Long-term oral intake of Panax ginseng improves hypomagnesemia, hyperlactatemia, base deficit, and metabolic acidosis in an alloxan-induced rabbit model

OBJECTIVE(S): Panax ginseng (PG) widely used for its various pharmacological activities, including effects on diabetes and its complications. This study aims to investigate the effect of PG on mortality-related hypomagnesemia, hyperlactatemia, metabolic acidosis, and other diabetes-induced abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type 1 diabetes was induced by IV injection of alloxan monohydrate 110 mg/kg into New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2-2.5 kg. PG was supplied in drinking water for 20 weeks. The effects of the PG treatment on diabetes were evaluated through hematological and biochemical analysis including ELISA assays for insulin and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) before and after PG extract was supplied. RESULTS: The serum glucose, insulin, and HBA1c levels were significantly improved after the PG treatment compared to those found before PG treatment. In addition, Mg(2+), lactate, and base deficit, and acidosis was significantly enhanced in treated rabbits. Moreover, PG showed hepato- and renoprotective effect. Likewise, electrolytes, lipid and protein profile were improved. CONCLUSION: The biochemical and hematological analysis data demonstrate that the PG is effective to alleviate the diabetes serious signs.