Immunomodulatory activity of Chilean Cyttaria species in mice with L5178Y lymphoma

The immunomodulatory effect of hydrosoluble extracts of four Chilean Cyttar ia species (Discomycetes, Fungi) was assessed in mice with L5178Y lymphoma, Oral administration of 100 mg: extract per day for 7 days enhanced the per centual phagocytosis and phagocytosis index in animals receiving Cyttaria b erteroi, Cyttaria darwinii, Cyttaria espinosae and Cyttaria hariot! extract s. Differences in the digestion index were observed in mice treated with C. darwinii and C. berteroi. In the delayed-type hypersensitivity model, only C. harioti was able to modify the immune response. The results suggest tha t intake of Cyttaria can improve the immune system of consumers, (C) 2001 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.