Protective effects of ginseng total saponins against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in experimental obstructive jaundice rats

Abstract

Context: Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is one of the most extensively used herbs for stroke and chronic debilitating conditions in East Asian countries. Ginsenosides (GS) are the main bioactive compounds for ginseng's efficacy, but the mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Objective: To investigate hepatoprotective effects of GS against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in the experimental obstructive jaundice rats. Materials and methods: GS was fed to cholestatic rats with IR injury daily for 6 d at a dose of 1.10 g/kg. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by colorimetric method. Apoptosis was measured quantitatively by the terminal transferase UTP nick end-labeling method. Protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results and discussion: After intervention of GS to cholestatic rats with IR injury, the levels of activating blood flow were significantly improved, and the levels of serum ALT were decreased 1.7-times, AST decreased 1.3-times, but SOD activities were increased 1.1-times compared with those of the model rats. It could also reverse histopathological changes and inhibit IR-induced apoptosis of hepatic tissues via decrease of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (from 2.87 AE 0.57 to 1.65 AE 0.29). Oral administration of GS in a dosage of 26.4 g/kg did not lead to toxic effects in rats. Conclusion: GS attenuated the IR injury in the presence of cholestasis and could be considered for the clinical treatment of cholestasis.

Influence ofPanax ginsengon Alpha-Adrenergic Receptor of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

“…Numerous studies have shown that ginseng contributes to EGFR and BCL2 signaling [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Sathishkumar et al [ 32 ] used P. ginseng to develop inhibitors for the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain.…”

“…They showed that P. ginseng can be used to design new EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Fu et al [ 34 ] showed that the total saponins in ginseng can protect against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in experimental obstructive jaundice rats.…”

Ginseng for Liver Injury: Friend or Foe?

“…Measures to overcome ischemia/reperfusion-induced hepatic injury are needed for successful liver transplant. The PG saponin fraction attenuates ischemic reperfusion injury in experimental obstructive jaundice rats; it was found to reduce ALT, AST, and MDA levels [79]. PN saponin preconditioning protects liver grafts in rats from ischemia-reperfusion injury through the ananti-apoptotic pathway [80].…”

Protective effects of ginseng extracts and common anti-aggregant drugs on ischaemia-reperfusion injury : cardiovascular topics

“…Ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for many years, especially in East Asian countries. 1 So far, more than 30 ginsenosides have been defined. 2 , 3 Ginsenoid-Rd [dammar-24(25)-ene-3β, 12β, 20(S)-triol-(20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside] is one of the basic active substances of ginsenoids.…”

“…In modern medicine, ginsenoids obtained from ginseng plants are decomposed in such a manner that they can be used either in vitamin extracts or in hard gelatin capsules that contain a specified dose. 1 - 3…”