Effects of ginseng root saponins and ginsenoside Rb1 on immunity in cold water swim stress mice and rats
Luo, Y.M.; Cheng, X.J.; Yuan, W.X.
Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 14(5): 401-404
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9756 PMID: 8010026 Document Number: 420194
The proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, the humoral immune response to sheep red blood cells, and the phagocytotic function of intraperitoneal macrophages were all suppressed by cold water (4 degree C) swim stress (CWSS) for 5 min in rats and for 3 min in mice. Meanwhile, the levels of serum corticosterone increased. Ginseng root saponins 100 mg cntdot kg-1 or ginsenoside Rb-1 10 mg cntdot kg-1 ip or ig completely antagonized the immunosuppression induced by CWSS, and inhibited the increase of serum corticosterone in CWSS rats, but increased the level of serum corticosterone further in CWSS mice.