Exploring the immunomodulatory activity of Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian ginseng)

Researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong reviewed the immunomodulatory activities of Acanthopanax senticosus (ci wu jia) extracts, fractions and phytochemical components. Their article was published in the journal Chinese Medicine.

•  The dried root and rhizome or stem of A. senticosus, also known as Siberian ginseng, is used around the world as an adaptogen that enhances physical and mental performance.
• Adaptogenic herbs help the human body function normally by reducing stress.
• According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) beliefs, A. senticosus can strengthen the spleen, an essential organ for immune response.
• The herb is used to treat inflammation, fatigue and cancer, which are conditions that heavily involve immune regulation.
• In this review that researchers explored the possibility of upgrading chemical markers into bioactive markers, as well as how A. senticosus helps regulate immune response.
• They also compared the potency of A. senticosus aqueous and ethanol extracts in terms of regulating the production of cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
• Various phytochemicals present in the herb, namely, isofraxidin, syringin and eleutheroside E, are known to modulate immunological functions, and A. senticosus aqueous extract shows the highest potency.

Based on available literature, the researchers concluded that the aqueous extracts of A. senticosus can be used to treat diseases that require immune modulation.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Lau KM, Yue GGL, Chan YY, Kwok HF, Gao S, Wong CW, Lau CBS. A REVIEW ON THE IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF ACANTHOPANAX SENTICOSUS AND ITS ACTIVE COMPONENTS. Chinese Medicine. 31 July 2019;14(1). DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0250-0