Herbal remedies in psychiatric practice.

Patients' use of alternative and complementary health services has created a need for physicians to become informed about the current literature regarding these treatments. Herbal remedies may be encountered in psychiatric practice when they are used to treat psychiatric symptoms; produce changes in mood, thinking, or behavior as a side effect; or interact with psychiatric medications. English-language articles and translated abstracts or articles (where available) found on MEDLINE and sources from the alternative/complementary health field were reviewed. Each herb was assessed for its safety, side effects, drug interactions, and efficacy in treating target symptoms or diagnoses. A synopsis of the information available for each herb is presented. In many cases the quantity and quality of data were insufficient to make definitive conclusions about efficacy or safety. However, there was good evidence for the efficacy of St John's wort for the treatment of depression and for ginkgo in the treatment of memory impairment caused by dementia. More research is required for most of the herbs reviewed, but the information published to date is still of clinical interest in diagnosing, counseling, and treating patients who may be taking botanical remedies.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) reduces postprandial glycemia in nondiabetic subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Despite a lack of medical evidence to support its therapeutic efficacy, the use of herbal medicine has increased considerably. Ginseng, one of the most widely used herbs, is hypothesized to play a role in carbohydrate metabolism and diabetes mellitus. We therefore undertook a preliminary short-term clinical study to assess whether American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L) affects postprandial glycemia in humans. DESIGN: On 4 separate occasions, 10 nondiabetic subjects (mean [+/-SD] age, 34+/-7 years; mean [+/-SD] body mass index [BMI], 25.6 +/- 3 kg/m2) and 9 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean [+/-SD] age, 62 +/- 7 years; mean [+/-SD] BMI, 29 +/- 5 kg/m2; mean [+/-SD] glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, 0.08+/-0.005) were randomized to receive 3-g ginseng or placebo capsules, either 40 minutes before or together with a 25-g oral glucose challenge. The placebo capsules contained com flour, in which the quantity of carbohydrate and appearance matched the ginseng capsules. A capillary blood sample was taken fasting and then at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 (only for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus ) minutes after the glucose challenge. RESULTS: In nondiabetic subjects, no differences were found in postprandial glycemia between placebo and ginseng when administered together with the glucose challenge. When ginseng was taken 40 minutes before the glucose challenge, significant reductions were observed (P<.05). In subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the same was true whether capsules were taken before or together with the glucose challenge (P<.05). Reductions in area under the glycemic curve were 18%+/-31% for nondiabetic subjects and 19+/-22% and 22+/-17% for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus administered before or together with the glucose challenge, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: American ginseng attenuated postprandial glycemia in both study groups. For nondiabetic subjects, to prevent unintended hypoglycemia it may be important that the American ginseng be taken with the meal.

Similar postprandial glycemic reductions with escalation of dose and administration time of American ginseng in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: We previously demonstrated that 3 g American ginseng (AG) reduced postprandial glycemia (PPG) in type 2 diabetic individuals. We investigated whether further reductions can be achieved with escalation of dose and time of AG administration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Ten type 2 diabetic patients (6 men, 4 women; age 63+/-2 years; BMI 27.7+/-1.5 kg/m2; HbA1c 7.3+/-0.3%) were randomly administered 0 g (placebo) or 3, 6, or 9 g ground AG root in capsules at 120, 80, 40, or 0 min before a 25-g oral glucose challenge. Capillary blood glucose was measured before ingestion of AG or placebo and at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min from the start of the glucose challenge. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that treatment (0, 3, 6, and 9 g AG) but not time of administration (120, 80, 40, or 0 min before the challenge) significantly affected PPG (P<0.05), with significant (P = 0.037) interaction for area under the curve (AUC). Pairwise comparisons showed that compared with 0 g (placebo), 3, 6, or 9 g significantly (P<0.05) reduced AUC (19.7, 15.3, and 15.9%, respectively) and incremental glycemia at 30 min (16.3, 18.4, and 18.4%, respectively), 45 min (12.5, 14.3, and 14.3%, respectively), and 120 min (59.1, 40.9, and 45.5%, respectively). However, pairwise comparisons showed no differences between the 3-, 6-, or 9-g doses and any of the times of administration. CONCLUSIONS: AG reduced PPG irrespective of dose and time of administration. No more than 3 g AG was required at any time in relation to the challenge to achieve reductions. Because these reductions included glycemia at the 2-h diagnostic end point, there may be implications for diabetes diagnosis and treatment.

