GINSENG SELF-ADMINISTRATION IN MONKEYS

Four monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were allowed to press a lever in their cages in order to earn access to one gram pieces of Panax ginseng root. Self-administration performance on an operant schedule (mult FR20 F11) was characterized by frequent pauses and increased intertrial interval responding. When given 23 hour unlimited access to ginseng root, as well as to food and water, all animals titrated their daily intake to approximately 1.5 g/kg. Gross behavioral changes included increases in vocalization, activity, stereotyped movements, and weight loss. These patterns of behavior are typical of those seen when monkeys self-administer psychomotor stimulants. Further studies on ginseng's reward value can be conducted using this animal model.