Stimulatory Effect of Saponin from Panax ginseng on Function of Lymnphocytes in the Elderly

We used the saponin Rgi extracted from Panax ginseng to study its effects on lymphocytes of 10 young and 19 elderly persons. The proliferate response of Iymphocytes cocultured for 72h with PHA and saponin was measured by using MTT method and the'H-TdR incorporation procedure. PHA and Rgl had stimulative effects on the phenotype of Iymphocytes (p<0.001). Rgl also increased the fluidity of lymphocyte membrane of the aged (p<0.001). The CD2s and CDfsRA positive cells of Iymphocytes in the elderly were lower than those of the young people,8.6clo $\pm$ 2.7olo vs 10.43% : 3.5%, 20.95% $\pm$ 15.5clQ vs 50.86% :4.3olo, respectively. More CDfsRO positive cell lymphocy populations were seen in the aged. The CEfsRO positive cells of the young people were 39.63% $\pm$ 3.2%. We discussed the cause of declined immune function of Lymphocytes of aged person and the mechanism of the effect of P. ginseng on Lymphocytes. Key words: Saponin, Lymphocytes, Aged person, Stimulatory effect, and Panax ginseng