In vitro effect of Panax ginseng on phytohaemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation

The effect of hydrocortisone or Panax ginseng, and/or a combination of hydrocortisone and Panax ginseng on phytohaemagglutinin (PHA-P)-induced transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes were studied in 4 normal healthy adult volunteers. Increasing concentrations of Panax ginseng 0.16-1.60 micrograms X ml-1 caused a dose-related inhibition of PHA-P transformation of lymphocytes. A combination of 500 micrograms X ml-1 hydrocortisone and 0.80 micrograms X ml-1 Panax ginseng produced a greater suppression of PHA-P stimulation than either drug used alone. This suggests that Panax ginseng has a steroid-like effect in vitro, and may have a potentiating effect with hydrocortisone on T-cell-mediated immunity.