OBJECTIVETo investigate the neuroprotective effect, effective dose and time window of ginseng total saponins (GTS) treatment in rat after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODSThe modified Feeney's method was used to establish TBI model in rat. GTS was treated intraperitoneally. The neurological function and histological morphology of brain tissue were observed.

RESULTSDifferent doses of GTS were used 6 h after TBI. The neurological and histological results showed that: compared with the TBI group, significant efficacy was observed 2 - 14 days after injury with GTS treatment at 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg (P < 0.05); The effects of GTS at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg were better than those of GTS at 10 and 80 mg/kg. During the research on the time window of GTS intervention, GTS (20 mg/kg) showed significant effect when used at 3 h and 6 h after TBI; however 12 h, 24 h after TBI, application of GTS did not exert any significant effect.

CONCLUSIONGTS intervention after TBI could reduce brain damage and promote recovery of the neurological function. Among doses of GTS 5 - 80 mg/kg, 20 - 60 mg/kg is the best dose limit. The effective time window of GTS is 6 h after TBI.