Red ginseng delays age-related hearing and vestibular dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice

Since Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been proven to protect against gentamicin-induced vestibular and hearing dysfunction, the effects of KRG on age-related inner ear disorder in C57BL/6 mice were investigated. While age-related hearing loss was detected at the age of 6 months (32 kHz) and 9 months (16 kHz) in the control group, it was significantly delayed (p < 0.05) in the 150 mg/kg KRG-treated group. Vestibular dysfunction was observed in the tail-hanging and swimming tests, with significantly different severity scores and swimming times detected between the control and 150 mg/kg KRG-treated group at the age of 12 months (p < 0.05). Mice treated with 500 mg/kg KRG exhibited irritability and aggravated inner ear dysfunction. Histological observation supported the findings of hearing and vestibular function defects. In conclusion, C57BL/6 mice showed early-onset hearing loss and progressive vestibular dysfunction with aging, which were delayed by treatment with 150 mg/kg KRG. However, 500 mg/kg KRG treatment may induce aggressive behavior.