Immunostimulatory action

Hata, I., Ueda, J., and Otani, H. 1999. Immunostimulatory action of a commercially available casein phosphopeptide preparation, CPP-III, in cell cultures. Milchwissenschaft 54, 3-7. 

The authors suggested that this syndrome may be more common than supposed, and that it is likely that levamisole is the main causal factor, since the same symptoms have been described after treatment with high-dose levamisole alone, but that the effect may be enhanced by the co-administration of fluorouracil, which potentiates the immunostimulatory action of levamisole. Although there is no conclusive evidence of the value of glucocorticoids in this syndrome, an adequate course of glucocorticoids is advised, comparable to the treatment of multiple sclerosis. 

Since 1990, the increase in sales has been due particularly to (3,p-carotene (3) and astaxanthin (403). The pigment with the strongest sales is p,p-carotene (3) which is currently showing considerable sales growth in the health food sector because of its reported antioxidant and immunostimulatory actions [3-5]. 

Documented effects Preparation from this species are used as a hemostatic (Zemlinsky 1958) and to treat chronic bronchitis (Nosal and Nosal 1959). Compounds in the herb showed inhibitory effects on mouse ear edema (Murai et al. 1995). Results of experimental research confirmed anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and immunostimulatory actions (Wegener and Kraft 1999). 

Through these studies, we may not only find some promising immunostimulator, but also clarify the mechanism of action of some medicinal plants. We conclude that it is very useful to study the immunostimulatory action of Chinese traditional and herbal medicines, and to develop new drugs with high efficacy and low toxicity under the coorperation of phytochemists, pharmacologists, immunologists and clinical doctors. 

Freund s incomplete adjuvant (FIA) is a similar product. It differs from FCA in that it lacks the mycobacterial component and, consequently, displays somewhat lesser adjuvanticity. The mode of action of FIA is largely attributed to depot formation. The mycobacterial components in FCA have additional direct immunostimulatory activities. Although it is one of the most potent adjuvant substances known, FCA is too toxic for human use. 

To analyze newly developed vaccines, it is of interest to study the pharmacological and immunostimulatory effects of the dehvery system (adjuvant) and to compare them to the effects of the combination between the adjuvant and the antigen of interest. This is accomplished by comparing three groups of mice (n = at least 6) Mice immunized with the vaccine (antigen formulated with adjuvant VAC) (to study efficacy aud type of immune response) mice administered with the adjuvant only ADJ) (to elucidate the contribution of the adjuvant on immune response, mechanism of action, and possible side effects) and nonimmunized mice (N). 

It has been known since the early days of ascorbic acid research that the appearance of scurvy, which is caused by deficiency of this vitamin, is associated with decreased resistance to infection (Reid and Briggs, 1953). Over the years, it has become well recognized that ascorbate can bolster the natural defense mechanisms of the host and provide protection not only against infectious disease, but also against cancer and other chronic degenerative diseases. The functions involved in ascorbate s enhancement of host resistance to disease include its biosynthetic (hy-droxylating), antioxidant, and immunostimulatory activities. In addition, ascorbate exerts a direct antiviral action that may confer specific protection against viral disease. The vitamin has been found to inactivate a wide spectrum of viruses as well... 

Macrophages play a key role in the action o/Tinospora cordifolia An experiment was performed in order to determine whether macrophages played a key role in the immunostimulatory effects of Tinospora cordifolia. To demonstrate this, a rise in white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophilia were used as parameters to reflect non-specific immunostimulatory activity. 

Chitosan nanoparticles have also been formulated and evaluated for their anti-cancer potential. It has been reported that the smaller the particle size and higher the positive surface charge, the better its anti-cancer activity is. It showcases its action mainly by disruption of the membrane and induction of apoptosis [44]. The immunostimulatory potential of chitosan is also believed to be one of the factors alleviating its anti-cancer activity [45]. Chitosan nanoparticles have also been used as a drug carrier for delivery of anti-cancer drugs such as doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel and norcantharidin [46]. 

Bauer and Wagner concluded that the immunostimulatory activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts depend on the combined action of several constituents. In lipophilic fractions, alkylamides and the polar caffeic acid derivative cichoric acid contribute to activity of alcoholic extracts. Polysaccharides are implicated in the expressed juice of E. purpurea and aqueous extracts, as well as orally administered powdered whole drug. ... 

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