Ginseng Polysaccharide Research Articles

Ginseng marc-derived low-molecular weight oligosaccharide inhibits the growth of skin melanoma cells via activation of RAW264.7 cells

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer has been traditionally consumed to prevent or treat various medical disorders due to its diverse health benefits. Polysaccharides isolated from Panax ginseng have been known to possess various pharmacological activities, including immune modulating, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. Despite the increasing number of reports on the bioactivities of ginseng polysaccharides, little is known regarding the medicinal potential of ginseng-derived oligosaccharides. In this study, we prepared a lower-molecular weight oligosaccharide (GOS, MW. 2.2kDa) from ginseng polysaccharides (MW. 11–605kDa) by enzymatic degradation and evaluated for its immunostimulating activities in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. GOS was shown to be a glucan type oligosaccharide mainly containing glucose residues (97.48 in molar %). Treatment with GOS (100–500μg/ml) dose-dependently enhanced the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and NO in RAW 264.7 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that GOS dose-dependently induced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and nuclear factor κB (NFκB), which are upstream signalling molecules for cytokine production. While GOS was not cytotoxic to the RAW 264.7 macrophage cells at the concentration tested (up to 1000μg/ml), when B16F10 melanoma cells were co-cultured with the GOS-activated macrophages, the cell viability of melanoma cells was dose-dependently decreased through the induction of apoptotic cell death. Taken together, these results suggested that ginseng marc-derived GOS has anti-cancer activity in vitro against melanoma cells by potentiating macrophage function.

Antioxidant activity of prebiotic ginseng polysaccharides combined with potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum C88

SummaryThe potential prebiotic properties of Panax ginseng polysaccharides were studied using ten strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from traditional Chinese fermented foods. These probiotics showed different growth characteristics depending on the extract and strain specificity. L. plantarum C88 showed higher cell densities and growth rate when cultured on P. ginseng polysaccharides. In the in vitro antioxidant assay, P. ginseng polysaccharides combined with L. plantarum C88 were found to possess significant DPPH, ABTS and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activities, and acidic polysaccharides showed better antioxidant activity than neutral polysaccharides. Furthermore, we evaluated the antioxidant effect of acidic P. ginseng polysaccharide combined with L. plantarum C88 strain in natural ageing mice in vivo. Acidic P. ginseng polysaccharide and L. plantarum C88 together inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacities (T‐AOC) in a dose‐dependent manner.

α-Amylase-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Panax ginseng

In this paper, α-amylase-assisted extraction was used to isolate the polysaccharide that remained in hot water-extracted ginseng. The yield of the polysaccharide was 9.0%, almost equal to that of the hot water-extracted polysaccharide. Using anion exchange and gel permeation chromatography, the polysaccharide was fractionated into a neutral polysaccharide fraction and six pectic fractions. The neutral fraction accounted for 76% of the polysaccharide and contained both amylopectin and amylose. The pectic polysaccharide fractions were identified to be arabinogalactan, type-I rhamnogalacturonan and homogalacturonan-type pectin by high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform-infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Structural and lymphocyte proliferation activity results showed that these polysaccharides were different from those extracted by hot water, indicating that ginseng contains complex polysaccharides with diverse structures, which results in its diverse pharmacological activities. The α-amylase-assisted extraction is a novel method for preparing ginseng polysaccharides and could be applied toward the further study and exploration of ginseng. These findings provide technical and theoretical support for ginseng pharmacology.

Anti-fatigue Effects of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol and 20(S)-Protopanaxatriol in Mice.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. MEYER, Araliaceae), which contains protopanaxadiol-type and protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides, has been used for inflammation, fatigue, stress, and tumor in Asian countries. Orally administered ginsenosides are metabolized to their aglycones 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD) and 20(S)-protopanaxatriol (PPT) by gut microbiota. However, their anti-fatigue effects have not been studied thoroughly. Therefore, we investigated the anti-fatigue activities of PPD and PPT in mice, using the weight-loaded swimming (WLS) and the rota-rod tests. Ginseng water extract (GW), ginseng saponin fraction (GWS) and ginseng polysaccharide fraction (GWP) at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg and PPD and PPT at 5 and 10 mg/kg were orally administered to mice once daily for 5 d. GW, GWS, and PPT significantly increased the WLS time, however, GWP and PPD did not cause any significant change. PPT induced the most significant increase in WLS time. PPD (10 mg/kg) and PPT (5 and 10 mg/kg) inhibited the WLS-induced increase in corticosterone, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine levels as well as the reduction in glucose level. PPT increased the riding time in the rota-rod test, and also inhibited corticosterone, lactate, and creatinine levels. These findings suggest that the anti-fatigue effect of ginseng may be attributable to its saponins, particularly PPT, rather than to its polysaccharides.

