Effect of Panax Ginseng Saponins and Eleutherococcus Senticosus on Survival of Cultured Mammalian Cells After Ionizing Radiation

Panax ginseng saponins and Eleutherococcus senticosus extract were applied to cells in culture in order to assess the effect of these substances on resistance to γ-irradiation. Eleutherococcus was slightly radio protective. However, ginseng saponin at a dose of 10 μg/ml was significantly radio-protective (Do = 2.25 Gy) compared to control (Do = 1.80 Gy) when it was present prior to γ-irradiation (Do = 1.10 Gy). Ginseng-treated cells made 30% less RNA and 14% more protein during a 1 hour pulse of labeled intermediates. The cells were morphologically altered. It is concluded that ginseng saponin can increased radiation resistance. The effect is indirect, due to alterations in cell physiology rather that DNA repair processes.