Article · Volume 16, Issue 71 · pp. 493–498

Immunostimulatory Activities of a High Molecular Weight Fraction of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight Root Obtained by Ultrafiltration

Mi Jang¹, Tae‑Gyu Lim¹, Eunjung Lee¹, Hee‑Do Hong¹, Young Kyoung Rhee¹, Yun Ji Lee², Jeong Hoon Lee², Chang‑Won Cho¹

¹Research Group of Traditional Food, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju, Jeonbuk.
²Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumseong, Chungbuk, Korea.

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we explored the immune‑enhancing effect of the high‑molecular weight fraction of C. auriculatum (CAHF) root extracts in RAW 264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide (CYP)‑induced immune‑suppressed mice.Materials and Methods: To obtain the CAHF, ultrafiltration was performed using 30‑kDa molecular weight cutoff polyethersulfone membranes in a cross‑flow microfiltration system. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of CAHF.Results: CAHF increased the production of nitric oxide and immunostimulatory cytokines (interleukin‑6 and tumor necrosis factor‑α) in recombinant interferon‑γ primed macrophages. In addition, the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells was enhanced by CAHF. Furthermore, CAHF treatment markedly restored the decreased body weight, immune organs (spleen and thymus) weight, natural killer cell activity, and T‑ and B‑lymphocyte proliferation in CYP‑induced immune‑suppressed mice.Conclusion: These results suggest that CAHF is an effective immunostimulatory agent.

Keywords: Cynanchum auriculatum; immune‑suppressed model; immunostimulatory effect; macrophage; polysaccharide; ultrafiltration

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