[Effect of ginseng on antiperoxidate injury in myocardium and erythrocytes in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats].

We have investigated the effect of ginseng on antiperoxidation in myocardium and erythrocytes of streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. In the group of ginseng administration (ginseng solution 0.2g/200g/day, lasting 15-16 days), there was a significant decrease in the level of fasting blood-glucose and lipid peroxide (LPO) in myocardium and erythrocytes, in comparing with that of model group, P < 0.05. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in myocardium and erythrocytes in group of ginseng administration was increased, P < 0.05, compared with that of model group and vitamin E treatment group. The mechanisms of antiperoxidation effect of ginseng might include the following: 1) By lowering the level of fasting blood-glucose, decreasing the rate of monosaccharide auto-oxidation and partially protecting the production of free radicals; 2) Elevating the activity of enzymatic free radicals scavenger in cells, such as SOD; 3) directly eliminating the superfluous free radicals.