Objective        To evaluate the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferation and osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).       Methods        PDLSCs at passage 3 were incubated with different concentrations of ginsenoside Rg1 (0.25

0.5

1

2 and 4 μmol/L). The effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferative ability of PDLSCs was evaluated by MTT assay

and flow cytometry was used for detecting cell cycle. The osteogenic potential of the cells was assayed by ALP enzymatic

activity

real-time RT-PCR and radioimmunoassay

rspectively. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.       Results        Compared with the control group

the proliferative ability of PDLSCs in ginsenoside Rg1 groups (0.5

1 and 2 μmol/L) was significantly enhanced (

P

0.05)

especially in the ginsenoside Rg1 group (1 μmol/L). Cell cycle analysis showed that ginsenoside Rg1 (1 μmol/L) significantly increased the proportion of PDLSCs in proliferative phase (S+G

2

/M phase). ALP activity and the expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and bFGF significantly were increased in ginsenoside Rg1 group (1 μmol/L) as compared with the control group (

P

0.05).       Conclusion        Ginsenoside Rg1 can promote the proliferation and osteogenic potential of PDLSCs in vitro.