Anti-oxidative Effect Of Ginsenoside Rg1 Against Exhaustive Exercise-induced Proteins And Lipids Oxidation In Liver Of Rats

Abstract

PURPOSE: Usage of ginsenoside Rg1 has been increased in the recent years to treat various metabolic abnormalities due to its pharmacological values. In this study we focused on hepato-protective effects of Rg1 compound against acute exercise-induced changes in glutathione, and proteins and lipids oxidation. METHODS: Healthy Sprague Dawley male rats (n=20) were equally divided into 2 groups. First group served as placebo and second group received purified Rg1 compound at the dose of 0.1 mg/kg b.w. for 8-week. Five rats from each group allowed for exhausted swimming exercise and sacrificed immediately after performance. RESULTS: Elevated protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels were noticed after exhausted swimming in placebo group. However, elevated protein carbonyls were significantly (p <0.05) suppressed in Rg1 pretreated group after exercise. Oxidized GSH (GSSG) levels were not significantly changed after exercise in placebo and also in Rg1 treated groups. Interestingly, we found the increased xanthine oxidase (XO) activity after exercise in placebo group, which means increased free radical production in liver. However, XO activity was lowered after exhausted exercise in Rg1 treated rats compared to placebo exercised rats. CONCLUSIONS: This data supports that exhaustive exercise cause oxidative damage to vital organic molecules. In this study we found that this oxidative damage was reversed by Rg1 supplementation, which indicates herbal supplements like Rg1 compounds could be beneficial to recover from possible oxidative damages in athletes.