Comparative analysis on immune response of combination with Astragali Radix and Cinnamomi Cortex

ABSTRACT Objective：Astragali Radix (AR) and Cinnamomi Cortex (CC) are used to enhance immune response in Asian traditional medicine. Immuno-potentiation of the combination of AR and CC were evaluated on the cellular and humoral immune response using murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) and OVA-immunized mice.Methods：This study was designed to investigate the immuno-potentiative effects of AR, CC, and AR with CC on nitric oxide synthesis in RAW 264.7 cells and proliferation and production levels of Intereukin-2 (IL-2) in mouse splenocytes. In addition, we evaluated the plasma-specific antibody responses and splenocyte proliferation on ovalbumin (OVA)-immunized mice treated with he rbal extracts. Results：Combination treatment with AR and CC increased nitric oxide syn thesis in RAW 264.7 cells and IL-2 level in splenocytes (p<0.001). Combination of AR and CC signif icantly enhanced the Concanavalin A- (Con A； T cell mitogen) and lipopolysaccharide-(LPS；B cell mitogen) induced splenocyte proliferation on the OVA-immunized mice. Combination of AR and CC also significantly enhanced plasma levels of OVA-specific IgG (p<0.01), IgG1 (p<0.05) and total IgM (p<0.01) compared wit h the OVA-immunized control group.Conclusion：These results suggest that combination of AR and CC could be us ed as therapeutic profile on activation of immune response.Key words：Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex, immune response, synergistic effect