Comparative Effects of Bulk and Nanoparticle Ginseng on Hepatorenal and Immune Function in Rats

The use of herbal medicine, particularly Panax ginseng, has gained substantial attention due to its therapeutic properties. This study investigates the impact of bulk ginseng (Gin) and ginseng nanoparticles (Gin NPs) on liver, kidney, and immune functions in male rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving distilled water (1 ml), a Gin 50 group administered 50 mg/kg bulk ginseng, a Gin 100 group given 100 mg/kg bulk ginseng, and a Gin NPs 30 group receiving 30 mg/kg ginseng nanoparticles. Treatments were delivered orally each day for eight weeks. Biochemical assays for liver and kidney function, differential leukocyte counts, immunoglobulin G levels, and histological evaluations of liver and kidney tissues were conducted. No significant differences in liver or kidney enzyme levels, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, or immunoglobulin G levels were observed between the treated groups and controls. However, the Gin NPs group displayed a significant decrease in monocyte count and an increase in neutrophil count, while no significant changes were observed in other treated groups compared to controls. Histological analysis revealed that hepatorenal architecture remained generally normal across treated groups. Mild Kupffer cell proliferation, mononuclear cellular infiltration, dilated hepatic sinusoids, and intraglomerular congestion were noted in Gin 50 and Gin 100 groups, while the Gin NPs 30 group exhibited mild glomerular vacuolation and an expanded Bowman's space. In conclusion, both bulk ginseng (50 and 100 mg/kg) and its nanoparticle form (30 mg/kg) support normal hepatorenal and immune functions, with Gin NPs demonstrating a slightly enhanced effect.