title: Activation of immune responses in mice by an oral administration of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum) mucus.
abstract: Bunching onion [Allium fistulosum L. (Liliaceae)] secretes mucus in the cavities of its green leaves. The effects of the mucus, which is consumed as food, were examined. The mucus augmented the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 from RAW 264 cells and of interleukin (IL)-12 from J774.1 cells; however, extracts from green leaves and white sheaths did not. An oral administration of this mucus to mice augmented the immune functions of peritoneal cells by increasing TNF-α and IL-12 production and phagocytosis. It also augmented interferon (IFN)-γ production from spleen cells and natural killer (NK) activity. These results suggest that an oral administration of the A. fistulosum mucus can enhance natural immunity.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Vegetable and Tea Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ueda
authors.forename: Atsuko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Takeuchi
authors.forename: Tadayuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wako
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000490:Allium / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D018664:Interleukin-12