Red Ginseng Marc and Steamed Extraction Powder Enhance Proliferation and Inflammatory Cytokine Modulation in Canine PBMCs Stimulated by IL-2

Abstract

The growing market for companion animals, combined with their increasing lifespan, has generated an increased interest in companion animal immunity enhancers. Ginsenoside, a saponin component of ginseng and an essential ingredient of red ginseng marc (produced during red ginseng production), is effective in improving immunity. In this experiment, a powder mixture of red ginseng marc and steamed red ginseng extract powder (RGME) was orally administered to dogs for eight weeks. Subsequently, blood samples were collected and tested every four weeks. In addition, canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (cPBMCs) were stimulated with or without interleukin-2 (IL-2) to evaluate their proliferation and cytokine secretion abilities. Proliferation assay suggests that the administration of RGME effectively enhanced numbers of cPBMCs under IL-2 stimulation. Furthermore, in the RGME group, a significant increase in the concentration of interferon gamma released from cPBMCs under IL-2 stimulation was observed. In conclusion, RGME might be an effective health supplement for improving immunity in dogs.Key words dog, immunomodulation, peripheral blood mononuclear cell, red ginseng marc, steamed red ginseng extract. † Ju-Hyun An and Qiang Li contributed equally to this work.

Ginseng in Veterinary Practice: Benefits and Considerations

“…It was recently reported that red ginseng dregs and steamed red ginseng can enhance the immunity of dogs by increasing the level of interferon-γ released by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in dogs stimulated by IL-2. The dogs were orally treated with red ginseng residue and steamed red ginseng powder for eight weeks (An et al, 2023). Famous traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale) mixed with American ginseng increases the number of shortchain fatty acids producing bacteria to prevent gut dysbiosis.…”