Ginseng modulates the immune response by induction of interleukin-12 production.
In infections with intracellular microorganisms such as mycobacteria and Leishmania parasites as well as certain extracellular chronic infections such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa a Th1 response with activation of macrophages is desirable. Several studies indicate that such a response is associated with better recovery from infection, improved course of the chronic infection, and higher survival rate. In Th1 responses there is increased interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) production, whereas that of interleukin-10 (IL-10) is decreased. The present study indicated that Ginseng modulation of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) results in a higher IL-12 production. The enhanced IL-12 production could induce a stronger Th1 response, resulting in better protection against infection with a variety of pathogens.
Larsen
Maria Waldorff
MW
Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), afsnit 7602, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Moser
Claus
C
Høiby
Niels
N
Song
Zhijun
Z
Kharazmi
Arsalan
A
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008875:Middle Aged; D005894:Panax; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D016753:Interleukin-10; D018664:Interleukin-12; D007371:Interferon-gamma