Protective Effects of Ginseng on the Blood–Brain Barrier in Rats Exposed to 2600 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation
APPLIED SCIENCES, cilt.16, sa.8, ss.1-18, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 8
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/app16084012
- Dergi Adı: APPLIED SCIENCES
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-18
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Abstract
Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure is higher in the structures surrounding the ears
and head. Moreover, the brain is the organ most vulnerable to microwave radiation, exhibiting
earlier and more severe mitochondrial damage compared to other tissues. The present
study investigated the impact of 2600 MHz RFR on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) through
immunohistochemical, genetic, and biochemical analyses and explored the potential protective
role of ginseng. The animals in the study were randomly assigned to five groups
(n = 8 per group): control, sham, ginseng, 2600 MHz RFR, and 2600 MHz RFR + ginseng.
The RFR groups were exposed to RFR for 1 h day−1 for 30 days. Ginseng was applied
every day (150 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 30 days. Histopathological examination of the
2600 MHz RFR group revealed degenerative changes, vacuolization, vascular dilatation,
and mild edema, particularly in cortical neurons. These alterations appeared reduced
in the sham and 2600 MHz RFR + ginseng groups. The immunohistochemical findings
indicated moderate damage in the RFR group, whereas a statistically significant decrease
was observed in the ginseng-treated groups (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that
2600 MHz RFR may be associated with increased apoptotic activity and ginseng may exert
a protective effect.