Abstract:

The aim of this study was to study the effects of Hoya saponins on immune function and antioxidation of mouse peritoneal macrophages. Saponins were extracted from Hoya stem and leaf. The effects of Hoya saponins on energy metabolism level, phagocytosis capability, nitrous oxide (NO) release, the production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-ɑ, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and Lysozyme (LSZ) activity were determined by using cell culture in vitro method. Results were as follows: Compared to the control group, phagocytosis capability was increased very significantly (P<0.01)at the dose of 5.0-80.0 μg·mL^－1, and energy metabolism level was enhanced very significantly(P<0.01) at the dose of 2.5-320.0 μg·mL^－1, LSZ activity was increased very significantly (P<0.01) at the dose of 10.0-80.0 μg·mL^－1, GSH-Px activity was increased significantly (P<0.05) at the dose of 20.0-40.0 μg·mL^－1, the production of TNF-ɑ was increased very significantly (P<0.01) at the dose of 10.0-80.0 μg·mL^－1, the production of IL-1β was increased very significantly (P<0.01) at the dose of 5.0-40.0 μg·mL^－1, the production of IL-6 was increase very significantly (P<0.01) at the dose of 5.0-20.0 μg·mL^－1, the production of IL-6 was increase very significantly (P<0.01) at the dose of 2.5-160.0 μg·mL^－1. Our results revealed that the Hoya saponins can activate mouse peritoneal macrophages, improve its phagocytosis capability and energy metabolism level, enhance the antioxidant ability, and improve body's immunity.