The immunostimulating activities of anti-tumor polysaccharides from Pseudostellaria heterophylla

Non-destructive identification of Pseudostellaria heterophylla from different geographical origins by Vis/NIR and SWIR hyperspectral imaging techniques

The composition of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Tai-Zi-Shen, TZS) is greatly influenced by the growing area of the plants, making it significant to distinguish the origins of TZS. However, traditional methods for TZS origin identification are time-consuming, laborious, and destructive. To address this, two or three TZS accessions were selected from four different regions of China, with each of these resources including distinct quality grades of TZS samples. The visible near-infrared (Vis/NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral information from these samples were then collected. Fast and high-precision methods to identify the origins of TZS were developed by combining various preprocessing algorithms, feature band extraction algorithms (CARS and SPA), traditional two-stage machine learning classifiers (PLS-DA, SVM, and RF), and an end-to-end deep learning classifier (DCNN). Specifically, SWIR hyperspectral information outperformed Vis/NIR hyperspectral information in detecting geographic origins of TZS. The SPA algorithm proved particularly effective in extracting SWIR information that was highly correlated with the origins of TZS. The corresponding FD-SPA-SVM model reduced the number of bands by 77.2% and improved the model accuracy from 97.6% to 98.1% compared to the full-band FD-SVM model. Overall, two sets of fast and high-precision models, SWIR-FD-SPA-SVM and SWIR-FD-DCNN, were established, achieving accuracies of 98.1% and 98.7% respectively. This work provides a potentially efficient alternative for rapidly detecting the origins of TZS during actual production.

Antitumor effect of a polysaccharide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla through reversing tumor-associated macrophages phenotype

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which are predominant tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, participate in promoting the occurrence and metastasis of tumor cells. Reprogramming TAMs has become a promising immunotherapeutic approach for novel cancer treatments. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide (PHP-1) was obtained from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, and its antitumor and immunological activities, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms were explored. These findings suggested that PHP-1 can switch M2 macrophages to the M1 type, thereby promoting tumor cell apoptosis in vitro. In addition, PHP-1 can modulate the TAMs phenotype, maintain the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ lymphocyte balance, and exert antitumor effects in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, PHP-1 is recognized by the TLR4 receptor, promotes Ca²⁺ release, and activates the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways to reset the M2-type macrophages. These findings indicate that PHP-1 from P. heterophylla can function as a tumor immunotherapeutic modulator.

Isolation, Identification, and Immunomodulatory Effect of a Peptide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla Protein Hydrolysate

In this study, a bioactive peptide YGPSSYGYG (YG-9) with immunomodulatory activity was isolated and identified from Pseudostellaria heterophylla protein hydrolysate. The highest proliferation index of mouse spleen lymphocytes reached 1.19 in the presence of 50 μg/mL YG-9. YG-9 could activate RAW264.7 cells by promoting the secretions of NO, the pinocytosis activity, and the productions of ROS and TNF-α. Moreover, YG-9 enhanced the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 in RAW264.7 cells. TNF-α secretions induced by YG-9 were reduced in TLR2 and TLR4 siRNAs knockdown cells, and this suggested that macrophage activation of YG-9 was through TLR2 and TLR4. Furthermore, YG-9 promoted the translocation of NF-κB through the acceleration of IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation. Also, TNF-α secretions promoted by YG-9 were inhibited by NF-κB-specific inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and BAY11-7082. Altogether, these results suggested YG-9 activated RAW264.7 cells via the TLRs/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway.

