Immunoregulative Action of Bangpoongtongsungsan

방풍통성산(方風通聖散) 전탕액(煎湯液)의 면역(免疫) 조절작용(調節作用)

The purpose of this research was to investigate effects of Bangpoongtongsungsan water extract(BTSE) on the immune reaction, anti-allergy action and anti-inflammatory action in BALB/c mice. The administration of BTSE (500mg/kg) enhanced the cell viability of thymocytes and the population of helper T cells in splenic T-lymphocytes. BTSE suppressed the production of nitric oxide, but enhanced the phagocytic activity in peritoneal macrophages. BTSE enhanced hemagglutination titer in mice. BTSE inhibited passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by egg albumin in rat, the lethal anaphylaxis induced by platelet activating factor and compound 48/80 in mice, and then inhibited the degranulation of peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80. BTSE did not inhibit Arthus reaction, but inhibited the delayed type hypersensitivity induced by SRBC and contact dermatitis induced by DNFB. BTSE inhibited the acute hind paw edema induced by histamine after 30 minutes, the permeability of evans blue into peritoneal cavity induced by acetic acid and the writhing syndrome induced by acetic acid. These results suggest that BTSE has an immunopotentiative action, anti-allergy action and anti-inflammatory action via the inhibition of histamine release.