Investigation of the effects of Panax ginseng on mice with a type II collagen-induced arthritis model

Objective: In this study, the therapeutic potential of Panax ginseng in a Type II collagen-induced experimental arthritis model was comprehensively investigated through macroscopic observations, histopathological examinations, radiological assessments, and biochemical analyses. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 36 male BALB/c mice were used. In the groups where the arthritis model was to be established, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was developed by administering two doses of Type II collagen. After the model was established, the treatment groups were administered Panax ginseng (50 mg/kg) and methylprednisolone (8 mg/kg) orally. During the six-week experimental period, weekly macroscopic observations were conducted; the body weights of the animals were measured, and the diameters of their paws were measured with a caliper. The statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 software. Results: As a result of the experiment, the successful establishment of the arthritis model was confirmed by the observation of pronounced arthritic symptoms in the hind paws of the disease group. Upon evaluation, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the treatment groups compared to the disease group. Caliper measurements revealed that edema and swelling in the disease group progressively increased over the course of the experiment, whereas in the treatment groups, a statistically significant reduction in paw edema and swelling was detected following the initiation of treatment. Conclusion: Based on this study, it was concluded that Panax ginseng treatment administered to mice with an induced arthritis model exhibited therapeutic effects on edema, joint damage, and inflammation, as evidenced by macroscopic, histopathological, radiological, and biochemical analyses.