Stimulatory Effect of Ginseng Saponin on Endogenous Production of Nitic Oxide

Ginseng saponin (G5) purified from Panax ginseng, increase renal blood flow in rats. Nitric oxide (NO) is thought to be a substance endogenously released by G5 in preconstricted lungs and cultured endothelial cells. The present study aims to determine whether G5 could stimulate endogenous 1'elease of NO in rat kidney and urine levels of the stable NO metabolites, nitrite (NO,) and nitrate (NO,) and urinary COMP levels were measured 8 hr after a single intraperitoneal injection of GS (200 mg/kg) Into rats. The effects of the WO synthesis inhibitor, Nu-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, .1nd the NO precursor, L-arginine, on the G5-induced changes were also determined. The activity of NO synthase, as determined by conversion of ('"C)-L-arginine to ('"C)-L-citrulline, in whole kidney, glomeruli and cortical tubules were also investigated. A single injection of GS resulted in endogenous production of NO as reflected by increase in serum and urine levels of N021N03 and urinary cGMP levels, which were inhibited by the addition o ( N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and restored fly L-arginine. GS also stimulated the activity of NO synthase in whole kidney as well as glomeruli and cortical tubules, and Nu-nitro-L-arginine methyl tilter significantly prevented this increase. In conclusion, GS stimulates endogenous NO production and thus, may play a protective role 1 11 the kidney by modulating renal blood flow.