Effects of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley on the immunomodulatory response in ICR mice and in Molt-4 cells.
BACKGROUND
Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular and microscopic algae that is currently used in a variety of forms of tablets, capsules and liquid as a biological response modifier. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley for its potential reduction of the immobility time in ICR mice and on the cytokine regulation in human T cell line, Molt-4.


RESULTS
After a forced swimming test, the changes in aspects of blood biochemical parameters due to the administration of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley were examined. The effect of hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by the malted barley-treated group for 14 days on the immobility time was significantly reduced in comparison with that of the control group (P < 0.01). The plasma level of blood urea nitrogen was significantly decreased in hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley-treated group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley increased interferon-gamma and interlukin-2 levels in Molt-4 cells.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that hydrolyzed Chlorella vulgaris by malted barley is useful for immune function improvements, enhanced physical stamina, and as a candidate for an anti-fatigue or antidepressant agent.
Kim
Na-Hyung
NH
Department of Pharmacology, College of Oriental Medicine, Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Kyu-Yeob
KY
Jeong
Hyun-Ja
HJ
Kim
Hyung-Min
HM
Hong
Seung-Heon
SH
Um
Jae-Young
JY
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D048408:Chlorella vulgaris / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D045424:Complex Mixtures / Q000009:adverse effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects; D005221:Fatigue / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D001467:Hordeum / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D055670:Medicine, Korean Traditional; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D045424:Complex Mixtures; D016207:Cytokines; D007155:Immunologic Factors