Rapid authentication of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Taizishen) from different regions by near-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods

Pseudostellaria heterophylla is a very popular traditional Chinese medicine herb, also called "Taizishen." Discrimination of P. heterophylla from different regions is critical for ensuring the effectiveness of drug use, because the drug effects of P. heterophylla from different regions are diversity of each other. To discriminate P. heterophylla from different regions rapidly and effectively, a model extracted by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was established. Original spectra of P. heterophylla in wave number range of 10,000 to 4,000 cm^-1 were acquired. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was also used to establish a suitable model. CARS was performed for extracting key wave number variables. We found that the near-infrared spectrum of a series of samples analyzed by Row-center-SG, CARS, and OPLS-DA can effectively distinguish the P. heterophylla from different regions, and the accuracy of OPLS-DA model is also satisfactory in terms of good discrimination rate. These results show that the Row-center-SG, CARS, and OPLS-DA model can be used to identify the P. heterophylla from different regions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: According to our research results, we can draw a conclusion that our research results may be used to distinguish the traditional Chinese medicine from those from different places of origin and the powder with similar appearance.

Pseudostellaria heterophylla Extract Polysaccharide H-1-2 Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer by Inhibiting Hypoxia-Induced AG2

We aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of polysaccharide H-1-2, a bioactive component of Pseudostellaria heterophylla, against pancreatic cancer, as well as to demonstrate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Invasion and migration of pancreatic cells treated with H-1-2 were evaluated. A xenograft tumor mouse model was established to assess the effect of H-1-2 on tumor growth. Expression levels of hypoxic inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) and anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) were measured in pancreatic cells after H-1-2 treatment. Luciferase report and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to investigate HIF1α regulation on AGR2. AGR2 expression was re-introduced into pancreatic cells to assess the role of AGR2 as a downstream effector of hypoxia after H-1-2 treatment. H-1-2 inhibited invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, repressed xenograft pancreatic tumor growth, and increased survival of mice. H-1-2 repressed AGR2 expression in pancreatic cancer cells through the hypoxia response element (HRE) in its promoter region. Ectopic AGR2 expression partially negated the H-1-2 inhibitory effect on invasion and migration of pancreatic cells and on xenograft pancreatic tumors growth, and it also compromised the H-1-2 promotional effect on survival of mice. We conclude that H-1-2 suppresses pancreatic cancer by inhibiting hypoxia-induced AGR2 expression, supporting further investigation into its efficacy against pancreatic cancer in clinical settings.

The complete chloroplast genome of Prince Ginseng, Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax (Caryophyllaceae)

We presented complete chloroplast genome of Prince Ginseng, Pseudostellaria heterophylla which is 149,795 bp long and has four subregions: 81,460 bp of large single copy (LSC) and 16,983 bp of small single copy (SSC) regions are separated by 25,676 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 126 genes (81 CDS, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome is 36.5% and those in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 34.3%, 29.4%, and 42.3%, respectively. Phylogenetic trees of 25 Caryophyllaceae species present phylogenetic position of P. heterophylla among available Pseudostellaria species.

Chemistry, pharmacology and analysis of Pseudostellaria heterophylla: a mini-review

Pseudostellaria heterophylla is one of the well-known traditional Chinese medicines and has been used in clinics for 100 years in China. The chemistry and pharmacology of P. heterophylla were reviewed to understand its active compounds. Then analysis of these compounds related to quality control of this herb was discussed. For the analysis of chemicals, three aspects have been discussed in this review. The first two aspects focused on the methodologies for analysis of cyclic peptides and carbohydrates in P. heterophylla, respectively. The last one dealt with the other methods used for identification of P. heterophylla. Some rich chemicals such as oligosaccharides in this plant were rarely evaluated. Many analyses were performed on this plant, however, few of them were accepted as quality control method.

Immunomodulatory effects of Pseudostellaria heterophylla peptide on spleen lymphocytes via a Ca2+/CaN/NFATc1/IFN-γ pathway

Screening and isolation of Pseudostellaria heterophylla peptide with immunomodulatory activity via a Ca²⁺/CaN/NFATc1/IFN-γ pathway.

