Using Ginseng to Reduce Brain Inflammation After Stroke

Jim Crocker
22nd June, 2024

Using Ginseng to Reduce Brain Inflammation After Stroke

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Shandong First Medical University explored how Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) can help repair brain damage after an ischemic stroke
  • Researchers found that the gene MAPK14 plays a key role in the brain's inflammatory response to stroke
  • Ginsenoside-Rc, a component of PNS, was shown to reduce brain inflammation and cell damage by targeting MAPK14
Cerebral infarction, a type of ischemic stroke, is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often resulting in chronic neuroinflammation that exacerbates cognitive impairments and can lead to neurodegenerative diseases[1]. Addressing the neuroimmune interactions that occur post-stroke is essential for developing therapies that can slow disease progression and enhance patient recovery. A recent study by Shandong First Medical University investigates the molecular mechanisms through which Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) mitigate neuroinflammatory damage and promote neural repair following ischemic stroke. Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke-related cognitive impairment. Previous research has highlighted the role of various immune cells, including microglia and astrocytes, in mediating the neuroimmune response during such conditions[2][3]. Chronic activation of these cells can lead to sustained inflammation, contributing to neuronal damage and impaired recovery[2]. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in this process is crucial for developing targeted therapies. The study by Shandong First Medical University aims to elucidate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine components, specifically Panax ginseng and PNS, on neuroinflammatory damage post-ischemic stroke. The researchers employed advanced bioinformatics and experimental approaches to investigate gene expression changes associated with cerebral infarction. Techniques such as single-cell sequencing and transcriptomic analysis were used to identify key molecular markers and core genes involved in the neuroinflammatory response. The findings revealed that MAPK14, a gene encoding a protein kinase involved in inflammatory signaling, is a critical mediator in the neuroinflammatory response to ischemic stroke. The study focused on Ginsenoside-Rc, a derivative of PNS, and its potential to modulate MAPK14 activity. Experimental validation showed that Ginsenoside-Rc treatment, combined with MAPK14 silencing, significantly reduced microglial cell death, inflammatory factor secretion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby mitigating neuroinflammatory damage. These results align with previous studies that have identified the importance of modulating the immune response in neurodegenerative diseases and stroke recovery[2][3]. For instance, research has shown that after an initial inflammatory response driven by M1 microglia, a switch to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype is crucial for tissue healing and inflammation resolution[3]. The ability of Ginsenoside-Rc to modulate MAPK14 and reduce inflammation supports the therapeutic potential of this traditional Chinese medicine component in promoting neural repair and cognitive recovery post-stroke. The study's use of gene set enrichment analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis further supports the identification of key molecular pathways involved in the neuroinflammatory response. These bioinformatics approaches allowed the researchers to pinpoint MAPK14 as a critical target for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, pharmacological profiling, including functional assays, provided experimental evidence of Ginsenoside-Rc's impact on microglial cell viability and cytokine production, reinforcing the compound's potential as a neuroprotective agent. In conclusion, the modulation of MAPK14 by Ginsenoside-Rc represents a promising therapeutic strategy for reducing neuroinflammation and potentially improving cognitive recovery following ischemic stroke. This study provides a theoretical and experimental foundation for the use of traditional Chinese medicine, specifically Sanqi, in ischemic stroke care. Future work will focus on extending these findings through clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ginsenoside-Rc in human subjects, aiming to translate these promising preclinical results into practical therapeutic interventions for ischemic stroke recovery.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Targeting MAPK14 in microglial cells: neuroimmune implications of Panax ginseng in post-stroke inflammation.

Published 21st June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae067

Related Studies

2) Inflammation in CNS neurodegenerative diseases.

https://doi.org/10.1111/imm.12922

3) Neuroinflammation after Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Potential Therapeutic Targets.

https://doi.org/10.5853/jos.2019.02236


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