Immunomodulation in female B6C3F1 mice following treatment with Chai-Ling-Tang, a formula consisting of twelve herbs

Abstract

Chai-Ling-Tang (CLT) is a traditional Chinese herbal decoction consisting of twelve different herbs, and it has been used to treat a number of immune related disorders. However, the mechanism for its clinical effectiveness was not fully understood. In this study, CLT's effect on the immune system of female B6C3F1 mice was evaluated by examining the IgM antibody forming cell (AFC) response; natural killer (NK) cell activity; the expression of splenocyte surface markers; concanavalin (Con) A and anti-CD3 antibody-mediated T-lymphocyte proliferation; lipopolysaccharide-mediated-B cell proliferation, and the host resistances to the Listeria monocytogenes bacterial infection and B16F10 melanoma. The results from these studies suggest that the administration of CLT at doses between 400 and 800 mg/kg/day by gavage for 28 days modulates the immune response in female B6C3F1 mice by increasing the number, percentage, and activity of NK cells, both Con A and anti-CD3 antibody-mediated T-cell proliferation, the number of neutrophils, and the host resistance to L. monocytogenes infection. On the other hand, B cell activity was decreased at the 800 mg/kg dose level. In conclusion, CLT produced an enhancement of host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection possibly through modulating the function of neutrophils, T cells and NK cells in female B6C3F1 mice using a T regulatory cell-related mechanism.

Preclinical Research on a Mixture of Red Ginseng and Licorice Extracts in the Treatment and Prevention of Obesity

“…For example, Sijunzi decoction with ginseng as the main ingredient and licorice as the auxiliary part has the effects of relieving cramps, pain-relief and curing gastric ulcers [14]. In addition, medicinal plant decoctions Chu-Yeh-Shih-Kao-Tang [15], Bai-Hu-Tang [16] and Byakko-ka-Ninjin-to [17] can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose level; Chai-Ling-Tang has immunomodulatory effects [18]; Lizhong Wan helps digestive system diseases [19], all the above preparations more or less contain ginseng and licorice combined. According to statistics, ginseng has the highest frequency among the herbs that are often used in combination with licorice [20].…”