Objective: To study the antioxidant capacity of ginsenoside Re in vitro as well as the effect of nerve cells by serum deprivation. Method: The antioxidant effect in vitro of ginsenoside Re was assayed by eliminating 1

1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2

2-Diphenyl-1-(2

4

6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH)free radical and determination of reducing power.Protection on nerve cells serum deprivation was assayed by cells counting kit-8(CCK-8). Result: Ginsenoside Re which clearance rate of free radical was less than 10% and the ability of reduction was less than 12%

potency was lower than vitamin E. But the protection on nerve cells serum deprivation was remarkable(the highest cell survival rate was 78%)

and its potency was higher than the same concentration of vitamin E. Conclusion: The antioxidant effect in vitro of ginsenoside Re is weak and not acted by providing electron

but by providing nutrition support to serum deprivation damaged nerve cells to improve the survival rate of nerve cell

and then to achieve the inhibitory action to the trauma and apoptosis of nerve cells.