Fig. 4.

G-Rb1 ameliorated MIA-induced cartilage degradation. Toluidine blue, safranin O, and Alcian blue staining of articular cartilage in the different groups (magnification × 100). In toluidine blue and safranin O staining, the cartilage was stained deep violet and red, respectively. The cartilage was observed in a greenish blue color in Alcian blue staining. The arrow indicates clefts in the superficial zones. The bar diagram represents the percentage of staining area in the different groups. *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 versus OA group. G-Rb1, ginsenoside Rb1; OA, osteoarthritis; MIA, monoiodoacetate.