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Ginsenoside Rh2 Alleviates Alzheimer Disease Models via Effects on Ferroptosis‐Related Neuroinflammation
Qingfu Meng, Jianning Li, Gaungxu Xu, Wei Zhang, Rong Cao, Keshu Cai. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology, 2026-05-01
Topic: Brain proteins, microglia and lab models
Ginsenosides are the primary active constituents derived from the dried roots of ginseng, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) monomer in both in vitro and in vivo models of Alzheimer disease (AD). An in vivo AD cell model was established by stimulating N2a mouse neuroblastoma cells with β-amyloid (Aβ) 1-42, while APP/PS1 transgenic mice served as the in vivo model. In vitro, Aβ1-42-stimulated N2a cells were co-incubated with 40 or 80 μM Rh2 for 24 h. In vivo, APP/PS1 mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of Rh2 (20 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. Our results demonstrated that Rh2 treatment significantly enhanced the viability of N2a cells and ameliorated mitochondrial membrane potential dysregulation. Furthermore, Rh2 attenuated oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species production and decreasing malondialdehyde levels. It also suppressed the hypersecretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, in Aβ-treated cells. Mechanistically, Rh2 exerted potent anti-ferroptotic and anti-inflammatory effects via the activation of the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, which ultimately translated to improved spatial learning and memory in APP/PS1 mice. These findings elucidate a novel mechanistic paradigm for Rh2, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD drug development.
Cite this study APA, Vancouver, BibTeX · download .bib or .ris
APA 7th
Meng, Q., Li, J., Xu, G., Zhang, W., Cao, R., & Cai, K. (2026). Ginsenoside Rh2 Alleviates Alzheimer Disease Models via Effects on Ferroptosis‐Related Neuroinflammation. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbt.70860
Vancouver
Meng Q, Li J, Xu G, Zhang W, Cao R, Cai K. Ginsenoside Rh2 Alleviates Alzheimer Disease Models via Effects on Ferroptosis‐Related Neuroinflammation. Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology. 2026. doi:10.1002/jbt.70860. PMID: 42108759.
BibTeX
@article{meng2026-42108759,
author = {Meng, Qingfu and Li, Jianning and Xu, Gaungxu and Zhang, Wei and Cao, Rong and Cai, Keshu},
title = {{Ginsenoside Rh2 Alleviates Alzheimer Disease Models via Effects on Ferroptosis‐Related Neuroinflammation}},
journal = {Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1002/jbt.70860},
pmid = {42108759},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/jbt.70860}
}
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Key findings
- Our results demonstrated that Rh2 treatment significantly enhanced the viability of N2a cells and ameliorated mitochondrial membrane potential dysregulation.
- These findings elucidate a novel mechanistic paradigm for Rh2, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD drug development.
Why it matters
In cell and mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, this ginseng compound reduced oxidative stress and inflammation and improved learning and memory in the mice. These are early laboratory and animal findings, so it is not yet known whether it would help people.
Study details
- Evidence strengthLow
How this study scored 33/100
Published in a peer-reviewed journal. Scored zero for study design, sample size, effect reported, studied in people and randomised / blinded because the record does not state it.
| Component | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Journal tier | 7 / 10 | Tier 3 — peer-reviewed journal (Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology) |
| Journal's citation record | 1 / 4 | Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology: journal h-index 86 (OpenAlex, 2026-10-29) |
| Study design | 0 / 12 | No study design recorded — scores zero, not guessed (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Strength of evidence | 1 / 5 | Rated “low” in our summary |
| Peer-review validation | 10 / 10 | Peer-reviewed. Published as an article in a named peer-reviewed journal. |
| How recent | 5 / 5 | 2026 — within 1 year(s) of the newest study here |
| Sample size | 0 / 4 | Participant count not stated — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Effect reported | 0 / 3 | No effect size reported — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Studied in people | 0 / 3 | Not stated whether this was studied in people — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Randomised / blinded | 0 / 2 | No randomisation or blinding stated — scores zero (not stated in the record — scored 0) |
| Times cited | 1 / 7 | Cited 2 times (OpenAlex, 2026-10-10) |
| Citations per year | 1 / 5 | 1.0 citations a year over 2 year(s) since 2026 |
| Impact for its field and year | 3 / 6 | Cited 3.9× the average for papers of its field and year (OpenAlex FWCI) |
| Cited by studies here | 0 / 6 | No other study in this library cites it |
| Still being cited | 0 / 4 | Cited 2 times in 2024–2026 (2026 still in progress; OpenAlex) |
| Senior author's track record | 1 / 4 | Last-listed author Keshu Cai: h-index 8 (OpenAlex, whole career) |
| Institution's track record | 0 / 3 | Nanjing Medical University: institution h-index 508 (OpenAlex) |
| Multi-centre collaboration | 1 / 3 | OpenAlex lists 2 institution(s) in 1 country |
| Indexed in PubMed | 2 / 2 | Indexed in PubMed (PMID 42108759) |
| Free to read | 0 / 2 | Behind a paywall — scores zero |
| Total | 33 / 100 | — |
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