Integrated Serum Pharmacochemistry and Network Pharmacological Analysis Used To Explore Possible Anti-Aging Mechanisms of the Ginsenosides

Background: Although constitutive ginsenosides are credited with ginseng's remarkable anti-aging efficacy, the mechanism of action and bioactive components of ginsenosides are unclear.

Objective: The goal of the study was to examine the effect of ginsenosides on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging in rats and to figure out the underlying molecular mechanism using serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.

Methods: Using behavioral, biochemical indexes, and histological analysis, ginsenosides were evaluated for their anti-aging effects in rats induced by D-gal, and effective ingredients absorbed in the blood were examined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) before being subjected to network pharmacology analysis.

Results: As well as improving spatial learning and memory skills, Ginsenosides are known to regulate malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, it improved the ultrastructure of neurons in D-gal-induced rats' hippocampus. Seventy-four absorption components and metabolites of ginsenosides were identified in aging rat serum. According to a network pharmacology study, ginsenosides have anti-aging properties by modulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways.

Conclusion: The potential mechanisms of the anti-aging effect of ginsenosides involve multiple components, targets, and pathways. These findings serve as a foundation for further research into the processes behind ginsenoside's anti-aging impact.