Immunomodulatory and antitumor activities of grape seed proanthocyanidins

Proanthocyanidins are naturally occurring compounds that are widely available in many kinds of plants; particularly, the grape seeds are a rich source of proanthocyanidins. Grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) have been demonstrated to possess a wide range of health beneficial properties. This study was carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the antitumor therapeutic and immunomodulating effects of GSPs through in vivo and in vitro models. The results showed that GSPs could significantly inhibit the growth of Sarcoma 180 tumor cells in vivo and remarkably increase thymus and spleen weight of Sarcoma 180-bearing mice and upgrade the secretion level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum. Moreover, GSPs could stimulate lymphocyte transformation, enhance lysosomal enzyme activity and phagocytic capability of peritoneal macrophages, and remarkably promote the production of TNF-α. These results suggested that GSPs could improve functional activation of the immune system, and the antitumor effects of GSPs were achieved by immunostimulating properties.