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Acetaminophen(APAP) is one of the most extensively used analgesics and antipyreics worldwide. In order to investigate preventive effects of white and red ginseng extracts, male ICR mice pretreated with white or red ginseng extracts(50 or 250 ㎎/㎏/day, for 5 days, orally) before treatment with acetaminophen(800 ㎎/㎏, i.p, single dose). In an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism of hepatoprotective effect, superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), hydroperoxide, malondialdehyde(MDA) contents were studied. In pretreatment with red ginseng extract(250 ㎎/㎏), the activities of SOD, CAT were generally highest and the hydrogen peroxide content was lowest. The levels of MDA were significantly lower in white and red ginseng extract groups than those in the APAP groups. By treatment with ginseng extract, high content of hydrogen peroxide and increased lipid peroxidation level caused by APAP could be lowered. Also, ginseng extracts were found to increase antioxidative enzyme activity. Finally, the results suggest that the antioxidant effects of (white and red) ginseng extracts prevent oxidative damage by direct antioxidant effects involving SOD, CAT and increasing the ability to synthesize endogenous antioxidants. It was concluded that ginseng can protect against APAP intoxication through its antioxidant properties.
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