Objective: To investigate the effects of ginsenoside-Rg1 pretreatment on the PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway in the myocardium of rats with isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial ischemia. Method: SD rat models of acute myocardial ischemia were established with isoproterenol. 50 rats were randomly divided into normal control group

model group

puerarin group

Rg1 high dose group (20 mg·kg-1) and Rg1 low dose group (10 mg·kg-1). The blood flow on heart surface was observed by using Moor laser blood flow imaging system in all groups; the levels of creatine kinase (CK)

lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nitric oxide (NO) in rat serum and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD)

malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in rat myocardium were measured by ELISA assay; the mRNA expression level of eNOS in rat myocardium was detected by Real-time PCR; and the protein expression levels of PI3K

Akt and p-Akt in rat myocardium were detected by Western blot. Result: As compared with the normal group

average blood flow on heart surface was significantly reduced in model group

with decreased NO level and increased CK and LDH levels in serum; their myocardial MDA level was increased; GSH-Px level was reduced; eNOS mRNA level was significantly decreased and the protein expression of PI3K/Akt pathway was reduced (P<0.05

P<0.01). As compared with the model group

blood flow on heart surface was significantly increased in the ginsenosides Rg1 high-dose group and low dose group; NO level was increased

whereas the levels of CK and LDH in serum were decreased; the myocardial MDA level was reduced and the GSH-Px level was increased; the mRNA expression of eNOS was increased and the protein expression levels of PI3K expression/Akt pathway were increased (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: Ginsenoside-Rg1 can improve the heart condition in rats with acute myocardial ischemia through regulating PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.