ABSTRACT
Red ginseng (RG, Panax ginseng) has been shown to possess various ginsenosides. These ginsenosides are widely used for treating cardiovascular diseases in Asian communities. The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of RG against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI), by assessing electrocardiographic, hemodynamic, and biochemical parameters. Male porcines were orally administered with RG (250 and 500 mg/kg) or with vehicle for 9 days, with concurrent intraperitoneal injections of ISO (20 mg/kg) on the 8th and 9th day. RG significantly attenuated ISO-induced cardiac dysfunctions as evidenced by improved ventricular hemodynamic functions and reduced ST segment and QRS complex intervals. Also, RG significantly ameliorated myocardial injury parameters such as antioxidants. Malonaldialdehyde formation was also inhibited by RG. Based on the results, it is concluded that RG possesses significant cardioprotective potential through the inhibition of oxidative stress and may serve as an adjunct in the treatment and prophylaxis of MI.
