TNF and atherosclerosis: In order to identify which type of saponin was responsible for the anti-atherogenic effect of the PNS fraction in vivo [6], we compared saponin fractions (ie PNS, PTS and PDS) and the ginsenosides (Rg1 and Rb1) for inhibitory activity on THP-1 cells adhered to TNF-α-activated HCAECs, mimicking an early step of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.