Increase of Membrane Potential by Ginsenosides in Prostate Cancer and Glioma cells

Ginseng has an anti-cancer effect in several cancer models. As a mechanism study of ginsenoside-induced growth inhibition in cancer cells, we measured change of membrane potential in prostate cancer and glioma cells by ginsenosides, active constituents of ginseng. Membrane potential was estimated by measuring fluorescence change of DiBAC-loaded cells. Among 11 ginsenosides tested, ginsenosides Rb₂, Rg₃, and Rh₂ increased significantly and robustly the membrane potential in a concentration-dependent manner in prostate cancer and glioma cells. Ginsenosides Rc, Ro, and Rb₁ slightly increased membrane potential. The ginsenoside-induced membrane potential increase was not affected by treatment with pertussis toxin or U73122. The ginsenoside-induced membrane potential increase was not diminished in Na?-free or HCO₃?-free media. Furthermore, the ginsenoside-induced increase of membrane potential was not changed by EIPA (5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride), SITS (4-acetoamido-4’-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2’-disulfonic acid), and omeprazole. In summary, ginsenosides Rb₂, Rg₃, and Rh₂ increased membrane potential in prostate cancer and glioma cells in a GPCR-independent and Na? independent manner.