Protective effects of Korean red ginseng extract on heavy metal (arsenic)-induced oxidative stress, hypertension, and blood biochemical changes in an animal model

Korean red ginseng (KRG) is a traditional medicinal herb known to aid in stress adaptation, boost the immune system, enhance physical performance and provide several other health benefits. In contrast, arsenic (As) in its inorganic form is highly toxic and causes various physiological dysfunctions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of KRG extract on oxidative stress, blood pressure, and serum biochemical parameters in rats exposed to arsenic. Two hundred Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups and treated with 100 ppm sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) in drinking water for 12 weeks, followed by administration of KRG extract at 100 mg/kg body weight /day for the same duration. Blood samples were collected to analyse plasma, serum, and haematological parameters. Exposure to arsenic resulted in increased blood pressure, white blood cell (WBC) count, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST, ALT), serum creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL, LDL), along with a significant reduction in red blood cell (RBC) count, plasma glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. Treatment with KRG extract in arsenic-exposed rats significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, WBC count, ALP, AST, ALT, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL levels, increased plasma GSH, catalase and superoxide dismutase. No changes in heart rate or body weight were observed. These findings suggest that KRG extract mitigates oxidative stress and hypertension in arsenic-exposed rats, demonstrating its potential protective effects against arsenic-induced oxidative damage and high blood pressure.