Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on proliferation of Schwann cells in culture.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Ginsenoside Rb(1) on the proliferation of Schwann cells in culture. METHODS: Applying MTT assay and Thymidine incorporation assay, the effects of Ginsenoside Rb(1) on the proliferation of Schwann cells isolated from the sciatic nerve of adult rat were studied. RESULTS: Ginsenoside Rb(1) (10 microg/ml) significantly induced Schwann cell proliferation, the effect was similar to NGF (50 microg/ml). At high concentrations of Ginsenoside Rb(1) (1 mg/ml), the proliferation of Schwann cells was significantly inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: Ginsenoside Rb(1) at the optimal concentrations is found to be effective in inducing the proliferation of Schwann cells, but at higher concentrations the drug is cytotoxic for Schwann cells.