Studies on Antitumor and Immunopotentiation Activities of Polysaccharides from Trichosanthes Rhizome

The polysaccharide fraction from the rhizome of Trichosanthes kirilowii (Cu-curbitaceae) showed marked antitumor and cytotoxic activity with immunopotentiating activity. It was evidenced by the increase in the number of circulating leucocytes and peritoneal exudate cells and the recovery of lowered antibody forming activity in mice. The polysaccharide was mainly composed of glucose, galactose, fructose, manmose and xylose and a small amount of protein.