Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 (gRb1) on oxidative damage of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) resulted from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Methods HUVECs were divided into control group, H₂O₂ group and gRb1 group. MTT assay was used to determine cell survival; annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect cell apoptosis; SOD1 activity was measured with xanthine oxidase method; MDA concentration was detected by thibatituric acid assay; protein expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was analysed by Western blot. Results Compared with control group, the apoptosis rate, MDA production and the protein level of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 significantly increased, but the cell viability and SOD1 activity decreased. Compared with H₂O₂ group, gRb1 reversed the parameters mentioned above. Conclusions gRb1 can alleviate oxidative damage of HUVECs by reducing cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and protein expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.

Key words: ginsenoside Rb1, oxidative injury, ICAM-1, VCAM-1