A possible emerging role of phytochemicals in improving age-related neurological dysfunctions: a multiplicity of effects.

It is rare to see a day pass in which we are not told through some popular medium that the population is becoming older. Along with this information comes the "new" revelation that as we enter the next millennium there will be increases in age-associated diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular disease) including the most devastating of these, which involve the nervous system (e.g., Alzheimer's disease [AD] and Parkinson's disease [PD]). It is estimated that within the next 50 years approximately 30% of the population will be aged 65 years or older. Of those between 75 and 84 years of age, 6 million will exhibit some form of AD symptoms, and of those older than 85 years, over 12 million will have some form of dementia associated with AD. What appears more ominous is that many cognitive changes occur even in the absence of specific age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Common components thought to contribute to the manifestation of these disorders and normal age-related declines in brain performance are increased susceptibility to long-term effects of oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory insults. Unless some means is found to reduce these age-related decrements in neuronal function, health care costs will continue to rise exponentially. Thus, it is extremely important to explore methods to retard or reverse age-related neuronal deficits as well as their subsequent, behavioral manifestations. Fortunately, the growth of knowledge in the biochemistry of cell viability has opened new avenues of research focused at identifying new therapeutic agents that could potentially disrupt the perpetual cycle of events involved in the decrements associated with these detrimental processes. In this regard, a new role in which certain dietary components may play important roles in alleviating certain disorders are beginning to receive increased attention, in particular those involving phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) attenuates postprandial glycemia in a time-dependent but not dose-dependent manner in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that 3 g American ginseng administered 40 min before an oral glucose challenge significantly reduces postprandial glycemia in subjects without diabetes. Whether this effect can be replicated with doses <3 g and administration times closer to the oral glucose challenge is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the dosing and timing effects of American ginseng on postprandial glycemia. DESIGN: In a random crossover design, 12 healthy individuals [X +/- SEM age: 42 +/- 7 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 24.1 +/- 1.1] received 16 treatments: 0 (placebo), 1, 2, or 3 g American ginseng at 40, 20, 10, or 0 min before a 25-g oral glucose challenge. Capillary blood was collected before administration and at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 min after the start of the glucose challenge. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance showed that the main effects of treatment and administration time were significant (P < 0.05). Glycemia was lower over the last 45 min of the test after doses of 1, 2, or 3 g ginseng than after placebo (P < 0.05); there were no significant differences between doses. The reductions in the areas under the curve for these 3 doses were 14.4 +/- 6.5%, 10.6 +/- 4.0%, and 9.1 +/- 6%, respectively. Glycemia in the last hour of the test and area under the curve were significantly lower when ginseng was administered 40 min before the challenge than when it was administered 20, 10, or 0 min before the challenge (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: American ginseng reduced postprandial glycemia in subjects without diabetes. These reductions were time dependent but not dose dependent: an effect was seen only when the ginseng was administered 40 min before the challenge. Doses within the range of 1-3 g were equally effective.

Asian studies of cancer chemoprevention: latest clinical results.

Chemoprevention trials in Asia, including those already completed and those now ongoing, are reviewed. Information was mainly collected from Japan, Korea and China. Each country features its own characteristics. Cancer chemoprevention trials targeting, from various aspects, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and colon cancer have been, and are now being, conducted in Japan. Japan also has a long history of basic carcinogenesis research and carcinogenic research using animal experiments. In Korea, ginseng is the main focus of studies of chemopreventive agents. A large body of information has been collected and prospective studies are also ongoing. In China, the Linxian study, a cooperative study participated in by China and the NCI of the USA, is well known and the results impressive. However, we must exercise caution because, for example, the population of Linxian are chronically deficient in multiple vitamins and trace minerals. This situation may, therefore, differ from that observed in other countries. In any event, chemoprevention studies will be popular from an economical point of view even in Asia because cancer is becoming the number one cause of death in these countries.

