Effects of oral administration of red ginseng on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Background: This study investigated the protective effect of red ginseng (RG) on oxidative stress and pathological changes in an experimental liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model, using both biochemical and histopathological evaluations.

Methods: Fifty female Wistar-Albino rats were used, with body weights ranging from 174 g to 232 g. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of 10 rats. After laparotomy in Group I, the hepatic pedicle was mobilized, no further procedures were performed, and tissue and blood samples were collected. In Group II, ischemia was induced by clamping the hepatic artery and portal vein for 60 minutes following laparotomy. Tissue and blood samples were collected via reoperation at 90 minutes after reperfusion, without any drug administration. In Group III, ischemia was similarly induced by clamping the hepatic artery and portal vein for 60 minutes after laparotomy. Tissue and blood samples were collected via reoperation at the 48th hour after reperfusion, again without any drug administration. In Group IV, RG was administered to the rats at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day via orogastric tube for three days preoperatively. This was followed by laparotomy and induction of ischemia through clamping of the hepatic artery and portal vein for 60 minutes. Tissue and blood samples were collected via reoperation at 90 minutes after reperfusion, with no drug administered postoperatively. In Group V, RG was administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day via orogastric tube for three days preoperatively, followed by laparotomy and induction of ischemia by clamping the hepatic artery and portal vein for 60 minutes. After reperfusion, the rats received RG at the same dose for two days postoperatively via orogastric tube, and tissue and blood samples were collected via re-operation at the 48th hour.

Results: Red ginseng did not show a significant histopathological effect; however, differences were observed in biochemical parameters.

Conclusion: Red ginseng may have protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury.