Abstract
Modern scientific studies have shown that several components from Chinese herbal medicines are immunologically active. Astragalus mongholicus polysaccharide APS, a polymer of glucose and arabinose, increases specific antibody formation as well as synthesis of RNA, DNA and protein in mouse spleen. The polysaccharide PES isolated from Acanthopanax senticosus used as a tonic and sedative agent also induces interferon production. An oligosaccharide AbPS isolated from Achyranthes bidentata with a mw of only 1360 Da significantly enhances the humoral immune response and antagonizes the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporin A. AbPS increases the production of TNF and the activity of NK cells. In tumor patients treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, AbPS maintained their peripheral white blood cell count and improved the quality of life. PSP, the protein bound polysaccharide extracted from Coriolus versicolor , has been developed as an anticancer drug in China. It promoted T cell proliferation, increased NK and LAK cell activities as well as anticancer cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IFN-? and TNF-a production so as to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Celastrol, a triterpene compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii was proven to be an equally-strong immunosuppressor and inhibited free radical damage in experimental arthritis. Ginkgo biloba extract improves cognitive functions. Ginkgolide A and B inhibited IL-1, TNF-a and nitric oxide production in rat microglia and prevented the chronic inflammatory process in neurodegenerative diseases.