Korean red ginseng extract inhibits microplastic translocation via the gut-liver axis by ameliorating alcohol-induced intestinal disruption.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Impaired intestinal mucosal barrier in alcoholic liver disease leads to the entry of toxic substances into the liver parenchyma. Ingestion of microplastics (MPs; plastic particles sized <5 mm) can induce inflammation, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and cancer. Red ginseng extract (RGE) is a widely used herbal medicine globally. The effects of RGE on the accumulation of MPs and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

Nine-week-old male wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed a control liquid diet or ethanol diet with or without MP and RGE. MPs (fluorescent-tagged 2.16-μm polystyrene MP; dose: 0.1 mg/kg body weight) and RGE (dose: 250 or 500 mg/kg body weight) were orally administered five times a week.

Results

RGE treatment markedly reduced MP accu

SUBMITTER: Baek SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12805550 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature