Ginsan improved Th1 immune response inhibited by gamma radiation

Abstract

Gamma radiation causes suppression of the immune function, and immune properties are related to cytokine production. In the present study, the polysaccharide, Ginsan, purified from an ethanol-insoluble fraction of Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Araliaceae) water extract was studied to assess its effects on the immunosuppressive activities of gamma radiation. Ginsan was found to stimulate murine normal splenocytes by inducing the mRNA expressions of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines, and also restore the mRNA expression of IFN-gamma, Th1 cytokine, after its inhibition by whole-body gamma irradiation. Therefore, Ginsan was found to restore the T lymphocytes function that had been suppressed by gamma irradiation in allogenic MLR (mixed lymphocyte reactions). However, Ginsan exhibited no excessive stimulatory effects on the control group. The above results indicated that Ginsan may constitute a new noble agent for the improvement of gamma radiation-induced immunosuppression.

Relationship of the inhibition of cell migration with the structure of ginseng pectic polysaccharides

“…Pectin is an active component of ginseng that can inhibit gastric lesions (Kiyoyaha et al, 1994), inhibit adhesion of bacteria to host cells (Lee, Shim, Chung, Lim, & Kim, 2009;Lee et al, 2006), and protect animals from the lethal effects of ionising radiation (Kim et al, 2007;Song et al, 2003). In addition, it can reduce blood glucose levels in normal and hyperglycemic mice (Konno, Sugiyama, Kano, Takahashi, & Hikino, 1984;Suzuki & Hiking, 1989), inhibit tumor growth and metastasis (Kim, Kang, & Kim, 1990;Shin et al, 2004;Yun, Lee, Jo, & Jung, 1993), and modulate the immune system (Du, Jiang, Wu, Won, & Choung, 2008;Han et al, 2005). Ginseng pectin is mainly composed of arabinogalactan (AG), type I rhamnogalacturonan (RG-I), and homogalacturonan (HG) (Zhang et al, 2009).…”

Chinese Medicine and Biomodulation in Cancer Patients—Part Two

“…Clinical trials have provided some evidence that they can improve survival 105 . The polysaccharide complexes and extracts include constituents of Coriolus versicolor (whose extract is called Krestin, PSK, or PSP) 106-118 , Ganoderma lucidum [119][120][121] , Grifola frondosa (maitake MD-fraction) 122-127 , Astragalus membranaceus 128 , Panax ginseng [129][130][131][132] , and various other medicinal mushrooms [133][134][135] .…”

“…There is some evidence from clinical trials that they can improve survival 105 . Polysaccharide extracts from Panax ginseng can increase immunity and enhance chemotherapy [129][130][131] . There is evidence of interaction with TLRs, especially TLR4 136,137,148 .…”

The inhibitory effect of ginseng pectin on L-929 cell migration

“…Ginseng polysaccharides are mainly composed of neutral polysaccharides (starch-like glucans) and acidic substances (ginseng pectin) (Ovodov and Solov'eva, 1966). Ginseng pectin has a wider range of pharmacological activities than ginseng neutral polysaccharides, including inhibiting gastric lesions (Kiyoyaha et al, 1994), inhibiting adhesion of bacteria to host cells (Lee et al, 2006(Lee et al, , 2009, protecting animals from the lethal effects of ionizing radiation (Song et al, 2003;Kim et al, 2007), reducing blood glucose levels in normal and hyperglycemic mice (Konno et al, 1984;Suzuki and Hikino, 1989), inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis (Kim et al, 1990;Yun et al, 1993;Shin et al, 2004), and modulating the immune system (Song et al, 2003;Han et al, 2005;Du et al, 2008). However, less is known of the mechanisms by which ginseng pectin exerts these effects.…”