The authors have investigated the effect of Radix Ginseng on peroxidation injury in myocardium and erythrocytes of streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. In the ginseng administered group (ginseng solution 0.2 g/200 g body weight once daily lasting 15∼16 days)

there was a significant decrease in the level of fasting blood glucose and lipid peroxide in myocardium and erythrocytes

in comparison with those of the model group (P<0.05). The superoxide dismutase activities in myocardium and erythrocytes of the ginseng group were increased (P<0.05)

compared with those of the model group and the vitamin E treated group (vitamin E 10 mg/200 g·body weight once daily

lasting 15∼16 days). The results suggest that the mechanisms of antiperoxidation injury of ginseng might include the following: (1) lowering the level of fasting blood glucose

decreasing monosaccharide auto-oxidation and partially protecting the production of free radicals; (2) elevating the activity of enzymatic free radical scavenger in cells

such as superoxide dismutase; and (3) directly eliminating the superfluous free radicals.