Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of red ginseng extract (RGE) on adiposity index, some serum biochemical parameters and tissue antioxidant activity in obese diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods: Five groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Group (1) was negative control and the other 4 groups were fed on high fat-diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity. The obese rats were then rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan for 5 days. Group (2) was kept obese diabetic (positive control) and the other 3 groups were orally given RGE at 100, 200 and 400 mg /kg /day, respectively, for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and kidneys were taken to assay of activities of antioxidant enzymes.
Results: oral dosage of RGE to obese diabetic rats significantly (P < 0.05) reduced adiposity index; decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma- glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) enzymes, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoproteins (LDL-c) and improved atherogenic index. Blood glucose and leptin hormone decreased, but insulin increased by administration of RGE. it increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes in kidneys tissues.
Conclusion: Red ginseng extract produces antiobesity, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities in obese diabetic rats. The study suggests that red ginseng plant may be beneficial for the treatment of patients who suffer from obesity associated with diabetes.
Key words: Red ginseng; Obesity; Diabetes; Biochemistry; Hormones; Antioxidant.
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