Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Investigating the Effect of Korean Red Ginseng on the Viability of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps in Rats
Hakan Tekin1, Gönül Tekin, Gülay Bulut
1From the * Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Van Training and Research Hospital; † Department of Clinical Biochemistry, ‡ Department of Pathology, Yüzüncü Yil University, Van; §Department of Anatomy, Hacettepe University, Ankara; and ∥Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Katip Çelebi University, Izmir, Turkey.
Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract significantly reduced random flap necrosis in rats by improving vascular density and antioxidant activity. This suggests KRG enhances skin flap viability and promotes healing.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Random flap surgery is prone to partial loss, impacting patient outcomes.
- Identifying agents to improve flap survival is crucial in reconstructive surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) extract in preventing partial losses of random skin flaps.
- To investigate the underlying mechanisms of KRG's effect on flap viability.
Main Methods:
- Forty Wistar Albino rats were divided into control, stress, oral KRG, and intraperitoneal KRG groups.
- Modified McFarlane flaps were harvested, and KRG was administered for 10 days.
- Flaps were assessed macroscopically, histopathologically, histochemically, and biochemically.
Main Results:
- KRG administration significantly reduced flap necrosis rates compared to control and stress groups (P < 0.05).
- Groups treated with KRG showed significantly higher vascular density, antioxidant activity, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α levels.
- Negative correlation found between vascular density, HIF-1α, catalase, and necrosis; positive correlation between malondialdehyde and necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Korean Red Ginseng extract effectively increases the viability of random pattern skin flaps.
- KRG demonstrates antioxidant properties and promotes neovascularization, reducing distal flap necrosis.
