Panax Ginseng extract modulates cerebral damage caused by gamma irradiation in male albino rats

Abstract

THIS STUDY is designed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous Panax ginseng extract against acute brain damage induced by gamma irradiation in rats. Animals were sacrificed 24h post-whole body gamma irradiation (6Gy). The results revealed oxidative injury denoted by a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) associated to a significant decrease in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in brain tissues. The administration of Panax ginseng at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight for 7 consecutive days before irradiation has significantly attenuated the severity of oxidative stress. Furthermore, Panax ginseng has significantly improved the decrease recorded in the level of the neurotransmitters serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (Ach) induced by gamma irradiation in brain tissue. The oral administration of ginseng extract prior to irradiation has attenuated also a significant decrease in serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) as well as a significant increase in serum nitric oxide (NO) compared with the irradiated group. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examination substantiate the aforementioned amelioration in the biochemical parameters. In conclusion, the Panax ginseng extract might alleviate the oxidative brain damage and the alteration of neurotransmitters induced by gamma-irradiation in rats.