Effects of Intaking of Red Ginseng Products on Human Platelet Aggregation and Blood Lipids

홍삼류의 섭취가 사람 혈소판의 응집반응 및 혈중 지질에 미치는 영향

Thrombogenesis and atherosclerosis are mainly caused by platelet aggregation, blood coagulation, and hyperlipidemia. Platelet aggrelation, activated platelet thromboplastin time (APTT) were measured as indexes of blood coagulation and lipid contents in the subjects who have taken red ginseng products (e.g. water extract, tea, drink etc.) for 4 to 5 years. The platelet aggregation in the red ginseng-taking group was significantly decreased, as compared with the non-red ginseng-intaking group, when platelets were stimulated by 100 $\mu\textrm{g}$/ml of collagen (P<0.01). The atherogenic index and the ratio of triglyceride to HDL-cholesterol in blood, the risk factors of atherosclerosis, were decreased in the subjects of ginseng group, compared with that in control group. APTT was also prolonged to greater extent in ginseng group than in control group. These results suggest that long-term intake of ginseng products may help to prevent the risks of thrombogenesis and atherosclerosis.