Description
Ginsenoside Rb3 is a triterpene saponin originally found in species of Panax (ginseng) that exhibits cardioprotective, antioxidative, antidepressant, and anti-diabetic activities. Ginsenoside Rb3 inhibits contractions in aortic rings and suppresses expression of ROS, NOX-2, and NOX-4, decreasing oxidative stress and improving endothelial function. In diabetic mice, ginsenoside Rb3 decreases blood glucose levels and improves oral glucose tolerance. Ginsenoside Rb3 also decreases immobility time in the forced swim, tail suspension, and learned helplessness tests. Additionally, this compound decreases levels of malondialdehyde and increases activity of superoxide dismutase, decreasing infarct size in animal models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.