The effect of red ginseng and ginseng leaves on the substance and energy metabolism in hypothyroidism rats

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have revealed that the properties Traditional Chinese Medicine is mostly associated with are substance and energy metabolism. Our study aimed to compare the effect of red ginseng (RG) (warm property) and ginseng leaves (GL; cold property) on the substance and energy metabolism of rats with hypothyroidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were administered propylthiouracil intraperitoneally for 20 d to cause hypothyroidism. The reference group was orally administered Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparaia [FZ (Fuzi in Chinese)], while both the RG and GL groups were orally administrated crude drugs. The rectal, tail, toe, and axilla temperature of the rats were assayed every 3 d. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, heat production, and energy expenditure were measured via TSE phenoMaster/LabMaster animal monitoring system. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, fumarase, pyruvic acid and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic guanosine monophosphate were determined. RESULTS: The lower levels of triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone and the higher level of thyroid stimulating hormone revealed the successful establishment of a hypothyroidism model. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, heat production, and energy expenditure in the FZ and RG groups were obviously increased. The activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and fumarase in the FZ and RG groups was significantly increased. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic guanosine monophosphate level in the FZ and RG groups was increased, while the GL group showed the opposite. CONCLUSION: Our research provides a new way to explore the efficiency of Chinese medicine on the basis of the relationship between drug property and effects on substance and energy metabolism.