Beneficial effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides on autoimmune disease induced by Campylobacter jejuni in BALB/c mice

Aim of the studyRadix Bupleuri, is one of the most frequently prescribed crude herbs in the prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and auto-immune diseases. This study was to determine whether the crude polysaccharides (BPs) isolated from the roots of Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium, had beneficial effects on autoimmune disease.Materials and methodsBALB/c mice were immunized with CJ-S131 in Freund's complete adjuvant on day 0, and then boosted on day 14. BPs 15 or 30 mg kg−1 day−1, or prednisone 5 mg kg−1 day−1 was given to BALB/c mice intragastrically from day 0 to day 34.ResultsTreatment with BPs 15 or 30 mg kg−1 day−1 for 35 days protected kidney from glomerular injury with reduced immunoglobulin deposition and lowered proteinuria. The increased production of serum autoantibodies and total immunoglobulin G (IgG) was also inhibited. BPs 30 mg kg−1 day−1 improved weight loss and spleen swelling when compared with vehicle-treated group.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that Bupleurum polysaccharides had a beneficial effect on systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndroma induced by CJ-S131 in BALB/c mice.