Physico-Chemical and Antifungal Properties of a Trypsin Inhibitor from the Roots of Pseudostellaria heterophylla

Plant peptidase inhibitors play essential roles in the defense systems of plants. A trypsin inhibitor (PHTI) with a molecular mass of 20.5 kDa was isolated from the fresh roots of the medicinal herb, Pseudostellaria heterophylla. The purification process involved ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G50, and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE 650M. The PHTI contained 3.7% α-helix, 42.1% β-sheets, 21.2% β-turns, and 33% disordered structures, which showed similarity with several Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors. Inhibition kinetic studies indicated that PHTI was a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki value of 3.01 × 10-9 M, indicating a high affinity to trypsin. The PHTI exhibited considerable stability over a broad range of pH (2⁻10) and temperatures (20⁻70 °C); however, metal ions, including Fe3+, Ba2+, Mn2+, and Al3+, could inactivate PHTI to different degrees. Results of fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism showed that Fe3+ could bind to TI with an association constant of 2.75 × 10⁵ M-1 to form a 1:1 complex, inducing conformation changes and inactivation of PHTI. In addition, PHTI could inhibit the growth of the phytopathogens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum, through disruption of the cell membrane integrity. The present study extended research on Pseudostellaria heterophylla proteins and makes PHTI an exploitable candidate as an antifungal protein for further investigation.

Indigenous Uses and Pharmacological Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Mount Taibai, China

This study was carried out to investigate the indigenous use and pharmacological activity of traditional medicinal plants of Mount Taibai, China. Pharmacological data were collected by conducting informal interviews with local experienced doctors practicing traditional Chinese medicine and via open-ended questionnaires on villagers. We conclude that the residents of Mt. Taibai possess rich pharmacological knowledge. This study may help identify high-value traditional medicinal plant species, promote economic development associated with local medicinal plants, and increase awareness from government departments.

Augmentation of Cytolytic Activity in Murine Natural Killer Cells and Inhibition of Tumor Growth by the Ethanol Fraction of Oyster Extract

A reduced number and/or reduced activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are important for defense against a variety of cancers and viral infections, occur under various stress conditions and in patients with various diseases. In this article, we report that the 30% to 50% ethanol precipitate of oyster extract (EPOE50) dose-dependently enhanced the activity of mouse spleen NK cells in vitro and in vivo. The activity of EPOE50 was eluted with a molecular weight of about 2000 by gel filtration and was inactivated by periodate but not by proteinase K. The activity of highly purified NK cells was also augmented by EPOE50 but not by oligodeoxyribonucleotide 1585, which mimics bacterial DNA. Administration of EPOE50 to mice stimulated splenic NK cell activity without a change in splenic NK cell populations. Although the proliferation of B16 tumor cells in vitro was slightly stimulated by EPOE50, the growth of B16 melanoma in vivo was dose-dependently suppressed by administration of EPOE50. Taken together, our results indicate that EPOE50 augmented NK cell activity and that its administration to mice inhibited tumor growth presumably through the activation of NK cells and also suggest that the active substance is a sugar-containing oligomer or polymer and is not of bacterial origin.

Structural Elucidation of a Novel Polysaccharide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla and Stimulating Glucose Uptake in Cells and Distributing in Rats by Oral

The semi-refined polysaccharide of Pseudostellaria heterophylla is a complex polysaccharide that exhibits significantly hypoglycemic activities. A novel homogeneous polysaccharide, named as H-1-2, was isolated from the semi-refined polysaccharide. The mean molecular weight of H-1-2 was 1.4 × 10⁴ Da and it was only composed of d-glucose monosaccharide. Structure elucidation indicated that H-1-2 contains pyranride, and has the characteristics of the α-iso-head configuration, a non-reducing end (T-), 4-, 1,6-, and 1,4,6-connection, in all four ways to connect glucose. H-1-2 was a type of glucan, where chemical combination exists in the main chain between 1→4 linked glucose, and contains a small amount of 1,6-linked glucose, which was in the branched chain. In vitro HepG2, 3T3-L1, and L6 cells were used to assess cellular glucose consumption and cellular glucose uptake by glucose oxidase, and the transport of 2-NBDG fluorescence probe results showed that H-1-2 could clearly increase glucose uptake and utilization in muscle and adipose cells, which is beneficial to screen for in the discovery of anti-diabetes lead compounds. H-1-2 was labeled with radioisotopes ((99m)Tc-pertechnetate). (99m)Tc-labeled-H-1-2 was performed by SPECT/CT analysis images after oral administration in rats. At 4 h post ingestion, about 50% of the radioactivity was observed in the intestine. No significant radioactivity was found in the heart, liver, and kidney, conjecturing that absorption of (99m)Tc-labeled H-1-2 might, via intestinal mucosa, be absorbed into systemic circulation. This problem, as to whether the polysaccharide is absorbed orally, will need further examination.

