Ginsenosides Rh2 (GRh2) are the main bioactive components in American ginseng, a commonly used herb, and its anti-tumor activity had been studied in previous studies. PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (PBK/TOPK), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is highly expressed in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.

Nephrotoxicity is the major side effect in cisplatin chemotherapy. Previously, we reported that the ginsenoside Rk3 and Rh4 reduced cisplatin toxicity on porcine renal proximal epithelial tubular cells (LLC-PK1). Here, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ginsenoside Rk3 and Rh4 on kidney function and elucidate their antioxidant effect using in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin-induced acute renal failure (AKI).