Ginsenosides can target brain-derived neurotrophic factor to improve Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease (ND). It is the progressive loss of neurons and abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein due to multiple etiologies. Currently, supportive treatment is the only intervention for PD. However, supportive treatment has serious side effects. Ginsenosides, a group of sterol compounds, are the main active ingredients of ginseng. They have a potential role in NDs and psychosis. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling pathway is closely related to the growth, survival and differentiation of neurons. Ginsenosides exert a neuroprotective role in NDs and psychosis by upregulating BDNF and activating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. Herein, we analyzed the relationship between ginsenosides, BDNF, the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, NDs, and psychosis. We hypothesize that ginsenosides may protect neurons to improve PD by activating the BDNF/TrkB pathway.