Effect of gefitinib plus Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Some patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) respond well to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was effective in improving the quality of life and prolonging overall survival in patient with NSCLC. We aim to determine whether gefitinib plus CHM could prolong the progression-free survival (PFS) or median survival time (MST) in patients with NSCLC than gefitinib alone.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 159 non-small-cell lung cancer patients with the method of retrospective case-control study, matching factors included gender, age categories (30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79), pathological stage (IIIB or IV), smoking status (never: <100 lifetime cigarettes, or ever: ≥100 lifetime cigarettes), pathology, and performance status. Among the 159 patients, 100 patients treated with gefitinib (250mg/day orally) plus CHM ("Fuzheng Kang'ai" decoction, a Chinese herbal medicine, 250ml/bid/day orally), 59 patients treated with gefitinib (250mg/day orally) only. PFS and MST were analyzed for the whole population.

RESULTS

58 pairs were matched successfully. 1 patient (treated with gefitinib) with the age of 27 years failed to be matched. Progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients treated with gefitinib plus CHM than with gefitinib: median PFS was 13.1 months (95% CI 6.50-19.70) with gefitinib plus CHM versus 11.43 months (95% CI 7.95-14.91) with gefitinib (log-rank P=0.013). Median overall survival was longer with gefitinib plus CHM than with gefitinib: median MST was 22.83 months (95% CI 17.51-28.16) with gefitinib plus CHM versus 18.7 months (95% CI 16.83-20.57) with gefitinib (log-rank P=0.049). The most common adverse event was rash, the incidence in the gefitinib plus CHM group was 41.38% while in the gefitinib group was 24.14% (P=0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

This case-control analysis suggested that treatment with gefitinib plus CHM prolonged PFS and MST compared with gefitinib in patients with NSCLC, and it is worthy of further study.

Protective effects of Radix Pseudostellariae polysaccharides against exercise-induced oxidative stress in male rats

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Radix Pseudostellariae polysaccharides (RPPs) against swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress in male rats. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: the control (C), low-dose RPP supplementation (LRS), medium-dose RPP supplementation (MRS) and high-dose RPP supplementation (HRS) groups. The control group received saline solution and the supplementation groups received different doses of RPPs (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively). The animals were medicated orally and daily for 28 days. On day 28, the rats were made to swim until exhausted. The exhaustive swimming time and various biochemical parameters, including blood lactate, hemoglobin, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. The results showed that RPP supplementation elevates the exercise tolerance and decreases the blood lactate level of rats following exhaustive swimming exercise. RPP supplementation augments the levels of hemoglobin and anti-oxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px), and effectively decreases the MDA content of the skeletal muscle of rats, which suggests that RPP supplementation has a protective effect against exercise-induced oxidative stress.

Safety and Efficacy of Tien-Hsien Liquid Practical in Patients with Refractory Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Phase IIa Trial

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tien-Hsien Liquid Practical (THL-P), a Chinese herbal mixture, in patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase IIa pilot trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either receive THL-P or matching placebo and followed up every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in the global health status/quality of life (GHS/QOL) scale. The secondary endpoints were changes in functional and symptom scales, immunomodulating effects, and adverse events. Sixty-three patients were enrolled between June 2009 and June 2011. The intent-to-treat population included 28 patients in the THL-P group and 11 patients in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo group, the THL-P group had significant improvement from baseline to last visit in GHS/QOL (41.7 versus −33.3; P < 0.05), CD3, CD4/CD8, CD19, CD16+56 positive cells (P < 0.05), and higher levels of physical, role, emotional, and cognitive functioning, as well as decreased fatigue and systemic side effects. Treatment-related adverse events were mild constipation and localized itching, and no serious adverse events were reported. THL-P appears to be a safe alternative adjuvant treatment for patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer, as it effectively improves QOL and palliates cancer-related symptoms.

