This study investigated the effects of Panax quinquefolium saponin (PQS) on atherosclerosis in ovariectomized ApoE−/− mice, a model mimicking postmenopausal women. Ovariectomy increased plaque formation, inflammation, and endothelial apoptosis, but PQS treatment reduced these harmful changes at both early (8 weeks) and advanced (14 weeks) stages. Mechanistic analysis showed PQS acts through estrogen receptor α (ERα), regulating inflammation and apoptosis via ERα/PI3K/Akt and ERα/MEK/ERK1/2 pathways. Blocking ERα diminished PQS’s benefits, while activating ERα enhanced them. Overall, PQS alleviated atherosclerosis progression by targeting ERα, suggesting its therapeutic potential for postmenopausal women.
Source : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13020-026-01410-3
