Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on proliferation of Schwann cells in culture

To investigate the effects of Ginse noside Rb 1 on the proliferation of Schwann cells in culture.Methods: Applying MTT assay and Thymidine incorporation assay, the effects of Ginsenoside Rb 1 on the proliferation of Schwann cells isolated from the sciatic nerve of adult rat were studied.Results: Ginsenoside Rb 1 (10 μg/ml) significantly induced Sc hwann cell proliferation, the effect was similar to NGF (50 μg/ml). At high con centrations of Ginsenoside Rb 1 (1 mg/ml), the proliferation of Schwann cells w as significantly inhibited. Conclusions: Ginsenoside Rb 1 at the optimal concentrations is found to be effective in inducing the proliferation of Schwann cells, but at hi gher concentrations the drug is cytotoxic for Schwann cells.