protective effects of ginseng extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis

ABSTRACT

Cirrhosis is a consequence of chronic liver disease characterized by replacement of liver tissue by fibrotic scar tissue. Panax ginseng is believed to be a general tonic or adaptogen for promoting longevity and as medicinal herb due to their perceived potential health benefits. This work aimed studying the possible protective action of ginseng extract on liver cirrhosis induced by CCI[4]. To this end, 60 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups [n=10 each] [i] normal control group, [ii] CCI[4] [4ml/kg, i.p., twice a week for 12 weeks, [iii] vitamin E [100 mg/kg daily for 12 weeks], [iv] ginseng extract [0.7 g/kg,p.o., daily dose for 12 weeks], [v] CCI[4] + vitamin E-treated groups, and [vi] CCI[4] + ginseng -treated groups. Twenty four hours later, blood and liver samples were collected for determination of prothrombin time, tumor necrosis factor a [TNF-alpha], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, liver content of reduced glutathione [GSH] and malondialdehyde [MDA] and relative liver weight. Histopathological and histochemical examination of rats' livers for glycogen and DNA components were also performed. Results showed that CCI[4] administration induced significant increases in prothrombin time, TNF-a, ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, MDA, relative liver weight and significant decrease levels of serum albumin, total protein and GSH as well as depletion of liver glycogen and fragmented hepatocytes DNA. Co-administration of ginseng extract with CCI[4] significantly increased level of serum albumin, total protein, GSH and reduced level of serum ALT, AST, ALP, TNF-alpha, prothrombin time and relative liver weight compared to CCI[4]-treated group. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed that ginseng extract decreased the cellular changes and cirrhosis induced by CCI[4] alone. Meanwhile, co-administration of ginseng extract with CCI[4] significantly increased liver glycogen and normalized DNA components. These data suggested that ginseng extract induces some protection against liver cirrhosis induced by CCI[4]