Acute toxicity study of aqueous extract of Panax ginseng root in rats

Abstract

A study was conducted in wistar rats to know the acute toxic effect of aqueous extract of Panax ginseng root. It was given orally @ 1g/kg, 2g/kg and 3g/kg. b.wt., for two weeks period as a single dose. No apparent clinical manifestations and gross lesions in body organs of rats were recorded. A significant decrease in Hb was observed in rats given aqueous extract @ 2 and 3g/kg as compared to control rats. The total serum protein value in rats administered with aqueous extract @ 3g/kg increased significantly whereas, serum albumin, serum globulin and A:G values showed no significant difference. Serum glucose was significantly increased in aqueous extract @ 3g/kg. Rats treated with aqueous extract @ 2 and 3g/kg showed significant difference in serum creatinine, cholesterol, AST and ALT as compared to control. Rats of all groups showed no significant difference, but rats administered with aqueous extract @ 3g/kg showed significant decrease in level of RBC LPO in comparison to the untreated control. Significant increase was observed in liver LPO level of rats treated with aqueous extract @ 3g/kg as compared to control.