Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterised by demyelination.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Korean ginseng root extract (KGE) using a cuprizone-induced
demyelination model.
Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, demyelination and remyelination groups and each group was
treated with KGE. Demyelination was induced with 0.2% cuprizone in the diet for four weeks. KGE (100 mg/kg) was administered
by gavage during or after the cuprizone exposure. Body weight, food and water intake, and motor performance parameters were
investigated. In addition, glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) malondialdehyde (MDA),
oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2 (OLIG2) and myelin basic protein (MBP) levels were measured in brain samples, while MBP
and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and myelin status was examined using
Luxol Fast Blue staining.
Results: Korean ginseng root extract prevented myelin loss, promoted remyelination, and improved motor performance. It reduced
oxidative stress by increasing GSH, GST, and SOD levels while decreasing MDA. KGE also suppressed demyelination by reducing
astrogliosis and restoring OLIG2 and MBP levels.
Conclusion: Korean ginseng root extract exhibits neuroprotective properties during demyelination and promotes remyelination,
highlighting its therapeutic potential for MS.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Surgery (Other) |
Journal Section | Original Research |
Authors | |
Publication Date | May 30, 2025 |
Submission Date | February 15, 2025 |
Acceptance Date | March 24, 2025 |
Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 38 Issue: 2 |