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Immunomodulating activities of polysaccharides isolated from Panax ginseng
Tae-Soo Lim1, Keun Na, Eun-Mi Choi
1Department of Biotechnology & Bioproducts Research Center, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer has been traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases and infections. Ginseng marc is a fibrous and insoluble by-product remaining after the extraction process of ginseng. In this research an extrusion process was employed to disintegrate the insoluble ginseng marc structure, and water-soluble ginseng marc polysaccharide (GMP) was isolated. GMP was examined for immunomodulatory effects in murine peritoneal macrophages. GMP significantly increased the lysosomal phosphatase activity and the phagocytic index of peritoneal macrophages (P<.05). The peritoneal macrophages treated with GMP also produced significantly more H(2)O(2) and nitrite than the control without GMP treatment (P<.05). In addition, GMP (100 microg/mL) significantly increased the cell viability of peritoneal macrophages (P<.05). These results suggest that GMP is an effective nonspecific immunomodulatory agent, and its immunostimulating effects may be due to its ability to stimulate the production of reactive oxygen intermediates.
Insights
Water-soluble ginseng marc polysaccharide (GMP) from Panax ginseng enhances immune cell activity. This study shows GMP effectively boosts macrophage function, indicating its potential as an immunomodulatory agent.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is traditionally used for chronic diseases.
- Ginseng marc is an insoluble by-product of ginseng extraction.
- Developing novel therapeutic agents from natural by-products is of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate water-soluble ginseng marc polysaccharide (GMP).
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of GMP on murine peritoneal macrophages.
- To determine if GMP can enhance non-specific immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Extrusion process to disintegrate ginseng marc.
- Isolation of water-soluble GMP.
- In vitro assessment of GMP's effects on macrophage activity (lysosomal phosphatase, phagocytosis, H2O2 and nitrite production, cell viability).
Main Results:
- GMP significantly increased lysosomal phosphatase activity and phagocytic index in macrophages (P<.05).
- GMP treatment led to significantly higher production of H2O2 and nitrite by macrophages (P<.05).
- GMP (100 microg/mL) significantly enhanced macrophage cell viability (P<.05).
Conclusions:
- GMP acts as an effective non-specific immunomodulatory agent.
- The immunostimulating effects of GMP are likely mediated by stimulating reactive oxygen intermediate production.
- GMP demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent derived from ginseng by-products.