Ginsenosides inhibit capsaicin-activated channel in rat sensory neurons

Ginsenosides isolated from ginseng are biologically active components. In t his study, whole-cell and inside-out configurations of patch clamp techniqu e had been used to test the effect of ginsenosides on the capsaicin-activat ed channels in cultured small diameter sensory neurons of young rat. Ginsen osides (100 mu g/ml) decreased the amplitude of capsaicin-activated current s by 78.2% in whole cell mode. Similarly, ginsenosides decreased capsaicin- activated single-channel activities in a dose-dependent manner in inside-ou t patches. These results indicate that ginsenosides might directly block ca psaicin-activated channels, resulting in attenuation of the currents in rat sensory neurons. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.