The immunomodulatory effect of saikosaponin derivatives and the root extract of Bupleurum kaoi in mice

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Abstract
The saikosaponins ‐a(SSa), ‐d(SSd), ‐f(SSf), crude saponin mixture (CSM) and H2O‐layer components (HLC) which were isolated from the root of Bupleurum kaoi Liu, Chao et Chuang (Umbelliferae), demonstrated an immunomodulatory effect. Mice of the BALB/c strain were injected peritoneally with drugs to assess immune responses weekly over a 4 week period. The results showed that the mean ratio of thymus weight to body weight increased during week 1 but declined gradually thereafter; the ratio of helper T‐cells to suppressor T‐cells (Th/Ts) from mice treated with SSf and HLC gradually increased; however, in mice treated with SSa, SSd and CSM, the ratio rose to a maximum at week 3 and then decreased; the IL‐2 level of treated mice was significantly higher than that of the control group throughout the test period; the ratio of spleen weight to body weight in all drug treated groups increased weekly; the activity of B‐cell stimulation in mice was promoted week by week; levels of IgA, IgG and IgM in serum of SSd and SSa treated animals increased. An in vitro study, involving stimulation of IL‐1 demonstrated the following order of potency: SSd<SSa, 23‐O‐AcSSa and CSM<SSf and HLC.

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