IMMUNOSTIMULATING EFFECTS OF ACIDIC POLYSACCHARIDES EXTRACT OFPANAX GINSENGON MACROPHAGE FUNCTION

Abstract

The root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is one of the most popular natural tonics in oriental countries. In this study, we have isolated polysaccharide fraction of Panax ginseng (ginsan) and examined its effect on the function of murine peritoneal macrophages. When macrophages were treated with ginsan, cytotoxic activity against B16 melanoma cells was significantly induced. In addition, the levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6 and Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were increased and the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen components such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was enhanced. Moreover, phagocytic activity was induced in ginsan-treated macrophages compared to the control. The expression of CD14 and 1-Ab on murine peritoneal macrophages was increased by the treatment with ginsan, while the expression of CD11b was decreased. Taken together, these results suggest that ginsan has an immunopotentiating effects on macrophages and these abilities could be used clinically for the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Fermenting Red Ginseng Enhances Its Safety and Efficacy as a Novel Skin Care Anti-Aging Ingredient: In Vitro and Animal Study

“…15 Furthermore, it was reported that ginseng has immunostimulating activity. 16,17 Immune responses are known to play essential roles in host defense mechanisms, but may also cause general toxic, idiosyncratic, and allergic adverse reactions (which are sometimes associated with immunostimulating agents), thereby resulting in exacerbation rather than suppression of some disease processes. 18 It is possible that RG could occasionally cause skin safety problems, such as allergenic responses.…”

Protective Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on the Infections by H1N1 and H3N2 Influenza Viruses in Mice

“…45 In another study, acid polysaccharides of ginseng were previously found to activate macrophage cells that produce proinflammatory cytokines, including IFNs, tumor necrosis factor-a, IL-1b, and IL-6. 21 In addition, a mechanistic study demonstrated that spleen cells and peritoneal macrophage cells that were stimulated by ginseng extract produced tumor necrosis factor-a and IFN-c inflammatory cytokines in a Toll-like receptor-4-dependent manner. 23 In contrast, ginseng was shown to attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-a and IL-6 in a macrophage cell line.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] In clinical studies, ginseng has been shown to have beneficial effects on improving the survival and the quality of life among breast cancer patients, 17 in a placebocontrolled pilot trial of cancer patients, 18 in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus, 19,20 and on reducing the occurrence of gastric cancer. 21 Immunomodulatory effects are among the beneficial properties attributed to ginseng extract. The nature of these activities and their underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown and were reported to be diverse depending on types of diseases and/or biological assessment methods: some studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities, while others reported proinflammatory effects.…”

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] .…”