Objective: To explore the mechanism underlying preventive effects of ginseng on neuron damage induced by hypercortisolism. Method: Mouse model of hypercortisolism was developed by subcutaneous corticosterone injection.Different dosage of ginseng water decoction (7.2

3.6

1.8 g ·kg-1) was orally administrated to mice during reproducing animal model.After four weeks

the mice were sacrificed by decapitation after behavioral tests.Then

the hippocampal tissues were rapidly collected for Western blot analysis of four important proteins

neurofilament light chain protein (NF-L)

synaptic vescle protein (SYP)

brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Result: In contrast to the control

depression-like behavior was obviously increased

and protein levels of NF-L

SYP

BDNF and GDNF were significantly decreased in the model group.In contrast to the model group

all dosage of ginseng water decoction not only could significantly improve depression-like behavior

but also obviously up-regulate protein levels of NF-L

SYP

BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampal tissues. Conclution: Ginseng can provide neuroprotection by up-regulating protein expression of neurotrophic factors.