Ginsenoside Rb1 prevents steroid‑induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head through the bone morphogenetic protein‑2 and vascular endothelial growth factor pathway.

At present, the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 remains unclear. The present study was designed to investigate whether Ginsenoside Rb1 weakened the steroid‑induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) and to explore the possible mechanisms of the above effects. As a result, it was revealed that Ginsenoside Rb1 was protective against steroid‑induced avascular necrosis and inhibited serum osteocalcin in a rat model of SANFH.