Effects of ginsenoside-Rb2 on RNA synthesis

The effects of a single intraperitoneal injection of ginsenoside-Rb₂, 2.5 mg/100g body weight, on the synthesis of nuclear RNA in liver cells were determined serially after administration. Although the RNA content remained almost unchanged, the uptake of orotic acid by RNA reached a peak 6h after ginsenoside-Rb₂ administration. On the other hand, the total RNA polymerase activity increased after administration, reaching a peak at 4h; the RNA polymerase II activity also showed a pattern of variation similar to that of total RNA polymerase activity. In addition, the activity of RNA polymerase I also showed an increase suggesting that ginsenoside-Rb₂ promoted the synthesis of rRNA and mRNA.