Effect of ginsenosides, active components of ginseng, on capsaicin-induced pain-related behavior.

Our recent study demonstrated that ginsenosides had antinociceptive effects by reducing some types of pain-related behavior in mice (Yoon et al., 1998. Ginsenosides induce differential antinociception and inhibit substance P-induced nociceptive response in mice. Life Science 62, PL319-PL325). In the present study we further investigated whether ginsenosides produce antinociceptive effects through an action at central or peripheral site(s) and whether these effects are mediated by the opioid system. Intraperitoneally injected ginsenosides suppressed in a dose-dependent manner the pain-related behavior produced by capsaicin injection into the plantar surface of the hind paw; the ED(50) was 49 mg/kg [26-92 mg/kg, 95% confidence interval (C.I.)]. Intrathecally or intracerebroventricularly administered ginsenosides also suppressed the capsaicin-induced pain-related behavior in a dose-dependent manner; the ED(50)s were 1.72 mg/kg (0.8-3.72 mg/kg, 95% C.I.) and 1. 48 mg/kg (0.8-2.6 mg/kg, 95% C.I.), respectively. On the other hand, subcutaneously injected ginsenosides to the plantar surface prior to the capsaicin injection did not alter the pain-related behavior. Naloxone pretreatment was without effect in blocking the antinociceptive effect of intrathecally administered ginsenosides. Intraperitoneally injected ginsenosides also did not significantly affect the motor response of animals. These results suggest that ginsenosides produce antinociceptive effects through their action at the spinal and/or supraspinal site(s), not at nociceptors in the periphery. In addition, the results suggest that the antinociceptive effects are not mediated by opioid receptors.

Role of transforming growth factor-beta pathway in the mechanism of wound healing by saponin from Ginseng Radix rubra.

1. The effects of saponin from Ginseng Radix rubra on extracellular matrix metabolism, the activation and synthesis of TGF-beta1, and the modification of TGF-beta receptor in fibroblasts were examined to elucidate the contribution of the TGF-beta pathway to the mechanism of wound healing by saponin. 2. Fibronectin synthesis was analysed by the immunoprecipitation method. Activation and synthesis of TGF-beta1 were measured by ELISA. The expressions of TGF-beta receptors in fibroblasts were examined at protein and mRNA levels by the cross-linking method and Northern blot analysis, respectively. 3. The fibronectin synthesis increased 2.3- and 3.9-fold at fibroblasts treated with 1 and 10 microg ml(-1) of saponin, respectively, compared with that in non-treated cells. Fibronectin synthesis stimulated with 10 microg ml(-1) of saponin was inhibited with 69% by 5 microg ml(-1) of an anti-TGF-beta1 antibody. mRNA of TGF-beta type I receptor increased 4.8- and 4.4-fold at fibroblasts treated with 1 and 10 microg ml(-1) of saponin, respectively, and that of TGF-beta type II receptor also increased 3.4- and 3.2-fold at fibroblasts treated with 1 and 10 microg ml(-1) of saponin, respectively. The significant increases of TGF-beta type I and II receptors and of fibronectin synthesis were observed at the same concentrations of saponin. TGF-beta content increased 1.74- and 1.87-fold at conditioned medium of fibroblasts treated with 100 and 250 microg ml(-1) of saponin, respectively, higher concentrations than those which accelerated fibronectin synthesis. Furthermore, the active TGF-beta content was below 10% of total TGF-beta at each concentration of saponin. 4. These results indicate that saponin stimulates fibronectin synthesis through the changes of TGF-beta receptor expressions in fibroblasts.

Ginseng pharmacology: multiple constituents and multiple actions.

