Longevity, tumor, and physical vitality in rats consuming ginsenoside Rg1.

BACKGROUND

Effects of the major ginsenoside Rg1 on mammalian longevity and physical vitality are rarely reported.

PURPOSE

To examine longevity, tumor, and spontaneous locomotor activity in rats consuming Rg1.

METHODS

A total of 138 Wistar rats were randomized into 2 groups: control (N = 69) and Rg1 (N = 69). Rg1 (0.1 mg/kg per day) were orally supplemented from 6 months of age until natural death. Spontaneous mobility was measured by video-tracking together with body composition (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and inflammation markers at 5, 14, 21, and 28 months of age.

RESULTS

No significant differences in longevity (control: 706 days; Rg1: 651 days,  = 0.77) and tumor incidence (control: 19%; Rg1: 12%,  = 0.24) were observed between the two groups. Movement distance in the control group declined significantly by ∼60% at 21 months of age, together with decreased TNF-α ( = 0.01) and increased IL-10 ( = 0.02). However, the movement distance in the Rg1 group was maintained ∼50% above the control groups ( = 0.01) at 21 months of age with greater magnitudes of TNF-α decreases and IL-10 increases. Glucose, insulin, and body composition (bone, muscle and fat percentages) were similar for both groups during the entire observation period.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest a delay age-dependent decline in physical vitality during late life by lifelong Rg1 consumption. This improvement is associated with inflammatory modulation. Significant effects of Rg1 on longevity and tumorigenesis were not observed.