AIM Pseudoginsenoside-F1 1 (PF11), an ocotillol-type saponin existing in American ginseng, can inhibit the ethanol-induced neuronal damage in vitro in our previous studies.To further investigate the effects of PF11 on alcoholism and the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effects of PF11 on neuronal function in the adult rat following a 4-day binge ethanol exposure.METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with PF11 or vehicle for 7 d, then a 4 d binge concurrent with PF11 or vehicle treatment was preformed.An hour after last ethanol treatment, neuronal activity and uhrastructure were investigated by Fluoro-Jade B staining and electron microscopy, microglial and astrocyte response were assessed by immunohistochemistry, MDA and 3NT production of oxidative stress were detected by biochemical kits and western blot.At last, learning and memory abilities were explored by Morris water maze and novel object recognition test following 4 d of ethanol withdraw.RESULTS Pre-treatment with PF11 protected against ethanol-induced neurodegeneration, reduce microglial and astrocyte response and MDA and 3NT production.Further more, neuroprotective effects of PF11 were accompanied by prevention of deficits in spatial reversal learning ability and object recognition ability.CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest an involvement of regulation of neuroinflammation-oxidative stress in the action of PF11 to protect against binge ethanol neurotoxicity.