Fructus Schisandrae (Wuweizi) containing compound in modulating human lymphatic system – a Phase I minimization clinical trial

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection afflicts Asia population and, in Hong Kong, about 10% was Hepatitis B surface antigen carrier. It is still one of the major issues under investigation. Herbal medicine KY88 composed of Fructus Schisandrae possessing immunomodulatory property was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2007-10, Vol.61 (9), p.588-590
Main Authors: Yip, Adrian Y.S, Loo, Wings T.Y, Chow, Louis W.C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Hepatitis B surface antigen
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - analysis
Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B, Chronic - complications
Hepatitis B, Chronic - immunology
Hepatitis B, Chronic - pathology
Hepatitis, Autoimmune - immunology
Hepatitis, Autoimmune - pathology
Hepatitis, Autoimmune - prevention & control
Herbal medicine
Humans
Immunologic Factors - pharmacology
Immunomodulatory
Internal Medicine
Leukocyte Count
Lymphatic System - drug effects
Lymphatic System - immunology
Medical Education
Medical sciences
Monocyte
Monocytes
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Plant Extracts - pharmacology
Schisandra - chemistry
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Summary:Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection afflicts Asia population and, in Hong Kong, about 10% was Hepatitis B surface antigen carrier. It is still one of the major issues under investigation. Herbal medicine KY88 composed of Fructus Schisandrae possessing immunomodulatory property was adopted by Chinese medicine practitioner for treatment of acute and chronic HBV infection. However, the underlying impact on host immune system is not fully understood. Materials and methods Twenty-three healthy volunteers infected with HBV were taken peripheral venous blood from which the blood cells involved in simple host immunity was obtained. Results It was found that the circulating monocyte count significantly drop after 2 weeks of KY88 therapy whereas the fall did not return back to baseline. Circulating white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte, however, did not show obvious change upon commencement of KY88 therapy. Conclusion It was postulated that reduction in circulating monocyte count may reduce the self-inflicted host immune injury to hepatocyte which may testify the hepatoprotective ability of the herb. But, the exact mechanism on how immunomodulatory properties of the herbal medicine protect chronic HBV carriers from liver injury remains a myth.
ISSN:0753-3322
1950-6007
DOI:10.1016/j.biopha.2007.08.018