The combination of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis attenuates the IFN-γ-induced immune destruction of hematopoiesis in bone marrow cells

Abstract

Background: Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis are two herbs that compose Danggui Buxue Tang (an herbal formula for treatment of anemia diseases). In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism and effective targets to immune destruction of bone marrow (BM) cells treated with Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis or a combination of two agents. The potential synergic advantages of two herbs should also be explored. Methods: The constituents of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometer system BM cells were separated from limbs of BALB/c mice, and immune destruction was induced with IFN-γ. The percentages of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CD3 + T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The distribution of T-bet and changes in the combination of SAP and SLAM in BM cells were observed by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to assay the expression of key molecules of the eIF2 signaling pathway in BM cells. Results: Seven constituents of Radix Astragali and six constituents of Radix Angelicae Sinensis were identified. The percentages of HSCs increased significantly after treatment with Radix Angelicae Sinensis, especially at high concentrations. The percentages of CD3 + T cells were significantly decreased after Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. However, the synergistic function of two-herb combinations was superior to that of the individual herbs alone. The distribution of T-bet in BM cells was decreased significantly after Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. The number of SLAM/SAP double-stained cells was increased significantly after Radix Astragali treatment at low concentrations. The phosphorylation levels of eIF2α were also reduced after Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. Conclusions: Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis could intervene in the immunologic balance of T lymphocytes, inhibit the apoptosis of BM cells induced by immune attack, restore the balance of the T cell immune response network and recover the hematopoietic function of HSCs. The synergistic effects of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis were superior to those of each herb alone.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Natural Galactagogues Prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacies in Taiwan

“…Angelica sinensis has been prescribed to enrich the blood, whereas H. polybotrys has been administered to nourish the qi ( Chang et al, 2020 ). Previous pharmacological studies on Chinese herbal medicines have reported that A. sinensis , L. striatum , R. glutinosa , and Astragalus propinquus Schischkin are used to treat anemia and enrich hemoglobin ( Liang et al, 2004 ; Li et al, 2012 ; Jia et al, 2019 ; Liu J. et al, 2019 ). In the present study, all four medicinal materials were found to be frequently used.…”

Effectiveness of Herbal Medicine for Leukopenia/Neutropenia Induced by Chemotherapy in Adults with Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…68 Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharides (ASP) has been demonstrated to improve leukocytes of mice exposed to 5-Fu by boosting response of blood cell to oxidative stress and reversing the imbalance of BMSCs differentiation induced by 5-FU. 69 Constituents of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis 70 were reported to restore the hematopoietic function of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by alleviating the destruction of HSCs mediated by the immune system. Astragaloside, Calycosin, 71 and Astragalus polysaccharide 72 may have an effect on BMSCs.…”

Chinese Herbal Medicine Significantly Impacts the Haematological Variables of the Athlete Biological Passport

“…However, ASR and AR are more often prescribed in combination since according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the recipe is able to deliver synergic efficacies by raising the “q” (vital energy) as well as nourishing the “blood” (body circulation) of a person [ 28 ]. Studies have shown that combined ASR and AR could stimulate the growth and inhibit the apoptosis of bone marrow stromal cells [ 15 , 29 ]. In addition, the number of RET in peripheral blood was significantly increased, the secretion of haematopoietic growth factor and the proliferation of haematopoietic progenitor cells were promoted in mice receiving the herbs [ 30 , 31 ].…”