Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effects of Korean Ginseng Root Extract in an Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterised by demyelination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Korean ginseng root extract (KGE) using a cuprizone-induced demyelination model. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, demyelination and remyelination groups and each group was treated with KGE. Demyelination was induced with 0.2% cuprizone in the diet for four weeks. KGE (100 mg/kg) was administered by gavage during or after the cuprizone exposure. Body weight, food and water intake, and motor performance parameters were investigated. In addition, glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) malondialdehyde (MDA), oligodendrocyte transcription factor-2 (OLIG2) and myelin basic protein (MBP) levels were measured in brain samples, while MBP and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and myelin status was examined using Luxol Fast Blue staining. Results: Korean ginseng root extract prevented myelin loss, promoted remyelination, and improved motor performance. It reduced oxidative stress by increasing GSH, GST, and SOD levels while decreasing MDA. KGE also suppressed demyelination by reducing astrogliosis and restoring OLIG2 and MBP levels. Conclusion: Korean ginseng root extract exhibits neuroprotective properties during demyelination and promotes remyelination, highlighting its therapeutic potential for MS.