Influence of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. on phagocytic cells in Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters.

A purified saponin mixture (PSM) from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. protected significantly hamsters against the experimental Graffi myeloid tumor. The application of PSM increased the survival rates, prolonged mean survival time and the tumor growth was markedly reduced. A purified saponin mixture (PSM) of Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. was evaluated for its immunostimulating potentials on the phagocytic cells in Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters. The number, migration and phagocytic indexes of peritoneal macrophages (pMøs) and of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were evaluated in healthy and Graffi-tumor bearing hamsters (G-TBH) treated with PSM. It was established that the Graffi myeloid tumor induced suppression of the phagocytic abilities of pMøs and PMNs. The number and migration of pMøs was significantly decreased during the whole period of observation. All tested parameters-number, migration and phagocytic activities of pMøs, as well as phagocytic ability of PMNs increased significantly in healthy and G-TBH after i.p. application of the 50 mg/kg body weight PSM. The PMS extracts from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. are isolated and examined and their immunostimulating and immunorestorating impact on phagocitic cells was proven for the first time. This effect could be due to their high content of purified saponins.