Effects of Red ginseng-crude saponin on plasma lipid levels in rats fed on a diet high in cholesterol and triglyceride

Abstract

The effect of Red ginseng saponin on plasma lipid levels in Wistar rats fed on a diet high in cholesterol and triglyceride was determined. A dose of Red ginseng-crude saponin (150 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 4 weeks to Wistar rats fed on a diet containing 2% cholesterol and 10% olive oil. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were measured and lipoproteins were analyzed by using electrophoretic technique. Red ginseng saponin showed no significant changes of HDL-cholesterol level but it lowered plasma levels of total cholesterol and elevate those of triglyceride intensively.