Effects of ocotillol-type saponins majonoside-R1 and vina-ginsenoside-R2 on abrogating depression and neuronal oxidative stress in socially isolated depression mouse model

Majonoside-R1 (MR1), majonoside-R2 (MR2) and vina-ginsenoside-R2 (VR2) are ocotillol-type saponins which were isolated from Vietnamese ginseng (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.). In this study, tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were used to assess antidepressant properties of MR1 and VR2. Additionally, the stress model caused an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease of glutathione (GSH) levels in the mouse brain. MR2 was used as a reference one in these experiments. The findings revealed that MR1 and VR2 reduced significantly the immobility time of stressed mice in dose-dependent manner, indicating antidepression-like effect. VR2 (10 mg/kg) as well as MR2 (10 mg/kg) induced dramatically a reduction of MDA levels while VR2 (5 mg/kg) or MR2 (5 mg/kg) had no effect. MR1 did not affect MDA level in neither dose of 10 mg/kg nor 5 mg/kg. MR1 (5-10 mg/kg), VR2 (5-10 mg/kg), and MR2 (5-10 mg/kg) as well as fluoxetine significantly increased GSH levels in mice brain (p<0.05). The findings were that MR1 and VR2 have anti-depression effects in a dose-independent manner. VR2 had a neuroprotective effect on brain by increasing GSH and decreasing MDA. However, MR1 did not show any effect on MDA levels. Industrial relevance: The study provided the first information of biological activites of MR1 and VR2, ocotillol-type saponins isolated from the underground part of cultivated Vietnamese ginseng. MR1 and VR2 might be promising compounds which could be useful for the treatment of neuropathological disorders caused by stress. � 2008-2016. IJARNP-HS Publication.