Ginseng is a highly valued herb in the Far East and has gained popularity in the West during the last decade. There is extensive literature on the beneficial effects of ginseng and its constituents. The major active components of ginseng are ginsenosides, a diverse group of steroidal saponins, which demonstrate the ability to target a myriad of tissues, producing an array of pharmacological responses. However, many mechanisms of ginsenoside activity still remain unknown. Since ginsenosides and other constituents of ginseng produce effects that are different from one another, and a single ginsenoside initiates multiple actions in the same tissue, the overall pharmacology of ginseng is complex. The ability of ginsenosides to independently target multireceptor systems at the plasma membrane, as well as to activate intracellular steroid receptors, may explain some pharmacological effects. This commentary aims to review selected effects of ginseng and ginsenosides and describe their possible modes of action. Structural variability of ginsenosides, structural and functional relationship to steroids, and potential targets of action are discussed.

Effect of petroleum ether extract of Panax ginseng roots on proliferation and cell cycle progression of human renal cell carcinoma cells.

Panax ginseng roots have long been used as a medicinal herb in oriental countries. We have investigated anti-proliferative effects of lipid soluble Panax ginseng components on human renal cancer cell lines. Petroleum ether extract of Panax ginseng roots (GX-PE) or its partially purified preparation (7:3 GX) was added to cultures of three human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines, A498, Caki-1, and CURC II. Proliferation of RCC cells was estimated by a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay and cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. GX-PE, 7:3 GX, panaxydol and panaxynol inhibited proliferation of all three RCC cell lines in a dose dependent manner in vitro with an order of potency, 7:3 GX > panaxydol > panaxynol = GX-PE. Additive effect of interleukin 4 was also demonstrated, most prominently in Caki-1 which responded poorly to GX-PE alone. Analysis of cell cycle in CURC II and Caki-1 treated with GX-PE demonstrated increase in G1 phase population and corresponding decrease in S phase population. The present study demonstrated that proliferation of human RCC cell lines were inhibited by lipid soluble components of Panax ginseng roots by blocking cell cycle progression at G1 to S phase transition.

Beneficial effect of ginseng root in SOD-1 (G93A) transgenic mice.

Many patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; motor neuron disease) use natural or traditional therapies of unproven benefit. One such therapy is ginseng root. However, in some other disease models, ginseng has proven efficacious. Ginseng improves learning and memory in rats, and reduces neuronal death following transient cerebral ischemia. These effects of ginseng have been related to increases in the expression of nerve growth factor and its high affinity receptor in the rat brain, and antioxidant actions, inter alia. Since such actions could be beneficial in ALS as well, we studied the effect of ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), 40 and 80 mg/Kg, in B6SJL-TgN(SOD1-G93A)1Gur transgenic mice. The ginseng was given in drinking water, from age 30d onwards. We measured the time to onset of signs of motor impairment, and survival. There was no difference between the two ginseng groups (n=6, 6) in either measure. However, compared to controls (n=13), there was a prolongation in onset of signs (116d vs. 94d, P<0.001), and survival (139d vs. 132d, P<0.05). These experiments lend support to the use of ginseng root in ALS. Future experiments using this model could examine for symptomatic effects of ginseng, measure the effect of specific ginsenosides (which differ between ginseng species), and elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Evaluation of the ergogenic properties of ginseng: an update.

Ginseng has been used in the Orient for several thousand years as an 'adaptogenic' as well as a 'restorative' agent. It has been used to treat nervous disorders, anaemia, wakefulness, dyspnoea, forgetfulness and confusion, prolonged thirst, decreased libido, chronic fatigue, angina and nausea. Although the mechanisms underlying the alleged effects of ginseng remain to be elucidated, there is an extensive animal literature dealing with the effects of ginseng on the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, endocrine system, metabolism, and immune system. In our previous review dealing with the efficacy of ginseng, we concluded that while studies with animals show that ginseng, or its active components, may prolong survival to physical or chemical stress, there is generally a lack of controlled research demonstrating the ability of ginseng to improve or prolong performance in fatigued humans. In this review, we extend our earlier analysis on the potential efficacy of ginseng use in the enhancement of physical performance and modification of fatigue states. Our analysis reveals that published literature appearing since our earlier review has not resolved the equivocal nature of research evidence involving animals or humans. Also, the lack of unanimity in this research can be explained on the basis of various methodological problems such as inadequate sample size and lack of double-blind, control and placebo paradigms. In addition, the absence of acceptable approaches to the problem of 'sourcing', in concert with an absence of compliance data in human research, further complicates the interpretation of this research literature. Nevertheless, the use of ginseng continues to grow, and current sales are estimated to be over $US300 million annually. There is clearly a need for systematic research dealing with the efficacy of ginseng, and this research needs to take into account basic, fundamental design considerations if there is to be any hope of establishing whether or not ginseng possesses efficacy.

