PANAX GINSENG, ITS EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT OF HAIR FOLLICLES – AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Introduction: The use of Herbal medicines in developed and developing countries is rapidly increasing on the presumption that they are better and safer than conventional medicines. It is now being reported that herbal preparations have far reaching effects on body systems especially in the developmental processes. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng on developing hair follicle of albino mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty mice, 6 – 8 weeks old weighing 30 – 35 gm were housed together for mating and pregnancy was confirmed by vaginal plug. The fetuses were delivered and dissected on the 19th day and the fetuses were delivered, microscopic slides of the hair follicles small pieces of skin were removed and processed for to be examined under light microscope. Results and Conclusion: The pregnant dams were treated with Panax Ginseng and the litter obtained showed an increase in the number of hair follicles. Histological sections showed signs of haemorrhages and tissue degeneration. Although, embryo – toxicity in experimental model of animals may not reflect the situations in humans, further investigation and monitoring of the adverse effects of the Panax ginseng during pregnancy is warranted in humans.