Research achievements on structures and activities of polysaccharides from Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has been used as traditional medicine in Asian countries for more than 2,000 years. P. ginseng contains many active components such as ginsenosides, peptides, essential oil and polysaccharides, among which, P. ginseng polysaccharides were reported to have immunomodulating, anti-cancer, anti-adhesive and antioxidant activities. For better understanding of the structures and biological activities of all the ginseng polysaccharides, here the recent research achievements were reviewed. This review would be helpful for the relevant researchers to get useful information.

Effect of ginseng polysaccharides and dendritic cells on the balance of Th1/Th2 T helper cells in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of thorascopic administration of ginseng polysaccharides (GPS) plus dendritic cells (DC) on T helper cell type 1/T helper cell type 2 (Th1/Th2) balance in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsA total of 96 NSCLC patients were divided evenly into two groups. The control group was treated with DCs alone and the treatment group was treated with DCs plus GPS. After DCs and GPS were administered thoracoscopically, once a week, 4 times for 30 days, the patients' quality of life was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Lung (FACT-L) questionnaire before and after treatment. Serum interferon-γ (INF-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-2 and IL-5 were examined before and after treatments. ResultsThe level of Th1 cytokines (INF-γ, IL-2) and the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines (INF-γ/IL-4, IL-2/IL-5) increased in both treatment groups, while Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) and FACT-L scores decreased (P<0.01). Furthermore, after treatment Th1 cytokines (INF-γ, IL-2) and the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines (INF-γ/IL-4, IL-2/IL-5) were higher in the DCs + GPS group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conversely, FACT-L scores and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) were higher in the control group than in the DCs + GPS group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe treatment regime of DCs plus GPS had a greater effect on NSCLC patients' immune function as compared with DCs alone. This was evident by increased expression of Th1 cytokines (INF-γ, IL-2) and the ratio of Th1/Th2 (INF-γ/IL-4, IL-2/IL-5), as well as by decreased FACT-L scores and the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5).

Optimization of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction Process of Polysaccharides from American Ginseng and Evaluation of Its Immunostimulating Activity

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of American ginseng polysaccharides (AGP) was investigated using response surface methodology. Three-factor-three-level Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize the ultrasonic power, extraction time and ratio of water to raw material to obtain a high AGP yield. The analysis of variance and response surface plots indicated that ultrasonic power was the most important factor affecting the extraction yield. The optimal conditions were ultrasonic power 400 W, extraction time 71 min, and ratio of water to raw material 33 mL g−1. Under these conditions, the yield of AGP was 8.09%, which was agreed closely to the predicted value. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis showed that AGP was composed of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed the general characteristic absorption peaks of AGP. In addition, AGP exhibited good immunostimulating activities by up-regulating the production of nitric oxide and cytokines. Compared with hot water extraction, UAE required shorter extraction time and gave a higher extraction yield, without changing the structure and immunostimulating activity of AGP. The results indicated that UAE could be an effective and advisable technique for the large scale production of plant polysaccharides.

Structural and anti-inflammatory characterization of a novel neutral polysaccharide from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

Neutral polysaccharides are one of the active components in the American ginseng roots. Recently, the studies about American ginseng polysaccharides are mainly centered on acidic polysaccharides, while there is relatively limited research that explores neutral polysaccharides. In this study a novel neutral polysaccharide (PPQN) was isolated from American ginseng roots and its structure and anti-inflammatory activity were investigated. The average molecular weight (Mw) of PPQN was 3.1kDa. Monosaccharide components’ analysis indicated that PPQN was composed of glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal) in a molar ratio of 1:1.15. Secretions of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were detected in PPQN pre-treatment RAW264.7 macrophages. PPQN (150μg/mL) exhibited more effective inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 secretions, followed by NO production with respective values of 40.5%, 41.1%, 34.4%, and 11.1% suppression. These results indicated that PPQN may have therapeutic implications in treatment of inflammation and inflammatory-related diseases.

