Immunomodulatory Effects of Kuseonwangdogo-Based Mixed Herbal Formula Extracts on a Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model.

Joo Wan Kim,Du Jin Seol,Jae-Suk Choi,Sae Kwang Ku,Jai Jun Choung

doi:10.1155/2018/6017412

Abstract

Aim Kuseonwangdogo is a traditional Korean immunomodulatory polyherbal prescription. However, there are no systemic findings on its complex immunomodulatory effects on in vivo models. In this study, we observed the immunomodulatory effects of Kuseonwangdogo-based mixed herbal formula aqueous extracts (MHFe) on cyclophosphamide- (CPA-) induced immunosuppression mouse model. Methods In total, 60 male 6-week-old ICR mice (10 mice/group) were selected based on body weight 24 h after the second CPA treatment and used in this experiment. Twelve hours after the end of the last (fourth) oral administration of MHFe, the animals were sacrificed. Results Following CPA treatment, a noticeable decrease in the body, thymus, spleen, and submandibular lymph node (LN) weights; white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet number, hemoglobin, and hematocrit concentrations; serum interferon-γ levels; splenic tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-10 content; and peritoneal and splenic natural killer cell activities was observed. Depletion of lymphoid cells in the thymic cortex, splenic white pulp, and submandibular LN-related atrophic changes were also observed. However, these CPA-induced myelosuppressive signs were markedly and dose-dependently inhibited by the oral administration of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg MHFe. Conclusion MHFe can be a promising, potent immunomodulatory therapeutic agent for various immune disorders.

Highlights

Numerous factors can influence the immune system development, maintenance, and optimal functioning [1]
Twelve hours after the last oral administration of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg mixed herbal formula aqueous extracts (MHFe) or 250 mg/kg β-glucan, changes in body, thymus, spleen, and submandibular lymph node (LN) weights, 13 hematological parameters (Table 2), serum interferon- (IFN-) γ levels, peritoneal and splenic natural killer (NK) cell activities, and splenic tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-10 levels were monitored with histopathology of lymphoid organs
A significant (p < 0.01) decrease in body weight was detected in all CPA-treated mice compared with intact vehicle control mice with significant (p < 0.01) decrease in body weight gain during 3 days of CPA treatment, 2 days of test substance administration, and 5 days of whole experimental period

Summary

Introduction

Numerous factors can influence the immune system development, maintenance, and optimal functioning [1]. All the seven herbal components of Kuseonwangdogo, Nelumbinis Semen [16], Dioscoreae Rhizoma [17], Hoelen Alba [18], Coicis Semen [19], Hordei Fructus Germinatus [20], Lablab Semen Album [21], and Euryales Semen [22], have been shown to have direct immunomodulatory effects or related antioxidant effects. The immunomodulatory effects of the two sweeteners in Kuseonwangdogo-based mixed herbal formula aqueous extracts (MHFe; yield = 11.03%; Table 1) on CPAinduced immunosuppression mouse model were observed. Twelve hours after the last (fourth) oral administration of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg MHFe or 250 mg/kg β-glucan, changes in body, thymus, spleen, and submandibular lymph node (LN) weights, 13 hematological parameters (Table 2), serum interferon- (IFN-) γ levels, peritoneal and splenic natural killer (NK) cell activities, and splenic tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-10 levels were monitored with histopathology of lymphoid organs. The total and cortex thicknesses of thymus, white pulp numbers, total and white pulp diameters of the spleen, lymphoid follicle numbers, total and cortex thicknesses of submandibular LN were the histomorphometrical parameters investigated in this study

Materials and Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Disclosure