Preventive/Ameliorative Effects of Ginseng Aqueous Extract on Cisplatin-induced Hepatic and Renal Injuries

Abstract

Background and Objective: The present study aimed to examine the possible modifying effects of ginseng extract against both liver and kidney injuries induced by Cisplatin in rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male albino rats were equally divided into six groups; the first and second groups were the control and ginseng groups respectively while the third group was Cisplatin rat group; the fourth and fifth groups were co- and post- treated Cisplatin rat with ginseng respectively and the sixth group was Cisplatin self-healing group. Results: Many abnormalities were shown in liver sections in Cisplatin group as a disturbance in the hepatocytes radially arranged cords, moderate vacuolated hepatocytes, many apoptotic hepatocytes, moderate cellular infiltration and mild to moderate congestion in central and portal veins were observed. Also, various abnormalities were shown in kidney sections in Cisplatin group as moderate atrophy in the Malpighian corpuscles and loss in their characteristic configuration, severe cellular infiltrations and moderate to marked vacuolated renal tubules. Co- and post treatment of Cisplatin with ginseng revealed a moderate to good degree of improvement in hepatocytes and glomerular damage. Conclusion: The present study concludes that; co-treatment of Cisplatin with ginseng has beneficial properties and can reduce the liver and kidney damages induced by Cisplatin.