The Cellular Toxicity of Panax ginseng Plant Extract against Certain Pathogenic Fungi and Human Lymphocytes

Abstract

This work focused on the mycological examination of clinical specimens and an anti-fungal and immunomodulatory role of Panax Ginseng alcoholic extract. Out of 110 samples, 67 tested positive for the fungus (61%) whereas 43 samples were negative for the fungus (39%). From among positive cases, 65.55% of the samples showed fungal growth while the remaining 34.45% of samples did not. Of all the species isolated 58.3% were Candida species, 25% Aspergillus and 12.5% Trichophyton. Adult females (55.6%) became infected more than adult male (44.4%) a large proportion of patient 30.6% had oral cavity as the most frequent site of infection. Highest infection rate was observed in 15–24 years and the lowest in individuals with >45 years of age. All isolated compounds exhibited a relatively potent antifungal activity against Candida, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Penicillium species and the pattern of the growth inhibition for Panax Ginseng extract was more pronounced at higher concentrations (140–200 mg/mL). The concentration required to inhibit the growth of the bacterial species was an 80–90 mg/mL range. It also produced immune responses by increasing the lymphocyte count by a positive dose dependent manner. P. Ginseng seems to prove its efficiency as an antifungal and immunomodulatory agent based on studies presented above. Additional investigations are still needed to establish its effectiveness in using this treatment in Mycosis.