Effects of Panax Ginseng on the Central Nervous System -Effect of Panax Ginseng on the Emotional Response in Rats-

인삼의 중추신경계에 대한 작용 -인삼이 흰쥐의 정서반응에 미치는 영향-

This study was planned to see whether the Panax Ginseng root has any influence upon the emotionality in rats exposed to a novel open-field and induced by a grid shock. Sixty four male albino rats whose body weight ranged from 130 to 180 gm were used. They were divided into four groups, i.e., placebo control group, 5mg/kg Ginseng ext. group, 10mg/kg Ginseng ext. group, and 20mg/kg Ginseng ext. group. Sixteen rats were subjected in each group. Open-field activity was measured in a $2.20m\;{\times}\;2.20m$ open-field that was divided into 15cm squares. Four novel objects and food pellets were put with an equal distance in the open-field. Locomotion was recorded by entering the number of squares traversed for 4 min. and behaviors which were shown at the 10-sec. period were checked by a modified Jarrad and Bunnel's observation procedure. Sensitivity to the grid shock was measured in a compartment of shuttle box. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 volt ac. 2 sec., electric shock were delivered in each subject by the grid to animal's feet. Flinch, vocalization and jumping responses were rated in each shock level. The results obtained were as follows: 1.) 5mg/kg and 10mg/kg Ginseng ext. groups were tended to increase the ambulation and exploration compared with placebo control. 2.) All Ginseng extract groups were defecated significantly less often than placebo control in the open-field and shock situation. 3.) Thresholds to the electric shock were tended to elevate in all Ginseng groups. 4.) These results suggest that Ginseng extract has a stimulant action in open-field and a tranqulizing action in feared situation.