Integrated Serum Pharmacochemistry and Network Pharmacological Analysis Used To Explore Possible Anti-Aging Mechanisms of the Ginsenosides

Background Although constitutive ginsenosides are credited with ginseng's remarkable anti-aging efficacy, the mechanism of action and bioactive components of ginsenosides are unclear.Objective The goal of the study was to examine the effect of ginsenosides on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging in rats and to figure out the underlying molecular mechanism using serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.Methods Using behavioral, biochemical indexes, and histological analysis, ginsenosides were evaluated for their anti-aging effects in rats induced by D-gal, and effective ingredients absorbed in the blood were examined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) before being subjected to network pharmacology analysis.Results As well as improving spatial learning and memory skills, Ginsenosides are known to regulate malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, it improved the ultrastructure of neurons in D-gal-induced rats' hippocampus. Seventy-four absorption components and metabolites of ginsenosides were identified in aging rat serum. According to a network pharmacology study, ginsenosides have anti-aging properties by modulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways.Conclusion The potential mechanisms of the anti-aging effect of ginsenosides involve multiple components, targets, and pathways. These findings serve as a foundation for further research into the processes behind ginsenoside's anti-aging impact.