Influence of Panax Ginseng on gamma-interferonogenesis and functional activity of peritoneal macrophages in mice in conditions of experimental immunosuppression

Abstract

Background. Panax ginseng is a Far Eastern medicinal herb that contains substances with biological activity and improves adaptation to different infavourable conditions. It has been determined that Panax ginseng extract stimulates γ-interferonogenesis in normal conditions and in conditions of its suppression by medicines and chemical agents. Methods. Г-interferonogenesis was tested on a model immunosuppression in mice in normal conditions and in conditions of its suppression by Methotrexate (for intraperitoneal use 0,1 ml/kg a day) or Cadmium chloride (for internal use 3 ml/kg in a day). The dosage of Panax ginseng extract C.A. Mey was 0,1 ml/kg a day for internal use). These substances has been used during 14 days. Results. Xenobiotics trustworthy supprested the macrophagal functional activity that manifested of depression of oxygen-depended metabolism and macrophagal ability to produce the nitrogen oxide metabolites. The prolonged prophylactic application of Panax ginseng extract removed the Methotrexate-induced and the Cadmium chloride-induced functional defect of macrophages. Panax ginseng extract protects immune cells and stimulates γ-interferonogenesis in mice in normal conditions and in conditions of immunosuppression by xenobiotics. Conclusions. Panax ginseng extract contains a lot of substances with specific pharmacological activity. This plant with properties of adaptogen has large perspective for further study and practical application in different branches of medicine.