Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Actinidia macrosperma

Actinidia macrosperma (AM) is a medicinal plant in China and has been well known for its activities against cancers, especially of lung, liver and digestive system. The immunomodulatory effects of AM aqueous extract were examined using S180-bearing mice. Young adult (20 +/- 2 g) ICR mice inoculated with S180 cells were divided randomly into six groups: S180-bearing control group, normal control group, positive control group (Ginseng Radix Rubra 2000 mg/kg) and 50, 100, 250 mg/kg AM treatment groups. Each group consisted of ten mice. Body and tumor weights were obtained after 12 consecutive days, and their humoral, cellular and nonspecific immune functions were also determined by relative assays. The results showed that the aqueous extract of AM was lack of significant inhibit on transplantable sarcoma S180, with a inhibit rate of 1.5% -14.8% (dose at 250 mg/kg was the best), but significantly increased the overall immune functions (especially at 100 and 250 mg/kg). The immunomodulatory effect was dose-dependent in a nonlinear fashion with the optimal dose of 100 mg/kg. The AM-induced antitumor effects were at least partially indirect and were associated with the modulation of immune functions.