Journal of Ginseng Research

The Korean Society of Ginseng (고려인삼학회)
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The psychopharmacological activities of Vietnamese ginseng in mice: characterization of its psychomotor, sedative-hypnotic, antistress, anxiolytic, and cognitive effects

  • dela Pena, Irene Joy I. (Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University) ;
  • Kim, Hee Jin (Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University) ;
  • Botanas, Chrislean Jun (Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University) ;
  • de la Pena, June Bryan (Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University) ;
  • Van Le, Thi Hong (School of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy) ;
  • Nguyen, Minh Duc (School of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy) ;
  • Park, Jeong Hill (Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University) ;
  • Cheong, Jae Hoon (Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University)
  • Received : 2015.10.29
  • Accepted : 2016.03.10
  • Published : 2017.04.15
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Abstract

Background: Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. or Vietnamese ginseng (VG) is a recently discovered ginseng species. Studies on its chemical constituents have shown that VG is remarkably rich in ginseng saponins, particularly ocotillol saponins. However, the psychopharmacological effects of VG have not been characterized. Thus, in the present study we screened the psychopharmacological activities of VG in mice. Methods: VG extract (VGE) was orally administered to mice at various dosages to evaluate its psychomotor (open-field and rota-rod tests), sedative-hypnotic (pentobarbital-induced sleeping test), anti-stress (cold swimming test), anxiolytic (elevated plus-maze test), and cognitive (Y-maze and passive-avoidance tests) effects. Results: VGE treatment increased the spontaneous locomotor activity, enhanced the endurance to stress, reduced the anxiety-like behavior, and ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory impairments in mice. In addition, VGE treatment did not alter the motor balance and coordination of mice and did not potentiate pentobarbital-induced sleep, indicating that VGE has no sedative-hypnotic effects. The effects of VGE were comparable to those of the Korean Red Ginseng extract. Conclusion: VG, like other ginseng products, has significant and potentially useful psychopharmacological effects. This includes, but is not limited to, psychomotor stimulation, anxiolytic, antistress, and memory enhancing effects.

Keywords

References

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