Antitumor and immunostimulating effects of Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata

The water extract of Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata showed a potent tumor inhibitory activity in BALB/c mice after subcutaneous transplantation of CT-26 murine colon cancer cells. The tumor-inhibition ratios of mice pre-administered with A. formosanus for 2 days before tumor transplantation, and treated further for 12 consecutive days, were 55.4% and 58.9% at the oral dose of 50 and 10 mg/mouse per day, respectively. Even for the tumor-bearing mice, after oral administration of the water extract of A. formosanus for 12 consecutive days, the tumor inhibition ratios were still 23.8% and 40.5% at doses of 50 and 10 mg/mouse, respectively. Because the low-concentration water extract of A. formosanus does not show direct cytotoxicity in CT-26 tumor cells, we observed further that oral administration of the water extract of A. formosanus may activate murine immune responses, such as stimulating the proliferation of lymphoid tissues and activating the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages against Staphylococcus aureus. This study suggests that the antitumor activity of A. formosanus may be associated with its potent immunostimulating effect. It is worth further analyzing the immunomodulating component purified from A. formosanus, and evaluating its potential value for the treatment of human cancers.

Concurrent isolation of a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor with antifungal activity and a novel lectin from Pseudostellaria heterophylla roots

A simple purification protocol, involving ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose and fast protein liquid chromatography-gel filtration on Superdex 75, was employed to isolate a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor with antifungal activity and a novel lectin from Pseudostellaria heterophylla roots. Both the trypsin inhibitor and the lectin were unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and adsorbed on CM-cellulose. They could be separated from one another by gel filtration on Superdex 75 in which the 36-kDa lectin appeared as the first peak and the 20.5-kDa trypsin inhibitor as the second peak. P. heterophylla trypsin inhibitor exhibited a trypsin inhibitory potency similar to that of soybean trypsin inhibitor. It also demonstrated antifungal activity toward Fusarium oxysporum like aprotinin and Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors from soybeans and lima beans. P. heterophylla lectin was devoid of antifungal activity and exhibited low thermostability and also lability in the presence of acid and alkali. The novel aspects of the present report include demonstration of antifungal activity in Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitors and isolation of a novel lectin as well as a trypsin inhibitor from roots.

The antioxidant effects of aqueous and organic extracts of Panax quinquefolium, Panax notoginseng, Codonopsis pilosula, Pseudostellaria heterophylla and Glehnia littoralis

The roots of Panax quinquefolium, Panax notoginseng, Glehnia littoralis, Codonopsis pilosula and Pseudostellaria heterophylla were extracted with an aqueous extraction method and also with an organic extraction method. The aqueous extracts of Glehnia littoralis and Codonopsis pilosula were the most potent in inhibiting erythrocyte hemolysis. The aqueous extracts of Panax quinquefolium and Panax notoginseng had lower potencies while the aqueous extract of Pseudostellaria heterophylla and the organic extract of Panax quinquefolium were only weakly active. The organic extracts of Glehnia littoralis, Panax heterophylla and Panax quinquefolium were potent in inhibiting lipid peroxidation while the organic extracts of Codonopsis pilosula and Panax notoginseng had weaker potencies. The aqueous extracts possessed much lower potencies the corresponding organic extracts. However, the Glehnia littoralis extract was the most potent aqueous extract. The results suggest that Glehnia littoralis, Codonopsis pilosula, Panax notoginseng and Panax heterophylla are cheaper substitutes of Panax quinquefolium with regard to antioxidant activity.

