Ginseng Extract Protects Unsaturated Fatty acid from Decomposition Caused by Iron-Mediated Lipid Peroxidation

We hypothesized the primary effect of ginseng was to protect cell membrane fatty acids from decomposition caused by free radicals. To confirm the antioxidant effect of ginseng, we measured the inhibitory effect on the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, and evaluated the free radical scavenging effect of ginseng by electron spin resonance spectrometer, and gas chromatography. The results showed that thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances formed and the loss of arachidonic acid during lipid peroxidation, and that hydroxyl (-like) radical peak formed by the iron complex (ferric nitrilotriacetate, an known free radical generator in vitro) were completely inhibited by ginseng extract. This antioxidant effect of ginseng may be responsible for its wide pharmacological actions in clinical practice. As the free radical reactions in general are rapid and non-specific, ginseng seems to act as a normalizer, rather than a general tonic, at the stages of acute or chronic active phase of the various diseases.