Stimulation of Humoral and Cellular immunity by Viscum Preparations

Author(s): Schmiermann, P., de, R. , M, van, D. , H, Willers, J.

Journal/Book: J of Medicinal Plant Research. 1982; 46: 1-8.

Abstract: The immuno-adjuvanticity of fresh plant juice of Viscum album and a polysaccharide fraction isolated from the berries was studied. Both delayed hypersensitivity and antibody formation against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were enhanced after immunization of mice with a mixture of antigen and plant juice. Polysaccharide stimulated the immune response when administered 5 minutes before the antigen. Adjuvant-active doses of plant juice but not of polysaccharide caused non-specific inflammation as measured by paw swelling. Polysaccharide inhibited the pinocytic activity of the mononuclear phagocytic system initially but stimulated later on. Plant juice stimulated only for a short time. Both preparations caused splenomegaly while polysaccharide also increased the weight of the liver. The effects are compared with the activity of the Viscum preparation IscadorR.

Keyword(s): Viscum album

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