Ginsenoside Rc from Panax ginseng exerts anti-inflammatory activity by targeting TANK-binding kinase 1/interferon regulatory factor-3 and p38/ATF-2

• Main Authors: Tao Yu, Yanyan Yang, Yi-Seong Kwak, Gwan Gyu Song, Mi-Yeon Kim, Man Hee Rhee, Jae Youl Cho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2017-04-01
• Series: Journal of Ginseng Research
• Subjects: anti-inflammatory activity; ginsenoside Rc; p38; Panax ginseng; TANK-binding kinase 1
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1226845316000075

Background: Ginsenoside Rc (G-Rc) is one of the major protopanaxadiol-type saponins isolated from Panax ginseng, a well-known medicinal herb with many beneficial properties including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, and antidiabetic effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of G-Rc on inflammatory responses in vitro and examined the mechanisms of these effects. Methods: The in vitro inflammation system used lipopolysaccharide-treated macrophages, tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ-treated synovial cells, and HEK293 cells transfected with various inducers of inflammation. Results: G-Rc significantly inhibited the expression of macrophage-derived cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. G-Rc also markedly suppressed the activation of TANK-binding kinase 1/IκB kinase ε/interferon regulatory factor-3 and p38/ATF-2 signaling in activated RAW264.7 macrophages, human synovial cells, and HEK293 cells. Conclusion: G-Rc exerts its anti-inflammatory actions by suppressing TANK-binding kinase 1/IκB kinase ε/interferon regulatory factor-3 and p38/ATF-2 signaling.