Work

Preparation of ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes and evaluating its protective effect on models of Parkinson’s disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ginsenoside Rg3 (Gs-Rg3), a bioactive component of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey., shows neuroprotective potential in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the therapeutic efficacy of Gs-Rg3 is constrained by its poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to develop ginsenoside Rg3 liposomes (Rg3-Lips) and investigate their neuroprotective effects and mechanisms on PD models. Rg3-Lips were prepared by the thin-film dispersion method. In vitro , SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP + ) and treated with Rg3-Lips. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, molecules in Nrf2/GCLM and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 pathways were assessed. In vivo , PD mice were treated with Rg3-Lips or Gs-Rg3. Motor functions were evaluated and dopaminergic nerve, apoptosis, GSH, and relevant proteins in substantia nigra and striatum were analyzed. Optimized Rg3-Lips exhibited a mean particle size of 170.78 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 93.33%, and a zeta potential of −1.92 mV. In vitro , Rg3-Lips significantly increased cell viability, reduced LDH release and ROS levels, upregulated levels of nuclear Nrf2, GCLM and downregulated Cleaved Caspase-3 expression. In vivo , Rg3-Lips improved motor functions of PD mice, increased TH-positive neurons and fibers in the substantia nigra and striatum, reduced apoptosis, elevated GSH levels, and modulated Nrf2/GCLM and Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 protein expression, showing better efficacy than Gs-Rg3. In summary, Rg3-Lips exerted neuroprotective effects in experimental PD models, suggesting its potential neuroprotective and therapeutic effects in experimental PD models. Furthermore, Rg3-Lips led to improved pharmacological effects over the conventional active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Source: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2026.1963330