Ginsenoside Rg1 protects dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson's disease through the IGF-I receptor signalling pathway

Background and purpose: We have shown that ginsenoside Rg1 is a novel class of potent phytoestrogen and activates insulin‐like growth factor‐I receptor (IGF‐IR) signalling pathway in human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. The present study tested the hypothesis that the neuroprotective actions of Rg1 involved activation of the IGF‐IR signalling pathway in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). Experimental approach:...