Effects of Ginsenosides on Relaxation of Rabbit Vaginal Smooth Muscle.
- Author:
Kwangsung PARK
1
;
Geun Soo KIM
;
Sun Ok KIM
;
Deok Soon KIM
;
Min Kyung KIM
;
Jong Kwan PARK
;
Seung Yeol NAH
;
Kyung Keun KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Korea. kpark@chonnam.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Ginsenosides;
Nitric oxide;
Female sexual function
- MeSH:
Acetylcholine;
China;
Far East;
Ginsenosides*;
Korea;
Muscle, Smooth*;
Nitric Oxide;
Panax;
Radioimmunoassay;
Relaxation*;
Vagina
- From:Korean Journal of Andrology
2003;21(2):98-102
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Ginseng has been used throughout the Far East, including Korea and China, as a tonic and restorative agent to maintain physical vitality. The main pharmacoactive molecules of ginseng are ginsenosides. The present study was designed to investigate whether ginsenosides relax rabbit vaginal smooth muscle and whether this effect is modulated by nitric oxide(NO) and the cGMP pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strips of rabbit vagina were mounted in organ chambers to measure isometric tension. The strips were contracted with phenylephrine(5 X 10(-5) M), and the responses to acetylcholine, nitric oxide inhibitor, and ginsenosides were examined. The cGMP content of the strips was measured by radioimmunoassay after various doses of ginsenosides. RESULTS: Ginsenosides(100~500microgram/mL) relaxed vaginal smooth muscle in a dose-dependent manner(5~25%). Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly increased in the presence of ginsenosides(100, 200microgram/mL)(p<0.05). The relaxation effect of ginsenosides was inhibited by L-NAME(10(-4) M), but the difference was not statistically significant(p>0.05). Ginsenosides(400microgram/mL for 7 min) increased the accumulation of cGMP. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that ginsenosides have a relaxing effect on rabbit vaginal smooth muscle. This effect is at least in part mediated by the NO-cGMP pathway.
