Possible Protective Role of Panax Ginseng on Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats (Biochemical and Histological Study)

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapy antineoplastic drugs. Panax ginseng is a well-known medicinal herb and has a long history of medicinal use as a tonic to promote health. AIM: This work aimed to study the effect of ginseng on the liver damage induced by cisplatin in rats. It included biochemical and histological investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty adult rats were divided into four equal groups. Group I served as control. Group II received ginseng orally (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Group III animals were injected intraperitoneally with cisplatin in three equal doses (each 3.3 mg/kg) daily for 3 consecutive days. Group IV animals received ginseng together with cisplatin by the same previously mentioned methods and doses. Rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks, and blood samples and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histological examinations. RESULTS: Cisplatin-induced liver damage manifested biochemically by an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Histologically, hepatocytes appeared with vacuolated cytoplasm and small dark-stained nuclei with dilatation of blood sinusoids as well as marked accumulation of collagen fibers around enlarged portal tracts. Administration of ginseng together with cisplatin improved the hepatic dysfunctions and damage caused by cisplatin. CONCLUSION: Ginseng has a protective role in the amelioration of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.