The synthesis of Rantes, G-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-13 in humanwhole-blood cultures is modulated by an extract from Eleutherococcus senticosus L. roots

An ethanol extract derived from the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus was found to influence markedly the cytokine synthesis of activated whole bloo d cultures of ten healthy volunteers. Whereas the synthesis of Rantes was i ncreased over a wide range of concentrations, the release of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-12 was significantly inhibited, An inhibition at higher concentrations, switching to a stimulation at lower doses of the extract was seen with G-C SF, IL-6 and IL-13, From these particular immuno-pharmacological effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus we suggest this herbal preparation possesses im muno-modulatory potency, rather than just being immune-suppressive or -stim ulating, Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.