Complementary and alternative medicines for Alzheimer's disease.

The recent successes of large, multicenter clinical trials of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease have spawned enthusiasm that this common and fatal neurologic disease is "treatable." A parallel explosion has occurred in the consumption of alternative medicines by the public seeking more effective, natural, or safer methods for treatment of dementia. Some of these medicines may, in fact, be biologically active in modulating the disease as well as producing side effects and interactions with accepted pharmaceuticals. This review brings to focus the scientific evidence presently available regarding such agents.

Some dietary beliefs in Chinese folk culture.

PIP: Chang suggests that traditional Chinese philosophical views of the universe consisting of 2 opposing components the Yin and the Yang influence dietary habits and that dietitians in the United States working with Chinese communities must be aware of this influence. A balance of a number of factors including hot and cold foods is thought to relate to health. Also, food preferences based on cultural eating patterns should be considered by dietitians when planning therapeutic lists particularly during pregnancy and postpartum when many Chinese women closely follow traditional customs. Supplementation of traditional foods with other foods during this period should be encouraged as well as continuation of the prenatal vitamins.^ieng

Improvement of early postburn cardiac function by use of Panax notoginseng and immediate total eschar excision in one operation.

Cardiac dysfunction development in the early stage postburn has been an important problem in burn treatment. However, no effective therapies are available for use in clinical practice. In this study, we sought to determine whether early total eschar excision (EEE) in one operation and the traditional Chinese herb Panax notoginseng (PNS) would be helpful in improving early postburn cardiac function. 160 Wistar rats were randomly divided into burn (burn group, n = 50), burn treated with EEE (EEE group, n = 50), burn treated with PNS (PNS group, n = 50) groups and normal controls (n = 10). All rats except the normal control were given a 30% TBSA full skin thickness burn and resuscitated with Ringer's lactate. EEE was performed immediately after the burn group received the first intraperitoneal injection of Ringer's lactate. The wound was covered with homoskin from normal rats. In the PNS group, two doses of PNS (200 mg/kg for each dose) were given intraperitoneally immediately and 4 h postburn. Cardiac contractile function and cardiac troponin T (TnT) were determined at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h postburn. Results showed that cardiac contractile parameters including AOSP, AODP, LVSP and +dp/dt(max) all declined and were still significantly lower than the control values at 24 h postburn. Cardiac TnT was elevated markedly and reached a level 25 times higher than control at 12 h postburn. In EEE and PNS groups, the reduction of cardiac contractile function was limited as compared with that in the burn group. Levels of TnT in both EEE and PNS groups were significantly lower than in the burn group 6 h postburn later. The findings of this study demonstrated that both EEE and PNS were effective in improving early postburn cardiac function.

Effects of a standardized ginseng extract on quality of life and physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Swedish Alternative Medicine Group.

A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel group study was performed to assess the effects of a standardized ginseng extract compared with those of a placebo on quality of life (QoL) and on physiological parameters in symptomatic postmenopausal women. Validated questionnaires [Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) index, Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ)] and Visual Analogue (VA) scales were used to assess the effects of the extract on QoL at baseline and after 16 weeks' treatment with either the ginseng extract or placebo. To assess the efficacy of ginseng on postmenopausal symptoms, physiological parameters [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels, endometrial thickness, maturity index and vaginal pH] were recorded at the same time points. Of the 384 randomized patients (mean age 53.5 +/- 4.0 years), the questionnaires were completed by 193 women treated with ginseng and 191 treated with placebo. With regard to the primary endpoint (total score of the PGWB index) the extract showed only a tendency for a slightly better overall symptomatic relief (p < 0.1). Exploratory analysis of PGWB subsets, however, reported p-values < 0.05 for depression, well-being and health subscales in favor of ginseng compared with placebo. No statistically significant effects were seen for the WHQ and the VA scales or the physiological parameters, including vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes). The positive effects of ginseng on health-related QoL in menopausal women should be further investigated. This study shows, however, that the beneficial effects of ginseng are most likely not mediated by hormone replacement-like effects, as physiological parameters such as FSH and estradiol levels, endometrial thickness, maturity index and vaginal pH were not affected by the treatment.

