Red Panax ginseng root promotes neuronal plasticity in vitro and improves cognitive function in aged animals

Background: Cognitive function declines with aging, primarily due to reduced neuronal plasticity, decreased release of trophic factors, and neuronal stress. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to impact cognitive function. Diets enriched with neuroactive ingredients have been proposed to support cognitive functions in humans. Several neuroactive compounds, including ginsenosides, have been identified in Panax ginseng. Many studies show that the roots of this plant promote neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the red Panax ginseng roots cultivated in an innovative vertical farming technology. The effects of the red Panax ginseng roots were investigated to determine whether they could (1) support neuronal plasticity and neuronal survival during stress in vitro and (2) improve cognitive function (short-term memory) in vivo.  Methods: An extract of the Botalys red Panax ginseng root powder was tested in vitro on primary hippocampal and cortical neurons, injured or not, with glutamate. Its effects on the neuritogenesis and the synaptogenesis was investigated as well as its neuroprotective efficacy. Moreover, the effect of the red Panax ginseng root powder was investigated in vivo on the cognitive functions of aged animals. Results: The results demonstrated that prolonged treatment of hippocampal neurons with the red Panax ginseng extract significantly prompts synapse formation and neurite elongation in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. In addition, the red Panax ginseng extract protected neurons from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in a primary culture of cortical neurons. In aging mice, oral administration of red Panax ginseng root powder for 7 days significantly improved short-term memory deficit associated with aging. Conclusion: Altogether, these results indicate that red Panax ginseng root promotes neuronal plasticity and synaptogenesis in in vitro models and improves short-term memory deficits in in vivo models of aging.  Keywords: Panax ginseng, neuronal plasticity, cognitive functions, in vitro, in vivo