THE IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF SAIKOSAPONIN DERIVATIVES AND THE ROOT EXTRACT OF BUPLEURUM-KAOI IN MICE

The saikosaponins -a(SSa), -d(SSd), -f(SSf), crude saponin mixture (CS M) and H2O-layer components (HLC) which were isolated from the root of Bupleurum kaoi Liu, Chao et Chuang (Umbelliferae), demonstrated an im munomodulatory effect. Mice of the BALB/c strain were injected periton eally with drugs to assess immune responses weekly over a 4 week perio d. The results showed that the mean ratio of thymus weight to body wei ght increased during week 1 but declined gradually thereafter; the rat io of helper T-cells to suppressor T-cells (Th/Ts) from mice treated w ith SSf and HLC gradually increased; however, in mice treated with SSa , SSd and CSM, the ratio rose to a maximum at week 3 and then decrease d; the IL-2 level of treated mice was significantly higher than that o f the control group throughout the test period; the ratio of spleen we ight to body weight in all drug treated groups increased weekly; the a ctivity of B-cell stimulation in mice was promoted week by week; level s of IgA, IgG and IgM in serum of SSd and SSa treated animals increase d. An in vitro study, involving stimulation of IL-1 demonstrated the f ollowing order of potency: SSd>SSa, 23-O-AcSSa and CSM > SSf and HLC.