Drynariae rhizoma increases immune response in mice

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Traditional Korean Medicine

Background:

• Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine used for vital energy and health.
• The precise mechanisms underlying DR's health-promoting effects are not fully understood.
• Investigating DR's impact on immune function is crucial for validating its traditional uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the immune-enhancing effects of Drynarie Rhizoma (DR) in experimental models.
• To assess DR's influence on fatigue-related biochemical parameters.
• To examine DR's regulatory effects on immune cell functions, specifically nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production.

Main Methods:

• Mice were treated orally with DR and subjected to the forced swimming test (FST) to assess fatigue.
• Blood biochemical parameters, including creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase, were measured post-FST.
• In vitro studies involved mouse peritoneal macrophages to analyze NO and TNF-alpha production, with and without recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma).

Main Results:

• DR treatment (100 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time in the FST, indicating reduced fatigue.
• DR administration (10 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase levels, suggesting muscle protection.
• DR enhanced nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in macrophages, particularly when combined with rIFN-gamma.

Conclusions:

• Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) demonstrates immune-enhancing properties by alleviating fatigue indicators.
• DR positively modulates immunological parameters, including NO and TNF-alpha production in macrophages.
• These findings support the traditional use of DR for strengthening health and suggest potential therapeutic applications.