The Antiinfective Effects of Velvet Antler of Formosan Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) on Staphylococcus aureus‐Infected Mice

Abstract

We assayed the effects of velvet antler (VA) of Formosan sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoei) and its extracts on the anti-infective activity against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo in this study. In vitro data indicated that the VA extracts stimulated the proliferation of resting splenocytes and macrophages in a dose-dependent manner up to the highest concentration used (150 μg mL−1). The production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) by lipoteichoic acid was significantly suppressed after being cocultured with the VA extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Animal test in S. aureus-infected mice demonstrated that the numbers of bacteria determined in the kidneys and peritoneal lavage fluid of S. aureus-infected mice were significantly higher than those found in the same organs of mice pretreated with the VA samples. Moreover, the highly enhanced phagocytic activity of macrophages was further verified after in vitro treatment with the VA samples. The protective mechanisms of the VA samples might include an immune enhancer and an inflammatory cytokine suppressor.

Water Extract of Deer Bones Activates Macrophages and Alleviates Neutropenia

“…Furthermore, extracts of deer bones affected macrophagic activation in S . aureus -infected mice [22]. In this study, we demonstrate that water extract of deer bones (hereafter, NG) alleviates neutropenia through activating macrophages.…”

Deer (Cervus elaphus) antler extract suppresses adhesion and migration of endometriotic cells and regulates MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression

“…In a phase II trial, DAE showed great improvement for rheumatoid arthritis compared to placebo (Allen et al, 2002). The production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-␣ and IL-6, by lipoteichoic acid was significantly reduced after treatment with DAE in Raw 264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophage cells (Dai et al, 2011). In addition, the effect of DAE on bone health has been studied.…”

Immunomodulatory effects of a 3.2kDa polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck

“…In addition to these, VA extract can also boost the immune system in a general way [8]. VA extract has markedly anti-infective effects on staphylococcus aureus-infected mice [9], and demonstrates significant enhancement of immune function of lymph, spleen, and bone marrow [10], as well as enhancement of phagocytes and immunoglobulin levels in mice [11]. Although these activities of VA extract had been observed in a series of animal experiments, it is uncertain about which single component of interest in VA had played a leading role in these effects.…”