Effect of Korean red ginseng on psychological functions in patients with severe climacteric syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the degree of psychological dysfunction and levels of stress hormones in postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes and effect of Korean red ginseng (RG) on them. METHODS: ACTH, cortisol and DHEA-S in peripheral blood from 12 postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes or 8 postmenopausal women without any climacteric syndrome were measured before and 30 days after treatment with daily oral administration of 6 g RG. Blood samples were collected in the early morning on the bed-rest. In postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes such as fatigue, insomnia and depression, psychological tests using the Cornell Medical Index (CMI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were performed before and 30 days after treatment with RG. RESULTS: CMI score as well as anxiety (A)-state in STAI score in postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes was significantly higher than that without climacteric syndrome, while DHEA-S levels in postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes were about a half of those without climacteric syndrome. Consequently, cortisol/DHEA-S (C/D) ratio was significantly higher in postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes than in those without climacteric syndrome. When postmenopausal women with climacteric syndromes were treated with daily oral administration of 6 g RG for 30 days, CMI and STAI A-state scores decreased within normal range. Although the decreased DHEA-S levels were not restored to the levels in postmenopausal women without climacteric syndrome, the C/D ratio decreased significantly after treatment with RG. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of CMI and STAI scores in postmenopausal women suffering climacteric syndromes, particularly fatigue, insomnia and depression, by RG seemed to be brought about in part by effects of RG on stress-related hormones as shown by a decrease in C/D ratio.

Effect of panax notoginseng extracts on inferior sperm motility in vitro.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng extracts on inferior sperm motility in vitro. Semen samples were collected from 23 patients with sperm motility between 20% and 40%. The sperm count was over 20 x 10(6)/ml in accordance with the World Health Organization standard. 1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml of Panax notoginseng extracts including aqueous extract, n-butanol extract, and polysaccharide fraction on sperm motility and progression were evaluated by computer assisted semen analysis. The results demonstrated that sperm motility as well as progression on inferior sperm motility were enhanced at 1 hour and 2 hours after incubation with all three types of extracts.

Effect of red ginseng on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension and white coat hypertension.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the changes of diurnal blood pressure pattern after 8 weeks of red ginseng medication (4.5 g/day) by 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. In 26 subjects with essential hypertension, 24 hour mean systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p = 0.03) while diastolic blood pressure only showed a tendency of decline (p = 0.17). The decrease in pressures were observed at daytime (8 A.M.-6 P.M.) and dawn (5 A.M.-7 A.M.). In 8 subjects with white coat hypertension, no significant blood pressure change was observed. We suggest that red ginseng might be useful as a relatively safe medication adjuvant to current antihypertensive medications.

Orally administered Panax ginseng extract decreases platelet adhesiveness in 66% hepatectomized rats.

The effect of oral administration of Panax ginseng extract (GE) on platelet adhesiveness was examined in 66% hepatectomized rats. A significant decrease in platelet adhesiveness was obtained when 125 mg/kg/day GE was administered for 6 days before and after hepatectomy. The total cholesterol concentration in the serum was also decreased by GE administration. Food intake was unaffected by GE administration. Serum parameters indicating liver and kidney function were unchanged after GE administration except for lipid metabolic parameters. Because enhanced platelet adhesiveness and hyperlipidemia induces atherosclerosis, these results suggest that orally administered GE is capable of improving the atherosclerotic condition associated with hepatectomy.