Effect of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 on streptozotocin-induced experimental type 2 diabetic rats: a urinary metabonomics study by rapid-resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

RATIONALE 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 is an active component of Panax ginseng. It is known that 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 has a protective effect against hyperglycemia, obesity and diabetes in vivo, but the precise mechanisms of these actions have not yet been entirely elucidated. METHODS A urinary metabonomics method based on rapid‐resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (RRLC/MS) was developed to investigate the effect of 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 on type 2 diabetic rats. RESULTS With multivariate statistical analysis, a clear separation between type 2 diabetic rats and those treated with 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 was achieved. Six potential biomarkers were found and identified. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that the mechanism of the effect of 20(S)‐ginsenoside Rg3 on type 2 diabetes may be involved with the regulation of nucleic acid metabolism, energy metabolism and gut flora metabolism. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.