The Chinese herbal formula Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen can enhance the immune system, treat anemia, and regulate erythropoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression.
In the study, the Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS) herbal extracts were applied onto cultured cells for 24 to 48 hours. Total RNA was collected from these treated cells for real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Additionally, the standardized herbal extracts were treated with transfected HEK293T cells which were composed of a hypoxia response element tagged with a luciferase gene.
In one experiment, the treatment of JPYS extracts onto the cultured cells induced erythropoietin expression in a dose-dependent manner, showing a prominent increase. In another experiment, after the application of JPYS extract for 24 hours, the expressions of interleukin and tumor necrosis factor in cultured macrophages were stimulated. However, when the macrophages were pre-treated with the JPYS extract, the expression of the same cytokines was suppressed in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages.
So, apart from supporting the hematopoietic function by regulating erythropoietin expression, this study demonstrated that the Chinese herbal formula, Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen, also plays a crucial role in immune-modulation, specifically in regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in culture.
