Neuroprotective Effects of Korean Ginseng Berry against Hydrogen Peroxideinduced Oxidative Damage in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Abstract

Background: Studies on the efficacy of ginseng have focused on the ginseng root. Recently, research on ginseng berries has expanded, revealing its efficacy in liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effects of Korean ginseng berry (KGB) extract on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.BRMethods and Results: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and protein expression analysis were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and inhibition of apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells. KGB pretreatment reduced ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by H₂O₂-mediated apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, while also inhibiting Bax upregulation, Bcl-2 downregulation, and caspase-3 activation. Moreover, KGB treatment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase and decreased the malondialdehyde content.BRConclusions: This study found that KGB protected human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. Based on these findings, KGB may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders associated with oxidative stress.