosides from Panax ginseng. Our finding shows ginsenosides Rf, Rg1, Rg3 and Rh2 have more binding affinity with BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 and other ginsenosides also interact with each anti-apoptotic proteins. Therefore, ginseng derivatives represent a novel class of potent inhibitors and could be used for cancer chemotherapy.