Oral administration of Ginsenoside Rg1 prevents cardiac toxicity induced by doxorubicin in mice through anti-apoptosis

Although Ginsenoside Rg1 has been reported to have protective cardiac effects, its effects on cardiac toxicity induced by doxorubicin needs to be studied. The present study investigated the effects of oral administration of Rg1 on the heart in mice treated with doxorubicin and found improved fractional shortening and ejection fraction of the heart and decreased cardiac apoptosis in mice treated with doxorubicin. The underlying mechanisms include increased phosphorylation of Akt and Erk by Rg1, increased ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax, and decreased release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, thereby protecting the heart from doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. This phenotype suggested that the oral administration of Rg1 may be a potential method preventing the cardiac toxicity caused by doxorubicin in clinical practice.