Interactions of Ginseng Extract, Ginseng Separated Fractions, and Some Triterepenoid Saponins with Glucose Transporters in Sheep Erythrocytes

Abstract

The effects of Panax ginseng extract, ginseng saponins, and some other triterpenoid saponins on glucose uptake were examined by using sheep erythrocytes. Initial rates of glucose transport were determined by measurements of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) uptake. From kinetic analysis apparent K_m and V_max values of facilitated glucose transport in sheep erythrocytes were calculated as 2.3 ± 0.08 mM and 1.4 ± 0.05 nmol/min/10⁹ cells. The results showed that ginseng extract stimulated glucose uptake in sheep erythrocytes dose-dependently. Ginseng saponins, in general, also stimulated glucose transport. The maximum effect was observed at 1 µM of ginsenoside Rb₁ showing an increase of 24 ± 5 % above basal activity. However, ginsenoside Rg₃, chikusetsusaponin Ia, and glycyrrhetic acid induced significant inhibitory effects on glucose transport in sheep erythrocytes.

Glucose transporter (GT) - sheep erythrocytes - 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) - Panax ginseng - Araliaceae - triterpenoid saponins