A proprietary extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) enhances IL-2 and IFN-gamma productions in murine spleen cells induced by Con-A.
A patented aqueous extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), containing mainly oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, is commercially available over the counter as COLD-FX (CVT-E002). This proprietary extract is used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Its in vitro stimulating effects on the immunoglobulin production by B lymphocytes and on natural immune responses by peritoneal exudates macrophages have been previously reported. Using C57 BL/6 mice, an ex vivo study was conducted to examine Con-A-induced splenocytic productions of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) as markers of acquired immune responses. CVT-E002 (10-500 microg/ml) significantly increased Con-A-induced IL-2 and IFN-gamma productions in spleen cells in a dose-dependent manner. Such response was seen by the ginseng extract originated from three different lots, suggesting consistency between the lots.
Wang
Meiqi
M
CV Technologies Inc, Edmonton Research Park, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6N 1E5.
Guilbert
Larry J
LJ
Li
Jie
J
Wu
Yingqi
Y
Pang
Peter
P
Basu
Tapan K
TK
Shan
Jacqueline J
JJ
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003208:Concanavalin A; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D005894:Panax; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018517:Plant Roots; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007376:Interleukin-2; D010936:Plant Extracts; D003208:Concanavalin A; D007371:Interferon-gamma