Immunomodulatory effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (G115) on alveolar macrophages from patients suffering with chronic bronchitis

The results of studies on the effects exerted by ginseng extracts on the immune system are contradictory, reporting either suppression or enhancement of humoral and cellular immunity. This discrepancy could arise from the difference in dose levels, composition and duration of therapy. This study was performed in order to investigate the effects of ginseng G115 extract on the activity of alveolar macrophages of patients suffering from chronic bronchitis, in a controlled single-blind design. Two groups of informed volunteers affected with chronic bronchitis (20 subjects/group) were respectively treated with G115 extract (100 mg/12 h x 8 weeks) and placebo. The function of alveolar macrophages, collected by bronchoalveolar lavage before and after 4 and 8 weeks from the onset of treatment, was determined by measuring the phagocytic activity and killing power towards C. albicans. The results show that G115 extract is able to improve the immune response of alveolar macrophages in chronically compromized subjects. These findings suggest that substances such as G115 may play an important role in the prevention and therapy of respiratory disorders.