Effects of component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on cell proliferation, apoptosis and skeleton in lung cancer A549 cells

This study aims to optimize the most effective component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on lung cancer A549 using the orthogonal design method, and to investigate its effects of the component formula on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cytoskeleton in lung cancer A549 cells. The orthogonal design method was introduced to optimize the most effective component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on lung cancer A549 cells. CCK-8 assay and Real-time cell analysis were adapted to analyze the effect of component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma on A549 cells viability at different time and dose. Cell apoptosis was measured by Annexin V- FITC/PI double staining and flow cytometry. Cell skeleton protein F-actin was detected by high content screening (HCS). The optimizing component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma for total salvianolic acid, total saponins of panax ginseng and ginseng polysaccharide doses were 5, 10, 5 mg L(-1). CCK-8 assay and real-time cell analysis demonstrated that the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma treatment could significantly decrease the A549 cell viability in both dose- and time-dependent manner compared with control group (P < 0.01). Moreover, the increase of cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and flow cytometry when cells treated with the component formula, which indicating that the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma could induce A549 cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner compared with control group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, compared with control group, a significant decrease in A549 cell skeleton area was found in the component formula-exposed cells in the dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). In summary, the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma inhibits A549 cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and decreasing cell microfilament formation. All of these results will be helpful to reveal antitumor mechanism of the component formula of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, which provides a basis for the exploration of antitumor mechanism of the component formula on lung cancer.

A 14-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ginseng polysaccharide (Y-75)

BackgroundThe Y-75 (Ginsan) acidic polysaccharide from Korean Panax ginseng has been shown to function as an immunomodulatory molecule. However, the efficacy of Y-75 has not been evaluated in clinical trial.MethodsWe verified Y-75 (6 g/day) for safety and immune efficacy in 72 healthy volunteers aged 50–75 years using a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel, double-blind study. The activities of natural killer (NK) cells and peripheral blood phagocytes, as well as serum levels of monocyte-derived mediators, were assessed before and after administration for 8 and 14 weeks. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02161198).ResultsY-75 significantly enhanced NK cell cytotoxic activity by 35.2% and 40.2% from baseline after administration for 8 and 14 weeks, respectively. The phagocytic activity of peripheral blood cells was also significantly increased by 25.2% and 39.4% and serum level of TNF-α by 38.2% and 44.5% after treatment for 8 and 14 weeks, respectively. Differences in the efficacy of variables compared to the placebo group were also significant. Administration of Y-75 was well tolerated without treatment-related adverse events or alteration of complete blood cell count or blood chemistry over the entire study period.ConclusionY-75 was shown to be a safe and potentially effective natural alternative for enhancing immune function.

Genome-wide discovery of novel and conserved microRNAs in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Of late years, a large amount of conserved and species-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) have been performed on identification from species which are economically important but lack a full genome sequence. In this study, Solexa deep sequencing and cross-species miRNA microarray were used to detect miRNAs in white shrimp. We identified 239 conserved miRNAs, 14 miRNA* sequences and 20 novel miRNAs by bioinformatics analysis from 7,561,406 high-quality reads representing 325,370 distinct sequences. The all 20 novel miRNAs were species-specific in white shrimp and not homologous in other species. Using the conserved miRNAs from the miRBase database as a query set to search for homologs from shrimp expressed sequence tags (ESTs), 32 conserved computationally predicted miRNAs were discovered in shrimp. In addition, using microarray analysis in the shrimp fed with Panax ginseng polysaccharide complex, 151 conserved miRNAs were identified, 18 of which were significant up-expression, while 49 miRNAs were significant down-expression. In particular, qRT-PCR analysis was also performed for nine miRNAs in three shrimp tissues such as muscle, gill and hepatopancreas. Results showed that these miRNAs expression are tissue specific. Combining results of the three methods, we detected 20 novel and 394 conserved miRNAs. Verification with quantitative reverse transcription (qRT-PCR) and Northern blot showed a high confidentiality of data. The study provides the first comprehensive specific miRNA profile of white shrimp, which includes useful information for future investigations into the function of miRNAs in regulation of shrimp development and immunology.

Antitumor activities of ginseng polysaccharide in C57BL/6 mice with Lewis lung carcinoma.

