Improved lipid profile in ovariectomized rats by red ginseng extract

The effects of red ginseng extract on lipid metabolism were examined in ovariectomized rats. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats (210 +/- 20 g) were studied for 10 weeks. The rats were divided into four groups: (I) "sham" non-ovariectomized rats treated with olive oil, (II) control ovariectomized rats treated with olive oil, (III) ovariectomized rats treated with 0.5 mg/kg 17 beta-estradiol in olive oil, and (IV) ovariectomized rats treated with 5 mg/kg red ginseng extract in olive oil. Red ginseng extract induced significant reductions in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol/total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol, implying the effectiveness of ginseng in targeting postmenopausal symptoms.