Ultrasonicated Ginseng Berry Extract mediated protective effect against Mild Bile Duct Ligation induced Hepatic Encephalopathy in rats

Background Panax ginseng Meyer ( P. ginseng) is a well-known herb of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to revitalize the body and mind. A recent study revealed that P. ginseng exhibits neuroprotective activity against brain damage. P. ginseng also enhances cognitive function. However, the protective effects of P. ginseng berry against hepatic encephalopathy (HE) have not yet been studied. We investigated the protective effect of ultrasonication-processed GBE (UGBE) compared to GBE on mild bile duct ligation (MBDL) to verify the effect of P. ginseng berry on HE. Methods After ultrasonication, the component ratios of ginsenosides Rh1, Rh4, Rg2, Rg3, Rk1, Rk3, and F4 in the extract increased. In this study, the protective effect of the newly developed UGBE against neuronal damage was evaluated in an MBDL model. Silymarin was used as a positive control. UGBE, GBE, and silymarin were orally administered for 6 weeks after MBDL surgery. Results MBDL rats demonstrated delayed pain response and impaired motor coordination, mobility, spatial learning, and related memory errors. However, UGBE administration ameliorated HE symptoms, whereas treatment with GBE or silymarin did not show a recovery effect. The recovery effects of UGBE are due to a reduction in neuronal damage caused by MBDL surgery. Microglial activation and the production of inflammatory cytokines were decreased in the UGBE treatment group. Conclusion UGBE has a protective effect against MBDL-induced HE in rats through the inhibition of microglial activation in the brain.