Effects of the Butanol Extact of Head of Panax Ginseng on Type II Collagen-induced Arthritis in DBA/1J Mice

Abstract

− In order to evaluate the improvement effects of head of Panax ginseng on chronic arthritis, we have investigated the activity of butanol fraction (BuOH fraction) in vitro and in vivo system. BuOH fraction showed significant inhibition on the elastase activity. Anti-arthritic activity of BuOH fraction was also examined on type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. Mice were immunized with injection of type II collagen emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant, followed by a booster injection 21 days later. BuOH fraction(BHPG) was administered at an oral dose of 500mg/kg for 2 weeks from the 1st day boost. The hind paw edema was significantly decreased in the group of treatment with BuOH fraction compared to control. In collagen-induced DBA/1J mice, BuOH fraction did not affected the collagen antibody titer but significantly inhibited the tumor necrosis factoralpha(TNF-α) activity. These results were confirmed with histological evaluation of joint tissues. This study may raise the possibility that the usage of BuOH fraction of head of Panax ginseng as alternative medicine for the relief and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.