Abstract: Aim To investigate the therapeutic effects of ginsenosides on ischemic kidneys with acute renal failure. Methods Ischemic and reperfused (I/R) rat model of acute renal failure was established by clipping right renal artery of the rat for one hour and then removing the left kidney. After reperfusion for 24 hours the serum BUN, Ser, ET-1 and. NO were detected and the renal pathologic changes were observed.Results The levels of serum BUN,Scr were significantly decreased in the treatment group as compared with those in the I/R group (P<0. 05), but they were similar as those in control group (P>0.05);The tubular lesions in the treatment group were obviously ameliorated as compared with those in the I/R group (P<0. 01).Conclusion Ginsenosides have significant therapeutic effects on ischemic kidneys with acute renal failute, in which modulation of NO by ginsenosides might be involved.

Key words: ginsenosides, ischemic acute renal failure, natric oxide