Salvianolic Acid B and Ginsenoside Rg1 Combination Attenuates Cerebral Edema Accompanying Glymphatic Modulation
Lingxiao Zhang1,2, Yanan Shao2,3, Zhao Fang2,3
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
Neuroscience Bulletin
|August 31, 2025
Summary
Salvianolic acid B/ginsenoside Rg1 (SalB/Rg1) treatment reduced brain swelling (cerebral edema) and improved outcomes after stroke in mice. This compound enhanced the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cerebral edema, a hallmark of stroke, involves fluid accumulation and impaired brain fluid clearance.
- The glymphatic system (GS) is crucial for regulating interstitial fluid balance and waste removal in the brain.
- Dysfunction of the glymphatic system contributes to the progression of cerebral edema post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of salvianolic acid B/ginsenoside Rg1 (SalB/Rg1) in mitigating cerebral edema following ischemic stroke.
- To elucidate the effects of SalB/Rg1 on glymphatic system function and its underlying molecular mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in mice to induce ischemic stroke.
- Intravenous administration of SalB/Rg1 post-MCAO.
- Assessment of glymphatic system function using Evans blue imaging, near-infrared fluorescence region II (NIR-II) imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Evaluation of infarct volume, hemorrhagic transformation, neurobehavioral deficits, and tissue structure.
- Analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, cleaved β-dystroglycan (β-DG), and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarity.
Main Results:
- SalB/Rg1 treatment significantly reduced infarct volume, hemorrhagic transformation, and cerebral edema.
- Enhanced neurobehavioral function and improved tissue structure were observed in SalB/Rg1 treated mice.
- SalB/Rg1 improved glymphatic system influx and efflux, as evidenced by imaging studies.
- Inhibition of MMP-9 activity, reduction of β-DG cleavage, and stabilization of AQP4 polarity were associated with SalB/Rg1 treatment.
Conclusions:
- SalB/Rg1 demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke, particularly in attenuating cerebral edema.
- The therapeutic benefits of SalB/Rg1 are mediated through the enhancement of glymphatic system function.
- SalB/Rg1 regulates the MMP-9/β-DG/AQP4 pathway, contributing to its efficacy in treating cerebral edema.