In the present study, we prepared ginseng polysaccharide (GP) and evaluated its antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in C57BL/6 mice bearing with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC). Administration of GP (50, 100, and 200mg/kg) could not only significantly inhibit the growth of transplantable LLC tumor in C57BL/6 mice but also remarkably increase relative weight of spleen and thymus, splenocytes proliferation, and the ratio of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocyte in peripheral blood in LLC-bearing mice. Furthermore, the serum IL-2 and IFN-γ production and NK cytolytic activity were also prompted in LLC-bearing mice in response to GP treatment at three doses. Additionally, GP showed no side effects such as weight loss in body weight and internal organs (lung, liver, kidney, and heart) as well as inactivity during the experiment. Therefore, GP might be conveniently exploited to be good immune-stimulating modifiers and had the potential value for tumor therapy.

Stimulation and suppression of innate immune function by American ginseng polysaccharides: biological relevance and identification of bioactives.

Polysaccharides constituting about 10% by weight of ginseng root are known to stimulate the immune system but have recently been shown to also suppress induced proinflammatory responses. Our study aims to determine whether American ginseng root polysaccharides (AGRPS) stimulates basal innate immune function and at the same time can suppress response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced proinflammatory response. An in vitro mechanistic study was used to identify the bioactive fraction(s) responsible for AGRPS immunomodulatory effects. The ex vivo and in vivo immunomodulatory effects after oral administration of AGRPS extract was studied in adult rats by measuring cultured alveolar macrophage production of NO and changes of plasma cytokine level, modification of LPS proinflammatory immune response by AGRPS extract was also examined. To identify the bioactive fraction(s) responsible for AGRPS extract immunomodulatory effects, the immunobioactivities of the extract fractions (isolated by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography) was investigated in an in vitro mechanistic study. Culture of alveolar macrophages obtained from AGRPS extract treated rats resulted in an increase of ex vivo production of NO and also reduced alveolar macrophage responsiveness to ex vivo LPS challenge. Oral treatment with AGRPS extract elevated plasma TNF-α concentration in vivo. This treatment also suppressed LPS induced elevation of plasma TNF-α in vivo. AGRPS extract immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects were mediated primarily by acid PS and its species with molecular weights ≥ 100 kDa and 50-100 kDa. AGRPS extract exerted immunostimulation and suppressed LPS immune response under basal and LPS induced proinflammatory conditions respectively.

Comparative study of main components of ginseng on immune function of rats

Ginseng and its effective components are famous for their influence to enhance human immunity, regulate endocrine and antioxidant action. However, the different effects of different components are not clear. In this study, Wistar rats were used to study the effects of main components of ginseng, including total ginsenoside, panaxadiol saponins, panaxtrol saponin and ginseng polysaccharide. The results showed that the effects of panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide on improving animal immune organ weight, plasma interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 6 (IL-6), plasma gamma-interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were better than that of the other groups. Total ginsenoside and panaxtrol saponin can effectively increase the concentration of spleen NK cells (NKC) while panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide can significantly increase the concentrations of rat plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). As for the effect of increasing organization nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), total ginsenoside is better than that of other groups. In brief, different components in ginseng possess different effects on enhancing immunity, regulating endocrine and resisting oxidation. Panaxadiol saponins and ginseng polysaccharide are better in enhancing immune, and total ginsenoside shows advantages in resisting oxidation and stress.

Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidative activities of ginseng polysaccharides in STZ-induced diabetic mice

Neutral (WGPN) and acidic (WGPA) polysaccharides were fractionated from ginseng polysaccharide. WGPN and WGPA decreased fasting blood glucose by different manners of administration. Intra-gastric administration of WGPA showed a marked hypoglycemic effect, which may be related to its anti-oxidative activity. The results indicated that WGPA may have anti-diabetic potential.

