Search

In this study, we evaluated the immunity-enhancing effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (OJ). To examine the immune protective effect in vitro, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with water or ethanol extracts of OJ in the absence or presence of cyclophosphamide (CY), which is a cytotoxic, immunosuppressive agent. The extracts increased the propagation of splenocytes and inhibited CY-induced cytotoxicity. Further, to examine the immunostimulatory effects in vivo , adult Wistar rats were orally administered OJ extracts with or without CY treatment. With the administration of OJ extracts, CY-treated immunosuppressed rats showed improved physical endurance, as assessed by the forced swim test. In addition, extract administration increased not only the number of immunity-related cells but also the levels of plasma cytokines. OJ extracts also recovered splenic histology in CY-treated rats. These findings suggest that an OJ regimen can enhance immunity by increasing immune cell propagation and specific plasma cytokine levels.

The purpose of this study was to examine the antiobesity effects of Monascus pilosus-fermented black soybean (F-BS) in C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. F-BS (oral, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg per body weight, twice per day) ameliorated obesity by reducing body and liver weight increases, and regulating blood glucose and cholesterol levels in C57BL/6 mice fed a control or HFD with oral administration of F-BS for 12 weeks. F-BS suppressed the growth of epididymal, retroperitoneal, and perirenal fat pads by preventing increases in the adipocyte size. Moreover, the levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and leptin were significantly lowered by F-BS administration in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that F-BS is a beneficial food supplement for preventing obesity, controlling blood glucose, and lowering cholesterol. Future research strategies should address the mechanisms that selectively regulate obesity, including hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia.

As malfunction/absence of immune cells causes a variety of immunosuppressive disorders and chemical synthetic drugs for curing these diseases have many adverse effects, vigorous studies are being conducted. The Acanthopanax family has been used as traditional medicines for gastric ulcer, diabetes, etc. and culinary materials in East-South Asia. In this study, the immunostimulating properties of A. sessiliflorus were evaluated. A. sessiliflorus increased not only the splenocyte number but also immune-related cytokines such as TNF-α. However, it could not upregulate the expressions of IFN-γ and IL-2. A. sessiliflorus increased the swimming time, and comparison of organ weights relative to body weights for immune-related organs such as the spleen and thymus after a forced swim test showed that it could recover the spleen and thymus weights. It also increased the expression of TNF-α and slightly increased the concentration of IFN-γ but not IL-2. From the results, we concluded that as A. sessiliflorus has not only a host defense effect but also a stress-ameliorating property, further study it will be a promising material of immunostimulating material.