Effect of panax ginseng extract on the nephrotoxicity of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetes

ABSTRACT

The effect of Panax ginseng extract intake for 6 weeks [100 mg/kg/day] on the nephrotoxicity of streptozotocin which induced diabetes in male rats after a single dose of 50 mg/kg body weight was investigated. STZ-diabetic rats showed significant elevation in serum creatinine, urea and uric acid concentrations and significant decrease in serum albumin and total protein levels compared with the untreated control rats. Furthermore STZ-diabetic rats exhibited marked reduction in serum sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels, also significant elevation in serum potassium concentration while serum phosphorus level did not change. Ginseng intake to STZ-diabetic rats showed significant improvement in all tested parameters. Histopathoiogically, STZ-diabetic rats showed enlargement in glomeruli, dilatation in glomerular capillaries and marked obliteration of Bowman's space in addition to the appearance of structural abnormalities in the renal tubules. The marked renal damage caused by the induction of STZ had greatly reduced by ginseng administration. In conclusion, the current study has demonstrated an effective role of Panax ginseng extract as an antinephrotoxic agent against the nephrotoxicity of STZ-induced diabetes in rats