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Chronic ginseng consumption attenuates age-associated oxidative stress in rats

During normal metabolism of animals reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced. The cytotoxic agents can cause oxidative stress and damage resulting in the oxidation of proteins, lipids and DNA. This oxidative damage can result in increased aging and initiation of diseases. The age-dependent increase of ROS production is probably caused by the deterioration of the mitochondrial function. The consumption of antioxidant phytochemicals is increasingly promoted to prevent and treat these diseases. Many plants, vegetables and fruits contain antioxidant phytochemicals. American ginseng and Korean ginseng are plants which contain powerful antioxidants. Other studies have shown that ginseng can reduce LDL oxidation and ischemic neuron dysfunction. Test with rats have showed that ginseng can increase longevity. Most of the studies have been carried out with Korean ginseng. The purpose of this study was to determine antioxidant activity of American ginseng extract on young and old rats. The rats were divided in three groups: a control group, a group treated with low dose American ginseng extract group and a group with high dose American ginseng extract. The rats were fed with the ginseng extract, supplied by Kaiser Farms, during a period of 4 months.

The researchers found that American ginseng extract increased the antioxidant activity in various muscle tissues. American ginseng significantly reduced the production of oxidants in the homogenates of heart and leg muscles. Rats from the high dose American ginseng group showed increased superoxide dismutase activity in the heart muscle and vastus lateralis muscle. They also showed more glutathione activity in the vastus lateralis and soleus muscles. The American ginseng extract (at high and low doses) did not influence age-dependent lipid peroxidation in the heart muscle. The antioxidant action of American ginseng extract was dose dependent. The high dose ginseng consumption was more effective in increasing antioxidant enzymes and reducing ROS levels and protein oxidation.

The study concluded that supplementation with American ginseng extract can prevent age-associated increase in oxididants and oxidative protein damage in rats.


Source: Ying Fu and Li Li Ji. Chronic ginseng consumption attenuates age-associated oxidative stress in rats. J Nutr. 2003 Nov;133(11):3603-9


 
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