Induction of secretory and tumoricidal activities in peritoneal macrophages activated by an acidic heteropolysaccharide (ARAGAL) from the gum of Anadenanthera colubrina (Angico branco)

The immunomodulatory and anti-tumoral effects of an acidic heteropolysaccharide containing mainly galactose and arabinose (ARAGAL), isolated from the gum of the leguminous tree Anadenanthera colubrina (Angico branco) native to Brazil, were studied. It has been demonstrated that activation of mice peritoneal macrophages both in vivo and in vitro, increases phagocytic ability and anion superoxide production. In order to obtain further insights on the biological effects of ARAGAL, the capacity of eliciting peritoneal macrophages and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production, and anti-tumoral effect against Sarcoma 180 (S-180), are now evaluated. Cell eliciting activity was observed in ARAGAL-treated animals in a dose dependent manner. Treatment of animals with 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg of ARAGAL increased peritoneal exudate cell (PEC) numbers by approximately 18, approximately 44 and approximately 88%, respectively. ARAGAL also increased 26-fold TNF-alpha production by peritoneal macrophages. Macrophages, treated in vitro for 18 h with ARAGAL, were able to kill Sarcoma 180 cells, as observed by their structures inside the macrophage cytoplasm. ARAGAL (100 mg/kg) showed anti-tumoral activity against S-180 in ascites or solid tumors, the tumoral inhibition being 63 and 38%, respectively. The results suggest a possible role as a BRM for ARAGAL.

Immune cell stimulating activity of mucopolysaccharide isolated from yam (Dioscorea batatas)

Mucopolysaccharide (YMP) of yam (Dioscorea batatas Decne) was tested for immunomodulatory activity in vitro. We examined the effect of YMP on the viability, cell-mediated cytotoxicity and IFN-gamma secretion of splenic lymphocytes. The cytotoxic activity of mouse splenocyte against leukemia cell was increased in the presence of YMP (10 microg/ml). However, YMP (10 microg/ml) did not affect the viability of splenocytes. The production of IFN-gamma was significantly increased in the YMP treated splenocytes, suggesting that YMP may induce cell-mediated immune responses. The effects of YMP on phagocytic activity were studied in relation to uptaking capacity and lysosomal phosphatase activity of the mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. YMP (50 microg/ml) was found to increase uptaking capacity and lysosomal phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages. In addition, YMP (10-100 microg/ml) significantly increased the viability of peritoneal macrophages (P<0.05). The data obtained demonstrate that the YMP may be used as sources of immunoactive polysaccharides.

Immunomodulatory effects of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules in health subjects—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

Immunostimulating polysaccharides extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) have been found to enhance various immunological functions, and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) to show beneficial effects on the circulatory system. In the present clinical study, we investigated if regular consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules could improve cellular immunity in healthy subjects. One hundred healthy subjects were recruited to take Yun Zhi (50 mg/kg body weight) plus Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) or placebo capsules daily for four successive months and, after a 2-month wash-out period, crossover to take placebo or Yun Zhi plus Danshen capsules for four successive months. Flow cytometry was used to assess the lymphocyte subtypes and concentration of T helper (Th) cell cytokines in culture supernatant. Gene expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was analyzed by cDNA expression array. Results showed that regular oral consumption of Yun Zhi-Danshen capsules could significantly elevate PBMC gene expression of interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, increase the percentage and absolute counts of T helper cell and ratio of CD4(+) (T helper)/CD8(+) (T suppressor and cytotoxic T) cell, and significantly enhance the ex vivo production of typical Th1 cytokine interferon-gamma from PBMC activated by phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide (all p<0.005). Such consumption had no adverse effects on liver and renal functions, and the biochemical bone profile. Therefore, regular consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen could be beneficial for immunological functions by potential enhancement of cell-mediated immunity in healthy subjects without any adverse effects.

