Korean Red Ginseng Attenuates Dysfunctions and Modulates Inflammatory and Neuroplasticity Markers in the Harmaline‐Induced Model of Essential Tremor
Monavareh Soti, Mehran Ilaghi, Leila Bagherzadeh, Fatemeh Shahsavari, Kristi A. Kohlmeier, Zeynab Pirmoradi, Mohammad ShabaniABSTRACT
Background
Essential tremor (ET) is a prevalent movement disorder characterized by tremors and other motor and nonmotor symptoms which can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. Current therapeutic options are limited in both efficacy and tolerability. Korean red Ginseng ( Panax ) has demonstrated neuroprotective properties in various neurological conditions, but its potential benefits in ET remain unexplored.
Methods
ET was induced in male Swiss mice ( n = 32) using Harmaline hydrochloride (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) administered on Days 1, 3, and 5. Korean red Ginseng (100 mg/kg) was given orally for 7 consecutive days. Motor function, anxiety‐like behaviors, and cognitive performance were assessed through behavioral testing. Gene expression analysis of Pro‐inflammatory mediators(TNF‐α, NF‐κB, IL‐1β, IL‐6) and neuroplasticity markers (Lingo‐1, NMDA) were performed in cerebellar tissue through RT‐qPCR.
Results
Korean red Ginseng significantly attenuated Harmaline‐induced tremor severity and improved motor coordination on the rotarod test. Treatment also ameliorated anxiety‐like behaviors and fear‐associated memory deficits in Harmaline‐treated mice. At the molecular level, Korean red Ginseng suppressed Harmaline‐induced elevations in pro‐inflammatory markers (TNF‐α, NF‐κB, IL‐1β, IL‐6) and normalized the expression of Lingo‐1 and NMDA receptor genes in the cerebellum.
Conclusions
Korean red Ginseng ameliorated both motor and nonmotor symptoms in an animal model of ET potentially through modulation of neuroinflammatory and neuroplasticity pathways. These findings suggest that Korean red Ginseng may represent a promising therapeutic option for ET management.