Effect of ginseng extract on some hormonal and immunological parameters in male new zealand white rabbits

ABSTRACT

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of Ginseng extract on some hormones, influencing immune responsiveness as Triiodothyronine [T3] Thyroxine [T4], Cortisol and Growth Hormone [GH] and some immunological parameters including total protein, albumin, globulin [alpha, beta, gamma] and immunoglobulins [IgM, IgG] in male white New Zealand rabbits. Fourteen healthy rabbits were assigned to two groups; the control groups, received physiological saline while the other one administrated 50 mg/kg b.w. of Ginseng extract [that dissolved in saline solution] daily for three months. Results showed that Ginseng consumption induced increment in both levels of p1asma thyroid hormones [T3, T4] as well as total serum proteins, globulin, gamma globulin and IgG. Though it lowered levels in plasma Cortisol and IgM and did not alter GH level. These findings indicated that the beneficial effect of using Ginseng as immunostimulant, however, through its direct effect on immune parameters or indirect effect on hormones that potentiate immune response