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

IntroductionRed 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. ObjectiveA 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. MethodsUrine samples from four different ages (4, 12, 18 and 24months 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. ResultsFourteen 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 24month-old rats were adjusted to restore a younger level, and nine related biomarkers in the ageing process reset to a younger level were recognised. ConclusionThese 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. A metabonomic method based on RRLC-Q-TOF-MS has been developed to study the characteristics of aging process of rats and anti-aging effect of total ginsenosides of red ginseng (TGRG). After multivariate statistical analysis, 14 age-related potential biomarkers have been identified and 9 of them were recovered to the young level after the administration of TGRG. The results showed that the TGRG might produce an anti-aging effect by intervening the lipid metabolism and correcting the amino acid metabolism disorders in aging rats.