Ultrafiltration separation and immune enhancing activity of American ginseng polysaccharide

The objective of this study was to separate polysaccharides from American ginseng by ultrafiltration and evaluate their immune enhancing activity. Hot water extract of the root was separated by membrane ultrafiltration into four different molecular weight fractions as follows: AGP1 ( > 100ku) , AGP2 ( 30100ku) , AGP3 ( 1030ku) and AGP4 ( < 10ku) . Total yield of American ginseng polysaccharides was 5.17%, with the percentage of 46.61%, 3.30%, 12.11%, and 37.98% for AGP1AGP4, respectively.Total sugar content of them was ranged from 42.87% to56.55%. Monosaccharide analysis showed that AGP1 ~ AGP4 were composed of six to eight monosaccharides, which all contained arabinose, rhamnose, mannose, glucose, and glucose acid. AGP1 and AGP2 showed remarkable immune enhancing activity by stimulating macrophages to produce NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10.

Panax ginseng polysaccharide induces apoptosis by targeting Twist/AKR1C2/NF-1 pathway in human gastric cancer

In the present study, we isolated and screened an antitumor polysaccharide (PGP2a) from the roots of Panax ginseng. Chemical composition analysis indicated PGP2a was an acidic protein–polysaccharide. The average molecular weight was estimated to be 3.2×104Da. According to gas chromatography (GC) result, PGP2a consisted of galactose, arabinose, glucose and galacturonic acid in the molar ratio of 3.7:1.6:0.5:5.4, respectively. MTT assay showed that PGP2a had a potent inhibitory effect on the growth of HGC-27 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the number of HGC-27 cells arrested in G2/M phase, and the percentage of apoptotic cells were increased in response to PGP2a treatment along with concentration increasing. Moreover, western blotting analysis showed that protein expressions of Twist and AKR1C2 were suppressed by PGP2a, whereas an increase of NF1 was observed at protein level. Taken together, these findings suggested that PGP2a could be developed as a novel antitumor agent acting on Twist related gene for human gastric cancer therapy.

Protective effects of Korean red ginseng against radiation-induced apoptosis in human HaCaT keratinocytes

Radiation-induced oral mucositis is a dose-limiting toxic side effect for patients with head and neck cancer. Numerous attempts at improving radiation-induced oral mucositis have not produced a qualified treatment. Ginseng polysaccharide has multiple immunoprotective effects. Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on radiation-induced damage in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and in an in vivo zebrafish model. Radiation inhibited HaCaT cell proliferation and migration in a cell viability assay and wound healing assay, respectively. KRG protected against these effects. KRG attenuated the radiation-induced embryotoxicity in the zebrafish model. Irradiation of HaCaT cells caused apoptosis and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). KRG inhibited the radiation-induced apoptosis and intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and stabilized the radiation-induced loss of MMP. Western blots revealed KRG-mediated reduced expression of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM), p53, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and cleaved caspase-3, compared with their significant increase after radiation treatment. The collective results suggest that KRG protects HaCaT cells by blocking ROS generation, inhibiting changes in MMP, and inhibiting the caspase, ATM, p38 and JNK pathways.

Quality evaluation of polysaccharide of ginseng injections from different manufacturers

To evaluate injections of ginseng polysaccharide from 4 different manufacturers of 5 batches on the market. Based on quality analysis, normal examinations were investigated, and monosaccharide composition and the molecular weight of polysaccharide in ginseng injections were performed. Products from 4 different manufacturers were in line with the requirements of quality standard and Chinese Pharmacopeia (2010 edition). But there were great differences in molecular weight and monosaccharide composition. It is suggested to enhance the quality standard to ensure the medication safety use.

Phenotypic and functional analysis of the modification of murine bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) induced by neutral Ginseng polysaccharides (NGP)

In this study, we reveal that a neutral polysaccharide isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb, named Ginseng (Panaxgiseng C.A. Meyer), promotes maturation of BMDCs via inducing changes both inside and outside BMDCs, as well as changes of functions. These affects of NGP on BMDCs were evaluated with use of conventional scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) for morphology of BMDCs, flow cytometry (FCM) for key surface markers of BMDCs, cytochemistry assay, FITC-dextran, bio-assay for their phagocytosis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokine production by BMDCs. Our results proved that NGP induced maturation of BMDCs as reflected by the downregulation of acid phosphatase (ACP) activity inside the BMDCs, which occurs when phagocytosis of BMDCs decreased, while antigen presentation increased upon maturation. These data also revealed higher expression of MHC II, CD80, CD86, CD83, CD40 and secretion of higher level of IL-12 and low level of TNF-α. Our approach suggests that NGP could therefore stimulate the maturation of murine BMDCs through a series of regulation to the BMDCs.