Comparison of the Effects of Ginseng Total Saponin, Ginsenoside-$Rb_1$, Ginsenoside-$Rb_2$ and Lovastatin on the Expression of mRNAs for HMG CoA reductase and LDL Receptor

인삼의 총사포닌, Ginsenoside-$Rb_1$, Ginsenoside-$Rb_2$와 Lovastatinul 의한 Hep G2 세포의 HMG CoA Reductase 및 LDL수용체 mRNA 발현 유발효과의 비교

The effects of ginseng total saponin, ginsenoside-Rb, and -Rb, on the reduction of chmlesterol level and the myNA expression rates of HMG CoA reductase and LDL receptor in Hep G2 were investigated and compared with that of lovastatin, a competitive HMG CoA reductase Inhibitor. The amounts of cholesterol in Hep G2 decreased in total saponin-and ginsenoside-treated groups as compared with that of control group, while there was no significant reduction in lovastatin-treated group. The mRNA expression rates of HMG CoA reductase increased in total saponin and gin- senoside groups except for ginsenoside-Rb, (10-3%) group and decreased in lovastatin group com- pared with that of control group. The mRNA expression rates of LDL receptor generally increased In all of the test groups except for total saponin (10-5%) group compared with that of control group. Because the ginseng components tested were more effective in the reduction of cholesterol level in Hep G2 than lovastatin and induced the gene expression of LDL receptor, we suggest the possibility that they could be used as a replacement agent for lovastatin which can not be prescribed especially to patients with hepatic diseases.