Description
Notoginsenoside R1 is a triterpene saponin originally found in species of Panax (ginseng) that exhibits neuroprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and immunostimulatory activities. Notoginsenoside R1 decreases amyloid-β-induced oxidative damage and MAPK signaling, improving cell viability in cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease. In ApoE knockout animals, notoginsenoside R1 increases expression of glutathione and superoxide dismutase and decreases expression of inflammatory cytokines; it also decreases LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels and increases HDL levels, preventing atherosclerotic lesions. This compound also increases antigen-induced spleenocyte proliferation and IgG titers in vivo.