Protective Effects of Ginseng on the Blood–Brain Barrier in Rats Exposed to 2600 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation

Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure is higher in the structures surrounding the ears and head. Moreover, the brain is the organ most vulnerable to microwave radiation, exhibiting earlier and more severe mitochondrial damage compared to other tissues. The present study investigated the impact of 2600 MHz RFR on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) through immunohistochemical, genetic, and biochemical analyses and explored the potential protective role of ginseng. The animals in the study were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8 per group): control, sham, ginseng, 2600 MHz RFR, and 2600 MHz RFR + ginseng. The RFR groups were exposed to RFR for 1 h day−1 for 30 days. Ginseng was applied every day (150 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 30 days. Histopathological examination of the 2600 MHz RFR group revealed degenerative changes, vacuolization, vascular dilatation, and mild edema, particularly in cortical neurons. These alterations appeared reduced in the sham and 2600 MHz RFR + ginseng groups. The immunohistochemical findings indicated moderate damage in the RFR group, whereas a statistically significant decrease was observed in the ginseng-treated groups (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that 2600 MHz RFR may be associated with increased apoptotic activity and ginseng may exert a protective effect.