ORALLY-ADMINISTERED GINSENG EXTRACT REDUCES SERUM TOTAL CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDES THAT INDUCE FATTY LIVER IN 66-PERCENT HEPATECTOMIZED RATS

The effects of ginseng extract (from the root of Panax ginseng) on fac tors inducing fatty liver were examined in 66% hepatectomized rats. Or al administration of ginseng extract at 125 or 250 mg/kg/day produced statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglyce ride concentrations in the blood 3 days after hepatectomy (P < 0.05); the total cholesterol response appeared to be dose-related. Administra tion of ginseng extract at both doses also reduced total cholesterol a nd triglyceride concentrations in the liver 3 days after hepatectomy. Food intake and serum chemistry parameters indicating liver and kidney function were unchanged after ginseng administration except for the l ipid metabolic parameters. These observations suggest that orally admi nistered ginseng extract can suppress the formation of fatty liver aft er hepatic resection.