INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF RED GINSENG EXTRACT ON PRENEOPLASTIC NODULE FORMATION IN THE RAT LIVER OBSERVED BY RAPID BIOASSAY OF CARCINOGENESIS

This study was carried out to investigate the inhibitory effects of red ginseng extract on preneoplastic nodule formation in the rat liver using a rapid bioassay of hepatocarcinogenesis. Wistar male rats in test groups were fed diets containing 3.0, 0.3 or 003% of red genseng extract for 6 weeks after 2 week of dosing with diethylnitrosamine (DEAN, 200 mg/kg B.W., I.P.) or saline solution. The rats in the control groups were treated with DENA or saline alone. Three weeks after the beginning of the experiment, the two-thirds partial hepatectomy was performed on all animals. The inhibitory effects were investigated by measuring the number, total area and size of hyperplastic nodules enhanced by the 2/3 partial hepatectomy following induction with DENA. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. In general, the body weight gains of the rats fed diets containing red ginseng extract were higher than those of other groups.