The therapeutic role of ginseng in promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and ameliorating cognitive function following whole brain radiotherapy in rats

Abstract

Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a prevalent technique for managing multiple intracranial metastases, however, the cognitive damage in long-term survivors due to WBTR is a critical concern that impacts patients' quality of life. Panax ginseng, a bioactive compound recognized for its neuroprotective benefits, also enhances cognitive functions, including memory and learning. This study aims to examine the potential protective effects of Panax ginseng supplementation on cognitive dysfunction and the levels of neurogenesis-related proteins in the hippocampus of rats that underwent WBRT, which was delivered as 3 fractions of 6 Gy (total dose 18 Gy) using a linear accelerator. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: radiation, ginseng treatment, and control. After 60 days of Panax ginseng administration (100 mg/kg), behavior tests (Morris water maze and novel object recognition) were performed, followed by western blot analysis of the hippocampus. Results indicated that Panax ginseng supplementation ameliorated radiation-induced cognitive impairments. Additionally, western blot analyses revealed that Panax ginseng promoted neuronal recovery and neuroplasticity processes in the hippocampus, simultaneously exhibiting a neuroprotective mechanism by reducing apoptosis and neurotoxicity markers. Panax ginseng ameliorates cognitive dysfunction after WBRT by enhancing neurogenesis and diminishing cell death in the hippocampus.