Original article / research
In-vitro Assessment of Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Potential and Anti-inflammatory Activity of a Novel Ginseng Gel Formulation
ZC18-ZC22
Correspondence
Dr. Arvina Rajasekar,
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai-600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
E-mail: arvinar.sdc@saveetha.com
Introduction: Plant-derived bioactive compounds, particularly Panax ginseng, have attracted considerable interest owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties relevant to human wellbeing and health. Such phytoconstituents are increasingly explored in medicine for addressing inflammation-associated disease and oxidative stress-related illness. Incorporation of these compounds into biocompatible gel formulations may enhance localised therapeutic efficacy when applied to oral mucosal or periodontal tissues while minimising systemic adverse effects, thereby supporting human wellbeing and broader public health outcomes.
Aim: To formulate a novel ginseng-based gel and evaluate its cytotoxicity, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory activity using standardised in-vitro assays.
Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro experimental study was conducted at the Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between July 2025 and October 2025. A 2% ginseng gel was prepared using a carbopol-based matrix. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined through Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein denaturation assays. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and independent samples t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The ginseng gel demonstrated a concentration-dependent response in the brine shrimp lethality assay (p<0.001); however, mortality values remained within acceptable limits and did not differ significantly from the standard control (p>0.05). Antioxidant activity increased significantly with concentration in both DPPH and FRAP assays (p<0.001), with activity comparable to reference antioxidants (p>0.05). The formulation also exhibited significant, dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation and enhanced membrane stabilisation (p<0.001), comparable to diclofenac sodium (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The novel ginseng gel demonstrated acceptable biocompatibility along with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity under In-vitro conditions, supporting its potential as a localised therapeutic formulation and warranting further in-vivo and clinical evaluation.