The study was to in vitro investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rg1, a natural compound extracted from Panax ginseng, on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was used as a control. Additionally, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration in a genipin-fixed acellular bovine pericardium (ECM) loaded with Rg1 were investigated subcutaneously in a rat model. The ECMs without drug loading or loaded with bFGF were used as controls. The in vitro results revealed that both bFGF and Rg1 significantly induced HUVEC proliferation. The in vivo results obtained at 1-week postoperatively showed that angiogenesis in the ECM was significantly enhanced by bFGF and Rg1. These results indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 may be a new class of angiogenic agent and may be loaded in the ECM for tissue regeneration. Further in vivo study is still underway.
Date:
2004
Relation:
Transactions - 7th World Biomaterials Congress. 2004:1725.