Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the antifatigue effects of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 using forced swimming test in mice. Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups; a control and three 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3-treated groups. The control group was given distilled water whereas the treated groups were given different doses of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg). Treatments were administered by gavage once a day lasting for 28 days. After 28 days, forced swimming tests were performed and fatigue related biochemical parameters were examined. The results showed that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 significantly (P<0.05) prolong exhaustive exercise time, significantly decrease (p<0.05) the blood lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen levels, significantly increase (p<0.05) the levels of glycogen, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase in liver and muscle, as well as significantly (p<0.05) reduce malondialdehyde levels in liver and muscle. These findings suggested that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 has antifatigue effects, and its antifatigue mechanisms could be related to the fact that 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 can activate energy metabolism, eliminate the accumulation of metabolites, and protect exercise-induced oxidative stress.