초록
건강한 성인남자 14명을 대상으로 하여 혈중 알콜해독에 미치는 인삼의 효과 관찰 실험을 실시하였다. 술과 인삼을 동시에 마시는 시험군과 술만 마시는 대조군을 설정하여, 술을 마신후 40분이 경과하였을 때 혈중알콜농도를 측정하였다. 술 (70g/65kg 체중)과 동시에 인삼 (3g/65kg체중)을 먹었을 때의 혈중알콜농도 ($0.11\%$)는 대조군의 혈중알콜농도 ($0.18\%$)의 약 $6.5\%$이었고, 또 혈중알콜농도를 각 개인별로 비교해보면 실험대상자 14명중 인삼과 술을 동시에 마셨을때의 혈중 알콜농도가 술만 마셨을 때의 혈중 알콜농도의 $65\%{\~}49\%$에 불과한 사람이 10명이나 되었다. 인삼의 알콜배출속도에 미치는 영향을 관찰하기 위한 방사능이 표시된 알콜을 실험동물에 투여한 후 알콜의 대사물인 $^{14}CO_2$가 호흡을 통하여 배출되는 량을 측정비교 하였다. 알콜 투여후 2-7시간 사이의 $^{14}CO_2$ 배출속도는 알콜의 대사 및 배출속도를 증가시켜 알콜해독을 촉진한다는 것을 설명해주고 있다.
To assess the effect of Panax ginseng on the detoxification of ethanol. we examined its effect on blood ethanol clearance in both man and experimental animals and on the rate of ethanol oxidation to carbon dioxide in experimental animals. Fourteen healthy male volunteers were subject to studies. The blood alcohol level in the test group receiving ginseng extract (3g/kg b.w.) along with alcohol (70g/65kg b.w.) was about $35\%$ lower than their control levels at 40 min after ethanol intake. When the blood alcohol level was compared on individual bases. blood alcohol concentrations in 10 subjects ranged from 32 to $51\%$ lower than their control values. The remaining 4 subjects appeared to have a high tolerance level. In experimental animals. the blood alcohol clearance was also much faster in test animals receiving ginseng along with ethanol. The rate of ethanol elimination was determined by the amount of $^{14}CO_2$ in exhaled air following the administration of [$^{14}C$] ethanol. During the first 7 1/4 hr (Phase I) after the ethanol administration. the $CO_2$ output was greater in test animals receving ginseng along with ethanol. whereas from beyond 7 1/4 hr to the near end (Phase II). the $CO_2$ output in control animals was over twice that in test animals. The present studies clearly demonstrate that ginseng promotes the overall metabolism of ethanol. resulting in an enhanced blood alcohol clearance and alcohol elimination.