The increasing hematopoietic effect of the combined treatment of Korean Red Ginseng and on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice.

BACKGROUND

Hematopoiesis is the production of blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that reside in the bone marrow. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a chemotherapy drug that suppresses the immune system. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) and (CCA) have been traditionally used for boosting the immune system.

METHODS

HSCs in the bone marrow, and immune cell subtype in splenocytes, PBMCs, and thymocytes were investigated. Serum levels of hematopoietic-related markers were analyzed using ELISA. Protein expression in spleen tissue was analyzed using western blot analysis. Hematoxylin & eosin staining in the femurs of mice were also conducted.

RESULTS

The combination of KRG and CCA with a ratio of 3:2 increased HSCs, CD3 and CD8 T cells in the circulation, and CD3 T cells in the spleen. A ratio of 2:3 (KRG:CCA) increased the thymic regulatory T cells and recovered the CD3 T cells in the spleen and circulation while recovering proteins in the JAK-STAT pathway in the spleen. Overall, blood cell population and differentiating factors vital for cell differentiation were also significantly recovered by all combinations especially in ratios of 3:2 and 2:3.

CONCLUSION

A ratio of 3:2 (KRG:CCA) is the most ideal combination as it recovered the HSC population in the bone marrow of mice.