Anti-ageing effect of red ginseng revealed by urinary metabonomics using RRLC-Q-TOF-MS.

INTRODUCTION: Red ginseng (RG) is one of the main processed products of the roots and rhizomes of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and is used for anti-ageing. But how metabonomic influences of RG on the progress of ageing are less researched.

OBJECTIVE: A metabonomic method was developed to study the characters of the ageing process and the effects of total ginsenosides of red ginseng (TGRG) on the progress of ageing.

METHODS: Urine samples from four different ages (4, 12, 18 and 24 months old) of rats and interference after TGRG were analysed by rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RRLC-Q-TOF-MS) and multivariate statistical analysis were performed for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification.

RESULTS: Fourteen potential biomarkers were found and identified by MS/MS analysis by referring to authentic chemicals. The analysis of metabolic pathways indicated that the reduced energy and lipid metabolism, the decline of kidney function and amino acids metabolism disorders were the main features of ageing. After TGRG administration, lipid and amino acids metabolism of 18 and 24 month-old rats were adjusted to restore a younger level, and nine related biomarkers in the ageing process reset to a younger level were recognised.

CONCLUSION: These changes showed that TGRG may produce an anti-ageing effect by intervening in the lipid metabolism and correcting the amino acid metabolism disorders in ageing rats.