Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. MEYER, Araliaceae), which contains
protopanaxadiol-type and
protopanaxatriol-type
ginsenosides, has been used for
inflammation,
fatigue, stress, and
tumor in Asian countries. Orally administered
ginsenosides are metabolized to their aglycones
20(S)-protopanaxadiol (
PPD) and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT) by gut microbiota. However, their anti-
fatigue effects have not been studied thoroughly. Therefore, we investigated the anti-
fatigue activities of
PPD and PPT in mice, using the weight-loaded swimming (WLS) and the rota-rod tests. Ginseng water extract (GW), ginseng
saponin fraction (GWS) and ginseng
polysaccharide fraction (GWP) at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg and
PPD and PPT at 5 and 10 mg/kg were orally administered to mice once daily for 5 d. GW, GWS, and PPT significantly increased the WLS time, however, GWP and
PPD did not cause any significant change. PPT induced the most significant increase in WLS time.
PPD (10 mg/kg) and PPT (5 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited the WLS-induced increase in
corticosterone,
lactate,
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and
creatinine levels as well as the reduction in
glucose level. PPT increased the riding time in the rota-rod test, and also inhibited
corticosterone,
lactate, and
creatinine levels. These findings suggest that the anti-
fatigue effect of ginseng may be attributable to its
saponins, particularly PPT, rather than to its
polysaccharides.