Comparative effects of two types of ginseng on liver

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to check the comparative changes in the liver of guinea pigs, induced by the soxhlet water extracts of Pakistan and Korean Ginseng. Two types of ginseng were given orally to eight animals in each group for a period of two months. In both the groups, although no changes were observed on gross examination of liver specimens, yet the histological examination revealed intercellular fat droplet accumulation, glycogen depletion, occasional round cell infiltration and mild to moderate congestion. These histological changes were also significant between the treatment groups. The morpho metric analysis regarding the number of necrosed hepatocytes and the number of portal lobules in a given area and the area of portal lobules statistically signify that the long standing intake of ginseng should be avoided, although its short term use may be indicated in preventing the normally occurring wear and tear in the liver