This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of extract of Panax ginseng sprouts cultivated by hydroponics using desalinated magma seawater from Jeju island (Korea) on neurotoxicity in vitro. The chemical compositions of the Panax ginseng sprouts extracts were analyzed using LC-Q-orbitrap, and ginsenosides (Re, Rg1, Rg2, Rb1, and Rd) were detected. Analysis method based on HPLC was developed for determination of ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Re. For the in vitro analysis, the extract inhibited Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced neurotoxicity through inhibition of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PPAR, and Bax expression, as well as activation of Bcl-2 expression. The extract inhibited H2O2-induced neuroinflammatory responses through inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and COX-2 expression, in addition to phosphorylation of MAPK (ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK, and p-38 MAPK). The extract stimulated BDNF expression through CREB activation by phosphorylation at Ser133 and inhibited up-regulation of AChE activity by Aβ1-42 oligomer-induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, these results provide in vitro evidence that the experimental extract exhibits neuroprotective properties against Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress, which suggests that the extract has potential to be developed into a new functional food for neuroprotection and learning/memory improvement in the global food market. Furthermore, it is expected that desalinated magma seawater from Jeju island (Korea) may be applied for the cultivation of other functional plants in order to enhance functional components.

Keywords: desalinated magma seawater, Panax ginseng sprouts, ginsenoside, neuroprotection, memory improvement