Effects of ginseng total saponin on cocaine-induced hyperactivity and conditioned place preference in mice

Cocaine produced hyperactivity and conditioned place preference (CPP) following a single or repeated administration. A single or repeated administration of ginseng total saponin (GTS) (100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited not only cocaine-induced (15 mg/kg) hyperactivity but also CPP in mice. These results suggest that GTS attenuates cocaine-induced CPP by inhibiting the same neurochemical system that mediates cocaine-induced hyperactivity. A single-dose administration of GTS inhibited both cocaine-induced hyperactivity and the apomorphine-induced (2 mg/kg) climbing behavior, suggesting that GTS inhibits cocaine- or apomorphine-induced dopaminergic activity at the postsynaptic DA receptor. Repeated administration of GTS before and during the treatment of cocaine inhibits the development of postsynaptic DA receptor supersensitivity. These results suggest that chronic treatment with GTS might modulate cocaine-induced dysfunction at both the pre- and postsynaptic DA receptors. We conclude that GTS may be useful in the prevention and therapy of the adverse action of cocaine.