The pharmacological effects of topical ginseng root and leaf extracts (Panax ginseng) on the intraoccular pressure of experimental rabbits

This study investigates the effect of Panax ginseng on the intraocular pressure of rabbit eye. Methanolic extracts of the root and stem of Panax ginseng (5mg/ml) were topically administered twice daily for five days to rabbit’s eyes with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) induced with 1%  atropine. The IOP lowering activity of topically administered Panax ginseng root and stem extracts of induced IOP of rabbits eye was evaluated using the KOWA applanation tonometer. The root extracts (5mg/ml) showed a reduction of IOP back to base within 5 days compared to the control (p< 0.05). The stem extract (5mg/ml) was so toxic that it caused severe inflammation, which led to multiple and purulent infections in the rabbit eyes. The data obtained suggest that the root extract administered topically possesses IOP lowering effects which may be mediated through the dilation of ciliary vessels in the ciliary body and antioxidant activities