Ginsenosides Rbi and

Ginsenoside Rbi and Rgi were studied for the nootropic mechanism in mice[51]. Weaning... 

FIGURE 1.2 Possible metabolism (degradation pathway) of protopanaxadiol-type gin-senosides such as ginsenoside Rbi by stomach acidity and by human intestinal bacteria. 

Various ginseng species have been shown to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the CNS, and may modulate neurotransmission. Ginsenosides, and in particular ginsenoside Rbi (5), Rgi (84), and Re (88), seem to play a major role in these effects (Attele et ah, 1999 Rausch et ah, 2006). 

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that ginsenoside Rbi increases the uptake of choline in central cholinergic nerve endings (Benishin, 1992), and facilitates the release of acetylcholine from hippocampal slices (Benishin et al, 1991 Lee et ah, 2001). These results clearly suggest that ginsenosides may facilitate learning and improve the basic synaptic transmission as well as nerve growth. 

Shin HY et al (2003) Purification and characterization of a a-L-arabinopyranosidase and a-L-arabinofuranosidase from Bifidobacterium breve K-110, a human intestinal anaerobic bacterium metabolizing ginsenoside Rb2 and Rc. Appl Environ Microbiol 69 7116 Park SY et al (2001) Purification and characterization of ginsenoside Rbi-metabohzing P-glucosidase from Fusobacterium K-60, a human intestinal anaerobic bacterium. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 65(5) 1163... 

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