Protective effect of extract of Mauremys mutica against cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced suppression of immune function in mice

Abstract

The present study evaluated the immune function of extract obtained from yellow pond turtle (YPT). Two YPT extract doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg·bw/d) were administered orally to normal and cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced immune-suppressed male Kunming mice, respectively. The immune function were evaluated by testing the body weight growth curve, thymus index and spleen index in CY-induced mice as well as mononuclear-macrophage phagocytic function by the carbonic particle clearances index and the macrophage phagocytose index. After a 10-day administration, both the low-dose group (250 mg/kg·bw/d) and high-dose group (500 mg/kg·bw/d) showed a marked increase in immune organs indices and the carbonic particle clearances index and macrophage phagocytose index. Moreover, immune function showed significant dose–effect relationship. These results demonstrated the potential use of YPT extract as a functional medicine for enhancing human immunity and immunomodulatory for adjuvant treatment in cancer.