Hepatoprotective and Hypolipidemic Effects of Red Ginseng Crude Extract in Obese Rats

M.A.Shalaby and A.A.Hamouda

Abstract
The effect of red ginseng extract (RGE) on serum liver enzymes, lipids and some metabolic hormones was studied in obese rats. Sixty male rats were distributed into 6 equal groups. Group (1) was fed on basal diet (negative control), while the other groups were fed on high fat- diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity and hyperlipidemia. Thereafter, Group (2) was kept as positive (obese) control, while rats of groups (3), (4), (5) and (6) were orally given RGE at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg-1/day, respectively for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment (4 weeks), blood was collected from the rats for estimating serum biochemical constituents. Histological examination of the liver was carried out. The results showed that RGE significantly decreased serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP enzymes; TC, TG and LDL and insulin but decreased leptin hormone in obese-treated rats. The large dose (200 mg/kg-1) of RGE ameliorated the degenerative changes which seen in liver of obese rats. This study recommends that intake of red ginseng roots may be useful for obese patients who suffer from liver diseases associated with hyperlipidemia.

Key words: Red ginseng; Hepatoprotective; Hypolipidemic; Histopathology; Obese rat.