홍삼의 생체 내 사이토카인 분비에 대한 면역조절효과

Abstract

Cytokines released from innate immune cells play key roles in the regulation of the immune response. Red Ginseng (RG, steamed and dried root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is known to show different pharmacological effects by changed composition of saponins compared with Panax Ginseng. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of RG on the regulation of cytokine release in mice. RG was injected i.p at doses of 0.5, 5 and 50 mg/kg for 6 weeks. We assessed that the weight index of immune organs such as thymus, and spleen, and the mitogen blastogenesis of splenocytes. We also determined the levels of circulating cytokines in serum from RG-treated mice using ELISA assay. The weight index of thymus and spleen, and proliferation of mitogen response of splenocytes have increased in the RG-injected groups. In addition, the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-2 concentrations have significantly increased in the serum of RG-treated mice, but that of IL-10 has not. These results suggest that RG has immune stimulating effects and could be useful as a immunoregulator of circulating cytokine release in vivo.