Antitimor Activity of Some Phytobased Polysaccharides and their Effects on the Immune Function

Polysaccharide fractions were prepared from Ginseng root, Mori Radicis Cortex (M. R. C. ), Phellodendri Cortex (Ph. C. ), Sappan Wood (S. W. ) and Tigli Semen (T. S.). Water extract was also prepared from the mixture of ph. C., S. W. and T. S. Ginseng polysaccharide and water extract of the mixture showed marked antitumor activity against sarcoma 180. Ginseng polysaccharide showed a mild increasing effect on the number of circulating leucocytes and a marked increasing effect on the number leucocytes and a marked increasing effect on the number of plaque forming cells (PEC). Polysaccharides from ginsing root, S. W., Ph. C. + T. S. and water extract of the mixture showed dramatic inducing activities of periotoneal exudate cells (PEC), polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and macrophages. These results suggest the possibility that water extract of the mixture may have the lentinan like effect and ginseng polysaccharide may have stimulating effects on the general immune system.