The immunostimulating activities of anti-tumor polysaccharide from K1 capsular (polysaccharide) antigen isolated from Klebsiella pneumoniae

We have previously shown that K1 capsular polysaccharide antigen (K1CPS) of Klebsiella exhibits anti-tumor activities. In the present study, we examined the effect of K1CPS on cytotoxic effector cells. We found that K1CPS could activate many cytotoxic effector cells including alloreactive cytotoxic T cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Moreover, K1CPS could increase the anti-tumor activity of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, both in vitro and in vivo. The i.p. injection of K1CPS in low dose could enhance the LAK cytotoxicity and the effect was further potentiated by coculture of LAK cells with K1CPS and low concentration of murine rIL-2 in vitro. The phenotypic characterization revealed that K1CPS might contribute to the increase in CD3+ LAK cell subpopulation by its in vivo priming effect. In addition, the K1CPS-treated LAK cells were able to inhibit the growth of WEHI-164 tumor cells in vivo in Winn-type inhibition assay. Subcutaneous (s.c.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) adoptive infusion of LAK cells (splenocytes from K1CPS-treated WEHI-164-bearing mice cultured with K1CPS-plus-rIL-2) into WEHI-164 sarcoma-bearing mice could slightly cause regression in terms of tumor diameter, and more significantly in sarcoma weight.

The isolation and characterization of an immunomodulatory and anti-tumor polysaccharide preparation from Flammulina velutipes

Alkaline-soluble antitumor polysaccharide was prepared from the cell wall of the mushroom Flammulina velutipes. The backbones) of the polysaccharide is mainly composed of beta-(1-->3)-D-linked glucose and its molecular weight was estimated to be about 200 kD. The polysaccharide was found to be non-toxic by brine shrimp assay. When injected into mice intraperitoneally, the polysaccharide triggered proliferation of splenic lymphocytes and also vascular dilation and hemorrhage (VDH) response. The polysaccharide exhibited potent anti-tumor activity against sarcoma SC-180 in vivo but not in vitro.

Activation of the anti-tumor effector cells by Radix bupleuri

Radix bupleuri, the root of Bupleuri spp., Chinese medicinal herbs used for the treatment of influenza, malaria and menstrual disorders, were extracted with hot water and separated into five different fractions (RB, RBI, RBII, RBIII and RBIV) by stepwise alcohol precipitation. One of these fractions, RBI, was then fractionated into RBIa and RBIb by gel filtration using G-100 Sephadex. These two fractions were further purified into RBIai, RBIaii and RBIbi, RBIbii fractions respectively by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE-Sephadex. Each of these fractions is a heteropolymer consisting mainly of carbohydrate and varying proportions of protein and uronic acid. RBIaii was found to show strong anti-tumor activities in sarcoma-bearing mice. Mechanistic studies showed that RBIaii exhibited a potent activating effect on the cytotoxic activity of macrophages, NK and LAK cells against tumor cells. In addition, RBIaii could increase the number of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the tumor site of WEHI-164-bearing mice. Furthermore, RBIaii could induce the release of interferon-gamma by lymphocytes in vitro.

Immunomodulatory and anti-tumour polysaccharides from medicinal plants

Many Chinese medicinal plants have immunomodulatory and anti-tumour activities. Most of the anti-tumour activities of these Chinese herbs are probably due to their immunostimulating polysaccharide components. A general scheme for the isolation and purification of the bioactive polysaccharides from naturally occurring medicinal plants is described. Hot-water extraction followed by various chromatographic methods are usually used to purify the bioactive polysaccharides. The different fractions separated from Chinese medicinal plants show a range of immunomodulatory and anti-tumour activities. The analytical methods used for monosaccharide sequence determination and structural elucidation of the bioactive polysaccharides are described, as are the tests used to evaluate their immunopharmacological activities, both in vitro and in vivo. The purification, characterization and structural elucidation of immunomodulatory polysaccharides from medicinal plants may have important implications in the immunotherapy of cancer and in the treatment of various other diseases.